MTLNOVEL Chapter 1: Chapter 1: The Most Talented Boy in Russia
"Vik, the manager wants to see you."
The moment Dmitry, our youth team coach, announced it, I felt everyone's gaze on me at the training ground. The envy was almost tangible. I wasn't surprised. After all, everyone here knew it was only a matter of time.
I was Viktor Ivanov, the most talented young player in Russia, maybe even in Europe. And today, on my 16th birthday, it was likely the manager wanted to offer me a professional contract.
For my teammates, this was the kind of dream that seemed almost impossible. For me, it was just another step forward.
I could feel their jealousy, but to be honest, I had long grown used to it. Ever since I was reborn into this world, people had looked at me that way.
Maybe it was because of my past life as an adult, or maybe it was everything I had witnessed after arriving here, the collapse of the Soviet Union, the political and economic turmoil, the conflicts always brewing on the borders. Compared to all that, envious glances were nothing.
What truly mattered to me was the future. Thanks to my past-life memories, I had always been seen as a genius, whether in school or on the football field.
But I knew better. Playing with kids my age made me look like a once-in-a-century talent, but once I stepped into the professional world, I'd be just another promising player. Maybe slightly above average, but nothing extraordinary.
That was why I had a plan.
I'd play a great season, impress some top European clubs, get signed for a massive salary, and use that money to invest, taking full advantage of my knowledge of the future.
I didn't want to just be a footballer. I wanted to be a billionaire. Because in the end, money was the only real power. With enough wealth, I could even buy football clubs just for my own amusement.
Lost in thought, I barely noticed when I reached the manager's office. I knocked and, after getting permission, stepped inside.
Anatoly, the club manager, greeted me with a warm smile. The man was bald, with a bit of hair left on the sides and a slight belly, not exactly overweight, but definitely not fit either.
"Time moves so fast," he said, shaking his head. "It's been eight years since the league was founded… and eight years since you joined. I still remember your trial. And now, you're the most talented player in Russia's new generation."
I could tell what he was trying to do. He wanted to make me feel sentimental, to tie me emotionally to the club. But I wasn't some naive kid. The truth was, he was afraid I'd sign with Manchester United or AC Milan, two clubs that had been in contact with me the most recently.
Still, I played along.
"I've always dreamed of playing for this team since I was a child," I said with a sincere expression. "I hope to prove myself and help my parents."
That was exactly what he wanted to hear. I could see his face relax, as if the cold Moscow air had suddenly warmed up.
Of course, we both knew promises didn't mean much in football, but if I ever tried to fool them, they'd make sure I understood just how cold Moscow could really be. The Russian mafia isn't just talk.
"Don't worry," Anatoly assured me. "I'll talk to Oleg. Next season, you'll definitely get playing time."
Oleg Romantsev, the head coach of the first team, had just led us to our sixth league title in seven seasons. The Russian league was different from the top European leagues—it started in March instead of August, since the harsh winters made it impossible to play year-round.
Our conversation went smoothly, but at some point, I started to lose focus. Anatoly probably noticed, but he didn't think much of it.
After all, I couldn't sign anything today anyway—my parents or a guardian needed to be present.
I left his office feeling oddly restless.
Then, it happened.
A series of glowing blue text boxes appeared in front of me.
[It has been detected that the host has turned 16. The system is officially activated.]
[System Activation Complete.]
[Host: Viktor Ivanov]
[Reputation Points: 0]
[System Function: Exchange Reputation Points for Templates]
[Current Template: None]
[Note: Players, athletes, and professionals from different periods before 2026 can be purchased. For post-2026 templates, 50 billion Reputation Points are required as an unlocking fee for the first time. A novice gift pack of a random template worth 3 billion RP or more is available.]
I froze.
A system? After all these years?
As someone from 2025, I had read more web novels and fanfics than I could count.
When I first realized I'd been reincarnated, I spent years hoping for a system, wondering if I just hadn't met the right conditions to activate it. Eventually, I gave up on that fantasy.
But now? Now, it was real. And it was even better than I imagined.
No stupid quests. No limitations. Just reputation points, and the ability to exchange them for legendary templates.
I clicked on [Recommended Templates], and my heart nearly stopped.
[Zinedine Zidane (Juventus 1998-1999) - 6.5 Billion RP]
Abilities: Ball Control, Vision, Playmaking, Leadership…
[Ronaldo Nazário (Inter Milan 1998-1999) - 7 Billion RP]
Abilities: Explosive Acceleration, Dribbling, Finishing, Physicality…
[Albert Einstein (1920-1921) - 16 Billion RP]
Abilities: Extreme IQ, Theoretical Physics Mastery, High-Level Problem Solving…
[Usain Bolt (2015-2016) - 7 Billion RP]
Abilities: Peak Sprinting Speed, Acceleration, Stride Efficiency…
[Michael Jordan (1991-1992) - 8 Billion RP]
Abilities: Competitive Drive, Air Awareness, Body Control, Leadership…
[Bruce Lee (1970-1971) - 7 Billion RP]
Abilities: Superhuman Reflexes, Martial Arts Mastery, Body Coordination…
[Leonardo da Vinci (1500s) - 17 Billion RP]
Abilities: Polymath Mind, Artistic Mastery, Inventive Creativity, Engineering Knowledge…
I felt my breathing quicken.
This wasn't just a football system. This was a system that could push me to the absolute peak of humanity. Football, science, athletics—there were no limits.
Of course, the requirements were insane. But with the internet and globalization booming in the coming years, accumulating reputation points might not be impossible.
Before opening my Novice Gift Pack, I took precautions. I called my parents from the club's landline, telling them I wouldn't be home tonight. Then, instead of returning to the training ground, I grabbed my backpack and left.
Better to be safe. I didn't know what would happen when I received my first template, but I wasn't about to take any chances. At just 16, I managed to book a hotel room.
As I sat on the bed, I clasped my hands together.
"Oh great god, the one and only, I am willing to sacrifice half of my future son's luck for a Messi or CR7 template. A Neymar or Hazard will also do."
I tapped [Open Novice Gift Pack], bracing myself.
[Congratulations! As part of the Novice Gift Pack, the system has granted you a high-value template.]
[You have received: Novak Djokovic (2015-2016)]
I didn't have time to see what kind of template I obtained before feeling weak all of a sudden. But I don't know why—I feel that God took pity on my son and wouldn't reward me with what I wanted.