Unconventional Center

Chapter 7: A Wild Idea

In the final moments of the match, Sevilla launched a frantic counterattack, but Deportivo La Coruña refused to back down. Not only did they repel their opponents’ assault, but they also seized the opportunity to launch a counterattack of their own. Although Chu Yang’s final shot missed the target, it succeeded in dampening Sevilla’s momentum, allowing them to hold on to the 3–2 lead until the final whistle. “The referee blew the final whistle. Sevilla dominated the first seventy minutes of the match, but unfortunately, today God was wearing Deportivo La Coruña’s No. 11 jersey. The young Chinese player Chu Yang kicked off the comeback with a magical backheel goal. To be honest, I still haven’t figured out how that ball went in. I know many people, like me, will keep rewatching that goal; that clip will surely appear in various La Liga highlights reels. The player from China also demonstrated excellent instincts in front of the net with his two follow-up shots. If he keeps this up, he’ll become a fine opportunist. We must congratulate Mr. Happer—he not only ended his losing streak but also proved his judgment once again.” Chu Yang held the match ball and took another look at the stadium. It was one of La Liga’s most famous stadiums, with over 30,000 seats and a glorious history. Unfortunately, despite having been here for over a year, not only had he failed to become part of that glory, but he felt like an outsider, completely out of place. “System, where’s my reward? Give me a dozen titles like ‘Alien’ or talents like ‘Dribble Like a Pro.’ ” “You want titles and talents just for a hat trick?” “It’s a hat trick in the top league—something most strikers never get to experience even once in their entire careers. You think you can fob me off with just one free attribute point?” “Title: ‘Dreamer’; Skill: ‘Daydreamer’; Talent: ‘Wild Imagination.’ Want them?” “…I wouldn’t even give Happer the time of day, but you’ve got me beat.” No sooner had he mentioned Happer than Happer arrived—or rather, Happer had been waiting just for him. “Chu,” Happer said, spreading his arms wide, “Congratulations.” “Thank you, Coach,” Chu Yang hugged him and said sincerely, “Thank you for your trust.” If it weren’t for Happer’s support, Chu Yang would probably still be wasting his time on the Youth Team, and Happer had given him plenty of opportunities since he joined the first team. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. Not only did Chu Yang fail to make a name for himself, but he also became a thorn in some people’s sides; during a practice match, someone deliberately kicked the ball right at his head. He was already feeling a bit dazed from the overwhelming mental pressure and had been secretly pushing himself beyond his limits in training; at that moment, he simply passed out—and that was when the Superstar System found him. Or perhaps the Superstar System had always been within him, and that kick merely activated it. After all, Chu Yang had been in this world for twenty years. According to the laws of YY novels, all sorts of mysterious and awe-inspiring systems are standard equipment for time travelers. It wasn’t strange that Chu Yang had one with him from the start; it was just that the system was late to the party, and his life as a host had been pretty miserable up until then. Better late than never. His life in a foreign country, which had been full of frustration for over a year, was finally about to take on a new dimension, and Chu Yang was really looking forward to it. Happer had no idea what Chu Yang was daydreaming about. He patted him on the shoulder and said, “Do your best. You’re far more capable than you realize. I’ll definitely bring out all your potential.” After saying that, Happer silently added to himself, “If I get the chance.” He genuinely admired this young man—humble, polite, diligent in training, and obedient to instructions. It was just a shame his breakthrough had come a little too late. With Burmondo about to join the team and Pacaros set to return, Chu Yang would soon become the team’s fourth or even fifth striker. If he were smart, he’d choose to start over at a smaller club rather than waste his time at Deportivo La Coruña. Happer did want to offer Chu Yang a word of advice, but since Burmondo’s transfer hadn’t been finalized yet, he didn’t dare stir up trouble—otherwise, any resulting complications would harm not only the club but also him as the head coach. Happer still had to attend the post-match press conference, so the two exchanged a few brief words before officially parting ways. The other players approached Chu Yang with mixed expressions to offer their congratulations, though it was hard to say how many of those congratulations were sincere. Those in the know were somewhat gloating, while others who weren’t aware of the situation thought he might be making a comeback—in short, everyone had their own thoughts. Chu Yang sensed something was amiss, but he didn’t let it bother him. With the help of the Superstar System, his rise was inevitable and unstoppable; in the face of absolute strength, all those petty schemes could only lie low. After discreetly sending his teammates on their way, Chu Yang contacted the Superstar System once more. Although the system didn’t assign specific tasks, Chu Yang had already learned upon acquiring it that skills, talents, and titles could be obtained through various channels. Skills or attribute points required breaking various records or achieving certain milestones—such as shattering his league’s goal-scoring or assist records, or becoming the youngest player to score in a particular tournament. Talents, on the other hand, come from various individual awards—such as Top Scorer, Rookie of the Year, Assist Leader, or League MVP—which are generally only awarded at the end of the season. Titles, on the other hand, depend on team honors—cup championships, league titles, and the like. The more prestigious the championship, the more generous the reward; for example, winning the World Cup earns the title “King of Soccer”… For now, you can put talents and titles out of your mind; free attribute points and skills are the rewards you actually have a chance to obtain right now. He opened the list of achievements, which was essentially no different from system quests. “A Journey of a Thousand Li Begins with a Hat-Trick: Score one hat-trick in your career (Completed); Getting into the Groove: Score three hat tricks in your career (1/3); Small Goal: Score five hat tricks in your career (1/5); I’ve Got a Bit of a Hat Collection: Score ten hat tricks in your career (1/10) Halfway There: Score fifty career goals (3/50); Mr. 100: Score 100 career goals (3/100); Goal Machine: Score 200 career goals (3/200); Goal Machine: Scored 300 career goals (3/300) On Fire: Score five goals in a single official match (repeatable); Full Throttle: Score six goals in a single official match (repeatable); Insane: Score seven goals in a single official match (repeatable); Insane: Score eight goals in a single official match (repeatable) There’s a whole host of them, enough to make your head spin. Achievements like “A Journey of a Thousand Li Begins with a Hat-Trick” can only be earned once, while those like “On Fire” can be repeated—though none of them are easy. The road ahead is long, and this is just the beginning. With the foundation provided by the newbie starter pack, Chu Yang took his first step with unwavering determination and confidence. Soccer King? It doesn’t seem impossible.