1 Chapter one: Starting Off by Facing Real Madrid?"
"For the record, time of death February 2, 2022, 22:22:22."
In his hospital bed, it was the final sound Finn heard.
The darkness slowly swept over his fading consciousness.
In the waning moments of his life, he bore a profound sense of frustration and resignation, a truth shrouded in the depths of his being.
... ...
"Finn, wake up, we've arrived." Urgency tinged the voice that suddenly pierced through his slumber, accompanied by a forceful jolt to his body.
Finn's eyes snapped open, his hands half-raised, and he gasped for air as if he had been submerged underwater for an eternity, struggling to breathe.
He found himself seated on a coach, surrounded by figures clad in jerseys rising to their feet. To his right, a brown-haired, blue-eyed fellow was pushing him along.
"Crap, what's happening?" He was baffled, wondering how he had understood the Spanish the guy had spoken just moments ago.
In that instant, a flood of memories rushed into his mind.
It's October 27, 2009 now.
He is still Finn.
He's 20 years old.
He was playing for Alcorcón, a semi-professional team in the Spanish Segunda División B, the third tier of Spanish football.
He played as a defensive midfielder, but he could only occasionally make substitute appearances for this semi-professional team.
Because the head coach, Andrés, harbored a personal aversion towards him, and as for why???
Perhaps it was simply because his skills were lacking in comparison to players who had come up through the ranks of Spain's youth academies.
His own fundamentals and growth were deemed utterly worthless in their eyes.
Or perhaps, he had been put into Alcorcón by the others, and that point made him resentful.
Who knows?
But it was strange, except for this memory of playing for clubs and living in Spain.
There was nothing else, no information about any relatives, family, past.
It was as if it had been deliberately hidden.
Most fortunately, he remained Chinese, still remarkably handsome, and possessed a strong physique!
In his previous life, he had buried himself in the Chinese Super League, focusing solely on training and playing soccer, leaving everything else to his agent.
However, due to his agent's failure to "manage" things properly, he missed out on being selected for the national team squad on two occasions.
Even though he was the best midfielder in the Chinese Super League at the time.
Now, he had a chance to start over!
Returning to 2009, an era filled with superstars!
It was the era where the duopoly of Messi and Ronaldo began!
In 2009, the football world witnessed a major upheaval. Real Madrid made bold moves, acquiring the Premier League's top talent: Cristiano Ronaldo, Serie A's star: Kaká, and Ligue 1's ace: Karim Benzema. They came close to signing the Bundesliga's best: Franck Ribéry. Additionally, they brought in Premier League stalwart Xabi Alonso, as well as utility players Álvaro Arbeloa and Granero. Meanwhile, they offloaded players like Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Júlio Baptista, and more. This unprecedented operation shocked the entire footballing world!
With his experience spanning two lifetimes and over a decade in football, he could storm into La Liga, competing on the same stage as those once seemingly unattainable targets!
As for the National team? o(*￣︶￣*)o
As Finn stepped off the buss, his fists clenched tightly.
This time, fate must be firmly grasped in his own hands!
Meanwhile, inside the team's locker room, Andrés was venting to his assistant, "Chris Tin Alberti, that imbecile. If it weren't for him, I would never have allowed this young man to set foot on the field."
Assistant coach Robbie sighed deeply. He knew Andrés disliked Finn, but there was little he could do. "That idiot's already been put in the lineup. We'll get rid of him during the winter break. I even asked the doctor, Ruben has a thigh muscle strain, at least a 7-day recovery period. Juan, we need time. Finn actually has some potential."
"I know you're kind-hearted, Robbie. But I just don't like him. Anyway, in two days, he'll be gone. Besides, this match should still draw some attention. Let the Chinese see how pathetic the player they sent us is."
... ...
Looking at the San Domingo Stadium before him, he felt infinite emotions. Professional football, I, Finn, have returned!
However, as his eyes wandered, he was taken aback by what unfolded before him.
Not far away, a bus slowly approached, bearing a crest he couldn't have imagined: Real Madrid Football Club!
Meanwhile, Alcorcón Football Club was a semi-professional team, where players even had other legitimate professions besides playing football.
How could such a small club possibly have a match against Real Madrid?
"Finn, don't just stand there. Don't keep the boss waiting, you know how he is," Jorge Vélez, who happened to be passing by, noticed Lin Di's distraction and nudged him, reminding him aloud.
Could it be that the first match after his rebirth would be a showdown between a semi-professional team in the Spanish Segunda B and the powerhouse of La Liga?
"Here they come! Is this really our opponent today?" Finn couldn't believe it.
"How about that? It's amazing, I even feel like getting their autographs. Today is our home game, and for the next match, we're heading to the Bernabéu." Borja looked extremely excited, his face beaming as if he had just signed with Real Madrid.
It seems the fantasy of an easy start without any challenges is non-existent. It's straight into facing the boss right from the beginning. Thinking about this, Finn felt both excited and disheartened.
Starting with just a bowl, begging my way to Seoul. Look how suck it is.
But what excites me is finally having the chance to compete alongside top-tier players on the same stage.
However, in the eyes of these people, Finn's once peak self is just a nobody.
With this 20-year-old body, even though it's stronger than his past life's, his strength is still noticeably lacking.
Isn't this just asking for trouble?
Watching one top-tier player after another get off the bus, Finn couldn't help but mutter, "Feels like I'm dreaming."
"However, it's a pity. Your contract expires in two days. Enjoy your final match, Finn," Borja dropped a bombshell just as Finn was lost in thought.
Just as Finn was basking in the joy of his rebirth, hearing this news was like being doused with a bucket of cold water in the middle of winter, chilling him to the bone.
"I'm out, I'm done with this"
The hell is this?
Misfortunes pick on the unlucky ones, just as the rope breaks at its weakest point.
Just as he was on the brink of despair, a voice echoed in his mind.
"Ding! Congratulations, host, for activating the Midfield bladeguard System. By completing a series of tasks issued by this system, you can earn rich rewards such as attribute points and skill cards."
System?
Life's highs and lows come too quickly, it's just too exhilarating.
"As a reward for the first system activation, the starter gift package has been sent. Please activate your personal panel to view."
"Personal panel?"
Before the words even settled, a light screen suddenly appeared in Finn's mind, with dense text that took him a while to adjust to.
Name: Finn Lin
Age: 20
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 77kg
Skills:
Passing:55, Crossing: 55, Marking: 67, Penalty Taking: 47, Technique: 53, Corner Taking: 55, Throw-ins: 33, Dribbling: 61, Tackling: 67, Free Kicks: 47, Shooting: 58, Ball Control: 57, Heading: 57, Long Shots: 60;
Psychology:
Defensive Positioning: 67, Work Rate: 60, Concentration: 55, Decision Making: 70, Leadership: 50, Aggressiveness: 66, Vision: 65, Teamwork: 65, Off-the-ball Movement: 57, Creativity: 48, Determination: 80, Courage: 80, Anticipation: 60, Composure: 85;
Physical:
Explosiveness: 66, Jumping: 73, Agility: 57, Stamina: 68, Balance: 75, Strength: 70, Speed: 67, Endurance: 80;
"Is there a no-brainer, starter-friendly version, System? This seems too professional."
"Yes. Defensive Midfield Ability Rating: 67."
?
"Is it that brief?"
"Alright, from now on, I'll just focus on my midfield core abilities."
Having lived two lives, Finn attributes of determination, courage, and composure are extremely strong, basically reaching the upper-middle level of La Liga.
Other attributes may only be passable, but 20-year-old Finn has a lot of room for improvement!
Finn adapts quickly, and he decides to open the starter gift package to see what's inside.
Because, the next opponent is Real Madrid!
And this is his last chance. Only an outstanding performance could possibly earn him a contract extension.
Or, even better opportunities!
... ...
