I Just Wanted to Play Soccer, But I Became a Hollywood Heartthrob

"Ding—"

"Notification: Your collection range has increased to 10 meters. Bubble contents are now visible in advance, and you can collect bubbles remotely through focused intent."

"Notification: To upgrade from C to B rank, you need to accumulate and use 20 additional talent points."

Gu Ran's system ranking had finally leveled up. He focused his thoughts and scanned the field, his gaze landing on the bubbles that had yet to be collected. Sure enough, every bubble now displayed a clear label above it.

His attention shifted to the only blue skill bubble nearby, right by Rusty's feet.

The text above it read: Reasonable Collision +1.

Holy—finally, his second Reasonable Collision skill.

This skill was as valuable as a talent point. The ability to see bubble contents in advance was insanely useful. If not for this feature, he might have missed out on a crucial skill upgrade.

Gu Ran activated his intent. The blue bubble at Rusty's feet shattered instantly, releasing a dazzling streak of energy that shot into Gu Ran's body.

"Ding—"

"You have collected a skill: Reasonable Collision +1. Since you previously obtained Reasonable Collision +1, the skill has now upgraded to Reasonable Collision +2. Daily collection progress: 10/10."

"Notification 1: Reasonable Collision +2 allows for stronger physical duels, reduces stamina consumption, and lowers the risk of self-injury."

"Notification 2: At the C rank, normal skills can be upgraded to a maximum of +3 through accumulation. Talent points can be used to further upgrade skills beyond this limit."

So at the C rank, skill farming was capped at +3, and anything beyond that required talent points or a higher rank.

That was more than good enough for now.

Gu Ran clenched his fists, resisting the urge to cheer. From now on, he wouldn't have to run around blindly collecting bubbles. Even better, he could specifically aim for valuable skills and training results. At this rate, by the time he reached B rank, things would only get better.

He needed 20 more talent points to rank up again.

Time to grind.

After the warm-up routine, Coach Carter arrived at the training ground with his usual stern expression.

"Yesterday's match outcome was within my expectations, but you all could have performed better."

Carter's voice carried weight. "Three days from now, we have our second group-stage match—an away game against the Tunbridge Wild Boars. This game is even more important than the first. If we lose, we might as well say goodbye to advancing from the group."

"So forget about the last match. From now on, focus all your energy on preparing for this crucial battle."

"Understood?"

"Yes, Coach!" The team roared in unison, their morale surging.

Carter nodded, though his expression remained dark. "Proceed with the low-intensity training regimen I assigned yesterday. Gu, come with me."

"Yes, Coach."

Gu Ran jogged over, full of energy.

Carter narrowed his eyes. "You're recovering fast."

Gu Ran grinned. "I feel alright, Coach."

Carter nodded. "Good. I was concerned whether you could handle today's individual training. You'll be doing endurance running. Given how hard you played yesterday and how much stamina you burned, I'm not setting a high standard for you today—just finish 10 kilometers in under 90 minutes."

"Yes, Coach!"

Gu Ran didn't hesitate for a second. He didn't complain or bargain—he simply took off running.

90 minutes for 10 kilometers was a tough challenge for any player recovering from an intense match.

But for Gu Ran, who had just increased his stamina by three talent points—equivalent to 300 hours of stamina training—this was nothing.

His pace was steady and fast. Faster than he had ever run in his previous life.

Carter frowned. "Slow down! I didn't tell you to sprint! If you keep this pace, you'll burn out before you finish!"

Forty-two minutes later.

Carter stood in stunned silence as Gu Ran finished his 10-kilometer run with ease.

If Carter hadn't repeatedly told him to slow down, Gu Ran could have finished in under 38 minutes.

Gu Ran, barely breaking a sweat, stood in front of the coach. "Coach, I think my breathing rhythm is a little off. Should I run it again?"

Carter: …

Carter had always trusted his eye for talent.

From the moment Gu Ran set foot on the training field, Carter had known he had never played as a left-back before.

He had immediately identified Gu Ran's stamina as his biggest weakness.

He had estimated it would take Gu Ran at least three months of intensive training before his endurance reached the level necessary to play a full competitive match.

But this?

This made no sense.

Gu Ran had exhausted himself yesterday, running tirelessly on the pitch. He had been completely drained after the game.

How had he recovered completely overnight?

Not only that, but his stamina now exceeded his previous limits?

Did I misjudge him?

Or is this kid just born to play football? A once-in-a-century talent?

No—eliminate the possibility that I misjudged him.

That means this kid really is a football prodigy.

Old Lais, you lucky bastard. You hit the jackpot.

Carter took a deep breath, feeling increasingly impressed by his own scouting skills.

"Coach? Should I run another 10 kilometers?" Gu Ran asked when Carter didn't respond.

Carter waved a hand dismissively. "No need. Looks like your stamina has improved significantly. We'll move on to anaerobic endurance training instead. You'll be doing 10 sets of resistance sprint training—each set consists of a 50-meter sprint with resistance bands. I expect you to give it your all. If you slack off, I will start yelling."

Gu Ran raised an eyebrow.

Starting off strong, huh?

But I like it.

With 61 stamina, he wasn't afraid of any training now.

"Got it, Coach!"

Carter personally strapped a thick black resistance band around Gu Ran's waist.

He casually remarked, "Start when you're ready."

Gu Ran took a deep breath, tensing his muscles. "Coach, are you ready?"

Carter smirked, holding the resistance band with one hand. "You think I need to prepare?"

At 100 kilograms, Carter had done this drill plenty of times with other players. He wasn't concerned about Gu Ran, who weighed just 70-something kilos.

Let's go.

Gu Ran exploded forward with full power.

The resistance band snapped out of Carter's grip instantly.

Before he could react, the sheer momentum from Gu Ran's sprint dragged him off his feet and slammed him into the ground.

Gu Ran immediately stopped and turned back. "Coach, sorry—"

Carter got up without a word. "Not your fault. I drank too much last night. Lost my balance."

"Oh."

"We go again."

"Okay!"

Gu Ran reset his stance.

Carter took a deep breath, looping the resistance band twice around his arms to reinforce his grip. "Alright. But this time, count down from three before you start."

"Understood."

Gu Ran lowered his stance. "Three, two, one—"

He launched forward.

For a split second, Carter managed to hold him back, digging his heels into the ground.

Then—bam.

He lost control.

Gu Ran's raw explosive power yanked him off his feet again—this time, Carter got dragged across the training field like a plow.

The entire team, who had stopped their own drills to watch, stared in pure shock.

Someone took out a phone to record.

Carter's face was red with embarrassment, but inside, his thoughts were racing.

What the hell kind of monster did I just recruit?