CHAPTER 118

The FA Cup final isn't just another match for Liverpool—it's their last shot at silverware this season. Without it, they'll finish the campaign empty-handed. For a club of their stature, that's not just a disappointment—it's an embarrassment. Reputation is everything for one of England's superclubs, and losing this match would be a blow to their pride and legacy.

For Ethan, this final is equally non-negotiable. He must win.

It's not just about the trophy—it's about ambition.

Having already led Luton Town to the League Two title this season, adding an FA Cup to the cabinet would cap a miraculous campaign. It could also open doors—perhaps not to the likes of Manchester United or Chelsea just yet—but to a mid-table Premier League side? Definitely possible. Still, Ethan knows how football works. In the eyes of Europe's elite, League Two and domestic cup success aren't enough. Not yet.

If he wants to really climb the ladder—to be taken seriously by top clubs across Europe—he needs something bigger. A deep run in the Europa League next season, maybe even lifting the trophy, could be just the statement he needs.

That's the goal: to shock the continent with a second-tier side.

He thinks of Mourinho and Villas-Boas—two managers who burst onto the European stage and quickly found themselves leading giants. He doesn't want to take the slow route of rebuilding a small club over five years. Ethan wants to gamble—to take a shortcut with one big leap.

And that leap starts with winning the FA Cup.

But the challenge couldn't be greater. This isn't just any opponent. Liverpool, Champions League winners just two seasons ago, are stacked with talent. Their front line features Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt; the midfield is a powerhouse with Steven Gerrard, Javier Mascherano, and Xabi Alonso. Every one of them is an international star—and every one of them could walk into the starting XI of any Premier League club.

Luton? Their stars are Jamie Vardy and N'Golo Kanté—brilliant talents, yes, but still rough around the edges at this stage in their careers. On paper, it's a mismatch.

Ethan's only edge?

His system.

Back at his apartment, the football card interface shimmered before him once again.

"Congratulations on completing the mission: 'Save Luton.' Would you like to receive your rewards now?"

Ethan didn't hesitate. "Yes!"

"You've received: 8000 EXP, 1 Blue Card Voucher, and 100 Lottery Draws!"

He stared at the glowing interface like a man who just hit the jackpot. The temptation to go on a hundred-card draw spree was real—but Ethan knew better. Luck wasn't his strong suit, and this match required precision.

He calculated his options. A green card voucher could be traded for 16 lottery chances, but these 100 draws were best used to strengthen his lower-tier white and yellow cards.

The real limiter was his level. With the experience boost, Ethan had just hit Level 3—meaning one more card slot, giving him a total of five. Every slot mattered in a final like this.

He already knew what he wanted from the Blue Card voucher.

[Game Card – Blue: Sharp Counterattack — Increases the team's counterattack success rate by 15%.]

A perfect fit alongside his Interception Boost card. The synergy was obvious: win the ball, strike fast, and punch above your weight. These two were his core tactical cards—teamwide boosts that were far more valuable than individual stat increases.

That left three slots to fill.

One had to go to the goalkeeper.

Claude Rondo wasn't a world-class keeper, but his fundamentals were solid. Ethan, however, didn't want to leave anything to chance. A keeper's performance can swing the match—and a great save can be just as valuable as a goal.

[Game Card – Green: Enhanced Goalkeeping — Increases save success rate by 15%. Assign to one player.]

Claude had saved Luton in their semi-final win against Arsenal. Whether it was down to the system or sheer reflexes didn't matter. In the final, Ethan would use this card—no questions asked.

That left just two remaining card slots. He'd have to think carefully about how to deploy them—offense, defense, set pieces?

Every choice would count.

Because at Wembley, against one of Europe's most decorated clubs, even a manager with a system needs a little magic.

Ethan had decisively exchanged all of his lucky draw opportunities for Green Card Redemption Vouchers. After all, upgrading to higher-tier cards required a steep price—16x16 lucky draw chances for just one. Right now, his full focus was on preparing for the upcoming showdown against Liverpool.

[Game Card (Green): Increases Speed by 15%. Assign to one player.]

[Game Card (Green): Increases Goalkeeper Save Rate by 15%. Assign to one player.]

[Game Card (Green): Increases Defensive Positioning by 15%. Assign to one player.]

[Game Card (Green): Increases Long-Range Shooting Accuracy by 15%. Assign to one player.]

[Game Card (Green): Increases Success Rate of Penalty Box Challenges by 15%. Assign to one player.]

Ethan used all of his lottery chances in one go, stockpiling a diverse arsenal of green cards. With these tactical tools in hand, his confidence for the match at Wembley grew stronger.

Despite Liverpool's formidable reputation, Ethan believed Luton had a real shot at pulling off an upset on the big stage.

Early the next morning, Ethan was on his way to the training ground when he ran into Roy Sol. Though they often crossed paths, the coach and the local reporter didn't get along. Typically, they ignored each other.

But this time, Roy stopped him.

"Coach Ethan, how long is this media silence going to last?" he asked. "Luton's been behind closed doors for eight days now."

"Until the FA Cup Final kicks off," Ethan said without even turning his head.

Roy sighed. As the main reporter for The Hat Seller, Luton's unofficial media outlet, he had been completely shut out for over a week. He couldn't help but wonder—what kind of secret weapon was Luton preparing during this extended lockdown?

But Ethan had no intention of leaking anything, not even to Roy. He didn't trust journalists. They were always chasing headlines, while Luton was chasing glory.

In those days of closed training, Ethan made several tweaks to his tactical setup. While the core of Luton's strategy remained rooted in disciplined defense and lightning-fast counterattacks, the real changes were concentrated on the left flank—specifically, with Adam and Hassan.

They were his surprise weapons, his aces up the sleeve. Until the final whistle, Ethan wouldn't let anyone outside the squad see his hand.

Beating Liverpool wouldn't be easy. But Ethan wasn't afraid of taking risks. Every detail, every adjustment, every card played—it was all part of his master plan.

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