c2 - The Big Star Teasing System
Just as Vardy was still processing the mind-boggling reality of his transmigration, another surprise followed a golden finger! And while the bathroom might not be the most dignified place for a life-altering event, who cared?
"Ding! The Big Star Teasing System has been successfully bound!"
An electronically synthesized voice echoed in his mind.
Considering he had already crossed into another life, Vardy wasn't too fazed by the arrival of a system. If anything, it was almost expected.
"Ding! The host's body and technical transformation are in progress. Please do not interrupt… Repeat, do not interrupt… Interruption at your own risk…"
A bizarre sensation swept through his body, a tingling itch akin to thousands of ants crawling over his skin. It wasn't painful just uncomfortable.
Vardy let it happen, trusting his rough nerves to endure whatever was coming. He was just about to complain when another notification popped up.
"Transformation complete. Trial version activated."
"System task: Enter a top club's youth academy."
"Mission reward: Offensive Trait – Super Sub (Lv1)."
"Warning: If the task is not completed within one month, the system will automatically unbind and search for a new host."
A series of system prompts filled his mind, making him pause.
So the system wasn't his yet? He had to complete a test before it fully bound to him?
And what did "Teasing" mean?
He hadn't fully grasped the significance of that last part, too focused on his excitement over acquiring a system. Perhaps, if he had paid closer attention, he wouldn't have been so optimistic…
His body and technical abilities had clearly been upgraded, though he wasn't sure to what extent. At the very least, he should now have the skill level of a professional footballer. Staying in the squad shouldn't be an issue but time was.
Despite his curiosity, Vardy suddenly realized he had been in the bathroom for too long. If he didn't return to the bench soon, his teammates might start spreading wild rumors about him.
The Reality of Stokesbridge Park Steels
Vardy returned to the bench with a slightly uncertain expression. By now, he had fully processed where he was Stokesbridge Park Steels, the club where his football journey had truly begun.
In his previous life, this was where Jamie Vardy first entered the world of professional football. He had been promoted from the youth team but was still an unknown, earning a mere £30 per week and yet to make his first-team debut.
Today's match was a preseason friendly, though Vardy hadn't paid much attention to the opponent. With the squad's limited strength, there was no way they could be playing against a professional league side even a League Two team would be out of their reach.
"You took your sweet time in there! God knows what you were doing. Had another meal, did you?" A voice next to him snapped.
Vardy turned and recognized the speaker David, his teammate and best friend from the youth setup. The two had been promoted together, though they played vastly different positions. Vardy was a forward, while David was a center-back. Both were fringe players, yet to earn their first senior minutes.
Vardy smirked. "Well, the consistency was good,no constipation issues at least."
David turned away, gagging. "Jesus, Vardy, you're disgusting."
Ignoring him, Vardy shifted his focus back to the pitch.
The Need to Move Up
David sighed. "This team is hopeless. The forwards have no vision, the defenders rely on physicality, and if the opponent had any real quality, we'd be getting thrashed."
But Vardy wasn't listening. His mind was occupied with one thing how to complete his system mission.
In his previous life, Vardy's rise to the top had been legendary, but he had only made it to the Premier League at 27, and peaked at 30. Now, with a system backing him, he didn't need to wait that long.
This was his chance to become a star sooner.
He wasn't about to spend years grinding his way through the lower leagues if he could accelerate his growth.
"System, what's the definition of a 'top club'?" he asked mentally.
The response came instantly.
"Giants are defined by their history and achievements. Currently, in England, only two clubs are true giants: Manchester United and Liverpool. There is also one quasi-giant: Arsenal. Entering the youth setup of any of these clubs will complete your task. If the host can join a similar-level club in another country, the task will also be deemed complete."
Vardy nodded. That made sense.
Manchester United and Liverpool were England's most successful clubs. Arsenal had just won the 2003-04 Premier League without losing a single game The Invincibles.
Chelsea wasn't mentioned and that was no surprise. At this point in time, Roman Abramovich had just bought the club, and José Mourinho hadn't yet arrived. They weren't considered among the elite not yet.
So to complete his task, he needed to join the youth system of one of those three clubs.
The Scout in the Stands
As Vardy contemplated his next move, he had no idea that a scout from a professional club was watching the match from the stands.
He was still busy debating between Manchester United and Arsenal, completely unaware that an opportunity was already presenting itself.
"Damn it! Are you all focused on women instead of football?! If we lose this game, you're all doing extra physical training next week!"
The head coach of Stokesbridge Park Steels had turned into a full-blown ranting maniac on the sidelines, berating the team after conceding a goal.
The players on the pitch shrank back, avoiding eye contact. It wasn't their fault the squad simply wasn't good enough.
Was the coach acting like this because the opposing team's manager had stolen his wife or something?
David nudged Vardy. "This is your chance. Our striker's useless. If you get on, you might actually do something."
Vardy glanced at the pitch. David wasn't wrong.
Stokesbridge Park Steels were struggling to contain their opponent, pinned back and forced to play on the counter. But with a slow, target-man type striker, their counterattacks kept breaking down.
This was Vardy's moment.
Now, it was just a matter of whether the coach would put him in.