Coach Miller's voice boomed across the field, cutting through the roar of the crowd. Back then, I believed him. Soccer wasn’t just a game to me—it was everything.
Every practice felt like life itself. Every match was destiny. Every moment on the field was a reminder that I belonged.
Mike and Carlos, my best friends since freshman year, flanked me on the field. Our triangle formation was unstoppable. Three years of practice had made us telepathic. We moved as one, anticipating each other’s every move.
And then there was Milly.
Her face still haunts me. Long, midnight-black hair that caught the sunlight just right. Piercing blue eyes that seemed to see straight through me. She was the kind of beauty that made heads turn and conversations stop.
She never missed a game. Rain or shine, she’d be there behind the mesh fence, her delicate fingers wrapped around the cold metal links. That smile—God, that smile—made me feel invincible.
The other guys envied me. Star striker with the prettiest girl in school. Living the dream.
I remember every detail of the first time I asked her out.
"Would you... maybe... want to go out with me?"
My hands were sweaty, my voice shaking. My heart pounded so hard I thought it might burst.
Mike had pushed me to do it. "Dude, she's been waiting forever. Just ask her already!"
She laughed—not mockingly, but in that way that made you feel like you were the most interesting person alive. "Took you long enough to ask, Jake."
Life seemed perfect then. Star striker. Team captain. The girl everyone wanted.
Practice was my sanctuary. Early mornings before school. Late nights under fluorescent lights. The smell of grass and victory.
Coach Miller saw my potential. "Division I material, Harrison. Maybe even pro."
We had big dreams that felt more like certainties. I’d go pro, make it big. She’d be there every step of the way. Nothing could stop us.
I was wrong.
It was the League Cup final—the biggest game of my life. Scouts filled the stands. My future was in my grasp.
70th minute. Score tied 1-1. The stadium wasn’t huge, but the energy was electric. Every seat was filled. Every voice raised.
Carlos passed me the ball. Perfect setup.
I saw my chance.
The ball at my feet felt like an extension of my body. First defender—left feint, right cut. Second defender—nutmeg. Breaking through their line was almost too easy.
The keeper rushed out, desperation in his eyes.
Victory was within reach.
Then everything shattered.
The defender came from nowhere. His studs sliced through the air like a blade. Pain exploded through my leg. The world spun in slow motion.
I hit the ground hard. The crowd's roar turned to gasps.
Mike reached me first. "Don’t move, Jake. Stay down."
Milly’s scream pierced the air. "Jake!"
Blood soaked my sock. Bone pierced skin. The world went dark.
"Complete spinal cord injury. Paralysis from the waist down. No chance of recovery."
The words hit like a sledgehammer. Eighteen years old. A star athlete with a full-ride scholarship. A future that glittered with promise. Gone.
The doctor didn’t sugarcoat it. There was no "maybe." No "we’ll see." Just cold, clinical facts.
I’d never walk again. Never run. Never play.
The hospital room felt like a tomb. White walls closing in. The steady beep of the heart monitor a cruel reminder that I was still alive, even though my life as I knew it was over.
Milly came at first. She held my hand, her fingers trembling. She tried to smile, but her eyes betrayed her. They were hollow, like she was already mourning me.
Mike and Carlos visited too. They brought stories from practice, from games I’d never play again. They tried to laugh, but their voices cracked. They couldn’t look me in the eye.
The physical therapy was agony. Not just the pain—though that was excruciating—but the futility of it all. My legs were dead weight. No amount of effort would change that.
Milly stayed for a month. Then, one day, she didn’t.
"I can’t do this, Jake," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "I’m sorry."
What she meant was: I wasn’t the person she fell for anymore. That person was gone, replaced by a shadow in a wheelchair.
The breakup shattered what little was left of me.
Mike tried to help. "She’s not worth it, man. You’re still you."
But I wasn’t. Not even close.
Days turned into weeks. Weeks into months. Months into years. The world moved on without me.
Now I sit in my dingy apartment. Empty beer cans litter the floor like fallen soldiers. Take-out containers pile up in corners. The TV flickers with an old game replay—a ghost of better days.
My reflection stares back from the darkened window—unshaven, hollow-eyed, broken. A stranger wearing my face.
The game plays on screen. Our championship run. Before everything fell apart.
Mike scores a goal. The crowd cheers. I watch myself celebrate with him.
"If only I could go back..."
The words hang in the stale air. I’ve said them a thousand times before.
Then everything changes.
The room grows cold. An unnatural stillness settles over everything. The air thickens. A strange light fills the space, soft at first, then blindingly bright.
Beer cans rattle. The TV static crackles.
A figure appears before my TV. Not quite human. Shrouded in shadow but glowing with otherworldly light. Their presence fills the room with a power I can’t explain.
"Jake Harrison." The voice echoes in my head rather than my ears. "You’ve wished for a second chance. I can give it to you."
"W-who are you?"
"Someone who can change your fate." A pause that seems to stretch forever. "If you could relive your life, would you?"
My heart pounds against my ribs. This can’t be real. "What’s the catch?"
The figure’s smile is unreadable. Mysterious. Almost amused. "Every choice has consequences. You’ll find out soon enough."
Stolen novel; please report.
Before I can respond, light engulfs me. Their hand touches mine. Reality dissolves.
The world spins. Colors blur. Time bends.
I open my eyes to familiar surroundings. The sun shines bright overhead. Fresh-cut grass beneath my feet. Crowd cheering from every direction.
Mike stands to my left. Carlos to my right. Just like old times.
The ball rests at my feet like an old friend.
I turn. There she is—Milly, behind the mesh fence. Smiling like nothing ever went wrong. Like she never abandoned me.
My stomach churns. Memories flood back.
Then something impossible happens.
A blue interface materializes before me, floating in the air like something from a video game:
Quest Unlocked: Prove Yourself
Objective: Score a goal (0/1)
Reward: +1 Shooting, additional quests unlocked
"What the hell?" I blink rapidly. Wave my hand through it. The interface stays put.
Mike’s voice cuts through my confusion. "Earth to Jake! Wake up!"
Carlos laughs. "He’s probably thinking about Milly again."
If they only knew.
Focus. The ball. The game. This moment.
My body feels lighter. Faster. Stronger. The ball responds perfectly to my touch, like it’s reading my mind.
First defender approaches. Fake right, go left. Too easy.
Second defender charges. Nutmeg through his legs. The crowd gasps.
I weave past their midfield. Their movements seem slower somehow. Every touch perfect. Every step calculated.
The keeper tenses, preparing for my shot.
No hesitation this time.
The ball soars from my foot. Perfect spin. Perfect trajectory. Top corner.
Net bulges. Crowd erupts.
Mike tackles me in celebration. "Holy shit, Jake!"
Carlos joins the pile. "That was insane!"
The interface flashes triumphantly:
Quest Complete: Prove Yourself
Reward Claimed: +1 Shooting
A new window appears, glowing softly:
Name: Jake Harrison
Level: 1
Attributes:
-
Shooting: 3 → 4
-
Dribbling: 3
-
Stamina: 2
-
Speed: 3
The whistle blows. Game over. Victory.
My teammates swarm around me, celebrating. Their joy feels distant, unreal.
Coach Miller grabs my shoulder. "That’s what I’m talking about, Harrison!"
Milly runs up, beaming brighter than the sun. "You’ve done it again, Jake! You’re amazing!"
I force a smile. It feels wrong. Tastes bitter.
Because I remember.
I remember how she left when things got tough. When dreams shattered. When I needed her most. I remember the pity in her eyes. The practiced speech. The way she couldn’t even look at me in the end.
"Thanks for being here," I manage.
Her smile falters. She senses something’s different. Something’s changed.
Mike notices too. He gives me a strange look.
I turn away, letting the crowd’s cheers wash over me.
This time would be different.
This isn’t just a second chance.
It’s a system. A way to rewrite destiny.
The old Jake would’ve fallen for her smile again. Would’ve believed everything was perfect. Would’ve trusted her love was unconditional.
Not anymore.
"Party at my place!" Mike announces. "Jake’s goal needs celebrating!"
"Count me out," I say.
Carlos frowns. "Since when do you skip celebrations?"
Since I lived through what comes next.
I stride toward the field’s edge, cleats sinking into soft grass. The interface’s blue glow flickers in my mind like a promise.
This time, I’ll be more than a high school star.
This time, I’ll rise higher than anyone thought possible.
And I won’t let anyone—especially her—stand in my way.
The day stretches on. The crowd disperses. The sun begins its descent.
I stay behind after everyone leaves. The empty field feels like an old friend waiting for a conversation.
The equipment shed creaks open. Familiar smell of leather and rubber.
Another notification appears:
Quest Unlocked: Sharpen Your Skills
Objective: Take 100 shots (0/100)
Reward: +1 Shooting
A new window pops up:
Tutorial: Training
-
Complete training quests to improve attributes
-
Higher attributes unlock new skills
-
Chain similar actions for bonus experience
-
Training while exhausted reduces gains
Perfect.
I grab a ball from the rack. Set up the shot. Let muscle memory take over.
First shot—top right corner. Clean.
Second shot—bottom left. Perfect curl.
Third shot—crossbar and in.
The interface tracks each attempt:
Shots Taken: 15/100
Chain Bonus Active: +0.1 Shooting per 10 successful shots
My phone buzzes. Text from Mike:
"Dude, where are you? Party’s starting."
I ignore it.
Another shot. Another goal.
Buzz. Text from Milly:
"Everything okay? You seemed different today."
Delete.
Shots Taken: 45/100
Chain Bonus: x2
The stadium lights flicker on. My shadow stretches across the field like a giant.
Sweat soaks my jersey. Muscles burn.
Keep going.
New notification:
Status Effect: Fatigue
-
Physical performance reduced by 10%
-
Training gains reduced by 5%
-
Rest recommended
Ignore it.
Shots Taken: 87/100
My legs shake. Breath comes in gasps.
But the ball keeps finding the net.
This pain is nothing compared to before.
Shots Taken: 99/100
One last shot.
I take a deep breath. Focus everything I have.
The ball soars. Top corner. Perfect.
Quest Complete: Sharpen Your Skills
Reward Claimed: +1 Shooting
Chain Bonus: +0.5 Shooting
Total Gain: +1.5 Shooting
The stats window appears:
Name: Jake Harrison
Level: 1
Attributes:
-
Shooting: 4 → 5.5
-
Dribbling: 3
-
Stamina: 2
-
Speed: 3
New Features Unlocked:
-
Skill Trees
-
Training Regimens
-
Status Effects
-
Chain Bonuses
I collapse onto the grass. Stars twinkle overhead.
My phone buzzes again. Mom this time:
"Dinner’s getting cold, honey. Where are you?"
Reality crashes back.
Right. Parents. Home. High school.
The walk home feels endless. Every muscle screams in protest.
Suburban streets stretch out before me. Identical houses. Perfect lawns. Normal lives.
My old life.
Dad’s car sits in the driveway. Mom’s flowers line the path.
Home.
The door opens before I reach it. Mom stands there, worry lines creasing her forehead.
"Jake! We were getting worried."
"Sorry, Mom. Extra practice."
She frowns. Touches my forehead. "You’re burning up!"
"I’m fine."
The house smells like pot roast and fresh bread. My stomach growls.
Dad looks up from his newspaper. "Big game today, son?"
"Yeah."
"How’d it go?"
A million thoughts race through my mind.
How do I explain this? That I’m living it all again? That I know how it ends?
"We won," I say instead.
Mom serves dinner. Hot food. Family conversation.
I’d forgotten this.
"The scouts were impressed," Dad says. "Coach Miller called."
My hand freezes mid-bite.
The scouts. That day. The injury.
Not this time.
"Jake?" Mom’s voice pulls me back. "You’ve barely touched your food."
"Just tired."
"Milly called earlier," she adds. "Said you seemed... different today."
Of course she did.
"I’m fine."
They exchange looks. Worry. Confusion.
I force down another bite.
New notification:
Quest Unlocked: Family Bonds
Objective: Have a meaningful conversation with family
Reward: ???
I ignore it.
"May I be excused?"
"But dessert—"
"Homework," I lie.
The stairs creak under my feet. Each step feels heavier than the last.
My old room feels like a museum. Trophies. Medals. Photos.
A shrine to the old Jake.
Photos on the wall mock me:
-
Team photo. Everyone smiling.
-
Milly and me at homecoming.
-
Victory celebration after semifinals.
I tear them down.
The bed creaks as I collapse onto it.
My phone lights up:
5 Missed Calls:
-
Mike (3)
-
Milly (1)
-
Coach Miller (1)
12 Messages:
-
"Great game today!"
-
"Where are you?"
-
"Are you okay?"
-
"Party’s awesome, you’re missing out!"
I turn it off.
The interface glows in the darkness:
Daily Summary:
-
Quests Completed: 2
-
Attributes Gained: +2.5
-
New Features Unlocked: 4
-
Pending Quests: 1
Tomorrow’s Objectives:
-
Morning Training Available
-
Team Practice
-
New Quests Unlock at Dawn
I stare at the ceiling. Mind racing.
This is really happening.
A second chance.
A chance to change everything.
But first, I need to understand this system.
Opening the Skill Tree menu:
Basic Skills Available:
-
Power Shot (Requires Shooting 6)
-
Sprint Burst (Requires Speed 4)
-
Ball Control (Requires Dribbling 4)
-
Endurance (Requires Stamina 3)
Advanced Skills Locked:
-
??? (Requires Level 5)
-
??? (Requires Multiple Attributes)
-
??? (Complete Quest Chain)
My eyes burn from the blue glow.
But I keep reading. Keep planning.
This time will be different.
This time, I’ll be ready.
This time, I won’t lose everything.
Mom’s footsteps approach my door. Soft knock.
"Jake? Are you sure you’re okay?"
"Yes, Mom."
"You know you can talk to me, right?"
A pause.
"I know."
Her footsteps fade away.
I close my eyes, but sleep doesn’t come easily.
The mysterious figure’s words echo:
"Every choice has consequences."
What consequences?
What price would I have to pay?
The questions swirl in my mind.
But it doesn’t matter.
Whatever the cost, it’s worth it.
Because this time, I won’t just be the high school star who peaked too early.
This time, I’ll be legendary.
The interface’s soft blue glow dances behind my closed eyelids.
Numbers and stats float through my dreams.
Tomorrow, everything begins for real.
Tomorrow, I start my climb to the top.
And this time, nothing—and no one—will stop me.
Not the injury.
Not Milly.
Not fate itself.
The old Jake died on that field with a broken leg and broken dreams.
The new Jake?
He’s just getting started.
And he’s got a system to help him win.
Sleep finally takes me, but even in my dreams, I’m planning.
Training.
Preparing.
Because this isn’t just a game anymore.
It's my salvation.
And I intend to win.
No matter the cost.
System or no system.
Second chance or last chance.
This time...
I won't fail.