c13 - The Official System
The hotel was spotless, and Vardy lay on the bed, ensuring no one would disturb him before eagerly exploring the official version of the Big Star Tease System, or simply the Tease System.
Only now did he fully grasp the system's bizarre name.
As the title suggested, the system nurtured star players but with a twist. To truly thrive under this system, one had to embrace the art of teasing. The system seemed more interested in crafting an entertainer than a footballer, as if it wanted to turn him into the next Eric Cantona rather than the next Ruud van Nistelrooy.
His body had already been enhanced during the trial version, and the official version offered no further physical boosts. Vardy, however, had prepared himself for this.
His successful induction into Manchester United's youth academy had earned him system rewards, and he now explored the newly unlocked features.
The Characteristics section comprised four categories: Psychological, Physical, Offensive, and Defensive. Whether there were hidden characteristics, the system did not disclose.
Each characteristic ranged from Lv1 to Lv5, requiring Feature Points for upgrades. The system provided these points based on achievements and performances.
To Vardy, this resembled unlocking skills in a football video game. Once a skill was activated and leveled up, its potential would fully blossom.
One of his rewards included the "Super Sub" (Lv1) characteristic, which boosted a substitute's overall performance after entering the match. However, at Lv1, the impact was likely minimal.
The system then issued missions, which, upon completion, awarded Feature Points for upgrades.
Interestingly, teasing wasn't just for system-assigned tasks; autonomous teasing jokes, antics, or cheeky behavior could also yield rewards. The system periodically assessed his actions, assigning Feature Points based on their impact and creativity.
From this moment on, Vardy realized he was destined to walk the fine line between footballing excellence and theatrical mischief.
He then reviewed his latest system mission:
System Task: Find three teammates willing to help you get dressed.
Reward: Unlocking the System Store + 1 Feature Point.
Vardy nearly choked reading it.
Who in their right mind needed teammates to dress them?
The idea of burly defenders like Ryan Shawcross helping him pull up his socks was nightmare fuel. Even if nobody misinterpreted his intentions, he doubted he could maintain a straight face.
However, the System Store intrigued him. What treasures might it hold? This task was too valuable to ignore even if it meant swallowing his pride.
Then came a bitter realization.
System Restriction: In the Manchester United Youth Academy, all of the host's attributes are reduced by 10%. Furthermore, system tasks cannot be completed, and teasing behavior will not be rewarded.
The logic was cruel but straightforward.
Even if a player was naturally gifted, they wouldn't stand out in the obscurity of a youth academy. A talent buried in the academy was as good as unseen.
Thus, Vardy's first goal was crystal clear: he had to break into the first team—only then could the system be fully utilized.
Easier said than done.
A quick glance at Manchester United's forward options painted a daunting picture.
Ruud van Nistelrooy – The ultimate poacher, an assassin in the box.
Louis Saha – The explosive French striker, once the talisman at Fulham.
Alan Smith – The tenacious, aggressive forward who had already made waves at Leeds United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær – The legendary super-sub with a lethal touch.
Diego Forlán – The Uruguayan sniper who had struggled at Old Trafford but would later claim the European Golden Shoe.
Giuseppe Rossi – The highly-rated Italian-American prodigy, already dazzling in the reserves.
With a lineup this deep, Ferguson didn't even need to look at the youth academy for striking reinforcements. His biggest challenge was already figuring out how to rotate these stars.
Vardy sighed. His future at Manchester United looked bleak, not because of his ability but due to a lack of opportunities.
Still, sulking wouldn't help. He would work harder, train smarter, and seize any opening he got.
The Next Morning
Langley's car pulled up in front of the hotel just as Vardy finished breakfast.
"Jamie, how was your night? The club will find you a host family soon, but for now, why not stay at my place?" Langley offered.
Before Vardy could answer, the hotel owner's booming voice cut in from upstairs.
"Damn it, Drake! Are you trying to steal my guest? How could he not rest well here?"
Vardy wisely stayed out of this battle of middle-aged egos.
Once their playful bickering ended, he climbed into Langley's car, heading towards Carrington.
On the drive, Langley briefed him on his assignment.
"You'll be placed in the U18 squad," Langley explained. "Most of your teammates will be around your age. Your job is to build a solid foundation here before progressing."
Langley continued hyping up the U18 team, but Vardy, with memories from his past life, knew the hard truth—since the Class of '92, United's academy had struggled to produce true world-class talents.
The team's coach, Paul McGuinness, was responsible for the 17–21 age group. Unlike the laid-back Langley, McGuinness exuded intensity. He gave Vardy a cold, assessing look.
No warm welcome, no smile.
Did this guy have a personal grudge against Langley? Or did he just dislike new players?
Vardy had a sinking feeling—his youth career at Manchester United might be rough.
Inside the Locker Room
Stepping into the dressing room, Vardy immediately recognized several familiar faces:
Tom Cleverley – A technically gifted midfielder with great work ethic.
Ryan Shawcross – The future Stoke City captain, a no-nonsense center-back.
Jonny Evans – A highly-rated defender who would later cement himself in United's first team.
Danny Simpson – A tough full-back, destined for a Premier League-winning season with Leicester City.
This squad had quality. While they wouldn't dominate world football like Beckham, Scholes, and Giggs, many would go on to have respectable careers.
Taking a deep breath, Vardy addressed the room.
"Hey everyone, I'm Jamie Vardy. Just joined today."
A brief silence. Then, a few claps—more out of politeness than excitement.
Vardy smirked. He wasn't here to impress them yet.
He would let his footballand his teasing do the talking.