C1 Living in Seclusion

"I don't want to renew my contract, Rodriguez," said a young Asian man, interrupting the Spaniard's effusive praise as he sat on the sofa.

"What did you say? Lucian, do you have any complaints about me? Speak up, I'll agree to anything. As long as you stay, is someone trying to poach you? It must be Sporting de Gijón, right?"

"No, Rodriguez, I'm simply exhausted. I no longer wish to play football. I'm going back to my hometown. The money I've made is more than enough for a comfortable life. Thank you for the trust and care you've shown me over these past three years."

With that, he stood, bowed deeply, and left the room without a backward glance, hailing a taxi to take him straight to the airport.

This young man, Lucian, was an ordinary individual from the 21st century. His family wasn't affluent, but he never went hungry. After graduation, he secured a regular job and led an average life. Aside from occasional smoking, drinking, and a passion for novels, Lucian steered clear of the vices that plague many young people. He avoided nightclubs and bars, opting instead for more modest gatherings and karaoke.

Diligent at work, devoted to his parents, and loving to his girlfriend, Lucian was the epitome of a model young man of the new century. Yet one morning, he awoke to find himself transported to 1980s Spain, in the body of a recent Chinese university graduate. It was then that he acquired the "League of Legends System."

By a stroke of fate, he met Rodriguez, the chairman of the Tarragona football club. Lucian, a die-hard football fan in his previous life, had never heard of this club. But with the help of the system, he learned that Tarragona, established in 1913, had been languishing in the Segunda División de España.

It wasn't until the 2005-2006 season that they ascended to La Liga, only to be relegated soon after. With his innovative tactics and the system's assistance, Lucian took on the role of head coach and led Tarragona to victory as league champions, culminating in a triumphant win of the King's Cup.

In his second year, he led the team to La Liga glory, simultaneously retaining the King's Cup and securing the Champions League trophy, achieving a remarkable treble.

In the third year, the current season, he guided the team to defend their trio of titles from the previous year, firmly establishing himself as a dominant force in European football.

Yet, at the pinnacle of his career, the system he relied on unexpectedly crashed. No matter what he tried, he couldn't access it, plunging him into a state of panic. His contract had expired that year, and due to the system's failure, he had been dodging discussions about a renewal.

After half a month with no resolution and the winter break nearing its end, he felt he had no choice but to step down from his coaching role.

Since the body's original owner was an orphan raised in Spain, he faced no issues with his identity. Capitalizing on the millions of euros he'd amassed over three years, he emigrated back to Vispheno.

He settled in a small county town and opened a sports equipment store, where he lived a quiet life. Before he knew it, more than a decade had flown by.

"Boss Lucian, watching football again?" A group of teenagers, sixteen or seventeen years old and clad in jerseys, burst in to greet Lucian.

These kids were all from the local Sandalwood School, the only high school in this small county, and members of the school's football team. Even though it was 2005, the county was still quite underdeveloped.

With only a couple of internet cafes around, playing football and basketball were the main forms of entertainment for these youths. Lucian's store, being the most well-stocked sports equipment shop in the county, was their go-to place for gear.

Most of them came from modest backgrounds, and Lucian, not being short on cash, often let them take what they needed without payment. Many of their fathers had been beneficiaries of his generosity during their school days.

Having returned to Vispheno eighteen years ago, Lucian had watched many of these kids grow up. When he first opened his shop, their parents were not much older than the kids are now. Early marriage was common, especially in smaller towns, so many of the county's residents had grown up under his watchful eye.

Many of them were able to attend classes thanks to his financial support, yet this was a secret to the outside world. Lucian always donated anonymously, sending the money directly to their homes.

"Yeah, I'm watching this year's UEFA Champions League recordings. Why aren't you guys heading home? What brings you here? Have you all finished your homework?"

Lucian paused the video and struck up a conversation with the kids, smiling warmly.

"We're here to seek sponsorship."

A chubby boy, propped up on the counter, grinned as he replied.

His name was Suren, a classic "second-generation footballer." His father had played for the school team, and now Suren was following in his footsteps as a team member himself.

Lucian recalled when he first met Suren's father, who was quite resourceful, scraping together jerseys and shoes, and even meals. Lucian took a liking to him and offered some guidance. After graduation, he started an engineering firm and now was a well-known local tycoon.

"Sponsorship? Your dad is way wealthier than I am. He's a big boss with a fortune in the millions."

Truth be told, Lucian was the wealthiest man in the area. During his eighteen years of seclusion, he hadn't been idle. Despite his lack of business acumen in his previous life, as a "seer," he couldn't resist getting involved.

Over the years, he had invested in various industries, amassing a fortune worth billions. Yet, wealth was not his ambition; to him, money was merely a series of digits.

"Ah, it's not about the money. The citywide high school football tournament is coming up, and we're here to ask for your tactical guidance. Our school's sports teacher just isn't cutting it. With your help, I'm confident we can take home the championship."

"What do you mean? You want me to coach you in football? Don't be ridiculous. Head back home, I've got things to do and need to close up the shop."

With that, he ushered the kids out, firmly closed the door behind them, and locked it from the inside.