CHAPTER 3: DOMINACE

Victor stared at the glowing screen in his mind, the words "Sidewinder Drift (Rank: C)" hovering before him. The system had selected this as his starting point. At first glance, it seemed underwhelming, a formation ranked only C, yet Victor sensed that, much like a snake, its true power lay in its subtlety.

He focused on the details of the formation, and the system fed him the information. Sidewinder Drift was inspired by the movements of the sidewinder snake, known for its ability to move diagonally across shifting sand dunes with unparalleled speed and precision. This formation mirrored the snake's unpredictable movements and adaptability, combining fluid diagonal runs with seamless positional rotations. It created chaos on the field, leaving defenses disoriented and vulnerable.

Victor smiled. "A tactic for an underdog," he murmured. "Perfect for Burton Albion."

The system's description unraveled before him like a scroll, detailing every nuance of the tactic. It didn't just describe how the formation attacked, but how it defended, countered, and hunted opportunities—just like its serpentine inspiration. As the sidewinder snake moves with precision to conserve energy, so too would this formation ensure that every run and pass served a purpose.

Victor leaned forward in his chair, his mind racing with ideas. To fully utilize Sidewinder Drift, he had to understand its core mechanics and adapt it to his team. The tactic relied on three key elements:

Unpredictable Attacks: Wingers executing slanted, diagonal runs would confuse defenders and stretch the backline. The focus was on creating space where none existed. Seamless Midfield Rotations: Central midfielders had to work in sync, constantly switching positions and delivering sharp, calculated passes to keep the opponent guessing. Reactive Defense: The defenders, much like a coiled snake, needed to be ready to pounce on counterattacks and cut off any attempts to bypass the midfield.

Victor began sketching out his training plan. The wingers, Lucas Akins and David Templeton, would be crucial. They needed to master the diagonal movements, darting into spaces while maintaining their positioning. Meanwhile, the midfield duo of Stephen Quinn and Jamie Allen would have to refine their ability to rotate, ensuring constant passing lanes and control. As for the defenders, Kyle McFadzean would anchor the backline, using his strength and aggression to stifle any attempts to exploit gaps.

But tactics alone wouldn't win games. Victor needed the players to believe in him, to follow him without question. His mind drifted to the Predatory Eyes skill. It wasn't just a tool—it was an extension of the serpent's shadow, a manifestation of dominance that could bend even the most stubborn wills.

The next morning, Victor arrived at the Pirelli Stadium early. The modest structure stood as a testament to Burton Albion's humble status. It wasn't a grand arena like those of Premier League giants, but it had character. The field, though worn, felt alive—a place where battles were fought and dreams were shattered.

Victor spent the first few hours reviewing the squad files. Burton Albion's players weren't superstars, but they weren't hopeless either. They had talent buried beneath layers of self-doubt and frustration.

The starting lineup included:

Liam Boyce (Striker): Reliable but hampered by injuries. His ability to finish was solid, but his confidence needed work. Lucas Akins (Forward/Winger): A versatile workhorse with the potential to thrive under the right guidance. Stephen Quinn (Midfielder): The experienced playmaker who could bring stability and vision to the midfield. Kyle McFadzean (Defender): A physically dominant player whose temper was both his strength and his weakness. David Templeton (Winger): Quick and skillful, though prone to lapses in judgment under pressure.

Victor also familiarized himself with the coaching staff:

James Worthington, the fitness coach, a strict enforcer who demanded discipline. Victor saw potential in him as an ally for building the team's stamina and work ethic. Mark Hill, the goalkeeping coach, an eternal optimist who brought a much-needed sense of positivity to the group. Alex Grayson, the assistant coach, a skeptic who clearly doubted Victor's capabilities. He would be the hardest to win over.

By the time the players arrived at the training grounds, Victor was ready.

The locker room buzzed with the chatter of skeptical players. They had heard about their new coach—a rookie with no real track record—and few had high hopes. As Victor entered, the atmosphere shifted. His steps were measured, his gaze sharp. A faint, almost imperceptible shadow seemed to follow him, like the coiled presence of a serpent ready to strike.

He activated Predatory Eyes, and the effect was immediate. The room grew still, the players visibly uneasy under the oppressive aura. It wasn't fear exactly, but a primal sense of authority that demanded attention.

Victor's voice cut through the silence like a knife. "Listen up. I'm not here to waste time, and I'm not here to fail. This club is at the brink of relegation, and I'm not going to let that happen."

He scanned the room, his eyes meeting those of each player. "From this moment on, things are going to change. I don't care about the past. I don't care about your doubts. All I care about is winning. If you're not willing to give me everything, step out now."

The players remained silent, their expressions a mixture of confusion and respect. Even Alex Grayson, usually quick to throw in a snide comment, stayed quiet.

Victor continued. "Tomorrow, we start training with a new tactic. It's called Sidewinder Drift, inspired by the movements of a snake that survives by outwitting its predators. It's unpredictable, adaptable, and relentless—just like we need to be. This formation doesn't rely on individual talent. It relies on coordination, intelligence, and grit. Qualities I know this team has."

He took a step closer, his shadow seeming to elongate, coiling around the room like an invisible serpent. "I'm going to push you harder than you've ever been pushed. But if you follow me, I'll make you into a team that no one wants to face. You have one job: obey me."

Victor turned and walked out, leaving the players to absorb his words. The weight of his presence lingered, a reminder that this wasn't just another coach. This person looks like a snake.

As Victor stepped onto the training field, his mind raced with possibilities. The Sidewinder Drift tactic wasn't just a formation; it was a philosophy. Like the snake it was named after, it would force opponents to adapt to Burton Albion's movements, exhausting them with constant shifts and rotations. The wingers would embody the sidewinder's slithering movements, cutting diagonally through defenses. The midfield would mirror the snake's ability to twist and rotate, maintaining control even in chaos. And the defense, coiled and ready, would strike back at any attempt to counter.

Victor knew it wouldn't be easy. The players lacked confidence, and the staff doubted him. But with the system at his side and the shadow of the serpent guiding him, he was ready to prove them all wrong.