The Football Legends System

The record for fastest to 40 Premier League goals + assists still hummed like a triumphant chorus in Nathan's mind. His Overall Rating: S+ was now an intrinsic part of him, a quiet assurance that he belonged among the undisputed pantheon. But the Legacy Archive's "Era-Defining Icon" challenge truly propelled him forward. 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 relentless output. 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, under any pressure.

One blustery morning at Carrington, during a complex attacking drill, Nathan received the ball deep. He held it for a beat, drawing a defender. 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 kind of vision we need, Nathan," the manager said. "Making the difficult look simple, consistently."

Nathan grinned. "Consistent greatness. That was the goal."

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 unerring ability to find the back of the net makes him the 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 Newcastle United at Old Trafford. Their previous encounter at St. James' Park had been a tough 2-1 away win. Nathan knew Newcastle, a team built on intensity, fierce pressing, and a passionate fighting spirit, would be even more determined to get a result at Old Trafford. They were looking to challenge the established order.

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

Bruno Guimarães – Ability: A+ | Potential: A+ | Overall Rating: A

The engine of their midfield. Fierce tackler, great passer, always energetic.

Alexander Isak – Ability: A | Potential: A+ | Overall Overall Rating: A-

Tall, quick, clinical finisher. A real threat in the box with his intelligent runs.

Fabian Schär – Ability: A- | Potential: B+ | Overall Rating: B+

Strong, experienced center-back, good on the ball, and capable of long-range passes.

"They'll be aggressive, they'll press us," Erik ten Hag warned in the pre-match briefing. "They'll try to bully us in midfield, make it a dogfight. We need to match their physicality, but play with composure. We need to show them the quality that defines champions, to relentlessly break them down."

Nathan nodded. Relentless. That was the mark of an Era-Defining Icon.

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

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

Newcastle started with their characteristic intensity and aggressive high press. They swarmed United's midfield, denying space, making every pass a battle. Bruno Guimarães was everywhere, snapping into tackles, trying to stifle Nathan and Bruno Fernandes.

United tried to assert their dominance, but Newcastle's energy was overwhelming. Nathan, despite his Perfected Dribbling, found little space in the congested midfield, every touch met with immediate, physical pressure.

Minute 20. Newcastle scored. A quick turnover in midfield saw Bruno Guimarães win the ball, then launch a precise through pass. Alexander Isak latched onto it, held off Lisandro Martinez, and fired a powerful shot past David de Gea.

Manchester United 0 - Newcastle United 1.

Old Trafford groaned. Newcastle's intensity had paid off. Nathan felt the familiar sting of falling behind, but this time, it was accompanied by a deeper understanding. Newcastle's energy was formidable, but it could be turned against them. United needed to not just match their fight, but to exceed it with an almost superhuman level of sustained effort, to break their spirit through sheer, unending physical and mental resilience.

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

Ding!

[System Notification]

[Your team is facing a high-energy, relentless opponent, requiring an almost superhuman level of sustained effort and boundless energy to outwork and mentally exhaust them, ultimately breaking their will.]

[You may request one random legendary endless stamina/unyielding engine skill in the style of a football icon to command the midfield through boundless energy, consistently win every duel, and project an unshakeable, relentless presence that completely drains the opposition's morale and physicality.]

[Do you wish to activate it?]

Nathan's eyes narrowed. Endless stamina? Unyielding engine? This was it. This was about turning the game into a war of attrition and being the last one standing, the true hallmark of an Era-Defining Icon.

Yes! Activate!

Ding!

[Random Skill Activated: The Marathon Man of Kanté]

[Effect: For the next 5 minutes of in-game time, your physical endurance, recovery rate, and tireless defensive work rate are elevated to an unprecedented level. You will cover every blade of grass, consistently win back possession, and relentlessly hound opponents, physically and mentally exhausting them with your boundless energy and unyielding presence.]

A profound sense of limitless energy and unshakeable determination coursed through Nathan. He felt no fatigue, only an insatiable hunger to run, to tackle, to win every single ball. He saw the smallest signs of weariness in the Newcastle players, and instinctively knew how to exploit it, how to push harder, how to press even when they thought they had a moment's rest. He became the engine that never stopped, a perpetual motion machine in the heart of the pitch, seemingly appearing everywhere at once.

He immediately charged forward, pressing Sean Longstaff, who had just received the ball deep in his own half. Longstaff, usually composed, felt Nathan's instant, tireless pressure. Nathan didn't just close him down; he hounded him, forcing a rushed, misplaced pass. The ball spilled to Bruno Fernandes!

United launched a lightning-fast counter-attack. Bruno played a quick pass to Nathan, who carried the ball into Newcastle's half, then unleashed a perfectly weighted through ball to Marcus Rashford, who had made a blistering run. Rashford was in! He slotted it past Nick Pope.

GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL!!!!

The net bulged! Manchester United 1 - Newcastle United 1! Old Trafford erupted in a thunderous roar, a mixture of pure exhilaration and relief. Nathan screamed, pumping his fists, his teammates mobbing him. The Marathon Man of Kanté had turned relentless effort into a decisive equalizer.

For the next five minutes, Nathan was a blur of constant motion. He covered immense ground, winning tackles, intercepting passes, and launching counter-attacks. He pressed Newcastle's defenders deep in their own half, forcing them into errors. He shadowed Bruno Guimarães, making it impossible for the midfielder to find space. Newcastle, initially so disciplined, started to look visibly tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed by Nathan's sheer, unending energy.

The The Marathon Man of Kanté faded, but it had done its job. United had asserted complete dominance through sheer effort and will.

Just before halftime, United took the lead. A brilliant run and cross from Diogo Dalot found Harry Kane, who powered a header into the net, making it 2-1.

The second half was a testament to United's control. Newcastle pushed for an equalizer, their fans roaring them on, but United's sustained pressure and tactical discipline, influenced by Nathan's earlier orchestration, made it difficult for them. David de Gea made a couple of crucial saves from long-range shots.

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. Newcastle, disheartened by the relentless pressure, couldn't find a way back into the game.

The final whistle blew.

MANCHESTER UNITED 2 - NEWCASTLE UNITED 1!

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 incredible fight, lads, another three points! Nathan, your energy today, your tireless running... you broke them down completely! You defined that midfield battle!"

Nathan, breathless but beaming, just grinned. "Just trying to keep the pressure on, boss."

He checked his system.

[Overall Rating: S+]

Still S+. He had demonstrated the unwavering brilliance of an undisputed legend, outworking a relentless opponent through sheer, unending effort.

Ding!

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

[Description: Your consistent, unparalleled performance across all facets of the game, now highlighted by an almost superhuman level of sustained effort and physical dominance, is profoundly cementing your status as the undisputed defining figure of the current footballing era. Your influence on the narrative of the sport is undeniable and widely recognized globally, transcending physical limits.]

Nathan's eyes widened. "Transcending physical limits." This wasn't just about football anymore; it was about something deeper, a defiance of the very boundaries of human endurance. He was truly becoming the symbol of this era.

Ding!

[New Record Alert!]

[You have now reached 25 Premier League Goals in the current season, becoming the fastest player in Premier League history to reach this milestone, surpassing Erling Haaland's previous record.]

Nathan's jaw dropped. Fastest to 25 Premier League Goals! Surpassing Erling Haaland, a fellow S+ rated player, the ultimate goal machine.