The Football Legends System

The record for fastest to 15 Champions League goals + assists in a single campaign still felt electric, a shimmering testament to Nathan's relentless drive. His Overall Rating: S+ was now a permanent hum of confidence, a bedrock of his existence. But the Legacy Archive's "Era-Defining Icon" challenge truly ignited his spirit. It wasn't just about individual records; it was about shaping the very narrative of football, setting new tactical trends, and becoming a symbol of an entire generation. He devoured articles, watched old matches, constantly searching for ways to further imprint his influence on the game, to push the boundaries of what an individual player could achieve over a sustained period.

He spent extra time after training, focusing on consistency in all areas of his game. His Perfected Dribbling (from Glide of Messi (100%) mastery) was now an effortless, instinctual part of him, allowing him to navigate tight spaces and launch attacks with breathtaking fluidity. He practiced scoring from varied positions, assisting in different ways, and influencing the game's tempo both offensively and defensively. It was about being consistently brilliant, every single minute.

One blustery morning at Carrington, during a complex attacking drill, Nathan received the ball from a quick throw-in. Instead of rushing, he held it, drawing two defenders. Then, with a subtle glance and a perfectly weighted through ball, he threaded it to Harry Kane, who effortlessly scored. Erik ten Hag, watching closely, nodded.

"That's the level, Nathan," the manager said, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Consistent excellence. That's what defines an era."

Nathan grinned. Consistent excellence. That was the phrase he lived by.

He observed his teammates, knowing that their sustained efforts were vital for defining this era alongside him.

Harry Kane – Ability: S | Potential: B+ | Overall Rating: S

His finishing is becoming almost telepathic, a perfect partner for Nathan's creative brilliance.

Bruno Fernandes – Ability: A+ | Potential: B+ | Overall Rating: A

His energy and willingness to run into the spaces Nathan creates make him an invaluable asset.

The next challenge: a home Premier League fixture against Brentford. Their previous League Cup encounter had been a tight 2-1 win at Old Trafford. Nathan knew Brentford, despite their pragmatic approach, were a resilient and disciplined side. They would come to Old Trafford determined to make life difficult, relying on their physicality and set-piece threat.

Nathan used his "Talent Scout" on Brentford's familiar faces, refreshing his memory.

Ivan Toney – Ability: A | Potential: A | Overall Rating: A-

Clinical striker, excellent penalty taker, and a strong aerial threat. Always dangerous.

Bryan Mbeumo – Ability: A | Potential: A | Overall Rating: A-

Pace, directness, and a powerful shot. His runs from deep can be hard to track.

Ben Mee – Ability: A- | Potential: B+ | Overall Rating: B+

Experienced center-back, strong in the air, commands their defense.

"They'll be organized, compact," Erik ten Hag warned in the pre-match briefing. "They'll try to frustrate us, sit deep, and hit us on the counter or from set-pieces. We need to be patient, keep the ball, but also ruthless in front of goal. We need to turn possession into clear chances."

Nathan nodded. Ruthless. That was the mark of a player who consistently broke records.

The atmosphere at Old Trafford was vibrant, a packed house eager for another Premier League victory to maintain their title challenge. The roar as the teams walked out was deafening, a sea of red anticipating a dominant performance.

Pheeeeeep! The whistle blew, and the Premier League clash was underway.

Brentford started with their characteristic discipline and defensive solidity. They formed a tight, low block, denying United any central space. Their midfielders worked tirelessly, closing down every passing lane. Nathan tried to use his Perfected Dribbling to weave through, but Brentford's defense was disciplined, quickly shifting to cover. Clear-cut chances were hard to come by.

United dominated possession, but it was slow, probing football. Brentford's defense seemed impenetrable, frustrating every attempt to create clear-cut chances.

Minute 25. Still 0-0. Old Trafford started to stir, a low hum of impatience. Nathan felt the frustration. They were controlling the ball, but not threatening enough. They needed a consistent source of goals from midfield, a player capable of turning half-chances from outside the box into undeniable scoring opportunities, to ensure a relentless offensive output.

Just then, the familiar System chime cut through the air, sharp and clear.

Ding!

[System Notification]

[Your team is struggling to convert possession into goals against a deep block, requiring a consistent source of powerful and accurate mid-range scoring to unlock their defense and maintain offensive pressure.]

[You may request one random legendary mid-range shooting/goal-scoring midfielder skill in the style of a football icon to unleash devastating shots from outside the box, consistently find the net from distance, and add a potent new dimension to your team's attack.]

[Do you wish to activate it?]

Nathan's eyes narrowed. Mid-range shooting? Consistent goals from distance? This was it. This was about adding another layer to his omnipresent influence, ensuring he could score from anywhere, relentlessly, a true hallmark of an Era-Defining Icon.

Yes! Activate!

Ding!

[Random Skill Activated: The Midfield Cannon of Lampard]

[Effect: For the next 5 minutes of in-game time, your shooting power, accuracy, and ability to strike dipping and swerving shots from mid-range (18-30 yards) are significantly enhanced. You will consistently find the corners of the net, making your shots virtually unstoppable from distance and becoming a relentless goal threat from midfield.]

A surge of raw, focused power coursed through Nathan's legs, particularly his right foot. He felt like he could strike the ball with incredible force and pinpoint accuracy from anywhere outside the box. The goal seemed wider, the angles clearer, and every shot felt destined to find its mark. He became a human cannon, ready to unleash thunderbolts.

He immediately called for the ball, positioning himself just outside Brentford's congested penalty area. Casemiro played a quick pass to him. Vitaly Janelt and Christian Norgaard converged quickly, trying to close him down.

Nathan received the ball, took one touch to set himself, then, with The Midfield Cannon of Lampard active, he unleashed a ferocious, dipping shot from 25 yards out. It flew through the air, an unstoppable missile, swerving just enough to evade the outstretched hand of David Raya, Brentford's goalkeeper, who could only watch in despair.

BOOM!

The ball slammed into the top corner, rattling the net with a violent shudder!

GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL!!!!

The net bulged! Manchester United 1 - Brentford 0! Old Trafford erupted in a thunderous roar, a mixture of relief and pure jubilation. Nathan screamed, pumping his fists, his teammates mobbing him. The Midfield Cannon of Lampard had delivered a spectacular opener, a true testament to his relentless goal-scoring threat.

For the next five minutes, Nathan was a constant threat from distance. He unleashed another powerful shot that forced a spectacular diving save from Raya. He then launched a cross-field diagonal pass to Antony that switched play with pinpoint accuracy, but Antony's shot was blocked. Brentford's defense, already bewildered, struggled to cope with the sheer volume and quality of United's attacks from midfield.

The The Midfield Cannon of Lampard faded, but it had done its job. United had asserted complete offensive dominance, breaking Brentford's resolve through sheer quality.

Just before halftime, United doubled their lead. A brilliant pass from Nathan (his record-breaking assist ability still shining) found Marcus Rashford, who slotted it clinically past Raya, making it 2-0.

The second half was a testament to United's control. Brentford pushed for an equalizer, but United's sustained pressure and tactical discipline, influenced by Nathan's earlier orchestration, made it difficult for them. David de Gea was rarely tested.

Nathan continued to influence the game, with his Perfected Dribbling allowing him to constantly create space and dictate play.

The final minutes of the match were comfortable for United. Brentford, disheartened, couldn't find a way back into the game.

The final whistle blew.

MANCHESTER UNITED 2 - BRENTFORD 0!

Old Trafford cheered, celebrating a dominant home win that kept their Premier League title challenge strong.

In the jubilant changing room, Erik ten Hag was beaming. "Another clean sheet, lads, another three points! Nathan, that first goal was absolutely stunning! You showed them what a truly complete midfielder can do!"

Nathan, breathless but beaming, just grinned. "Just trying to contribute, boss."

He checked his system.

[Overall Rating: S+]

Still S+. He had demonstrated the unwavering brilliance of an undisputed legend, adding a new dimension to his goal-scoring.

Ding!

[Legacy Archive Update: Challenge Progress for "The Era-Defining Icon"]

[Description: Your consistent, high-level performance across all facets of the game, including adding new goal-scoring dimensions, is profoundly cementing your status as the defining figure of the current footballing era. Your influence on the narrative of the sport is undeniable.]

Nathan's eyes widened. "Profoundly cementing your status." This was it. The narrative was being shaped in real-time. He was truly becoming the symbol of this era.

Ding!

[New Record Alert!]

[You have now become the first midfielder in Premier League history to score 10+ goals and provide 10+ assists in the same season before the Christmas break.]

Nathan's jaw dropped. First midfielder in Premier League history to score 10+ goals AND 10+ assists before Christmas. This was beyond just United records; this was a Premier League first. This was it. This was the tangible proof of his relentless pursuit of greatness, of his journey to become an Era-Defining Icon through every facet of his play, setting new benchmarks on the biggest domestic stage. The Premier League season was long, the Champions League awaited the knockout stages, and he knew there would be many more challenges, many more records to break, many more chances to learn and evolve. The next match, a pivotal Champions League group stage encounter away against Bayern Munich, awaited.