[Players' Improvement Stats]
Kado – Lvl 6 (134/150) → Lvl 6 (146/150)
Kehinde Okududu – Lvl 4 (1/80) → Lvl 4 (3/80)
Iyang James – Lvl 4 (6/80) → Lvl 4 (9/80)
Madugbugo Chinoso – Lvl 4 (7/80) → Lvl 4 (10/80)
Kofo – Lvl 4 (1/80) → Lvl 4 (4/80)
Jimoh Olusegun – Lvl 6 (8/150) → Lvl 6 (17/150)
Peter Lambert – Lvl 6 (52/150) → Lvl 6 (58/150)
Daniel Mojo – Lvl 6 (48/150) → Lvl 6 (57/150)
Peter Oyebuchi – Lvl 5 (12/100) → Lvl 5 (18/100)
Iyanda Sunday – Lvl 6 (54/150) → Lvl 6 (60/150)
Ogunsalu Damilare – Lvl 7 (8/200) → Lvl 7 (20/200)
Jimoh Olushola – Lvl 4 (2/80) → Lvl 4 (2/80)
Eboye Victor – Lvl 4 (4/80) → Lvl 4 (7/80)
Apari – Lvl 5 (24/100) → Lvl 5 (30/100)
--
[Talent Tier & Progress]
Kado – Epic [68/1,000,000]
Kehinde Okududu – Common [68/100]
Iyang James – Common [68/100]
Madugbugo Chinoso – Common [68/100]
Kofo – Common [68/100]
Jimoh Olusegun – Rare [68/100,000]
Peter Lambert – Uncommon [68/1,000]
Daniel Mojo – Rare [68/100,000]
Peter Oyebuchi – Uncommon [68/1,000]
Iyanda Sunday – Uncommon [68/1,000]
Ogunsalu Damilare – Rare [68/100,000]
Jimoh Olushola – Common [66/100]
Eboye Victor – Common [66/100]
Apari – Uncommon [66/1,000]
The moment the simulation match ended, a new holographic screen appeared beside Mystic, displaying the updated improvement stats for his players.
He quickly noticed that each player had gained a few extra points that they did at the real match, all for securing a draw.
However, a message at the bottom caught his attention, it clearly stated that from now on, his players would no longer receive experience points for drawing or losing against the saved data of the Bariga Y.Boyz, having already lost and now drawn with them, the system had flagged the team, it wasn't going to hand out free meals anymore.
The only way they could earn experience against the Bariga Y.B. going forward was by winning.
Unfortunately, with the current level of the underground training facilities, the Simulation Field could only be accessed once per week, that meant they'd have to wait until next week before they could attempt another match against the saved data of the Bariga team.
Still, Mystic saw value in the experience they would face, even if they weren't yet at the level required to beat that team, the exposure was invaluable, as he believes pure training alone wouldn't be enough to make them pros—they needed match conditions too, real-time challenges where split-second decisions could define the outcome of the match, that was how real growth would come.
What made him happiest about all this was the fact that Kado was edging closer to becoming a level 7 player—a huge win for the entire team, because the better Kado got, the harder it became for opponents to score, strengthening their overall defence, this could be seen from their last match were he caught that incredible shoot that later lead to a goal for them.
Then there was Tasty, and Mystic was hell-bent on pushing him to reach the Bronze stage, if coaching had taught him anything, it was that one truly talented player could shift the momentum of an entire match.
But raw talent alone wasn't enough; a high-level or high-ranked player could easily bully a talented low-level one, especially if they couldn't match them physically, the only way to truly unlock Tasty's attacking potential was to help him level up fast so he could match the street level defenders in physique.
When Alec had reached level 3, he received ten ordinary Training Elixirs, he had tested them on Tasty before and knew first-hand how effective they were, it boosted player training growth times 2 without any side effects.
Initially, he'd been saving the rest for other uses, but he no longer saw the need to hold back, he wanted to see Tasty's evolution to the Bronze rank through to the end before shifting his focus to other players.
And It's not like the other player's development would halt entirely; they simply wouldn't be able to match Tasty's accelerated growth rate, the only player Alec believed could keep up—or at least come close—was Kado Daniel, and that was purely because of his Epic-ranked talent.
He then checked the Talent section and realized the team had made significant strides, especially the players with common-ranked talents, since those with common talents had a lower progression threshold, Alec knew they'd soon reach their limit.
And when that time came, it would fall on him to assist in their evolution to the Uncommon rank.
Even though the Uncommon tier didn't make a player a superstar, at the street football level, it was enough to make them competitive and prevent them from dragging the team down, the thought brought a smile to Mystic's face, as he couldn't wait to see what challenges and requirements lay ahead to help his players break through to that next talent level.
With everything settled, Mystic swiped the screen, clearing the display before tapping another option.
A soft, chilling hum filled the air as the VR pods began to power down, their reclined seats slowly rising into an upright position, one by one, the players removed their helmets.
Though the experience had been highly entertaining, every single one of them felt drained—not physically, but mentally exhausted.
"Training's done for today. No more drills," Mystic announced.
"If you look over there, you'll see a set of black key cards. Step up and pick the one with your image and number on it." He gestured toward a nearby table where sleek black cards—structured like ATM cards—were neatly laid out.
Without hesitation, the players approached the table one by one, each grabbing the card that matched their face and number.
"Just so you know, losing your card means you lose access to the underground training facilities, think of these as keys—no key, no entry. And if you do lose it, I expect to be the first person you tell." Mystic added,
He then proceeds to clap his hands once.
"That's it for today, before you leave, stop by the Nutrition Nook and grab an energy drink."
The players began shuffling out slowly, as much as they were tempted to check out the underground gym—which looked far more advanced than the one above—the overwhelming urge to sleep won out.
Each of them only had one thought on their mind: finally getting some well-earned rest.
Mystic watched them head to the shower room on the screen before him, then changing in the locker room.
When he finally grew tired of observing, he pulled out his phone and placed a call to his uncle, there was something that had been weighing on his mind, and he was finally ready to ask about it.