From Reject to Legend

It was just another ordinary day in my regular life. Finished another day of work in a minimum wage hell. Going home from work while music is playing in my headphones. I guess that's the reason why I didn't see Truck Kun heading my way.

Splat!

Yeah, I was dead.

End of story!

Yeah, that would have been hilarious. But it seems fate had other plans for me. But why am I transmigrated to the body of a teenager ? What kind of place is this? That's when typical headaches that accompanied with memories were shoved in my head.

The person I am currently is called Adriano Riveiro. Well, I guess I'm him now , and I should accept it. He was an aspiring Portuguese football star, who got ruined due to an injury during his time in La Masia. He tore his Achilles tendon after a bad tackle , same as Beckham. They analyzed that he wouldn't be able to play football again probably, and decided to severe the contract with a minimum amount of $1 million.

He went back to Portugal, broken hearted. His parents spent everything they had for his treatment. They supported him when nobody did. Even his girlfriend left him because he was a depressed mess. Yet it wasn't enough.

After they almost lost everything, this guy thought he was burdening his parents, but yet he refused to give up on his dreams of playing football . Faced with the difficulties, he chose to end his life .

What's wrong with him! I would have given up everything to have such loving and supportive parents! I never met mine in previous life, being an orphan and all.

He didn't even think how it would hurt them if he died. It's alright, I'll fix it. I'll be a good son to them, it's the least I can do after all.

But first, what should I do now with this new chance ?

Ding! System is loading ....1%....10%.....50%....100%. Loading completed. Welcome to the King of Football system. The system is here to assist you in fulfilling your dream to become a football legend of all times! 

Seriously? But I don't want to be a footballer! I almost exclaimed. I had bad memories of breaking my leg while playing football as a kid. Which made me suffer for years and walk with a limp. Well, I did love football, but I didn't have the skills or talent, not to mention damaged leg. But this is too much work! Just when I got out of minimum wage hell, I get to work more!

Why isn't this some 1000% rebate or a supreme harem system ! I complained internally. I could just turn my brain off and have fun, throw around money or some shit.

Would the host like to receive the starter pack rather than daydreaming ? The cold voice of the system rang in my ears. Did its tone just change?

Well, if life gives you lemons, you squeeze them, I guess, in the hopes it will be melons next. I chose accept, and a bright flash appeared, which almost blinded me. 

Ding! The host has received the template of Peak Toni Kroos and Pavel Nedved. Their skills and physical traits would be fused with the host! Host should thank his luck.

Damn! It hurts so bad. Are you trying to take revenge for my previous remarks?

The system has no idea what the host means. Please note that the system has no consciousness. The tone was almost smug!

Just my luck ! After writhing for about a few minutes, the pain subsided. I was then greeted with the display of my new profile.

Neme: Adriano Riveiro

Age 17

Nationality: Portuguese and Brazilian

height: 5 feet 11 inch

weight: 72 kg

Status : Healthy ( Recent recovery from injury)

Template: Toni Kroos and Pavel Nedved

Traits: Laser guided pass, Midfield Maestro, Iron Physique, Dual Footed

Shooting 85

Passsing 95

Dribbling 70

Speed 85

Stamina 92

Defense 60

Strength 88

Skills 80

Free Kick 85

Inury resistance 85 

Match fitness: 80

Assessment : A star in the making. Has potential to be one of the greatest midfielders of this generation. Needs experience to grow further.

I whistled excitedly. These stats are pretty decent, but I still needed to play more to gather experience and get used to them.

I stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself. I had slick black hair and clear blue eyes with a slightly tanned complexion. Definitely much better than what I used to look. I have decided. If I'm gonna be Adriano , I'm gonna do it well. I'll fulfill your wish to be the greatest footballer. With this system and the skills I have, I will become a legend. 

As if right on cue there was another chime.

Ding! Initial rewards are distributed. System will be shutting down until host wins a major trophy like league championship, world cup, or champions league. Host will unlock next template upon completion of the quest.

Oh well, very sad. Anyway, if I can't achieve anything after getting these skills and attributes, I should just give up. I'll have to rely on myself. But that's another matter, I'll deal with it tomorrow morning. Now it's time to sleep.

Next morning, I woke up slowly, taking in my surroundings. The room was simple, with a small bed, a wooden desk cluttered with football magazines and notebooks, and a poster of Cristiano Ronaldo glued to the wall. The faint scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the aroma of warm bread. It was a humble home, but it felt alive, filled with the warmth of people who cared for one another.

As I sat there, absorbing the weight of it all, a soft knock on the door pulled him out of his thoughts. "Adri? Are you awake?" came his mother's voice, gentle and filled with concern.

"Yeah, Mom. I'm up," he replied, his voice still rough from sleep.

The door creaked open, and Rosa Riveiro stepped inside, carrying a tray with a steaming cup of coffee and a plate of freshly baked bread. She was a petite woman with warm brown eyes and a kind smile, though the lines on her face spoke of the struggles she had endured. Her hair was tied back in a loose bun, and she wore a simple apron over her clothes.

Despite the hardships, there was a quiet strength in her demeanor, a resilience that had carried her through the toughest times.

"I thought you might need a little pick-me-up," she said, setting the tray down on the desk. "You've been through so much lately. How are you feeling?"

He looked at her, feeling a lump form in his throat. This woman, who wasn't really his mother, had sacrificed so much for Adriano. She and her husband had sold their home, taken on extra jobs, and poured their savings into his treatment, all because they believed in him and loved him . And now, here she was, still worrying, still caring, even when her own heart must have been breaking.

"I'm… I'm okay, Mom," he said, forcing a smile. "I think… I think I'm ready to move forward."

Julia's eyes softened, and she reached out to brush a strand of hair from his forehead. "You don't have to rush, sweetheart. Take your time. We're here for you, no matter what."

Her words were like a balm to his soul, soothing the guilt and uncertainty that had been haunting at him. He wanted to tell her everything, but he couldn't . Instead, he simply nodded and said, "Thanks, Mom. I'll try my best."

She smiled and patted his cheek. "That's all we ask. Now, come on. Breakfast is ready, and your father's already at the table, pretending to read the newspaper."

He chuckled at that, the tension in his chest easing slightly. Julio Riveiro, his father, was a fun character—a man with a sharp wit and a big heart, though he often hid his emotions behind a facade of humor.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a rugged handsomeness that Adriano had apparently inherited. Despite the financial strain, Julio had always tried to keep the family's spirits high, cracking jokes and offering words of encouragement even when things seemed bleak.

As Adriano followed his mother to the kitchen, he found Julio sitting at the small table, a newspaper spread out in front of him. He looked up as they entered, his eyes lighting up with a mischievous glint. "Ah, the prodigal son awakens! I was starting to think you'd sleep through the entire day."

"Good morning to you too, Dad," Adriano replied, rolling his eyes but smiling nonetheless.

Rosa shook her head, though her lips twitched with amusement. "Honestly, you two. Sit down and eat before the food gets cold."

The breakfast that followed was a simple affair—fresh bread, scrambled eggs, and a pot of coffee—but it was filled with warmth and laughter.

Julio regaled them with stories from his new job at the publishing company, exaggerating his exploits for comedic effect, while Rosa interjected with playful corrections. Adriano found himself laughing along, the weight on his shoulders lifting just a little.

As they ate, he couldn't help but marvel at the bond between his parents. Despite everything they had been through, they still loved each other deeply, their affection evident in the way they teased and supported one another. It was a love that had carried them through the darkest times, and it was a love that now enveloped him, making him feel like he truly belonged.

When the meal was over, Rosa began clearing the table, while Julio leaned back in his chair, studying Adriano with a thoughtful expression. "So, what's the plan for today, champ? You've been cooped up in that room for too long. Time to get some fresh air, don't you think?"

Adriano hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Actually, Dad, there's something I need to tell you both."

Rosa paused, her hands stilling on the dishes, while Julio set down his coffee cup, his expression turning serious. "What is it, son?"

"Last night… something happened. I don't know how to explain it, but… my injury. It's better. A lot better. I think… I think I can play again."

The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Rosa's eyes filled with tears, and she quickly wiped them away, though her hands trembled slightly. "Adri… are you sure? You're not just saying this because you think it's what we want to hear, are you?"

He shook his head, his own eyes stinging. "No, Mom. I mean it. I can feel it. I'm not back to 100% yet, but I'm close. And I want to try. I want to go back to Spain and give it another shot."

Dad was silent for a long moment, his gaze searching Adriano's face as if looking for any sign of doubt. He sighed while holding a newspaper, " Why are you so fixated on football? You have so many more things to do! You can just become a model or something, with how you inherited my good looks."

Mom smacked him with a spatula, " Stop saying nonsense so early in the morning.

You're lucky that I felt bad about your desperate chasing and agreed to date you; otherwise, you would have remained single forever!"

Dad deflated like a balloon and focused on the newspaper again. I chuckled at how, despite all the struggles, they still remained happy. They would have been devastated if Adriano died.

I reassured them with a smile, " Of course, mom. I will definitely become a great star and make you guys proud. We'll live in a fancy mansion with 10 servants for each of you. Even one for smacking dad when he says something stupid." Dad visibly winced.

Rosa let out a choked laugh, reaching out to squeeze Adriano's hand. "We'll support you, sweetheart. No matter what. Just… promise us you'll take care of yourself, okay?"

"I promise," he said, his voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside him. "And… thank you. For everything."

The three of them sat there for a while, the silence filled with unspoken words and shared understanding. It was a moment of connection, of love, and of hope—a reminder that no matter how tough life got, they had each other.

As Adriano stood up to help his mother with the dishes, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He didn't know what the future held, but he knew one thing for certain: he would make the most of this second chance, not just for himself, but for the family that had given him so much.

And so, from that humble apartment in a poor suburb of Lisbon, the journey of a legend began—a journey fueled by love, determination, and the desire to show his worth to the world.

The people who passed by this house never glanced twice at it . But nobody knew that this place would later become a museum to display the achievements of the greatest football star of the millennium.