Blue Dream Trail (Soccer) - Episode 46

──Thursday, October 26, 2028

The day after the 3rd round of the Champions League, Clubhouse / A quiet morning after the break

One night after the Liverpool match.

It was a somewhat quiet morning in the clubhouse.

Ren was the first to enter the facility and get his wound taped up.

The expression seen in the mirror is expressionless.

But deep inside, something was shaking.

The score was 1-5.

A difference that cannot be made up by the value of one point.

“What may work for individuals is no match for organizations.”

Individually, we struggled with Liverpool’s intense pressing yesterday, and we lost more duels than usual.

That was the game.

The monitor shows footage of yesterday’s game.

A scene in which I assisted.

The timing of Himmel’s run.

A moment of “understanding.”

But then–

Scenes when allies don’t return, lines collapse, and instructions go unreceived.

Ren’s voice was drowned out by all of them.

That’s when Kemar strolled in.

“Self-analysis in the morning? I’m glad you’re diligent in your studies.”

Ren said with a wry smile.

“…The difference was clear in this match.”

“But still, that one thing between you and Himmel…

It even silenced the Stand. That’s worth it.”

“But I didn’t win at all.”

“I was also losing more than usual in individual areas.”

There was a faint strength in Ren’s voice.

“Kemah-san.”

“If things continue like this, I feel like nothing will change.

A moment’s cooperation won’t destroy the world.”

Kemar listened in silence, then muttered to himself.

“Hey, I think it’s okay to acknowledge your own ‘achievements’ a little more.”

“but……”

“Strength isn’t the only thing you need to win.

It takes time, understanding, and the will to continue.”

Ren mulled over those words.

What I’m missing most right now is…

(Maybe it’s the “courage to continue.”)

Afternoon self-training.

Ren was practicing his shots by himself.

A shot I made in yesterday’s game.

I trace that trajectory over and over again, which did not shake the net.

Then Himmel appeared.

“I knew you’d come here.”

Ren laughed slightly.

Are you ready to run tomorrow?

“Of course.”

After that exchange was over,

Ren stepped towards the goal again.