Victor Kane leaned back in his chair, the hum of his office unusually comforting for once. The Snake Tactics Manual lay open before him, glowing faintly as streams of information flowed across the system interface. The rewards for avoiding relegation were more extravagant than he had expected—almost excessive, given the simplicity of the stated mission. But the system didn't care about simple—it cared about results. And it had decided Victor had earned its favor.
Hidden Mission Completed: Avoid Relegation
Rewards Claimed:
Scouting Eye: Analyze any player's stats, potential, and weaknesses with a glance—even through just a photograph. Drift + Coil Fusion: A hybrid tactic combining the strengths of both skills for seamless transitions during matches. Enhanced Player Synchronization Module: Sharpened coordination across all players, improving movement and instinctive gameplay. Pressure Convergence Buff: A short-term buff that raises team intensity, overwhelming opponents during key moments. Expanded Tactical Library Access: New pages unlocked, with advanced strategies waiting for deployment. Snake Tactics Upgrade: Level II
Victor could feel the system's presence more acutely now, as if it were pulsing within his very consciousness. He reached out, activating the Scouting Eye for the first time. It felt oddly intuitive—he focused on an image of Quinn from one of last season's matches, and suddenly, streams of data filled the interface. A complete breakdown of his stats appeared, from passing accuracy to stamina levels, alongside projected growth potential and key vulnerabilities. It was mesmerizing, almost too good to be true. Victor couldn't resist smiling. "This," he murmured, "changes everything."
The Snake Tactics Manual pulsed again, prompting him to explore the fusion tactics it had unlocked. Drift and Coil had been powerful on their own, but now, they were seamless. The manual showed diagrams of plays that blurred the line between offense and defense, creating a fluidity Victor had only dreamed of. And the tactical library? It wasn't just pages of strategy—it was like opening doors to dimensions he hadn't realized existed in football. The system wasn't just his ally; it was a force.
For once, Victor let himself be mesmerized. The past season had been exhausting, but now, he could see the rewards of his work laid out before him. It wasn't just tools—it was the promise of what Burton Albion could become.
Across town, Arthur Wilkins was clearing out his office. The chairman's tenure had been long and challenging, but he knew it was time for change. Lucien Devereaux, the polished investor who had recently acquired the club, had arrived to oversee the transition. The buyout had been swift but thorough, with Lucien's group quickly stepping into the financial void that had threatened to swallow Burton Albion whole. What neither Arthur nor Victor realized was the true mastermind behind the purchase.
Lucien had spoken directly to Hugh Kane, Victor's father, weeks before the deal was finalized. Hugh wasn't interested in running the club himself—he had built his empire in finance and real estate, not football. But he had been watching his son's progress from afar, noting Victor's determination even as it conflicted with their strained relationship. Hugh's decision had been simple: buy the club, secure its future, and make sure Victor could focus on football without worrying about debts and logistics. And, of course, keep it all a secret.
Lucien wasn't one to question motives, especially when they came attached to lucrative transactions. He had played his role expertly, positioning himself as the face of the investment while ensuring Hugh remained hidden in the shadows. As far as Victor was concerned, Lucien Devereaux was just another businessman looking to modernize a struggling club.
The press conference marking the official transition of ownership was surprisingly lively. Burton Albion's new chairman was introduced—Elena Marlow, a striking woman in her late twenties who radiated confidence and charm. Her appointment was unexpected, but as Lucien explained, Elena was known for her expertise in organizational restructuring and sports management. Her arrival was accompanied by several new staff members, each carefully selected to revitalize the club's operations.
Victor watched from the sidelines, his expression neutral but his mind racing. Elena didn't seem like the kind of chairman who would sit back and watch the action from afar. She was hands-on, her bright green eyes scanning the room with a sharpness that reminded him of a tactical analyst. When she spoke, her voice was clear and deliberate, easily commanding attention.
"Our vision for Burton Albion is simple," Elena said, addressing the room of reporters. "Growth, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. With Victor Kane as head coach, we believe this club can redefine what it means to compete at the highest level."
Victor wasn't sure whether to feel reassured or wary. Change was inevitable, but too much of it too quickly could unsettle the delicate balance he had worked so hard to create. As the reporters moved on to questions about the club's finances and facilities, Victor caught Elena glancing his way. It was brief but unmistakable.
The off-season brought no shortage of work. While the players began their recovery programs, Victor started testing his new abilities. The Scouting Eye proved invaluable, allowing him to assess potential recruits with pinpoint accuracy. He pulled out a stack of photos sent by the club's scouting department, focusing on each image in turn. Within seconds, the system provided detailed reports on every player—stats, potential, strengths, weaknesses. Victor felt like he had stumbled into a cheat code, and for once, he didn't mind.
At the same time, Elena introduced sweeping changes to the club's organizational structure. New staff members arrived, each bringing their own expertise to areas that had long been neglected. The training facilities received an upgrade, the administrative offices were streamlined, and even the food in the players' lounge seemed to improve. Victor couldn't deny the impact—it was clear Burton Albion was evolving.
But the whispers surrounding the club's buyout persisted. Fans speculated endlessly about Lucien Devereaux's motives, wondering whether the changes were too good to be true. At The Yellow Lion, Martin leaned over his pint, whispering to Gary, "What's the catch? No one invests this much in a small club like ours without wanting something back."
Gary shrugged. "As long as Kane's still here, I'm not worried. He's the glue holding this place together."
Victor returned to his office late one evening, the Snake Tactics Manual still glowing faintly in the system's storage. He accessed the tactical library, diving into the new strategies that had been unlocked. Drift + Coil Fusion was already proving to be a game-changer, but the Pressure Convergence Buff intrigued him even more. It offered a temporary burst of team intensity, ideal for turning the tide during crucial moments in matches.
The manual revealed deeper layers of logic, as if the system itself was evolving alongside him. Victor studied it carefully. He couldn't fully understand it, but he knew one thing for certain: Burton Albion's next season would be unlike anything the league had ever seen.