C11 Discussion

Lucian graciously declined the old man's offer and left the field. Watching Lucian's retreating figure, Wayne sighed deeply, as if lamenting what might have been for Lucian.

Lucian wasn't trying to put on airs; he knew the system was undergoing an upgrade, which meant it would eventually reboot. Therefore, his focus had shifted from the current competition to returning to Europe, to rejoin the world's premier football leagues.

His reluctance to coach in the Super League wasn't out of disdain for the national football team; rather, he found himself amidst the darkest era of the team, with rampant match-fixing and biased refereeing. He had no desire to subject himself to such frustration.

Given his temperament, coaching in the Super League could easily lead to confrontations with referees, possibly even physical altercations, although he had never actually come to blows. His battles in Europe were verbal, with the media and opposing teams.

But rushing back to Europe wasn't a pressing issue. After an eighteen-year absence from the European football scene, Lucian suspected few would remember him. He needed to gauge the current climate before making his move.

On the bus, the players looked utterly dejected, not at all like victors. They resembled a band of defeated soldiers returning from a lost battle, bracing for the consequences.

Observing their mood, Lucian stood up and clapped his hands.

"What's with all the long faces? Why does everyone look as though we've lost? We won! We're the victors! We trounced Millenium High four-nil—a tremendous victory! You should be thrilled!"

"But we're going to be disqualified," Suren lamented, his normally plump and cheerful cheeks now contorted in distress.

"And what of it?" Lucian challenged. "Tell me, why do you play football? Is it merely for the sake of an amateur league ranking? Or do you love the game, yearning for victory on the pitch, seeking the thrill and joy that come with scoring?"

Lucian's gaze swept over the players as he clenched his right fist and held it aloft.

"If your only goal is to succeed in an amateur competition, then I have nothing more to say. But if you aspire to be professionals, to play on the professional stage, then lift your heads high!"

"I will take you onto the professional league's field and turn you into international superstars, like Ronaldo and Beckham!"

It's often said that teenagers are the most impulsive among us, hence the term 'hot-blooded youth.' Lucian's words ignited a fire in these kids, instantly dispelling their earlier despondency.

"Lucian, are you serious? Can we really become football stars?"

Suren gazed at Lucian, eyes alight with hope and anticipation.

"Absolutely. As long as you have the desire to play and you follow my guidance, I'll make you into the world's top superstars!"

Lucian wasn't just talking big. With the system he had, which included a feature to unlock human potential, it wasn't out of reach. However, the potential varied from person to person.

This meant that among these kids, only Suren and a couple of others had the chance to become top-tier players. The rest, even with their potential unlocked, would likely peak at the Vispheno Football Association League 1 level, with a few possibly making it to the Super League, but that's as far as they could go.

Even if Lucian managed to take them all to Europe, they'd mostly end up in lower leagues; the Five Leagues were out of the question. Talent can indeed be cruelly unfair at times.

Back at his shop, Lucian reached out to his contacts to probe the interest of various European clubs. Being a billionaire, he had ample means to connect with the European football scene.

Unexpectedly, an unforeseen event meant his return to European football would be postponed by several months.

In the Onaginia provincial football association's emergency meeting room, officials were in heated discussion over Sandalwood School's eligibility and Millenium High's performance. Tension hung thick in the air.

"I maintain that Sandalwood School was eligible at the time of registration. Their teacher, Rhys, only resigned before the tournament began, so I believe we should uphold their right to compete."

Moses had a favorable view of Lucian and had witnessed Sandalwood School's potential firsthand. Convinced of their championship prospects, he was inclined to give the school a fighting chance.

Additionally, Abram's three talented proteges were truly exceptional. Should they deliver even better performances in the upcoming matches, it's certain that more powerful teams would seek to recruit them, paving the way for a much brighter future in their careers.

This is precisely why he remained steadfast in advocating for Sandalwood School. Yet, the Football Association wasn't a one-man show, and with over a dozen vice presidents like himself within the provincial football association, some of whom were staunch allies, the meeting had dragged on for three hours without reaching a conclusion.

"Moses, your point is well-taken, but we must adhere to the rules. If this situation had arisen mid-competition, perhaps we could consider making an exception. However, as you've mentioned, their original head coach resigned before the tournament began, which complicates matters," said Madison, a vice president of the provincial football association. He and the head coach of No. 120 High's school team were old classmates with a strong bond, and No. 120 High was a formidable team with several Super League players among its alumni.

Like Millenium High, No. 120 High was a favorite to win the championship. Madison and Moses typically didn't see eye to eye, and given Madison's desire to avoid introducing a strong rival to his old friend's team, he was naturally inclined to push for Sandalwood School's disqualification with all his might.

"Madison, don't pretend I'm unaware of your motives. Everyone here is well aware of your connection with Liu Nan from No. 120 High. You're simply worried that Sandalwood School's prowess might overshadow No. 120 and snatch the championship away.

I'll have you know, even without Sandalwood School in the mix, Liu Nan's team wouldn't stand a chance at the championship. Millenium High, Eleventh High—any of them are stronger contenders than No. 120!" Moses retorted.

Truth be told, if Madison hadn't bungled things, Sandalwood School's eligibility would have been revoked long ago, sparing us this three-hour debate. At the meeting's outset, the consensus was nearly unanimous in favor of disqualifying Sandalwood School.

However, Madison's faction proposed a compromise to retain the current competition results, which immediately swayed those who were initially in favor of Millenium High, causing them to switch sides.