The Football Legends System

Chapter 134: The Perpetual Zenith of Messi



The short flight to London was filled with a quiet hum of confidence. Nathan, an Overall Rating: S+ player, leaned back, a deep sense of satisfaction settling in his chest. He had reached "The Undisputed Pantheon." The Glide of Messi (100%) mastery, Perfected Dribbling, was a constant, almost joyful, sensation in his feet – the ball felt like an extension of his thoughts, obeying his every whim. He had achieved the ultimate. But now, the challenge wasn't to climb; it was to remain at the summit, to truly embody what it meant to be an undisputed legend, game after game, season after season.

He spent his time in the Legacy Archive, now accessing the very top tier. He observed the relentless consistency of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, the sustained peak performance that defined careers spanning decades. It was about unwavering excellence, the sheer volume of monumental achievements. He was learning not just how to be great, but how to stay great, to perform at an S+ level every single time he stepped onto the pitch.

One morning, during a challenging passing drill, Nathan, using his Perfected Dribbling, received a difficult ball under pressure, did a lightning-fast pirouette, leaving his marker flat-footed, then threaded an impossible pass through a tiny gap to Harry Kane. Kane, usually composed, actually whistled.

"That's just showing off now, Nathan," Kane chuckled, shaking his head. "One hundred percent dribbling, eh? Feels unfair."

Nathan grinned. "Just trying to make it fun, Skip."

He observed his teammates, knowing their collective belief and consistent effort were crucial to maintaining their dynastic ambitions.

Casemiro – Ability: A+ | Potential: B | Overall Rating: A+

The unyielding force. His quiet leadership and consistent ball-winning are invaluable.

Lisandro Martinez – Ability: A | Potential: A+ | Overall Rating: A

His aggressive defending and ability to step into midfield are defining features of United's new fluid system.

The next challenge: an away Premier League fixture against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Their previous encounter at Old Trafford had been a narrow 2-1 win. This was a classic rivalry, always intense, always a test. Chelsea would be desperate to make a statement against the champions.

Nathan used his "Talent Scout" on Chelsea's key players, refreshing his memory.

Enzo Fernández – Ability: A+ | Potential: A+ | Overall Rating: A

Their midfield orchestrator, intelligent, great passer, covers immense ground.

Raheem Sterling – Ability: A | Potential: B+ | Overall Rating: A-

Pace, trickery, dangerous in the final third. Always a threat on the break.

Reece James – Ability: A | Potential: A+ | Overall Rating: A

Powerful full-back, incredible crossing ability, strong defensively.

"Stamford Bridge will be rocking," Erik ten Hag warned in the pre-match briefing. "They'll be aggressive, they'll press us. We need to be composed, trust our system, and show them the consistency of champions. No complacency."

Nathan nodded. Consistency. That was the hallmark of an undisputed legend.

The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge was a cauldron of noise, a blur of blue and white, roaring its defiance against the visiting champions. The chants were fierce, personal, designed to intimidate.

Pheeeeeep! The whistle blew, and the Premier League clash was underway.

Chelsea, fueled by their home crowd, started with immense intensity. They pressed high, their midfielders snapping into tackles, trying to disrupt United's passing rhythm. Enzo Fernández was orchestrating their play, pushing them forward, constantly looking for dangerous passes.

United tried to assert their dominance, but Chelsea's energy was overwhelming. Nathan, despite his Perfected Dribbling, found little space in the congested midfield, every touch met with aggressive pressure.

Minute 18. Chelsea scored. A quick counter-attack saw Raheem Sterling burst down the left wing, leaving Aaron Wan-Bissaka behind. He cut inside, then unleashed a powerful shot that David de Gea could only parry. Nicolas Jackson, reacting quickest, tapped in the rebound from close range.

Manchester United 0 - Chelsea 1.

Stamford Bridge erupted in a deafening roar. Nathan felt the familiar sting of falling behind. It was frustratingly similar to their last encounter. They needed to respond, not with a flash of individual brilliance, but with an sustained, unwavering level of performance that exemplified an undisputed legend – converting chances, creating relentlessly, leading by example throughout the entire match.

Just then, the familiar System chime cut through the air, sharp and clear.

Ding!

[System Notification]

[Your team is facing a highly motivated opponent, requiring a display of continuous, unwavering excellence to establish and maintain dominance, securing victory as an undisputed legend.]

[You may request one random legendary consistent peak performance/unwavering brilliance skill in the style of a football icon to ensure every action, every decision, and every contribution is at the absolute highest level for a sustained period, making you the undeniable force on the pitch.]

[Do you wish to activate it?]

Nathan's eyes narrowed. Unwavering brilliance? Consistent peak performance? This was it. This was the challenge that defined "The Undisputed Pantheon." This wasn't about a single moment; it was about every moment.

Yes! Activate!

Ding!

[Random Skill Activated: The Perpetual Zenith of Messi]

[Effect: For the next 5 minutes of in-game time, every aspect of your play – dribbling, passing, shooting, decision-making, and off-the-ball movement – is elevated to its absolute, sustained peak. You will perform at an unparalleled, unwavering S+ level, consistently making the decisive contributions that define an undisputed legend.]

A profound sense of limitless capability washed over Nathan. He felt a perfect synergy between his body and mind, every skill he had ever mastered, every piece of knowledge from the Legacy Archive, fusing into one seamless, effortless flow of continuous brilliance. He wasn't just performing; he was operating at his absolute, unchallengeable best, every single second.

He immediately charged forward, demanding the ball. Casemiro won a tackle in midfield, the ball spilling to Nathan. He took one touch, then, with The Perpetual Zenith of Messi active, he embarked on a mesmerizing run. He glided past Enzo Fernández with a subtle feint, then left Moisés Caicedo spinning with a lightning-fast change of direction using his Perfected Dribbling. Thiago Silva stepped up, trying to block him, but Nathan, with a seemingly effortless shift of balance, nudged the ball past the veteran defender, creating just enough space.

He was inside the box, the goal gaping. He didn't rush. He simply unleashed a powerful, low shot that zipped past Kepa Arrizabalaga's outstretched hand and nestled into the bottom corner, a perfectly placed, undeniable strike.

GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL!!!!

The net bulged! Manchester United 1 - Chelsea 1! The small pocket of United fans erupted in a roaring wave of relief and jubilation. Nathan screamed, pumping his fists, his teammates mobbing him. The Perpetual Zenith of Messi had delivered a moment of sustained, undeniable brilliance, a clear statement from an undisputed legend.

For the next five minutes, Nathan was a force of nature. Every pass was perfect, every dribble mesmerizing, every decision flawless. He orchestrated attacks, won crucial tackles, and consistently found himself in positions to either score or assist. He played a no-look pass to Marcus Rashford that should have been a goal, then launched a cross-field diagonal pass to Antony that switched play with pinpoint accuracy.

The Perpetual Zenith of Messi faded, but it had done its job. United had asserted their dominance, not just through a goal, but through a period of relentless, undeniable high-level play.

Just before halftime, United took the lead. A brilliant run down the left wing by Luke Shaw saw him deliver a pinpoint low cross, and Harry Kane slid in to tap it past Kepa, making it 2-1.

The second half was a testament to United's consistent pressure. Chelsea pushed for an equalizer, but United's defense, influenced by Nathan's overall control and the team's newfound confidence, held firm. David de Gea made a couple of crucial saves from long-range shots.

Nathan continued to influence the game, even without the active skill. His Perfected Dribbling allowed him to constantly create space, and he contributed defensively as well, showcasing his all-encompassing growth.

The final minutes of the match were tense, but United maintained their composure. Chelsea threw everything forward, but couldn't find a way through.

The final whistle blew.

MANCHESTER UNITED 2 - CHELSEA 1!

The United players celebrated wildly, hugging each other, exhausted but ecstatic. A crucial away win secured, solidifying their Premier League title challenge against a tough rival.

In the jubilant changing room, Erik ten Hag was beaming. "Another incredible fight, lads, another three points! Nathan, your goal was sublime, but it was your consistent level throughout the match that defined it! That's what champions do!"

Nathan, breathless but beaming, just grinned. "Just trying to do my part, boss."

He checked his system.

[Overall Rating: S+]

Still S+. He had demonstrated the ability to perform at a sustained, unwavering peak. His Perfected Dribbling was now fully ingrained.

Ding!

[Legacy Archive Update: New Challenge Unlocked - "The Era-Defining Icon"]

[Description: To solidify your status as an Undisputed Pantheon member, consistently define and dominate the narrative of your era, not just through performance, but by setting new tactical trends, breaking seemingly unbreakable long-term records, and becoming the universally acknowledged face of modern football for multiple seasons.]


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