Chapter One: After Three Seconds

Take the sporting director's job and every signing tonight is yours.” “Budget?” “Seventeen thousand euros in cash. Two hundred ten thousand in unpaid wages. The bank freezes our account tomorrow.” Behind him, Silvervault's giant screen showed Hector declaring, “No individual stands above the system.” “Give me a car, a meeting room, and signing authority over every contract.” Silence. Then Su asked, “Are you insane?” “As of five minutes ago.” At one in the morning, Gu entered Tideground, Lanhaven's rusting harbor stadium. The corridors smelled of seawater and mold. Su wore oil-stained work clothes. Behind her waited one accountant and seventeen player files.