When “God” Decides To Start Over - Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Knuckleball

Translator: CKtalon

“Be careful. I’m coming.” Reaching the ball with a few, quick steps, Wrow’s muscular leg swung and his instep struck the side of the football like a steel whip.

Shoosh!

The soccer ball flew towards the top left corner of the goal, which was Li Xiu’s right.

The average person was more agile in their right arm and leg, capable of dealing out greater force. When a non-professionals pounced to the right, they would mainly exert strength with their left leg. This would affect the speed of the rescue to a certain extent.

“He clearly has overwhelming strength, but he doesn’t underestimate any opponent. Even if victory is in his grasp, he still does his best to defeat his opponent. What a terrifying fellow.” Bandit was considering how she could guarantee her victory if Wrow reached the next round of the trials. After all, she wasn’t a professional soccer player. Her skills were far inferior to Wrow’s.

Almost at the same time Wrow kicked the soccer ball, Li Xiu flew out and leaped into the air, heading in the direction of the ball.

“He got the direction right, but it’s useless,” Bandit muttered to herself as though she found it a pity.

Bandit knew Wrow’s techniques very well. If Li Xiu really pounced for the top left corner, he would definitely lose.

The football that was clearly flying towards the top left corner suddenly seemed to violate the rules of physics when it was about to reach Li Xiu. It suddenly plummeted as if in a bid to pass under Li Xiu.

What a strange trajectory. What an amazing knuckleball. To be able to deliver a knuckleball at such a short distance, this should be thanks to the physical strengthening he obtained in the Trial Gate. If it were me, would I be able to block such a knuckleball? Bandit thought to herself.

BANG!

A loud collision sounded in front of the goal. Li Xiu had actually smashed his fists on the falling ball, drastically changing its trajectory.

The ball slammed into the ground and spun violently towards the outside of the goalpost, barely brushing past it.

Li Xiu himself fell into the goal due to the powerful recoil from the ball. He landed on the ground and rolled a few times before stopping after hitting the net.

How is that possible? Bandit and Wrow wore looks of shock.

If the ball suddenly plummeted at that distance, the human nervous system just couldn’t react in time. Even if one’s reaction could keep up, their body wouldn’t be able to keep up with their brain’s reaction speed.

Yet, Li Xiu was actually able to react in time. He had even accurately smashed the soccer ball and changed its trajectory with that strange posture. He didn’t look like a normal human.

However, Li Xiu’s ranking was only 49. From this benchmark, he was only slightly stronger than the average person. How could he accomplish such a feat?

How did he do it? Could it be that he knows Wrow very well and knows that Wrow will deliver a knuckleball, so he was prepared for it from the beginning? Isn’t this too much of a gamble? Bandit guessed inwardly.

Wrow was somewhat vexed. Clearly, he was the same as Bandit. He believed that Li Xiu knew him, so he predicted that he would deliver a knuckleball. That was the reason for his performance. Now, Wrow regretted telling Li Xiu his name. If he had known this would happen, he wouldn’t have delivered a knuckleball.

Li Xiu got up from the ground and rubbed his numb hands. He looked at Wrow and smiled. “It’s my turn.”

“I hope you cherish the fact that you were lucky enough to obtain one point. You won’t be so lucky next time—if you still choose to continue to the next round.” Wrow stood in front of the goalpost and assumed a guarding stance. His tone was somewhat arrogant.

His defensive stance was much more professional than Li Xiu’s. Although he had never played the role of goalkeeper in the past, he had occasionally done so during training. He was no stranger to goalkeeping.

To ordinary goalkeepers, it was indeed very difficult to defend against a penalty shot, but that was for ordinary people.

With his body strengthened to such a level, Wrow could definitely catch the ball that Li Xiu kicked out with his strength. Therefore, Wrow was still very confident.

Even so, Wrow didn’t let his guard down at all. He bent his knees slightly and lowered his center of gravity. His feet moved back and forth quickly, making his intentions a mystery to Li Xiu. This also empowered him to react as quickly as possible. He was very professional.

“How are you going to kick this ball?” Bandit looked at Li Xiu and couldn’t help but feel curious.

Li Xiu’s previous performance had exceeded the judgment system she had built over a long period of time. She found him somewhat unpredictable and actually felt some anticipation.

“Be careful. I’m coming.” Like Wrow, Li Xiu first warned before charging forward and kicking the ball.

The ball hummed and flew towards the upper right corner of the goal. His ball was clearly much slower than Wrow’s.

Wrow’s muscular body lunged out like a ferocious beast hunting its prey. He extended his arms, wanting to bring the soccer ball into his embrace.

Just as his fingers were about to touch the ball, it suddenly plummeted and vanished in front of him.

Knuckleball! Wrow’s pupils constricted as he revealed a look of disbelief.

Bandit, who was watching the shootout from the steps, also stood up with a look of disbelief.

Knuckleballs were something that many professional players might not be able to learn and master their entire career.

Even for a player who could kick out a knuckleball, it wasn’t easy to control it accurately. It even required some luck.

Li Xiu was actually able to kick it out with such precision. It was unimaginable.

Could it be that my previous judgment was wrong? He’s also a professional player, a top striker? Bandit’s repeated miscalculations had already shaken her judgment.

Bang! Bang!

The ball and Wrow landed on the ground independently. Wrow didn’t get up; his face was filled with bitterness.

“The trial has ended. The attacker has obtained one point. The defender failed to defend. All previously awarded points shall be the victor’s. Rewards distributed. Cleanup commencing…”

BANG!

Amidst an explosion, Wrow’s body instantly turned into a bloody mist.

Li Xiu felt a needle-pricking pain on his wrist again, but this time, it was even more intense than before. The effect was probably much more intense than before, making Li Xiu feel as though his body was on stimulants.

Four Demon Cores appeared in front of Li Xiu. Two were the rewards for this round, and the other two originally belonged to Wrow.

Due to the bye, Bandit obtained two Demon Cores this round and entered the countdown–whether to participate in the trials’ next round.

“Can I ask you a few questions?” Bandit asked Li Xiu.

“If it’s a question I can answer, it shouldn’t be a problem,” Li Xiu said with a smile.

“Are you a professional soccer player?” Bandit frowned slightly. She still wasn’t used to Li Xiu’s smile.

“No.” Li Xiu wasn’t lying. He really wasn’t.

“Have you trained in soccer before?” Bandit asked again.

“No, but I occasionally watch some matches. This is the first time I’ve really come into contact with soccer,” Li Xiu answered truthfully.

“If you aren’t lying, how can you kick a knuckleball on your first time playing soccer?” Bandit stared intently into Li Xiu’s eyes as though she wanted to see through him.

“I learned it after watching him kick it once,” Li Xiu said with a smile.

“You have no obligation to answer my question.” Bandit naturally wouldn’t believe that someone who had never come into contact with soccer could kick out such a knuckleball. No one would believe such nonsense.