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Extra Chapter: On Every 50 powerstones
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On the day of the match,
Misaeng FC gathered at the soccer center, waiting in the meeting room in their uniforms.
The coaches brought out a tactical board and began their strategy session.
"It's a 90-minute match, divided into three 30-minute games," announced Ahn Jung-hoon.
A large sheet of paper displaying the lineup for the first game was unfolded for everyone to see—Kim Kang-hyun's name wasn't on it.
Huh? A 4-2-3-1 formation?
Han Myung-shin muttered as he glanced at the names on the paper.
Fortunately, Kang-hyun's name was on the lineup for the second game, while the third game's lineup was still undecided. They'd likely decide based on the first two games.
The best players will play. It's all part of the competition.
"The formation we'll use today is 4-2-3-1, and we'll be using it a lot moving forward," Lee Yong said.
He continued, "Since all of you have been away from the game for a while, your stamina is far behind active players. Among other shortcomings, stamina is the biggest issue."
"If you watched Season 1, you'd know stamina was a major problem then too. You guys quit soccer at some point, so it's only natural you're lagging," Ahn Jung-hoon added.
"That's why we deliberately chose the 4-2-3-1—to help you build stamina quickly. For reference, we used this formation in Season 1 too."
"Every game, you have to play like it's your last. The basic strategy is as follows: during build-up..."
Ahn Jung-hoon explained the tactics in detail.
No meaningless long passes—they were instructed to play possession-based soccer. Midfielders were advised not to take more than two touches.
***
*4-2-3-1.*
Han Myung-shin briefly explained the formation.
It's a commonly used tactic, but it's tough for amateurs.
A balance between attack and defense.
And the flexibility to shift into different formations—4-3-3, 4-5-1, or even 4-2-4—depending on the situation. At least in theory.
A formation with many strengths, but just as many weaknesses.
First, the attacking midfielder in the center carries an excessive burden.
And that attacking midfielder happened to be Kim Kang-hyun's position.
Also, the lone striker can easily get isolated, and...
"Okay, I get it. That's enough."
Understanding tactics perfectly will make it easier for you to perform. Listen carefully. The midfielders must strictly divide their roles...
Han Myung-shin continued with his unsolicited lecture disguised as advice.
Did this guy prepare to be a coach before he died or something?
Before the match, Misaeng FC and Gasan University warmed up separately, lightly jogging across the pitch.
But an unspoken tension lingered in the air.
"Hey! Kang-hyun!"
Players in Gasan University uniforms approached with bright smiles.
"Long time no see!"
"Is that you, Wan-sik?"
Kang-hyun grinned back, greeting them warmly.
They were all familiar faces—people he hadn't seen since high school graduation.
Four years had passed since then, making this a genuine reunion.
"Wow, I never thought I'd see you here. Honestly, I thought I'd never see you again."
"Huh?"
"You enlisted right after graduation, didn't you?"
This bastard's got a real way with words...
Now that he mentioned it, Kang-hyun remembered.
A lot had happened in four years, so he'd forgotten—this guy had always been an ass.
They'd both played midfield, but while Kang-hyun's parents never paid the coach, Wan-sik's did, so he got special treatment...
"What about you? Did you serve?"
Before the other alumni could react, Wan-sik smirked and answered.
That smile—it feels like he's mocking me.
"Why would I go, dumbass? We're all aiming for exemptions. Or, well... some are trying for Sangmu."
Or retiring. Like you.
He muttered the last part under his breath.
But Han Myung-shin, being a ghost, had sharp ears.
This punk's got a mouth full of garbage. Listen, if you lose to that bastard, I won't let it slide.
"...Pfft."
Kang-hyun laughed in disbelief.
Does this guy not realize the cameras are rolling?
Glancing around, he spotted a camera filming from a distance.
With today's technology, they might even pick up this conversation.
"You haven't changed, Wan-sik."
"People say if you change, you die. But hey, Kang-hyun, you retired at 19 and still made it into this program? Guess the team's level is... okay, I'll be generous—K6?"
(K6: Korea's 6th division amateur league)
"Hey, Wan-sik, cut it out. You'll make him cry."
"Pfft!"
"Tch."
Kang-hyun stepped closer to Wan-sik.
The guy flinched, as if expecting a punch.
Instead, Kang-hyun leaned in and whispered:
"I'll be generous too. You aim for Sangmu. I'll be playing in the EPL."
"You little—"
"An enlistment isn't scary when you've dealt with worse assholes than you."
Tch.
Kang-hyun walked away from his old classmates.
Han Myung-shin sighed heavily.
Why are your relationships like this?
With cameras around, Kang-hyun couldn't respond aloud.
But keeping quiet would just frustrate him, so he shouted internally:
What did I do? They're the weird ones!
That's exactly why I'm asking why you're tangled up with guys like that.
?
...Wait. Can you hear my thoughts too?
Yep. I was just pretending not to.
Why? You're not some creep.
Just wanted to keep a secret or two.
Tch. Whatever. That guy's always been like that. I just forgot after four years.
Wan-sik? Is he any good?
He was Gasan High's ace. But honestly, I think we were about the same.
No way. Impossible.
No need to be so adamant.
Kang-hyun scratched his head awkwardly.
Anyway, do well this match. I'll help if things go south.
Now you're stroking my ego?
So, do you need help or not?
Of course! Extra eyes are always welcome.
Only hotheaded rookies with no self-awareness cling to pride.
Or, more accurately, the Kim Kang-hyun from before meeting Han Myung-shin.
Ugh.
He shook his head violently.
If I lose to that bastard, I won't sleep tonight.
Kang-hyun burned with determination as he warmed up.
***
Kickoff began.
Kang-hyun sat nervously, watching the game unfold.
The match was fiercely contested.
...Though it was too early to judge.
Only five minutes had passed.
"Gasan's more aggressive early on, huh?"
He muttered to Park Yoo-seung beside him, who was also scheduled for the second game.
"Yeah. But our center-backs aren't synced yet."
"We didn't have much time to build teamwork."
Though, honestly, the problem wasn't just the defense.
Misaeng FC's attack was nonexistent.
Why?
Simple.
Gasan dominated the midfield.
As much as he hated to admit it, Wan-sik and the Gasan High alumni were controlling the game.
Kang-hyun frowned as he watched.
"Dong-hyun! Hold the line and push up! They're pressing!"
The coaches, sensing the struggle, kept shouting feedback.
But Gasan's pressure never let up.
Their buildup from the back was threatening—fullback to winger, overlapping runs, quick passes to the striker near the flank.
(Overlapping: A run from inside to outside)
Misaeng's center-back intercepted a pass in the corner but mishit the clearance. The loose ball went straight to Gasan's midfielder—Wan-sik.
With a simple dribble past the defender, he curled a shot.
Against all odds, it went in.
Misaeng's defense crumbled too easily.
Wan-sik celebrated with a leisurely stroll, glancing at Kang-hyun.
Suppressing the urge to flip him off (cameras were watching), Kang-hyun sighed.
The mood on Misaeng's bench turned icy.
The second-game players stayed silent, eyeing the coaches.
Han Myung-shin analyzed the mistake.
The center-backs were too far apart. Amateur mistake. They need to tighten up.
Got it.
These guys have no idea.
That a Real Madrid legend and Ballon d'Or winner (zero times) is scouting them like some talent hunter—
Hey! I can hear your thoughts!
Oh, right. Forgot. This is kinda awkward. Does distance weaken the connection?
Actually, I tested it. The farther you are, the fainter it gets.
Huh. Really?
While mentally chatting with Han Myung-shin, Misaeng finally got an attacking chance.
But Gasan wasn't easy to break down.
Their coordinated defense shut down every attempt. Misaeng's lone striker, with no passing options, lost the ball trying to dribble.
The coaches' frustration boiled over.
"Yah—! Seok-jun! What are you doing holding the ball so long? Don't over-dribble!"
The once-kindly coaches now roared like tigers.
If the players were frustrated, the coaches were even more so.
Gasan fired another threatening shot.
Are we really this outmatched?
Is Wan-sik just that good, or are we genuinely K6-level?
Too early to say. It's not even 10 minutes in.
Huh? Really? Felt longer.
Heh. I know what you mean.
What's that?
It means the game's boring as hell. Time flies when it's fun.
...Fair.
As expected of a soccer god.
He knew exactly how fans felt.
Sigh...
Han Myung-shin approached the coaches.
They were deep in discussion, which he relayed to Kang-hyun.
They're saying Joong-hyun (the attacking mid) isn't covering well. Playing terribly.
If he's that bad... why was he picked? Talent alone?
They say most guys are gassed after 10 minutes. The mood's terrible.
Han Myung-shin narrated like a bystander.
"Protect the ball! Move!"
Lee Yong barked.
Misaeng finally launched a sharp attack—only to lose the ball three seconds later.
The coaches could only laugh dryly.
"Everyone's exhausted."
Around the 15-minute mark, someone limped over, clutching his ankle.
"My... ankle."
"Injured? Sub out."
The coaches acted quickly.
It was Joong-hyun. The attacking mid.
"Kang-hyun! Kim Kang-hyun!"
"Yes!"
Startled, Kang-hyun jumped up and ran over.
Substitution.
"You're in. Can you handle it?"
"Yes!"
"I heard you bragging last night about crushing Gasan. I hate liars. Understood?"
"Just watch! I'll score two before the tea gets cold!"
"You little..."
Lee Yong ruffled his hair, amused by the bold claim.
"I'll trust you once. Get in."
"Yes!"
It was sudden—but perfect.
Where's that bastard Wan-sik?
I'll kick his head like a ball.
As he stepped onto the pitch:
[Quest: Journey III]
[Objective: Stand out with a notable performance.]
[Task 1: Contribute to 3+ attacking plays]
[Task 2: Complete 7+ through passes]
[Task 3: Succeed in 4+ tackles]
[Reward: 1 Stone Roulette ticket per task]
What kind of insane difficulty is this?
But the rewards made his heart pound.
Kim Kang-hyun gulped audibly.
Alright. Let's do this.
I'll help. Kim Kang-hyun—focus! If you miss a single task, I'll half-kill you.
"Y-Yes."
Kang-hyun's voice trembled.
This insane reward changed his entire approach to the game.
*
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