Everyone knows that the biggest obstacle in competitive sports is injury. But injuries shouldn't only be treated when they happen—they must be prevented and managed consistently.
After every game, players undergo recovery training and treatment. This includes, but is not limited to, light cycling to relax muscles, ice baths, massages, and more. Just like pre-game warmups are necessary to activate the muscles, post-game cooldowns are equally important to prevent inflammation and future injuries.
It's no exaggeration to say that post-game recovery is as crucial as pre-game warmups.
The Recovery Boost Card Lance had just drawn played exactly that role. Initially, Lance thought it was meant for injury recovery, but after carefully reading the description, he realized it enhanced recovery after every training session and game, improving the results of his post-game recovery training.
In simple terms, it's like a card that boosts injury prevention.
A pleasant little surprise!
Although he didn't draw a player template card, which was a bit disappointing, Lance was actually more satisfied with the Recovery Boost Card.
First, it answered a lingering question—
There is a third type of card that brings entirely new features.
Second, this card was exactly what Lance needed at the moment. Its importance was no less than the Injury Risk Reduction Card.
With the season nearing its end, both physically and mentally, Lance was being tested to the limit. As someone new to football, he was keenly feeling the pressure. The intensity, tension, strain, and stress were beyond anything he'd ever experienced—not even in mixed martial arts or cross-country running.
The concept of physical endurance was becoming increasingly clear.
Especially after the game against LSU, Lance felt a level of exhaustion he had never experienced before.
It's no wonder that as seasons progress, injuries become more frequent in sports like football and basketball, and with the aggressive nature of football, it's even worse.
At this crucial point in the season, drawing the Recovery Boost Card felt like perfect timing. It directly addressed a key concern for Lance.
And it was a five-fold boost!
Even without a direct comparison, based on the other two enhancement cards, it was clear that this card was of immense value.
Without hesitation, Lance equipped the card immediately.
With that, all three card slots were filled. But it sparked even more curiosity: Can the slots be expanded? If not, will he have to make tough decisions in the future? And if there's a third type of enhancement card, could there be a fourth or fifth?
Excited by the new possibilities, Lance felt a renewed sense of motivation for the upcoming training sessions and games.
His steps grew lighter, and soon he noticed a well-dressed figure standing outside the dormitory. The man, impeccably dressed in a suit, straightened up and adjusted his jacket upon spotting Lance, offering a polite smile as he stepped forward.
It was clear that he had come specifically for Lance, and he wasn't trying to hide it.
More importantly, he had an unmistakably Chinese face.
He had neat, slightly graying hair, gentle features, and a shy smile. It seemed like he was a bit self-conscious about his teeth, as he didn't open his mouth fully when he smiled.
Even though all Asians might look similar to some, Lance could tell right away that this man was of Chinese descent.
Lance didn't slow his pace, but the gray-haired gentleman took a half-step forward, greeting him without obstructing his path. With a smile, he introduced himself.
"Lance, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Donald Yee, a sports agent."
As he spoke, he handed Lance his business card.
Lance wasn't surprised. In the past month, he had already received business cards from more than a dozen agents.
Although the NCAA strictly prohibits agents from approaching players, everyone knows it's impossible to enforce fully. As long as agents don't bribe players or their families or make any verbal agreements, just meeting and talking is overlooked by most.
In fact, players are allowed to sign with agents immediately after the national championship game. But no agent waits that long to make their move. The battle for players intensifies during the championship, testing both the agent's insight and decision-making.
Even though Lance was a running back, a position currently undervalued in the NFL, and even though this was only his first year playing football—
Agents still had their eyes on him.
And it wasn't just a few. The number of opportunistic agents was much higher than expected.
At first, Lance had been a little excited, feeling like a life-changing opportunity was right in front of him. But he quickly calmed down. These agents might not really think he was special; they were just casting a wide net, hoping to catch an unsuspecting "rabbit."
Soon, Lance regained his composure—
If, and it was still a big if, Lance decided to go pro and build a new life around football, a sports agent would be crucial.
As mentioned before, the current market for running backs in the league was pretty grim. If Lance wanted to break through, shattering those barriers and moving beyond the limitations of the position, just performing well wouldn't be enough. He would need an exceptional agent.
An agent he could trust.
But Lance wasn't in a rush.
He knew that as long as he continued to perform well, better and better agents would come to him. The truly top-tier players were always the ones who held the power of choice.
And now, here was another agent.
What surprised Lance was that the man in front of him was Chinese.
In the world of football, you rarely see Chinese faces—whether on the field or off. Lance had never encountered a Chinese sports agent before.
After glancing at the business card, Lance gave a polite smile, then tucked the card into his pocket.
"Thank you. I'll consider it."
With that, Lance kept walking, showing no extra interest just because the man was Chinese.
"No problem, Lance. If you have any questions, feel free to call me anytime, 24/7."
The gray-haired gentleman didn't follow him but stood in place, calling out after him.
And that was it.
Lance was surprised. Despite telling himself not to be too trusting, his steps slowed, and he glanced back. The man was still standing there, smiling warmly, as if he had known Lance would stop and turn around.
That smile made Lance laugh. After hesitating for a moment, he finally spoke.
"So, was that reverse psychology?"
The gray-haired gentleman spread his hands. "Old trick, but effective."
So, he admitted it.
There was no hesitation or denial. Standing tall, the gentleman met Lance's gaze with a calm smile.
"At least now, we have the chance to talk, right?"
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Powerstones?
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