As his last sliver of consciousness returned to his body, Diego Costa felt somewhat unwell.
Where was he? Hadn't he already died?
The sounds of battle horns still echoed in his ears.
He was the foremost general of the Gold Kingdom, who, despite being wounded by bullets, fought valiantly, plunging deep into enemy lines.
The people believed in him, proclaiming him a true God of War.
He fought against thousands, slaying the enemy's general, and ultimately, securing victory.
However, what use was it? Though he saw through the enemy's blade and shadow, he failed to perceive the young king's jealousy and suspicion.
The young king had ordered the execution of the general's entire family. Even as the top general and the soul of the Gold Kingdom's army, he couldn't escape this fate.
The sound of high heels clicking approached, and Diego slowly opened his eyes.
The surroundings were clean and orderly. An IV drip hung from his hand, and an oxygen mask was continuously releasing oxygen nearby.
Clearly, he was in a hospital, receiving treatment.
"You're awake? As expected, a disaster lasts a thousand years..."
The voice was crisp and pleasant, but the words made Diego frown.
Following the voice, Diego saw a beautiful woman standing not far from the bed.
She was over 1.7 meters tall, wearing a simple white shirt that could not conceal her ample bust.
In contrast, her waist was slender, and her legs were long and straight.
Her chestnut hair was tied up high, and under her flawless face was a graceful neck.
Looking at her, Diego wondered, "Who are you?"
Isabelle Maradona didn't reply.
She glanced at him and instructed the doctor to come and examine him.
With only fragmented memories in his mind, Diego pushed the doctor away.
After pushing the doctor, regardless of the woman's astonished face, Diego looked at his hands in confusion.
Something felt wrong when he woke up.
Raising his hands again, he looked at the IV needle in his hand, unable to believe it.
They were pale and delicate, like those of the beautiful woman beside him.
In that moment, Diego's world completely collapsed.
He rudely tore off the IV needle, ignoring the discomfort in his body, and stumbled into the bathroom of the hospital room.
In the mirror was a face he didn't recognize.
Diego trembled in disbelief.
Staring at his reflection, he continuously touched this unfamiliar face.
Smooth and elastic, the skin was even delicate like a woman's!
He pinched himself hard. It hurt. Indeed, this was no dream.
Looking at everything before him, Diego knew this was real, yet a strange world.
It was unbelievable, but he had to learn to accept it!
In his heart, an answer began to form.
Had his soul traveled through time? Could it be that only he had traveled here, while his family, servants, and fellow soldiers had all perished?
Diego's fist suddenly clenched, blood spurting from the poorly treated needle wound, slithering like a snake down his arm, pooling in his palm, drop by drop,
creating a pattering sound.
"Diego Maradona, have you lost your mind from the accident?"
The woman behind him watched anxiously, followed by a crowd of doctors.
Diego Costa, now Diego Maradona, looked at her. His mind was suddenly invaded by memories that weren't originally his.
"If you wish to marry me, you must take my family name, Maradona."
"Even after marriage, you can't share my bedroom, nor do you need to go to the office. Your job will be doing laundry and cooking."
The beauty before him, with her almond-shaped face and beautiful eyebrows, looked gentle and amiable. Yet she could utter such harsh words?
Glancing at the woman, Diego took a deep breath, suppressing his complex emotions and managed a bitter smile. "I'm sorry, I... don't remember."
Isabelle opened her mouth, puzzled, but still asked the doctors to perform a brain scan on Diego.
Regardless, since he had come to this place, he had to face the current situation.
He followed the doctors for a series of checks. The results came back quickly.
"Miss Maradona, Mr. Maradona's recovery is miraculous! At this rate, he'll be discharged soon!"
"Moreover, there's nothing wrong with his brain. As for his memory loss, we're not sure why."
"However, the human brain is more intricate than the most sophisticated machinery. Our devices not detecting a problem doesn't mean there isn't one. Amnesia is possible, especially considering the severity of his injuries..."
The doctor didn't continue, but Isabelle understood.
Diego, rapidly adapting to his new body, found this all quite extraordinary and casually asked, "Doctor, how did I get injured?"
He was curious about how the original owner of the body had died.
Hearing Diego's question, Isabelle's already cold eyes grew even colder.
"You crashed your car into the bridge, fell off, and nearly ended up brain-dead."
Diego was stunned.
He hadn't expected the body's original owner to have taken such a bold risk, seemingly deserving his fate.
However, what's done was done.
Since fate had given him another chance, he was determined not to waste it!