"You! You're the only person in the entire history of football to reach the Cosmic Immortal level? I... I can't believe it!"
Ace slowly started to examine the man standing before him. He wore royal, old-fashioned clothes, like something from a forgotten empire. His face looked mature—somewhere around forty—but there was no sign of weakness. His body was absurdly muscular, even through the fabric. His shoulders were perfectly broad, and his long, dense hair was tied neatly into a man bun.
The man smirked. "Hey, done scanning me with your eyes?"
"Oh! Sorry... I was just observing your appearance. Can I ask you a question?"
Sanjoo nodded. "Yeah. Ask anything."
"I was listening carefully to everything you said. I kind of understand the concept of the system now. But... why me? Why did the system choose someone like me?"
Sanjoo crossed his arms. "First of all, my name is Sanjoo Kuroishiva. Drop the honorifics, kid. Second, I can't tell you that. Or rather... I don't know either."
"What? You don't know? But you're my mentor and part of the system, aren't you? Shouldn't you know something like that?"
Sanjoo chuckled. "Didn't think you'd argue so well. You're right—I'm part of the system. But I only have about 5% of my memories. Don't ask why. I have no idea. What I do know is this: as you level up and your talent grows, I'll start to recover my memories. And eventually, you'll know why the system chose you."
Ace looked intrigued. "Okay... that's interesting. Please, tell me more."
"I will," Sanjoo said. "But first, look at the system message on your screen. Clap your hands to open the window."
Ace clapped his hands, and the message appeared:
> Do you want to become the Monster of Football? (Yes / No)
Ace turned to him. "What should I pick? And... what does 'Monster of Football' even mean?"
Sanjoo smiled faintly. "It's your choice. Being a monster means becoming something beyond imagination. A player far outside anyone's league. But before you choose, answer this: what's your true goal?"
Ace paused. "I... haven't really decided. A few minutes ago, all I could think about was revenge."
"Revenge, huh?" Sanjoo muttered. "Yeah, the system can help you with that. But I don't recommend it. Revenge is like fire—it burns everything, especially the one holding it. No one is born evil. People become villains when pain and emotion go unchecked. Remember this: every villain is just a broken hero."
He stepped forward. "You can do more than just chase revenge. You could change the world of football."
Ace took a breath, steadied himself, and pressed Yes.
> (Twing)
[NEW QUEST: Touch the ball at the football field]
"What?!"
Ace's surroundings shifted instantly. The orphanage disappeared—and he was suddenly standing on a massive football field.
"This really is like a game. First quest seems easy enough—just touch the ball."
He walked toward the ball. But just as he was about to reach it, a strong gust of wind blew through the field. A shadow loomed ahead.
The ball was gone.
It was now resting at Sanjoo's foot.
Sanjoo gave a twisted grin. "Welcome to my world, player. Welcome to the Field of the Celestial Dragon."
Ace froze. "He's so fast... No one I've seen—no S-Class player—can move like that."
Still, he clenched his fists. "Doesn't matter. I'll give it everything."
He charged at Sanjoo.
But just as he neared, Sanjoo vanished.
"What the hell?!"
"Yoohoo! Kiddo, I'm over here!" Sanjoo waved from the far end of the field.
Ace was stunned. "How?! That's not just speed... That's like teleportation. No—it's godlike movement."
Sanjoo shouted again, "Stop wasting time! If the timer runs out, the consequences won't be pleasant."
"Timer? What timer?!"
A window popped up before Ace's eyes:
> [Remaining Time: 10 Minutes]
"What?! I had only 30 minutes for this quest?! This is insane! How am I supposed to steal a ball from a Z++ class?!"
He took a breath. "No. No more excuses. I've got to try."
Ace tried once.
Failed.
He tried again.
Failed again.
Over and over, five... six... seven times.
Each time, Sanjoo danced away like wind. Untouchable.
Finally, Sanjoo folded his arms and looked amused.
"Your skill level is garbage. But your willpower... That's S-Class at least. Still, rules are rules."
> [NOTICE: TIME'S UP. PLAYER FAILED TO COMPLETE QUEST]
[PUNISHMENT QUEST ACTIVATED]