Laughter filled the bright studio as the Devertary United players walked onto the set, their black suits now exchanged for the team's iconic colors.
The mood was light, cheerful,almost electric. The cameras were ready, the crew in place, and the scent of freshly painted lights filled the air.
At the center of the stage, Shark was handed the new Devertary United jersey,its design unchanged except for one striking difference: the sponsor's name now read Anozira Airways instead of Darvent.
The emblem gleamed proudly under the lights, a symbol of new beginnings.
"Alright, positions everyone!" the director called out.
Ness was guided to a small desk positioned at the front. "Remember," the assistant told him, "you're supposed to act emotional,like you're unsure which team to support."
Ness nodded, sitting down and lowering his head, his expression painted with mock sorrow.
The cue was given.
Shark walked into the frame, looking concerned. "Hey," he said gently, "what's wrong?"
Ness sighed dramatically, replying, "I don't know which team to pick anymore;Lions, Night Phantom, Eagles, Prime City… there are just too many big clubs!"
The crew chuckled quietly behind the camera, but Shark stayed in character. He smiled, reached behind him, and pulled out the Devertary United jersey.
"What about Devertary United?" Shark said proudly. "A team sponsored by Anozira Airways,a club that doesn't just need fans, but cares about them."
He leaned closer, his voice rising with energy. "All you need to do is register using the code displayed on the screen.
If your number's selected, you could win amazing prizes;a $5,000 cash reward, a free scholarship to Anozira Aviation School, and even more surprises from Anozira!"
Ness jumped up, beaming with excitement. "You mean the team and its sponsor don't just want fans,they care about them too?"
The set burst into laughter and applause as the director shouted, "Perfect! Cut!"
---
After a few hours of filming, the players slumped onto chairs, drinking cold bottled water.
Their faces glistened with sweat and satisfaction.
Just then, Vincent Greenwood entered the set, his voice booming proudly.
"Excellent work, everyone! The video has already gone live,it's performing brilliantly!"
He looked around. "Shark!"
Shark stood, walking over. Greenwood placed a hand on his shoulder as they walked down a long corridor lined with silver doors.
"My daughter wishes to interview you," Greenwood said with a knowing smile. "If that's not a problem."
"Not at all," Shark replied confidently.
They entered a spacious room set up for a broadcast. Cameras, lights, and sound equipment surrounded a large wooden desk.
Seated behind it was Laura Greenwood, Vincent's daughter,poised, elegant, and guarded by two bodyguards.
Shark took his seat.
"Good afternoon, Ryan Shark," she began warmly. "Born in Manchester, England. Tell us,what has the journey been like since joining Devertary United?"
Shark smiled modestly. "It's been incredible. I have no regrets. The team welcomed me like family. Every match with them pushes me to become better. I cherish each one,it brings out the best in me."
Laura nodded. "Back in your debut, you promised to lead the team toward victory. Now that you've climbed to the top of the league,especially after Lions fell to fourth place following their loss to Northin Way FC,do you think just securing the top spot is enough?"
"Well," Shark said thoughtfully, "climbing to number one is good,but staying there is better. Even if we fall, we'll rise again. To me, winning isn't just about reaching the top,it's about maintaining greatness."
Laura smiled, intrigued. "If you had never joined Devertary United, where do you think you'd be now?"
Shark leaned back, reflecting. "If I'd stayed at Blizzare FC, I wouldn't have grown like this. My debut against Red Belz FC, my injury before facing Fire Milan,those moments built me.
Then came our match against Night Phantom,the real test. If I hadn't faced those challenges, I wouldn't have evolved."
Laura nodded, satisfied. "Thank you for your time, Ryan."
The camera zoomed in on her face as she addressed the viewers.
"I'm Vincent Laura, and that concludes our live interview with Ryan Shark. You've heard his story,his rise, his vision.
Stay tuned to Laurinx Broadcast Cooperation for our next guest,the football star with the highest vote. Don't miss it!"
The red light on the camera blinked off.
As Laura stood, Shark smiled and asked, "So, who were the other top stars you've interviewed?"
"Momodu Osas, before his match against Devertary United," she replied smoothly. "And many others."
Shark chuckled. "Impressive. Is this your father's company?"
Laura laughed softly. "No. This building is mine. I built it last year,when I was nineteen."
Shark's eyes widened. "That's incredible."
She smiled proudly. "I'm studying gynecology in college. This...." she gestured around the room "....is something I do to stay active and vibrant."
Shark clapped, genuinely impressed. "Keep it up, Laura. You're doing amazing work."
As she turned to thank him, he was already gone.
---
Moments later, Shark rejoined his teammates. Greenwood shook his hand firmly. "Thank you for giving her your time, Ryan. She'll be thrilled."
---
In the Devertary United Mansion the players lounged in the common hall as the television flickered to life.
The advertisement they had filmed earlier now played across national screens.
The scene began with Ness and Shark's emotional exchange, followed by a breathtaking shot of the team on the pitch,some in their away kits, others in their home colors.
Shark, in the away jersey, curved a finesse shot past Lucius, the ball gliding beautifully into the top corner of the net.
Deo, also in the away kit, sprinted over, spreading his arms like airplane wings.
The others followed, forming a line,flying together in celebration.
The ad ended with the Anozira logo glowing on the screen.
Moments later, the TV transitioned to the fixture list for the upcoming Wednesday matches:
Devertary United vs Northin Way FC
Nixon Pool vs Maraford
Night Phantom vs Fire Milan
---
In open football pitch with spiral grass design, under a golden sunset a brown-skinned man stood silently, gazing up at a tall building a few meters away.
The massive digital billboard displayed the same fixtures.
"Jesús!" a voice called.
He turned to see Hughes approaching, a grin on his face.
"What are you staring at? Thinking about our match against Devertary United?" Hughes asked.
"It'll be tough, but we'll win,just like we did against Lions."
Jesús smiled faintly. "Don't be so sure. That team has Shark,the new prodigy of the league. He might even overtake Osas soon."
Hughes laughed loudly. "Overtake the devouring Osas? Impossible! Still, I'm excited.
Our match against Night Phantom after our clash with Devertary United will be the real test.
Devertary United might be on top now,but we'll bring them down for sure."
Jesús turned toward the billboard, his grin fading into determination.
"Either ways the climb to the top starts now."