My Football Legends Chat Group-Chapter 50: For the silence

Rio found himself back in his old spot on the team bus, sitting by the window where he used to stare out at the rainy Yorkshire countryside and daydream about playing for Real Madrid. How many times had he been reprimanded by the coach for napping on the way to away games?

Just remembering his old, bench-warming self brought a wry smile to his face.

While the view was the same things very much felt different. He was no longer a naive teenager who only thought about surviving in England; he felt more aware of his surroundings, almost as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes.

’Is it because I’m more confident? Or is it because I scored that goal against Ipswich?’ Rio mused inwardly, resting his face upon his hand.

Since he was not worried about being sent back to Spain, it allowed him to focus on important things. Perhaps the System also played a part in his social development and behavior?

Would he be as self-confident if he did not have the Chat Room legends roasting him every day?

Probably not.

Rio let out a sigh. He decided to stop thinking about the what-ifs and just accept things for how they were. If he got caught up asking such questions, he would lose the massive advantage he had gained from his regression... well, not regression, but his System-induced glow-up.

A look of determination flashed on his features before he turned to the front of the bus.

"Ah."

In the next row, a pair of sharp, intelligent eyes were staring at him for a brief moment. Short blonde hair suddenly filled his vision as the culprit turned back around at break-neck speed.

Sarah, the Women’s team captain who was traveling with the media team for a joint feature, felt her cheeks turning bright red as she stared at her phone in embarrassment.

’Oh no he saw me staring...’ She despaired inwardly, covering her cheeks with her hands.

Rio was puzzled for a moment before letting out a wry smile. He thought it was ironic that in this life where he chose not to pursue romance actively (because of the "Lone Wolf" mission), she would show such an interest.

’Ahhh I’ll never understand English girls.’ Rio sighed.

"Wow, looks like you’re pretty popular."

A voice knocked him out of his internal thoughts, coming from his right.

"Archie, why are you looking at me like that," Rio said in a monotonous tone.

Archie Gray, who looked like the personification of Envy, unclenched his fists and let out a sigh, resigning himself to the continuation of his "little brother" status in the squad.

"It must be nice to be fawned over by the women’s captain..." He whined.

"Is it because you’re Spanish?" He continued, looking Rio up and down.

Feeling such judgmental eyes upon him, Rio shuddered in response. While he didn’t care what the papers thought about him, he sure didn’t like being looked at in such a way by his teammates.

"Stop that. It’s better if you’re English anyway, you understand the jokes," He responded.

Archie seemed a little offended and was about to retort, however when he thought about it, it kind of made sense. Having to ask Bamford to explain "Cheeky Nando’s" every week would certainly be harder if he was Spanish.

Before they could continue their conversation, the sound of the bus PA system clicking on directed everyone’s attention to the front.

"Lads."

"Listen up."

Despite it being a routine trip to Millwall, everyone complied out of habit, showing respect to the man who had just walked to the front of the bus.

"Good afternoon everyone, please settle down," Manager Farke stated, his voice was deep and rumbled like a calm engine, bringing with it a serious feeling.

"We are approaching The Den. I don’t need to tell you what that means," As he spoke, Farke began to pace the small aisle with heavy steps.

"Uwahh, he’s so intense."

A few whispers around the bus commented on his demeanor, however Rio was not fooled. While it was true that their manager was a tactician, he had another side to him that had yet to be revealed today.

Rio looked around the bus, noticing that Archie was staring at Farke with fear in his eyes.

"Mmph hehe," Rio couldn’t help but let out a laugh before covering his mouth.

Archie raised his eyebrow at Rio but decided not to ask. His heart was beating fast just thinking about the Millwall fans that were waiting for them.

"Now that I’ve got your attention, we’ll do the lineup. When I call your name, please focus." Farke said with a rare, terrifying smile.

"Meslier."

The tall French goalkeeper nodded from one of the seats at the front. If calmness was a person, then this was what it would look like.

"Oui, Boss. I am ready."

He said the words quietly, not even looking up from his iPad, causing a few nods of approval to break out in the bus.

Rio too couldn’t help but nod. Despite his occasional errors, Meslier was very professional, consistently keeping them in games.

Thankfully the next few names that were called weren’t nearly as stoic as the first, breaking the ice.

"Summerville, Piroe, Rutter. You are the front three. I want movement. I want chaos. Rio..." Farke paused, his gaze floating over to Rio at the last moment before continuing.

"Rio, you are on the bench."

’Huh!? I’m on the bench again?’ Rio’s eyes widened and his brain was struggling to process what he had just heard.

’W-What’s happening? Didn’t I just score a banger against Ipswich?’ His mind raced for a while, not understanding what was going on.

First it was the analyst telling him to stop cutting inside, and now even Farke’s decisions had changed. Just what kind of impact did his ambidexterity have upon the tactics?

Rio was deep in thought as the next few names were called.

"Archie Gray."

Archie, who was still staring at Farke fearfully, didn’t seem to hear his name called.

"Archie!" Farke barked.

"Y-Yes! Present! I mean, ready!" Archie jumped, knocking his knee against the seat in front.

"You start at right-back. Ayling needs a rest. Don’t let them cross," Farke commanded.

"Yes, Boss!"

The bus fell silent again as Farke sat down. The tension was palpable. Millwall away. It wasn’t just a game; it was a street fight.

Rio slumped in his seat. The "Lone Wolf" mission required him to score three goals in three games. He had one. Two games left. If he didn’t play today, the mission would fail.

[Chat Room Active]

Hand_Of_King: You are benched? Good. This is part of the story. The hero always faces a setback.

Total_Football_14: Use your eyes, Rio. Watch the Millwall left-back. He is aggressive. He leaves space. When you come on, that space is yours.

Zizou_5: And fix your hair. You look like you just woke up.

Rio sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "Thanks, Zizou."

"What?" Archie whispered.

"Nothing," Rio muttered. "Just... talking to myself."

The bus pulled up to The Den. The atmosphere outside was hostile even through the tinted glass. Fans were screaming, banging on the side of the bus.

"Welcome to London," Archie gulped.

They got off the bus. The abuse started immediately.

"Who are ya!?"

"Go back to Spain!"

Rio kept his head down, clutching his washbag. He walked past the angry mob, focusing on the ground.

But then, he felt a hand on his arm.

It was Sarah. She was walking with the media team, holding a camera.

"Hey," she whispered. "Don’t listen to them. You’re better than them."

Rio looked up. Her green eyes were fierce, protective.

"I know," Rio smiled, feeling a sudden surge of confidence. "I’m just saving my energy."

"For what?"

"For the silence," Rio winked. "When I score, they go quiet. It’s my favorite sound."

Sarah laughed, a bright sound in the dreary tunnel. "Go get ’em, Tiger."

Rio walked into the locker room, feeling lighter. The bench wasn’t a punishment. It was a vantage point.

He sat down, watching the starters prep. He visualized the game. He visualized the space Total_Football_14 had mentioned.

The game started. It was brutal. Tackles flying in. Yellow cards like confetti.

0-0 at halftime.

1-0 to Millwall in the 50th minute. A scrappy goal from a corner. The Den erupted.

Farke paced the touchline. He looked at his bench.

"Rio. Warm up."

Rio jumped up. He sprinted down the touchline. The Millwall fans hurled abuse at him.

"You’re shit! You’re just a shit Grealish!"

Rio ignored them. He stretched his hamstrings. He did high knees.

65th minute.

"Rio, come here," Farke called.

Rio ran back. Farke grabbed his shoulders.

"They are tired. Their left-back is on a yellow. Go at him. Inside, outside, I don’t care. Just create something."

"Yes, Boss."

Rio stripped off his training gear. He stood on the sideline, the fourth official raising the board.

OFF: 10 Summerville

ON: 37 Rio

Rio stepped onto the pitch. The mud was thick. The noise was deafening.

’Okay,’ Rio thought. ’Time to work.’

[Mission Update: The Lone Wolf]

[Time Remaining: 25 minutes]

[Goal Required: 1]

He received the ball almost immediately. Archie Gray fizzed a pass into his feet.

The Millwall left-back, a giant named Cooper, came thundering in.

"Have some of that!" Cooper roared, diving in.

Rio didn’t move. He waited.

[Skill: Elastic Limbs Active]

At the last second, Rio flicked the ball over Cooper’s sliding legs and jumped.

"Olé!"

The small section of Leeds fans cheered.

Rio landed and drove forward. He was in. The space was there.

But he was wide. The angle was tight.

Piroe was screaming for the cut-back.

Rio looked up. He saw Piroe. But he also saw the goalkeeper cheating off his line, expecting the cross.

’Juninho’s Curse...’ Rio thought.

He wound up his right foot to cross. The keeper took a step forward.

Then, Rio planted his right foot and whipped the ball with his left—a rabona.

The ball didn’t cross. It curled towards the near post.

The keeper scrambled back, clawing at the air.

PING It hit the post.

The ball bounced out.

"NO!" Rio screamed, falling to his knees.

But wait..

..The ball bounced off the keeper’s back... and rolled across the line.

GOAL!

1-1.

Rio stood up, mud on his knees, a massive grin on his face.

He looked at the angry Millwall fans. He put a finger to his lips.

"Shhh."

[Chat Room Active]

Hand_Of_King: Hahaha! An own goal rabona! Only you, kid. Only you.

Total_Football_14: It counts. It is ugly, but it is beautiful.

Zizou_5: Next time, just shoot properly. You almost gave me a heart attack.

Rio jogged back to the center circle, high-fiving a stunned Archie Gray.

"Did you mean that?" Archie asked, wide-eyed.

"Of course," Rio lied effortlessly.