My system allows me to copy talents

Saturday, April 24, 2027

Estadio de La Cartuja, Seville

The stadium was a cauldron of emotions, the energy palpable. People could be seen moving back and forth on the stand. The smell of hotdogs and popcorn wafted around the venue as individual vendors roamed around the stand.

The crowd was beaming with energy, their eyes filled with anticipation and excitement.

The Atletico supporters clad in their iconic red and white striped jerseys had filled one section of the venue, the other section was occupied by the Real Betis supporters clad in their iconic green and white striped jerseys.

The final of the 2027 Copa Del Rey was to be held between Atletico Madrid and Real Betis.

Inside the tunnel, Hiro could audibly hear the cheer of the fans outside. He could also palpably feel the atmosphere inside the tunnel.

Only a few players seemed to be lively enough to interact.

The others wore a solemn expression, their gazes fixed ahead.

Hiro could hear his heart pounding. He could also feel the pressure. The limited interaction between the two sides was further intensifying the pressure.

Inhaling deeply, he swept his gaze around.

It wasn't his first time being here. The posters and writings on the wall, he had seen it before. Even the pathway was the same as before.

However, standing there at that moment didn't feel the same.

It might be due to the importance of the match. But even the familiar surroundings didn't feel familiar at all.

Thinking about it, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"Oh... What interesting thing are you thinking about?"

Noticing the smile on his face, Alvarez couldn't help but ask. He was standing right behind Hiro. He appeared much more composed than others in the tunnel.

Well, it wasn't his first time being in such a situation.

He had faced much more nerve-wracking situations than this after all. And considering what he had experienced this much wouldn't be enough to faze him.

Hiro could tell that he wasn't affected by the pressure. Perhaps, he didn't even feel the pressure. This trait of his made him a little envious.

To remain calm under pressure.

"Nothing!" Hiro responded briskly.

"Come on... I saw you chuckling," Alvarez said. "Tell me about it. I want to lighten my mood too."

Hearing him, Hiro couldn't help but narrow his eyes. Despite being completely fine, he sounded as if he was anxious before.

"You poor little thing. Did this match scare you?" Hiro scoffed.

"Yeah, how can I not be afraid? Look at those guys. They look so scary," Alvarez played along.

The two began to joke. This helped Hiro divert his attention from the importance of the match. The more he stopped thinking about it, the more relaxing it felt.

However, the others around them couldn't help but roll their eyes at them. Especially, the opposing players, they couldn't help but disdain their carefree attitude.

The way they acted made it seem as if they were mocking them.

Hence, the Real Betis players couldn't help but shoot an eye of contempt.

Yet still, the two didn't seem to care. Well, they couldn't care less about infuriating their opponents. The more they are in turmoil, the easier it will be for them.

Hiro and Alvarez had gotten quite close to each other over time. While they rarely communicated with others, they often joked around each other.

Even Hiro was surprised to find this side of him. He didn't believe he was capable of joking. However, it turned out he was quite capable of cracking jokes.

Though, Hiro always looked serious.

"Enough, you two."

While they were gossiping, a deep voice interrupted.

The voice belonged to Oblak. He looked quite bothered.

He wore black attire for the goalkeeper and he had the captain's armband wrapped on his arm. With an imposing height of 188 cm, he towered over the two.

"Sorry, captain."

Both of them immediately apologized and shut their mouth.

He had been discussing a few things with the coaches. Hence, he was the last one to arrive.

Upon hearing their apology, he shot a sharp gaze at the two before advancing. He had to be at the front of the line.

"Geez! He always has that look on his face. Can't he be gentle sometimes?" Alvarez complained.

Hiro couldn't help but nod. Their captain always seemed quite stiff.

After a while, the announcement rang and the queue started to move.

Like soldiers marching onto the battlefield, they marched onto the field. The young mascots who were accompanying them followed suit.

The crowd erupted in cheers the moment they stepped outside the tunnel.

The anticipating crowd couldn't hold their excitement any further. They cheered enthusiastically while waving their banners and flags.

Hiro could see the buzz in the stand.

The stadium was packed to the brim.

The united voice of those enthusiastic fans created an imposing melody that could intimidate anyone with a weak heart.

However, Hiro didn't feel pressured.

He didn't even bother to look at the crowd. He knew he had to remain sharp or else he would be swept by the lingering energy inside the venue.

While they took their position, Hiro began to analyze his opponents.

He couldn't spot anything out of the ordinary this time. The opposing players were sharp but they weren't intimidating.

He could sense some anger and scorn directed at him.

Well, his previous antic was the cause.

So, he couldn't even blame anyone. If he had been silent, he wouldn't be receiving such hostility. But he had pissed some of them before.

Sensing their hostility, Hiro readily accepted it.

"Well, I guess I would have to watch out," Hiro whispered revealing a self-deprecated smile.

While analyzing, his gaze fell on Anthony, the Brazilian winger. He looked sharp and had a different aura than the others around him.

He didn't have a robust frame.

He was lean. Yet still, he had vivid muscle.

He had dyed part of his hair blond. The blond and the black merged to create a unique appearance, making him stand out.