Chapter 001: The Rising Star

When I was a child my father always asked me the same question.

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

And I responded with excitement.

"I want to be a great football player!"

That was and always has been my biggest dream for a long time.

However, nowadays that feeling is not as strong as before.

Even with my father's insistence on putting me in countless football schools and the motivation of my dream, I never had enough to get the attention of a professional team.

My talent wasn't good enough, I was way behind those who were the same age as me.

Nowadays I am an ordinary worker who spends most of the day at work. My passion for football still exists, but as a fan.

The England team won the Eurocup!

2 minutes ago | report

Reply

ㄴ William Davies was the highlight of the team again?

1 minute ago | report

ㄴ Yes, I would never have imagined that a naturalized player would become one of the world's promises.

30 seconds ago | report

ㄴ Maybe we're finally seeing Cristiano Ronaldo successor.

30 seconds ago | report

ㄴ Wow. Let's take it easy, it's still too early to say that.

27 seconds ago | report

ㄴ I want to be like William Davies.

1 second ago | edit

William Davies, a player of only 19 years old, is catching the attention of the whole world. He has shown to have an unusual skill compared to players of the same age group.

He was born in another country, but after being signed by a premier league team, he ended up becoming a naturalized Englishman. When asked why he decided to become an English citizen, he replied:

"I'm looking for a challenge. For that, I need companions of a higher level."

The football lovers of your former country were furious, they adored William and were hopeful that he would make the country competitive in a future world cup. But in the end his talent ended up in the hands of a much more powerful selection.

"Hey, stop traveling while looking at your phone, it's closing time."

"Right."

William was an ambitious and arrogant person, but his behavior was always ignored because of his results on the field. As long as he was bringing titles to his club, he wouldn't be criticized.

I understand William's decision, after all, his former country does not reveal players of this level. He probably thinks he was born in the wrong country. However, I would never have the courage to destroy the dreams of countless people to go in search of mine.

Along with William's astonishing rise, countless football-loving youths were being motivated. In a short time, William became one of the most popular people. In one post, someone who had an anonymous profile left a file attached called "Become a Genius." Other people arguing simply ignored the file as if it didn't exist.

"Which?"

With a confused look, I decided to click on the file.

However, nothing happened.

"What the hell?"

I clicked numerous times on the file but it wouldn't open at all.

"Must be some prankster making fun of me."

After getting home, I went straight to my room. If someone walked into this place, that person would be surprised, to say the least. Every wall had countless magazines and newspapers about the most talked about player in the world, William Davies.

『William Davies just received the Golden Boy award!』

『Cristiano Ronaldo refused to talk about him! 』

『William Davies called up to the England senior team! 』

The oldest articles dated back to a few months ago, when his fame started to grow explosively. Of course, his newest articles were under my arms. I will place them firmly together with the others. That was history. The story of the future best player in the world.

As I looked at William's accomplishments around me, my heart warmed and I rubbed my head.

"I want to succeed, I want to be like him!"

I want to be successful enough to make people jealous of me. By becoming successful, I would make an example of everyone who despised or didn't respect me. After giving an example of them, I would say "live right from now on", and afterwards, I would kindly forgive them. I would forgive them — then everyone would praise me for being a man with a big heart.

William Davies!

There are many aspiring players who look up to you and do their best. Tell your fans the key to success in one sentence! Just one piece of advice, please!

If my advice could make them successful, they would succeed at anything. What difference will it make if they succeed anyway?

Still, please say something!

Ah, that's why reporters these days are so… okay. So just a few words.

William Davies shook his head and took a deep breath, while scratching his head, he took the reporter's microphone and said:

Those who are destined for success will be like me.

William looked straight into the camera.

But even if you succeed. Don't try to stand in my way, or your dreams will be crushed.

How it is?

That is all. I have nothing more to say, so don't follow me.

After saying this, William got into his car and drove away, leaving the reporters behind.

After watching this interview, the feeling in my heart was replaced by immense anger. But after a while my heart calmed down and I realized that William was not wrong.

"If I had the ability... I would be like him."

After saying that, I went straight to bed and fell asleep.

But...

While I slept...

Ding! Ding! Ding!

A strange sound repeated itself over and over in my head, along with it, a strong light shone in my eyes.

When I opened them, giant letters were in front of me. These letters formed a familiar phrase.

BECOME A GENIUS!

...