123 Competition (2/2)

”Ice Wall!”

My ice sword stabs into the ground once more, and the entire goal is blocked by an ice wall. The enemy's kick is unable to send the ball through, and it’s deflected back.

This is clearly an act of cheating. Naturally, this method of creating objects in front of the goalpost to hinder the ball will be banned afterward and can only be used once.

”Rule number 644. The banning of the tampering of the football field's geography. Damn it, one less loophole to exploit.”

Although I’m internally depressed due to the fewer loopholes to exploit, I smile brightly at the opponents so as to suppress their morale and confidence. However, in the next moment, a lightning strike destroys my ice wall.

”Ice Wall is a 4-circle magic spell. He doesn't have much mana, so it’s impossible for him to cast it too many times. Don't give up, push on!”

Krose's voice invigorates the morale of the entire team. However, I frown. Naturally, it’s not because of the youths who are cheering loudly before me.

”Rule number 645. The banning of off-field members from interfering with the field. To get your cheering squad to help, this is too much.”

Wearing a short skirt, Krose is pushed onto the position of the cheering team. However, all along, she has been hoping to get on the field.

At this moment, Reyne has already dribbled the ball to my front. However, I had no intention of blocking her advance.

”Hey! I’m in pain! My tail has been bent from the impact!”

Yes, the reason why I’m not at all worried is because of my golden defender—Beifeng.Herault.

With him around, scoring is no longer a competition of one's physical abilities. The first thing you have to deal with is his endless, thick-skinned underhanded tricks.

This time, just by having his tail stepped on (I realized that he intentionally placed his tail under the person's foot), the fellow lies down on the field, puts on an act, then...

”Red handkerchief!” How could the bribed Yingou miss out on such an opportunity? A red handkerchief once again changes the entire situation.

The presence of this referee is simply too strong. The boos from each side of the field pierce into the heavens.

”Rule number 646, if the other party strongly objects, the spectators can vote to enable the substitution of referees.”

After a series of messing around with one another, the football match finally reaches its last moments. The National Football Team is leading by 30:9 (You didn't see wrongly, it’s much easier to score in this messy game than in conventional football games.)

”It’s time to end it. If we don't, the France National Team's goals will reach the double digits.”

”Referee, we want to change players! I’ll be going off-field for Clint's entry!”

The moment those words are said, the hyped-up crowd immediately turns silent. When the giant figure enters the field, the surrounding crowd collectively takes a few steps back.

After all, he caused quite an impact when he walked onto the field a week ago.

Back then, when I shouted, 'The crucial moment is here. Everyone, charge! Kill them!', that fellow just presses a button and boom boom, the entire field and all the players on it were sent flying.

Although he did control the quantity of gunpowder properly and no one was injured by the explosions, the chili powder, and pepper that were mixed in it still brought about excruciating pain to those caught in it.

After the smoke clears, most people were plagued with red eyes and coughed for two to three days. At the time, Clint was beaten up to the point his face swelled up like a pig’s head. He is also demoted from a key player to a substitute.

I only found out after the matter that it was because of me saying that the football field is like a battlefield and that we have to prepare in advance. That fellow took my words seriously and actually made preparations as though it were a battlefield.

A night before, he dug several holes in the field and filled it with over nine hundred miniature Goblin explosives. Fortunately, he designed the explosions in a such a profound way that no one was severely injured. Even so, the competition was placed on hiatus for three days, and quite a few spectators were caught in it.

Even though explosives have been clearly banned from the field, his hulking figure undoubtedly reminds everyone of the tragedy that happened.

”Clint, I will leave it to you. Destroy them!”

The person Clint substitutes is me. His hulking figure makes him suitable to be a goalkeeper. However, the truth is that Clint doesn't know how to defend the goalpost. The reason I substituted him in isn't for him to defend the goalpost either. At this moment, my primary goal is to quickly escape and find a safe spot.

”Don't worry. This time, I didn't bring any explosives...”

”Boom!”

His lie is exposed in two seconds. The unlucky Diyer was sent flying.

”Boom!”

The second bomb was in the spectator stands. How could the spectators remain interested in watching the match after that? All of them, including the players, scatter and run in all directions. Under the multiple sounds of explosions, with various players being blasted around in the background, the football match ends prematurely as usual.

The next day, the drama-like ending of the football match is still the hottest topic of conversation. The figure of the sinner who hangs upside down on the football field becomes the target of contempt for the masses.

”Hmph, it’s all thanks to that bastard that I lost all my money.”

”What did you bet? The victory of the France National Team? Then, you really deserve to lose.”

”No, the National Football Team is too shameless. As long as underhanded tricks are still allowed, the France National Team, even with their overwhelming numbers, can't possibly win. I only bet that the France National Team would score ten or more goals.”

”I also bet on that. It was so close, just one more goal. It’s such a pity! However, it seems that there are a lot of people who chose to bet that as well. The results made them so enraged, they’re on the verge of exploding.”

”You all don't get it. This time, my bet is on Clint blasting away the entire field. In the end, I was spot on! It’s a ten times payout!”

”The heck, to think you would even get that spot on. You’re really incredible. However, is such a bet allowed as well?”

”You don't say. There’s even a 'Suarez's fang' option. As long as a biting incident occurs on the field, it’s considered as a win. Previously, someone won quite a sum betting on it. This time, I also chose to bet on this one. It is a pity that I was off.”

”Impressive, to think someone would dare to bet on such a minuscule possibility and even win. However, that ten times payout for an explosion on the football field seems to be unexpectedly low.”

”Indeed, it seems like there’s a fellow who placed great stakes on this option. If I’m not wrong, he seems to have also bet on the 'An explosion closure before the France National Team can score 10 goals'. He single-handedly won 90% of the stakes, which caused the payout rate to be lowered...”

In a certain pitch-black room, the fortunate ones who won the majority of the stakes, stare at the mountain of gold coins before them and laugh maniacally.

”Stop laughing, it’s time to split the spoils!”

I survey the surroundings. My accomplices, Yingou, Beifeng, and Reyne, are all here. Their eyes are filled with a thirst for the profits.

”Yingou, here is your portion. A fifth of it. You’ve worked hard for the referee work and the preparations for the explosives.”

Yingou happily collects the money pouches. To a Goblin, nothing brings greater happiness than counting gold coins.

”Let's continue working together. We will make big money together!”

I nod my head with a smile. I didn't intend to tell him that due to him going overboard on the field, his rights as a referee have been stripped from him. The next time, the one sitting beside me to split the spoils may very well be the Goblin Prince Kabala.

”Beifeng, here's yours. A fifth of the lump-sum. You did well on the field, but...”

”I understand. I won't forget Brother Clint, who took the blame. As the elder brother, I have to value our brotherhood, otherwise, how else can I convince the crowds. Leave the aftermath to me, I will make sure that Brother Clint will be satisfied with the ending.”

Although I had no idea when this person had become the publicly recognized leader of the Gentlemen, I still nod my head at his words. In a sense, so long as it’s something that doesn't concern his hobbies, the cunning Beifeng is a reliable ally. His actions are swift and nimble, and he is much more trustworthy than anyone else.

”Reyne, a twentieth. Be more serious the next time you kick. Your expressions and actions are much too fake. We almost got exposed, did you know that?”

”Brother Roland, didn't we agree on a fifth?”

”You fool, what use is there for a kid to have her hands on so much money? I will help you take care of it and pass it to you when you grow up.”

”Oh, alright.”

Perhaps the princess was just joining in for the fun of it. Despite being exploited, she didn't get angry in the slightest.

”Oh right, Brother Roland, do you know that Big Sister Kelly made a bet with me as well?”

”Hm?”

”She said that you would definitely confiscate my portion through the reason that children should not spend money extravagantly.”

”Heh, she sure understands me well... No, that's not right. Do you think that your Big Brother Roland is such a person?”

Suddenly, I realize that something is amiss.

”Wait, how did Kelly know about this?”

”Hehe, it’s as you’ve said. My expression was too fake, and I got exposed.” Knocking a fist on her head, Reyne playfully sticks out her tongue.

The moment she finishes her words, Beifeng and Yingou grab their money and prepare to sneak off. But before they can leave, the door suddenly opens.

”As I expected! Lord, you, you are really unbelievable! When I first heard of it, I thought that someone was framing you. How can you call yourself an oracle of the God of Law like this!”

Krose's face is filled with sorrow and shock, as though seeing her own child walking down a twisted path.

”The fortune that Momo saved up with much difficulty... It’s you again, you evil Roland! But as long as Momo is allowed to hug little Rolo to sleep tonight, I will let it slide. Hehe, Momo promises that she won't do anything. Really! At most, I will only remove his clothes a little...”

Momo, wipe your saliva before you continue speaking! What do you mean by doing nothing? I would be truly foolish if I trusted your words.

”Little Roland. Hehe, to think you would dare to lead Reyne astray. Did you forget the ways of your Big Sister Kelly? Big Sister Kelly definitely isn't angry just because she lost money.”

That, Big Sister Kelly, I will refund you the amount you have lost. Don't smile at me in that manner, you are scaring me.

”My armor. The Missilor mithril alloy full body armor that I almost lost my life to obtain. Lord, can you return it to me?”

The door has been blocked by angry debtors. There are familiar looks of anger on familiar faces. After lowering my head in contemplation for a moment, I make a declaration.

”One must remain rational when watching football. Gambling will ruin one's entire life, and I mean it! Furthermore, humans live to fulfill their greed, so it is impossible for me to refund you all. Right, Yingou and Beifeng are about to leave, do not let them escape. Finally, please do not hit my face, I still have to meet someone tomorrow.”

[Rule number 647. The personnel related to the football competition aren't allowed to place bets on it. Rule number 648. The greedy Goblins are not allowed to serve as referees, and the cunning Roland is not allowed to join in the competition! Goblins and Roland are permanently banned from gambling in football competitions!]

TL: National Football Team -> China National Football Team