Chapter 2: Time Reversal
Chapter 2: Time Reversal
Time reversal complete.
Arcana System – Manager Mode activated.
"What the hell!"
Aran jolted awake. Holographic letters floated before his eyes, arranged in neat rows. No matter how calm and steel-nerved he was, anyone would startle at something like this.
"Hey, Aran! Get up already, you'll be late!"
Damn it...
The holographic text was shocking enough. But the voice and face of the person calling him? Even more so.
Every football fan knew this man.
The explosive striker. Kiebler. The legendary goal-scoring machine of Red Kaiser. Just thirty years old, but he'd been with the team since youth. His scoring record was insane—0.7 goals per game in the German league, 0.7 goals per game in Champions League. Before retirement, his name was already carved into the club's hall of fame. Trophies? Perfect collection. League titles, cup victories, European championships, even the World Cup. He had them all.
Whether he deserved the title of club legend wasn't even a question. The only debate was where to place his statue.
They called him the Explosive Tiger. That fierce face like a predator. Those devastating goals like detonations.
But now his face looked fresh and smooth. No trace of ferocity. The signature mustache and long hair were gone. Unfamiliar to casual fans, but anyone at Red Kaiser would recognize this—the young face of the Explosive Tiger.
Time reversal complete.
The floating message combined with Kiebler's youthful face. These two connected pieces let Aran form a crazy theory instantly.
Did I... travel back in time?
Aran was stunned. Not just the face he hadn't seen in years, but the dormitory that brought back memories. Four beds. Cleats polished and arranged neatly. One football they'd throw around when bored. This was his old room at Red Kaiser.
Reviewing his memories, the last thing he remembered was that mysterious red necklace. Looking down, he found it hanging around his neck.
Was it because of this necklace?
This wasn't some prank, right? Reality shows still existed?
"What's wrong with you? Staring at your chest like that. Oh, are you jealous of my pecs? Want to touch them? Come on, come on, you can if you want." Kiebler pulled off his shirt and slapped his muscular chest.
"Are you insane! Who wants to touch that? Even if aliens invaded Earth and shot gender-swapping rays at you until you grew boobs, I still wouldn't want to touch them!" Aran shouted.
"Such a long reaction means you're doing fine." Kiebler grinned. Aran was speechless, feeling déjà vu. This playful banter—they hadn't done this in ten years.
"Hurry up and warm up. Medical checkups today. If you're sleepy, you can nap during the MRI scan."
"That machine's so loud, who could sleep through it?"
"Me. I fall asleep every time."
"Because you're crazy." Aran laughed.
Aran set aside all confusion. He let his body flow naturally into familiar conversation with his old best friend. Following Kiebler out of the room to the training ground, he encountered many familiar faces along the way. Cleaning staff, kitchen workers, general employees, agents visiting their players. Reaching the training ground, the coach immediately yelled at him for being late. Teammates greeted him with jokes.
Everyone was exactly the same as ten years ago. Did I really travel back in time?
"Alright, after this everyone splits up for medical checkups according to schedule. When you're done, return to your rooms and rest. The match in three days—you need to perform at full strength."
Medical checkup... Could today be...
"Aran, prepare yourself for what the doctor has to say. We found some irregularities with your heart. We're not sure exactly what's wrong, but for safety, we must prohibit all physical activities."
"..."
Aran's heart nearly stopped. His face burned, ears ringing, not wanting to hear another word.
"Don't lose hope yet. This is just a preliminary examination. It might not be as serious as it seems."
"Yes, thank you, doctor." Aran forced a smile and left the room. His heart ached as if the condition was flaring up again. The most painful period of his life had returned.
Damn it. Even knowing it already, I still can't accept it. The truth that I can't play professional football anymore.
He didn't know why, barely believed it, but he needed to curse anyway. You bastard god! This twisted fate is clearly deliberate. Making me lose what I love, then forcing me to relive the pain? How cruel!
After cursing both god and fate for a while, his mind began to cool. Getting angry wouldn't heal this defective heart.
He breathed deeply to calm himself. His throat felt constricted. Seeing a vending machine nearby, he reached into his pocket for coins.
"Hmm? This shape..."
Aran pulled out the mysterious necklace he suspected caused his time travel. He'd removed it during morning practice. When he took off the necklace, the floating system window disappeared too. At first, Aran thought the system window vanishing was good—better not to wear this thing again. But thinking about it, this mysterious necklace might have some use.
Arcana System – Manager Mode
[Aran Akesuriyan]
Manager Rank B
Planning Level B Coaching Level B Game-Changing Level C Player Psychology Level A Offensive Tactics Level B Defensive Tactics Level B Tactical Balance Level A
Players Under Contract: 0
Warning: Recruit at least one player within one week or face penalty mission (Time remaining: 6 days, 10 hours)
"What the hell is this now?!" Aran didn't know whether to be shocked or amused. These messages were startling, but they also made him secretly excited, remembering RPG games he used to sneak-play as a trainee.
"Are these status messages my abilities as a team manager? And what's this warning? Recruit players? If I don't, I'll face punishment? What exactly is this thing?"