Li Mo takes out the Inzaghi talent card he drew and asks the Dream Machine, "Once I've ground out this talent, will I be able to score goals?"
The Dream Machine nods. "Sure, but you'll have to do it on your knees. Whether you get any good passes depends on the midfielders."
Li Mo scratches his head. No way. He didn't travel back in time just to score on his knees. He takes out another talent card he drew. "What do you think of this one?"
"Di Maria? You can stand up, at least, but you won't score many goals."
"I want to score while standing. What do you think?"
The Dream Machine waves a hand. "Easy. I'll show you a real gem. Once you've ground it out, you'll be able to score while standing!"
Li Mo leans closer. On the talent card the Dream Machine pulls out is a young Black man, holding a sparkler in his left hand and taking a selfie with his phone in his right. A house behind him is engulfed in flames, and his smile in the firelight is warm and innocent.
"Holy crap..."
A football story about a freebie hunter who goes back in time and chooses to become a hardcore grinder.
