I finally reached the gate of my first coaching job —
Queen High School.
My heart was pounding like crazy.
Lucas:
(dududududududududu...)
"So... this is it. Where everything begins. My first step as a manager."
I took a deep breath and pushed open the gate.
Inside the Dressing Room
I quickly changed into my tracksuit and stood in front of the mirror.
Tried to pose like one of those strict, scary coaches you see on TV.
Lucas (practicing):
"Oi, you call that a pass?"
"No slacking!"
"...Too angry?"
…I didn't even notice the old man silently watching me from the corner.
Old Man:
"What are you doing, son?"
Lucas (jumps):
"WAHHH!! WHO THE HELL— You scared the crap out of me!!"
Old Man:
"Calm down, son. It's me. Victor Grant. Your vice manager."
Lucas:
"Ah... sorry, Victor. Didn't expect anyone here."
So this is Victor Grant…
The man mentioned in the diary.
The one who stood by the original Lucas through hard times.
Supportive. Reliable. Loyal.
Victor (laughs):
"You kids always overreact."
(Author note: He's not a kid, old man. He's 40 years old in a student's body, remember? But you can't hear me anyway...)
Lucas (serious):
"Let's go, Victor. We've got work to do."
Victor (thinking):
Huh... he's acting strange today.
He looks... different.
At the School Ground
I stepped onto the field and stood in front of the team.
Lucas:
"Everyone. Line up. I have something to say."
The players blinked.
Whispers started.
"Did something happen to him?"
"He never talks like this."
"Why is he being so serious all of a sudden?"
Lucas (stern):
"Can't hear me? Are you deaf?"
"From now on, the last person to get in line will run 10 laps around the field. GO!"
Everyone panicked and rushed into line like their lives depended on it.
Everyone... except one girl.
Cocky Girl (walking slowly):
"Tch... Is he for real? He's just bluffing. Chill.
Lucas gave her a sharp look.
She froze.
Lucas (coldly):
"You think I'm joking?"
The team went silent.
Roxy Quinn (gritting her teeth):
"Tch… whatever."
She started jogging, reluctantly.
Lucas (stern):
"Who told you to run now?"
"You'll be running after training. Ten full laps."
Roxy (turning back, snapping):
"Do you even know who my dad is?"
"He'll destroy this dumbass team in one phone call!"
Lucas clenched his fists. His face turned red.
Lucas:
"...Tell me your name."
Roxy (smirking):
"Roxy Quinn."
Lucas (thinking):
So she is from the Quinn family.
Figures… a spoiled trust fund kid.
Why is it always these types in every team?
Lucas (eyes narrowing):
"Okay, Roxy Quinn."
He took a step closer. His voice dropped to a low growl.
Lucas (serious):
"If you think this team is a joke, if you're here just to mock the players who pour their sweat and blood into this game…"
He leaned toward her.
Lucas (furious):
"Then get the F out. Off this team. Off this ground."
"I don't give a damn about your name, your money, or your daddy."
"This place is for people who give everything for football."
"GET OUT!"
(Author Kuro: …damn. No words. That was savage.)
Lucas (thinking):
I need to calm down…
Breathe in…
Breathe out…
He took a deep breath, then raised his voice.
Lucas:
"Alright, team. Everyone—line up again!"
The players scrambled into position.
Lucas (serious):
"Listen to me. And listen loud and clear."
He looked at each player, locking eyes like a commander before battle.
Lucas:
"From this point on, things are going to change."
"No more laziness. No more slacking."
"You'll pass when I say pass. You'll shoot when I say shoot. You'll move the way I tell you to move."
Lucas (voice rising):
"This field? It demands your blood and sweat—every last drop."
"If you can't handle that… if you're not serious about football…"
He paused. The wind blew gently across the silent pitch.
Lucas:
"…Then leave."
"I'm giving you ten minutes. Go clear your head. Think about what you want."
"If you're ready to give everything to this team—come back."
"Make a line again. Then we'll start training."
He turned his back and walked off to the bench, arms crossed, waiting.
End of Chapter 4