Guaranteed Goal Card

"Damn, keep going."

"Damn it again, keep going."

After three consecutive "Thanks for Participating" messages, Ethan was starting to lose it. He muttered to himself, "Is this system messing with me?"

How can the odds be this low?

Did EA have a hand in developing this program?

Despite his complaints, Ethan kept on with the lottery.

Finally, after the fifth "Thanks for Participating," Ethan hit the jackpot.

[You have won a bottle of Viagra]

What the heck is this?

Ethan stared in disbelief, rubbing his eyes, wondering if he was seeing things.

"Fuck! I wanted shooting skills, not... this!"

And seriously, I'm strong enough on my own,I don't need this stuff.

With a look of disdain, Ethan listlessly started reading about the effects of "Viagra."

His expression shifted from surprise to delight.

It really is the little blue pill!!!

According to the system, just one of these pills could bring his body back to peak condition within five minutes.

For Ethan, who was desperate to boost his skills, this was like a godsend.

With the amount in one bottle, he could train nonstop for a week without any trouble.

"Let's keep going with the lottery."

Ethan was all fired up, seemingly having forgotten the cruel reality of the system's low odds.

It wasn't until he was down to his last ticket that he snapped back to reality.

He glanced at the system's storage space, then tears involuntarily started to flow.

19 tickets for just 2 bottles of Viagra? Are you kidding me?

Whatever, it's just one ticket left.

As the wheel spun, a golden card appeared under the pointer.

[You have won an SSS-level skill: Guaranteed Goal Card]

[Use this skill, and your next shot on goal will definitely score]

[Note: Can only be used once a day]

"Holy shit!"

Ethan almost couldn't hold back a burst of ecstatic laughter.

Learning this skill meant he could be like Cristiano Ronaldo, starting every game with a 1:0 advantage?

Just with this, he had the credentials to play in the top leagues.

Though thrilled and pumped, Ethan didn't let this cloud his judgment.

His ultimate goal in his soccer career was far beyond just making it in the top leagues.

There was also the pressing issue of his short-term contract with Real Madrid.

No one wants to be stuck with a short-term contract, even if it's with Real Madrid.

He needed enough playtime and the coach's trust, as well as respect from the club.

...

At the post-match interview, a curvy blonde raised a question, "What do you think about Ethan's performance tonight, and will he be starting the next game?"

Zidane chuckled, not hiding his surprise, "Honestly, I had given up on the match and subbed Modric out just to give him some rest."

"We have a tough season ahead, especially with the Champions League. I need to protect every player as much as possible."

"Ethan's performance tonight speaks for itself. As for whether he starts the next game, every player at Real Madrid has a chance to be in the starting lineup."

"Thank you for your answer."

The blonde then turned the topic to Cristiano Ronaldo, "With Ethan scoring two free kicks tonight, have you considered giving up some of your free-kick duties?"

Cristiano shook his head, smiling, "For now, I'm still the first choice for free kicks, but I've never been afraid of competition."

"There are rumors that Real Madrid's president, Pérez, is considering terminating Ethan's contract. What's your take on that?"

Cristiano set aside his Coke, then laughed, "As a player, that's not for me to worry about, but I do hope Ethan stays. Great players should play for great teams."

In the office of the Real Madrid president.

Florentino Pérez stared at Ethan's file on his desk, silent, deep in thought.

Just moments ago, he had received countless calls—from Valencia, Atlético Madrid, and other clubs across the leagues.

It seemed like everyone had conspired to subtly inquire about Ethan's situation.

Even the president of Barcelona, Bartomeu, was among them.

As a seasoned rival, Florentino knew exactly what they were plotting.

They were considering making a move for Ethan.

An hour ago, he would have agreed without hesitation, even considering giving Ethan away for free.

But now, he was having second thoughts.

Ethan's performance tonight was so stellar that it made him consider keeping him at Real Madrid.

However, the evaluation report on his desk spoke of mediocrity—extreme mediocrity.

After much deliberation, he still preferred to trust the cold hard numbers and decided to sell Ethan.

Ethan's recent performance could at least serve as leverage to hike up the price.

He dialed the president of Valencia, Gary Neville.

"Hey, Neville, I think we can talk about Ethan."

"Pérez, I was just thinking the same."

After some negotiation, they agreed on a transfer fee of one million euros.

Neville chuckled over the phone, "Thank you, Pérez. I think this will be a win-win deal."

...

In the Real Madrid locker room.

Ethan was about to get up for a shower when his phone rang with an unknown number.

He was surprised, thinking he didn't really have friends in Europe.

Could it be someone who watched the game and wanted to sign him?

"Hello, who is this?"

"Hello, Ethan, this is Gary Neville, president of Valencia. I apologize for the sudden call."

Neville paused, then continued, "I watched the game. You're an outstanding player, and Valencia needs someone like you. Have you considered leaving Real Madrid?"

"To be honest, I'm quite torn."

Ethan pondered for a moment, "Playing for Real Madrid is every player's dream, but I need more playing time right now, so I haven't decided yet."

"Don't worry about that."

Neville laughed, sounding confident, "If you join us, you'll get plenty of playing time. And if you perform well, it's not impossible to consider you as a key player in midfield."

Why does every club president in the world love to make such promises?

Ethan silently criticized, thinking this promise was a bit too much.

"Thank you, President, I'll seriously consider your offer, but I'm not ready to make a decision just yet."

Actually, Ethan's mind was already leaning towards Valencia, but he wanted to wait and see what Real Madrid had to say.

If he could be a top substitute, combined with his Guaranteed Goal Card, becoming a starter was just a matter of time.

Neville seemed to read his thoughts, "Before coming here, I spoke with Florentino, and he didn't plan to keep you. He chose to sell you to Valencia."

"We've already agreed on the terms, but out of respect, I wanted to ask for your opinion. If you really don't want to play for Valencia, I can cancel the deal."

Businessmen can be so ruthless.

Ethan clenched his teeth internally, feeling a fire ignite within him.

Even though it was just a short-term contract, he had fought for Real Madrid and scored two crucial goals in a dire situation, preserving the club's dignity.

Yet, they still chose to sell him, not even giving him a chance to negotiate.

Utterly heartless.

Just then, a member of the Real Madrid management team found him in the locker room.

A portly middle-aged man with an expressionless face approached him.

"Sorry, Ethan, the team needs to bring in new players, so we have to trade you."

"Your next club will be Valencia, a very decent team. I think you'll like it there."

Ethan glanced at the man, turned, and walked away.

"Hello, President Neville, I think we need to talk."