It had been three days since Steve received the mysterious package. Today, he got up early, planning to meet Eric. It had been a long time since he last went outside.
After putting on a white t-shirt and black trousers, he opened his door and walked down the hallway to the apartment's front entrance. When he stepped out, he noticed how different Seoul looked compared to two years ago.
He walked about 50 meters from his apartment until he saw a busy cafe. He glanced at the sign, "Spring Rose," before entering. Finding a spot by the window, he sat down and took out his phone, which buzzed with a message from Eric.
Eric: "You told me to meet you at a cafe, but I didn't catch the name. Which one?"
Steve: "The cafe's name is Spring Rose. Just walk 50 meters from my apartment, and you'll see it."
---
About fifteen minutes after he messaged Eric, he spotted him entering the cafe with a bold smile, scanning the room.
"Hey! If it isn't Steve, the star coach!" Eric said with a grin, approaching Steve's table. Steve gave him a faint smile.
"It's been a long time since I saw you," Steve replied. "Did you manage to look into what I asked for?"
Eric's smile faded slightly. "You haven't seen your friend in two years, and the first thing you bring up is yesterday's request?"
Steve looked apologetic. "I'm really sorry. There's a lot on my mind right now. But I'm happy to see you."
Despite Steve's words, his mind was occupied by the system's message and the time limit on his task. He knew that failing would cost him twice the initial amount—and possibly the system itself.
Eric looked at him, puzzled. Steve seemed different—like a completely new person. "So, about this club you're looking for. Are you some kind of agent now, hunting for bad clubs to buy?" Eric asked.
"I'm not an agent; I'm the one who wants to buy the club," Steve replied seriously.
Eric's eyes widened. He knew Steve hadn't worked in two years. "How are you going to afford a club? That's a huge investment."
Steve hesitated, then replied, "I… started a small business, and I recently got paid. I'm planning to use that money to start fresh." [I can't tell Eric about the system,] he thought. [He'd only make fun of me.]
"Okay," Eric said, still skeptical. "Well, there's a club called Ridge City FC. They're in bad financial shape and have been losing most of their matches. When the manager put the club up for sale, no one wanted it."
"That's exactly the kind of club I'm looking for!" Steve said, his voice filled with excitement.
After Eric finished his coffee, he told Steve he had to leave for work. Steve remained, slowly sipping his coffee. Suddenly, a notification popped up:
---
[Side Mission: Mission complete – Tell a friend you're not a pushover.]
Reward: Beginner Management Insight [Provides basic statistics on player abilities and team potential.]
---
Steve was shocked when the system message appeared. He glanced around nervously, wondering if anyone else could see it.
[Host, other people cannot see me except you, so don't worry. You can open your status window to view your stats.]
"Status window, open," he whispered.
---
Name: Steve Watson
Level: 1
Current Funds: $20,000,000
Experience Points (EXP): 0 / 500
Attributes:
Strength: 3
Charm: 5
Stamina: 4
Intelligence: 6
Luck: 3
Skills:
Beginner Management Insight
Unique Skill: Locked
---
"I'm really weak… my strength is only 3, and my luck is no better," he muttered.
Steve rose from his seat, paid the bill, and smiled at the cafe owner on his way out. As he walked down the street looking for a taxi to take him to the Football Association, a car suddenly sped past him. It screeched to a halt, kicking up dust that coated Steve from head to toe.