The Archduke's Songbird - Chapter 1: Waking Up On His Bed

For ten years, Ethan Carter was cursed.No matter which club he coached, he never won a single match. The world called him “The Cursed Coach.” Fans ridiculed him. Players disrespected him. The media destroyed him.But on one fateful night, his Bundesliga team—the weakest in the league—was leading 1-0 against a footballing giant.Ninety minutes. One last chance. The biggest upset of the season.The final whistle blew.Victory.His first-ever win. The curse was broken.And then… his heart stopped.When he opened his eyes, he wasn’t in Germany anymore.He was in a run-down office with peeling wallpaper and a broken desk. His hands were thinner. His face was different.A small nameplate sat in front of him:Jake Wilson – Head Coach, Bradford FC (Fifth-Tier League)Before he could even process what had happened, a glowing screen appeared before his eyes.[Ding! The Coaching System Has Activated!]Now, armed with a system that grants real-time tactical analysis, scouting reports, player growth insights, and legendary tactics, Ethan—now Jake—has a second chance.From a forgotten, unknown club to the top of world football—can he use the system to become the greatest coach in history?He was once the most mocked coach in the world.Now, he will become unstoppable.Because this time… he refuses to lose.DisclaimerThe Coaching System is a work of fiction. All characters, teams, events, and organizations depicted in this story are purely fictional or used fictitiously. While the novel is inspired by real-world football mechanics, tactics, and leagues, it does not represent any real-life football clubs, managers, or players.

In the Heart’s Kingdom, a kingdom where vampires reign and humans were nothing but livestock, Lilou, a peasant, found herself being preyed upon by the worst maniacal vampire of his kind. However, as terrifying as what he addressed her as his ‘reserved meal’, this vampire also called her his bride!

Except:

My eyes brood with fear, gazing at the still-beating heart in his hand. “My Lord, pardon me but… is this the bloody proof you promised to show me?” I asked, my voice shook as I gulped down whilst struggling my trembling knees from giving away.

“Mhm… do you now believe I’m good at capturing hearts?” The silver-haired man, bearing those menacing pair of deep crimson eyes stared proudly at me after a nod. I gasped when he clenched his hand and squeezed the fresh heart to smithereen.

“Yes, milord. You’re good at it, literally.” I’m mortified, watching the pieces of the heart fall as he approached. His every step made me take a step back until my back reached a solid pillar.

“Huh,” Samael chuckled briefly, stopping in front of me. His long, pointy nails that were covered with blood traced my elbow down to my hand. Gently, he clipped my forefinger in between his, guiding it before his lips. “Did I pass your test, though?” He asked, the sharp tip of his nail played over the tip of my finger.

I stared at his penetrating gaze as I reluctantly answered, “Barely.”

He smirked, nodding in satisfaction before he pressed his nail on the tip of my forefinger that was quick to produce a drop of blood. “Such sweet aroma.” He whispered, placing my bleeding finger in his mouth and licked it with passion.

His menacing gaze never left mine as he consumed a bit of my blood. “Does that mean you’re accepting my invitation?” Keeping my finger in between his fangs, Samael inquired.

I bit my lower lip unconsciously, my heart within my chest drummed as my back broke into sweats. “But… I’m just…” I paused, hoping my answer would put an end to this. “… I’m just a human.”

Samael clicked his tongue, displeased at my response as he let my finger go. “No,” He whispered.

My entire body stiffened when he bent over, caressing my shoulder up to my neck by the apex of his nose, as his hot breaths prickled my skin.

“You're not just a mere human... you are my human.” He stressed before I sensed his lips part and the tip of his fangs against my skin.

Next up is——The venerable master of Hydra, the High Priest of the Purple Sweet Potato SpiritThe psychiatrist of The Avengers, and the financial advisor of S.H.I.E.L.D.Batman's dissertation killer, Joker's soulmateThe head physician of Arkham Asylum, the professor with all positive reviews from Gotham UniversityA recipient of the Red Flag Medal, a possessor of God's blessingsThe iron curtain of New York, the breath of fresh air in GothamThe eternally undying Dark Sun——Schiller Rodriguez!(All titles mentioned above have been rightfully earned within the main text. Any new titles will be added as they arise.)(This isn't a web novel with a system, and the system disappears soon, those who don't like it can skip the first thirty chapters.)

Necromancer】, Originating from ancient Europe, these mysterious wizards were often male, knowing how to summon and enslave the souls of the deceased to create undead creatures. Usually, those who practiced this craft had frail bodies, pale complexions, and twisted psyches, shunning and distrusting others. Some, who mastered the art, could even trade their flesh for an immortal Lich’s life. But can someone tell me how to practice the art of necromancy in the 21st century? In a law-abiding society, I can’t even get a skeleton! Misumi Mikoto: Doctor Chen, come quickly and help me examine this body; I can’t find the cause of death! Jounouchi Hiromi: Doctor Chen, come check on this patient first; what exactly is wrong with him?