An existence that was utterly impossible to defeat.
This was the thought that surged in Ye Liangqiu's mind as he looked at his counterpart. Unsurprisingly, during this period, he had more than once understood a truth: he could become even more terrifying...
During the punishment, he clearly knew that his counterpart in front of him could see further into the future than himself.
So far that he could intercept his ball in an instant.
Technique, strength, speed... he couldn't compete with this guy in any aspect...
It could even be understood this way: the 'me' in front of him was stronger than himself when in FLOW. Without a doubt, after more than ten days of contact, although he understood his limits, he was facing an unbeatable opponent.
Ye Liangqiu also felt a bit powerless, even if he found the problem.
But... how could he defeat this guy?
While thinking, he stepped on the ball and started running. White-haired Qiu in the penalty area instantly opened his eyes and charged forward, with astonishing speed. However, over such a long time, Ye Liangqiu gradually managed to keep up with his movements.
But he subconsciously protected the ball, his offensive desire completely eroded.
The prerequisite for offense is to first create offensive opportunities.
And to protect the ball beneath him from being taken by others.
This is one of the most crucial tenets in football, and Ye Liangqiu always remembered it. His Demon King's Eye constantly observed White-haired Qiu's next move.
However, in the afterimage, White-haired Qiu seemed to see even further into the future. The movements he made were completely opposite to the future Ye Liangqiu saw.
"Arm distance usage."
"And running techniques."
"And the most crucial defensive techniques..." Every cell in Ye Liangqiu's body seemed to be exerting all its strength, and the Demon King's Eye in his pupils rotated faster and faster.
He recalled what Loki had said earlier.
If you want to train, then train one weapon to its extreme, so you don't have to rely on miscellaneous weapons to attack.
In this fleeting moment, thoughts surged in Ye Liangqiu's mind.
To have eyes, or to have speed... which is more important, vision or speed...?
White-haired Qiu's movements became increasingly agile. With one stride, he was about to kick the ball directly from under Ye Liangqiu's foot.
Suddenly, Ye Liangqiu's entire body paused, his pupils seemingly enveloped in crimson. He directly stepped on the ball, forcefully deflecting the power of that kick. "I want both."
[Demon King's Eye fusion rate seventy-five percent.]
[The future that can be seen has increased to two seconds.]
Meanwhile, in the lounge outside.
Itoshi Rin, lying on the bed, looked towards Ye Liangqiu, only to see veins bulging all over Ye Liangqiu's face, and a terrifying aura seemed to emanate from his body.
"Is this guy having a nightmare?"
"Did he dream of a pervert?"
Thinking of this, he looked at Shidou Ryusei again, raising an eyebrow.
.....
Until the screen in the lounge lit up.
The broadcast echoed inside.
Ye Liangqiu abruptly opened his eyes, which were bloodshot. He instinctively sat up, gasping for breath, as if he had had a nightmare.
The others nearby saw that he had woken up.
Hiori Yo clearly saw that Ye Liangqiu seemed to be in a bad state and asked, "Didn't you sleep well?"
Ye Liangqiu rubbed his head, still a bit dazed. To be precise, his mentality had exploded. In the end, he hadn't scored a single goal during the punishment, staying inside for a full thirty days before coming out. Every day was just playing football, and more football.
And seeing his own wicked face...
Thinking of these things, his emotions were a bit unstable.
This kind of punishment... if he were given a hundred-day package someday, he'd rather just die.
But... considering the techniques he learned inside and his own improved movements.
This punishment wasn't a loss after all.
Ye Liangqiu looked up and saw that the others were looking at him with strange eyes. He waved his hand, "I'm fine."
Itoshi Rin didn't mention what he saw last night, just silently glanced at Ye Liangqiu, then continued to watch the big screen.
The broadcast continued to sound.
The third selection has concluded, and all players who have advanced to the fourth round of selection have been determined.
All advanced players, please change into your uniforms and quickly gather at the central link room.
"Has it finally come?" Hiori Yo was also a bit impatient. He could finally play football with normal people. Although he still didn't know what the fourth round of selection would be like... it shouldn't be playing with those professional players again, right?
Everyone stood up, except for Ye Liangqiu, who went into the restroom to wash his face. He looked at himself in the mirror, seemingly lost in thought, and only came out after a while.
In an instant, Itoshi Rin and Shidou Ryusei both looked at Ye Liangqiu at the same time, as if they had sensed some dangerous presence.
But it was only for an instant before it disappeared.
Itoshi Rin couldn't help but mutter to himself, "What on earth did this guy dream about last night?"
However, Ye Liangqiu didn't know that a slight change had occurred in him. Perhaps it was due to the month-long in-depth interaction with White-haired Qiu, his perception of players had changed somewhat. At least in his opinion, now everyone, including Loki, White-haired Qiu was the strongest enemy he had ever encountered.
[How do I... feel like Qiu Bao's aura has changed a bit after losing the last match?]
[I feel the same way. Before, Qiu Bao was sharp and aggressive, but now... he seems a bit more restrained and composed...]
[Could it be that he dreamt something silly last night?]
[Didn't you guys go to Rin Bao's perspective to see? Qiu Bao's expression was extremely ferocious for half an hour after he lay down, as if he encountered something incredible in his dream.]
[Really? Can I watch the replay? I'll go check it out now!]
The bullet comments were buzzing with activity, and Ye Liangqiu naturally saw them. Although he didn't know what his external self was like after entering the simulation space, judging by the comments, his external expression actually changed while he was undergoing punishment?
Doesn't that mean... that tsundere saw everything?
In the corridor, Ye Liangqiu stroked his chin, lost in thought.
Itoshi Rin always felt a chill down his spine.
And at this moment, the broadcast continued.
"The thirty-five players from the seven advanced teams will enter in order."
Hiori Yo's innocent eyes showed a hint of shock. "Three hundred people, two hundred and sixty-five eliminated. I can't believe so many people have been eliminated after several rounds of tests..."
Nagi Seishiro nodded, and a figure appeared in his pupils. "You must have come too, right?"