Chapter 19: The Lisbon Shadow
The threat from Chief Gbadamosi hung over Mide like a Lagos storm cloud. He didn't tell his teammates, but the "Baba" noticed his grip on his training water bottle was tight enough to crack the plastic.
[System: "Oga, focus. You've sent the money to Bernard. The private security team—former SSS agents—are already stationed at your father's new house. If the Chief tries anything, he'll find out why they're called 'Secret' Services. Now, look at the sky. You're in Lisbon. Don't let the past distract you from the 'Prince of Sporting'."]
Mide stepped off the plane at Portela Airport. The Portuguese air was warm, smelling of salt and grilled sardines. This was the Champions League group stage. Manchester United vs. Sporting CP.
It was Cristiano Ronaldo's homecoming, but the Portuguese media were equally obsessed with the "Nigerian King" who had just scored a Puskas-worthy goal against Arsenal.
The Scouting Report: Sporting CP
As they sat in the Estádio José Alvalade dressing room, Sir Alex was unusually quiet. He knew this game was emotional for Ronaldo, but he also knew Sporting's youth academy produced monsters.
"Mide," Sir Alex said, pointing to the board. "They've got a winger named Nani. He's like Cristiano was three years ago. All tricks, all speed. I want you to play centrally today. Control the tempo. If they try to kick Cristiano, I want you to make them pay by threading balls to Rooney."
[System: "Current SP: 3,395. You have enough to unlock 'The Emperor's Compass' (1,000 SP). If you're playing centrally against the Portuguese press, you'll need that 360-degree vision. Should I initiate the download?"]
Do it, Baba. I'm tired of having a blind spot.
[System: "Processing... 1,000 SP Deducted. Remaining: 2,395. Skill 'Emperor's Compass' — UNLOCKED. Your brain is now wired like a GPS. Try not to get a headache."]
The Match: The Puppet Master
The whistle blew, and the Alvalade erupted. Ronaldo was being whistled every time he touched the ball—a strange mix of love and "traitor" energy.
In the 15th minute, Mide received the ball with his back to goal. Two Sporting midfielders, João Moutinho and Miguel Veloso, swarmed him. In his previous matches, Mide would have had to turn to see his options.
Now, with Emperor's Compass, he felt it. He didn't see them with his eyes; he felt the "heat signatures" of his teammates. He knew exactly where Patrice Evra was sprinting on the left, and he knew Rooney was peeling off his marker on the right.
Without looking, Mide played a "No-Look" flicked pass over his shoulder. It landed perfectly in the path of Evra.
"Ooooh!" the Portuguese commentators gasped.
[System: "Pass Accuracy: 100%. Emperor's Compass is working, Oga. You look like you have eyes in the back of your head. Even Scholes is looking at you funny."]
The game was a tactical chess match until the 60th minute. Ronaldo was trying too hard to score against his old club, missing two sitters. The frustration was visible.
Mide dribbled into the final third. He saw Ronaldo making a run, but he also saw three defenders closing in on him.
If I pass to Cristiano now, he loses the ball, Mide analyzed. But if I use 'Gravity Well'—oh wait, I don't have that yet.
Mide used his own gravity. He slowed down, holding the ball, baiting the defenders. One, two, three players moved toward him.
[System: "Decoy Run Logic Applied. You're being a 'Cog' now, aren't you?"]
Mide slipped a delicate ball through a gap that didn't exist a second ago. It wasn't to Ronaldo. It was to Wayne Rooney, who smashed it into the bottom corner.
0-1.
Mide didn't celebrate. He walked straight to Ronaldo, who was looking frustrated. Mide grabbed the ball from the net and handed it to him.
"The next one is yours, Cristiano," Mide said calmly. "I'll make sure of it."
Ronaldo looked at the teenager, his competitive fire flickering into respect. "Just put it on my head, Nigeria. I'll do the rest."
Ten minutes later, Mide did exactly that. A pinpoint cross from the right wing, using the Emperor's Compass to calculate the wind and curve. Ronaldo rose like a salmon, towering over the Sporting defense. Boom.
0-2.
Ronaldo didn't do his usual "Siu" (which didn't exist yet). He ran straight to Mide and lifted him off the ground. The student and the new apprentice had conquered Lisbon.
The Celebration: The Royal Adjustment
As the final whistle blew, Mide did his signature. He bowed to the Sporting fans—a sign of respect for the club that birthed his mentor—and then performed the Royal Adjustment.
[System: "Match Results: Win (+300 SP). Assist x2 (+300 SP). Clean Sheet (+50 SP). Total SP Gained: 650. Current SP: 3,045."]
The Aftermath
In the tunnel, Nani approached Mide, offering to swap jerseys. "You play like you are thirty years old," Nani said, shaking his head. "How?"
"I've had a lot of practice... in my dreams," Mide replied with a wink.
As he boarded the plane back to Manchester, Mide's phone buzzed. A text from Bernard.
"Security is in place. The Chief tried to send two 'debt collectors' to the house. They are currently in a Lagos police station explaining why they had crowbars in their car. Your father is safe. He says to tell you the 'Blue Gate' house is beautiful."
Mide sat back in his first-class seat and exhaled. The seeds were safe. The crown was secure.
[System: "Don't get too relaxed. We have Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next week. Mourinho has been watching your Lisbon tapes. He's already told Ashley Cole that if you try that 'No-Look' pass again, he should 'accidentally' end up in the third row. Ready for the 'Tactical Masterclass'?"]
"Let him try, Baba," Mide whispered, closing his eyes. "I've already seen the end of this season."
[Current Status]
Name: Mide Adeyemi (MA10)
SP: 3,045
Skills Unlocked: Oracle Sight, Cheetah's First Step, Center of Gravity, Predictive Impact, Phantom Step, Emperor's Compass.
Next Match: Chelsea vs. Manchester United (The Clash of the Titans).