Capítulo 13: Chapter 13

That evening, the school leaders hosted a celebratory dinner for all the members of the school team, including Coach Norbert Elgert, in the banquet hall on the third floor of the school cafeteria. This area was reserved for special occasions and guests, offering a more refined dining experience compared to the standard fare on the lower two floors. The ambiance was elevated, with better service and more sophisticated dishes, befitting the significance of the day's victory.

Everyone was in high spirits, buoyed by their recent success, and their appetites reflected their good mood. The school leaders had delivered the customary "hope that everyone will work harder" speeches, and with the formalities out of the way, Franck and his teammates eagerly dug into their meals. Though Franck maintained a gentlemanly demeanor, carefully using his knife and fork, it was clear that he, like everyone else, was thoroughly enjoying the evening.

During the banquet, three of the school's leaders made a point of approaching Franck. They circled his table with a clear intent, though Franck didn't immediately realize their purpose. It wasn't until Principal Johann Berger, the most senior of the group, stepped forward with a warm smile of admiration that Franck understood. Rising quickly from his seat, Franck greeted the principal with respect, "Principal!"

His attitude was humble, devoid of arrogance, and he showed genuine respect to his elder.

Principal Berger regarded Franck with kind eyes, his expression one of approval. After a few moments, he spoke, "Young man, there's no need to be so formal. Your performance today was outstanding. You have tremendous potential in football, and you've become one of our school's brightest prospects. It's an honor for me to witness your growth."

Franck, still standing, responded modestly, "Your words are too generous, Principal. I haven't won the championship yet. I'm just doing my part for the team. Winning the final would be a small step, but we haven't achieved that yet."

Principal Berger chuckled, "I thought Cameroonians were known for their confidence, but where is yours? A little confidence is good, especially in football. Don't you agree, Franck?"

The principal's use of Franck's first name caught him off guard. Franck hadn't expected the principal to know his name, let alone use it so familiarly. The fact that Klaus Fischer had mentioned Franck to the principal only added to the young player's surprise. Fischer had heard about Franck through local media in Munich, following an interview Franck gave after a previous match. This recognition from the principal was unexpected but also pleasing to Franck, who quickly replied, "You're right, Principal. I'll remember that."

Principal Berger nodded, satisfied with Franck's response, and moved on to speak with other guests, leaving Franck deep in thought.

Sitting beside Franck, Samuel couldn't help but show a hint of frustration after the principal left. "Franck, why does the principal only remember you and call out your name? It's like no one cares about me... You always seem to have better luck than I do, even when it comes to winning games!"

Franck, still slightly puzzled himself, grinned and replied, "Who knows? Maybe I'm just more handsome, so I'm easier to remember."

For Franck and the rest of the school team, the next few days offered a much-needed break. The other semi-final match was scheduled for two days later, so they still didn't know who their opponents in the final would be, making it difficult to begin preparations. Coach Elgert, recognizing the need for rest and recovery, rewarded the team with two days off over the weekend.

The following day, with no training on the agenda, Franck planned to sleep in at the dormitory and then drive to Dortmund to spend time with Lena Weissbach.

As Franck rested that evening, the system within him continued its operations, never resting even when he did. With the championship just one step away, the system released the latest update on Franck's ability data, providing a clear picture of his current skill levels.

Star Player Evolution Engine

Name: Franck Emmanuel Ndongo

Age: 18

Height: 195 cm

Weight: 81 kg

Nationality: Cameroonian

Position: Central Defender

Dominant Foot: Right

Short Passing: 78

Long Passing: 75

Shooting: 62

Jumping: 72

Physical Fitness: 60

Reactions: 74

Speed: 60

Acceleration: 59

Positioning: 74

Set-piece Accuracy: 64

Corner Accuracy: 35

Heading: 66

Franck's intensive training had clearly paid off. His short and long passing abilities had surpassed the 75-point mark, turning green in the system, signaling a new level of proficiency. That night, he slept soundly, blissfully unaware of the latest developments until the morning light crept into his room.

It wasn't until later that the system administrator, Tactica, released the final system task: "Congratulations, Franck Emmanuel Ndongo. Due to your excellent performance, you have successfully gained the attention of a professional club. Now, the final task is released: join a German professional club in the Bundesliga or 2. Bundesliga and start your personal career. Once this task is completed, the task mode will automatically terminate. Subsequent training upgrades will require you to redouble your efforts."

The following day, Franck woke up with a slight headache, a remnant of the intense emotions from the previous day. As he rubbed his temples, the memory of the system's task from the night before came flooding back.

"Join at least a Bundesliga second division club? Are scouts really following me? How come I didn't know about this? It can't be that easy!" Franck mused, feeling a mix of disbelief and excitement.

He pushed those thoughts aside for the moment, focusing instead on his plan for the day. Franck had been looking forward to spending time with Lena Weissbach in Dortmund. The past weeks had been consumed with school and competition, leaving little time for his personal life. Now, with a brief respite from football, he wanted to make it up to his girlfriend. After all, no matter how strong a relationship is, it needs to be nurtured.

Just as Franck was about to leave, his phone rang. It was Coach Elgert. "Franck, come to the principal's office, now!"

The abruptness of the call took Franck by surprise, but he quickly realized that he hadn't done anything wrong. In fact, the principal had seemed to appreciate him the day before. What could this be about?

Though puzzled, Franck didn't hesitate. He hurried to the principal's office, his mind racing with possibilities.

When Franck entered the office, he was greeted by the sight of Principal Johann Berger, Coach Norbert Elgert, and a third man—Klaus Fischer, the scout he had seen at the match. The atmosphere was serious yet welcoming.

Principal Berger greeted him warmly, just as he had the previous day. "Franck, this is Mr. Fischer from Munich 1860. He's here on behalf of the club," the principal introduced.

Klaus Fischer, now face to face with his target, extended his hand to Franck. "Young man, I watched your game. Not only I, but our entire club believes you have excellent potential to become a professional player. I brought your game footage back yesterday, and the club is eager to sign you. If you don't mind, let's talk somewhere else?"

Franck was momentarily taken aback. The idea that a professional club was interested in him was still sinking in, and the accuracy of the system's prediction added to his astonishment. "What? You're inviting me to join you?" Franck asked, trying to process the unexpected turn of events.

Seeing the surprise on Franck's face, Fischer sensed that his chances of success were high. "Yes, you heard right. As long as you agree, after the final, I can take you to Munich immediately. You'll join our U19 team. Although you haven't received professional training before, we believe your skill and awareness are exceptional. With professional training, your physical attributes can be further developed, and you'll have a good chance of playing for our first team in the future."

Before Franck could respond, Coach Elgert, who had been observing the conversation with a serious expression, interjected. "Franck, this is a big decision. Think it through carefully."

Fischer's smile faltered slightly, but he maintained his composure. Franck, noticing the seriousness in Coach Elgert's tone, paused to consider his words. After a moment of thought, he replied, "Munich 1860... I've heard of the club. Our fellow Cameroonian, Jean Ekombo, also came from your youth team. But this is a significant decision for my future, so I can't give you an answer right now. Could you give me some time to think about it?"

Fischer, not wanting to push too hard, nodded and handed Franck a business card. "Of course! Take your time and call this number when you've made up your mind. Someone will contact you afterward. After all, I'm just a scout, and there are things beyond my control. But I hope your answer will satisfy us all."

Franck nodded in return, taking the card and pretending to consider the offer as he left the office.

After Franck had gone, Coach Elgert turned to Fischer with a stern expression. "I advise you not to pressure him. Even if he agrees, I'll persuade him to reconsider."

Fischer's smile became strained, a hint of frustration creeping in. "Why? Do you think he can join a club where you used to work?"

Unexpectedly, Coach Elgert's response was affirmative. "Yes, better than your club, which is only a middle-tier team in the Bundesliga second division. You don't deserve him! With his talent and potential, he's destined for a much bigger stage."

Coach Elgert's words left no room for doubt. He firmly believed that the Bundesliga second division was too low for Franck. Joining a youth team at that level would only limit his future prospects.

Had Franck overheard this exchange, he would have been deeply touched. Despite Coach Elgert's typically stern demeanor, his understanding of Franck's potential was clear and unwavering.

Stunned by the coach's conviction, Fischer left the office in quiet frustration, though he stubbornly insisted that he wouldn't give up on securing Franck's commitment.

...

Unaware of the conversation that had taken place in the principal's office, Franck returned to the dormitory, quickly packed up, and hurried off to Dortmund

As Franck disappeared into the distance, Samuel watched him leave with a wistful expression. "Having a girlfriend is nice," he muttered, a hint of envy in his voice.

Alain, standing nearby, seemed to want to say something but hesitated. After a moment, he nodded slowly in agreement, sharing Samuel's sentiment.

To them, Franck's actions were a reminder of their single status—a situation that suddenly seemed more glaring as they watched their friend head off to spend time with his girlfriend.

Forty minutes later, Franck arrived at the girls' dormitory at Technical University Dortmund. He parked his car and made a quick phone call to Lena, choosing to wait by the car rather than calling up from below. Franck preferred to keep a low profile in his personal life, despite his high-profile demeanor on the football pitch.

After about ten minutes, Lena Weissbach emerged from the dormitory, accompanied by a blonde beauty who exuded confidence and charm.

"Lena, is this your boyfriend? Wow, he's quite handsome! No wonder you didn't give Fermolin a chance—I'd do the same if he were mine," the blonde teased, her tone light and playful.

Lena, who was usually cheerful and talkative, laughed along with her friend. After a bit more teasing, the blonde turned her attention to Franck, extending her hand with a warm smile. "Handsome, nice to meet you! My name's Tina, I'm Lena's friend."

Tina's smile was charming and disarming, but Lena quickly stepped in between them, her expression slightly annoyed. "Lena, you're so cute. Don't worry, I won't steal him... Okay, I'll leave you two alone now. Bye!" Tina said with a playful giggle before waving them off.

Once Tina had left, Lena climbed into the car and turned to Franck with a grin. "Let's go shopping first. I want to buy something."

Franck's face instantly showed a mix of reluctance and resignation. Shopping with a woman was never easy, and he knew it.

He was about to refuse, but Lena, sensing his hesitation, gave him a pitiful look that he couldn't resist. Franck's defenses crumbled under her pleading eyes, and he sighed in defeat. "Alright, let's go."

Two hours later, they emerged from the bustling shopping mall in downtown Dortmund. Lena was satisfied, having bought two skirts and two pairs of high-heeled shoes. Franck, on the other hand, had spent the entire time as the designated pack mule, carrying all the bags and silently enduring his fate.

As they walked out of the mall, Franck was thinking about where they could go next when his phone suddenly rang.

"Franck, where are you?" The voice on the other end was unmistakable—it was his father.

Franck was surprised. "Dad? Why are you calling? I'm in Dortmund, shopping with Lena."

"Oh? You're in Dortmund? That's great. Where are you? I'm in Dortmund too. Let's find a place to have lunch together, and bring Lena along."

In a cozy restaurant in Dortmund, Franck and Lena met up with his father, Eric Bernard Ndongo. It had been a while since they'd last seen each other, and after exchanging greetings, Eric looked up at his taller son, nodding in satisfaction. "You've grown tall and strong. Lena, you've changed too—you're even more beautiful than before!"

Lena smiled and quickly thanked him, "Thank you, Mr. Ndongo, for the compliment."

Once they were seated, Franck asked, "Dad, what brings you here suddenly?"

Eric replied, "It's not a spur-of-the-moment thing. There's been a change at work. The headquarters has transferred me to oversee the business in the Ruhr region, so I'll be based in Dortmund from now on."

Lena's face lit up, and she responded politely, "That's great news, Mr. Ndongo! Now you won't be separated from each other as much, and it'll be easier to meet."

Eric, though dressed casually, held an important position at the headquarters of Volkswagen in Wolfsburg. He had been entrusted with overseeing the business in the Ruhr Industrial Zone, Germany's strongest consumer market. What Lena didn't know was that Eric had applied for this transfer himself, though he hadn't wanted Franck to know the full extent of his motivations.

Hearing Lena's words, Eric laughed warmly. "Lena, what are you thinking? Are you worried he's bullying you, and you want me to step in? Franck, have you been treating Lena well?"

"Dad, how could I bully Lena? Don't worry, I wouldn't even dare to think about it. You know me better than that. Actually, Dad, since you're here today and Lena is with us, I have some good news to share."

Franck went on to explain the invitation he had received from Munich 1860 to join their team.

Lena's face lit up with joy. She was thrilled for Franck, seeing this as the beginning of his dream coming true.

After hearing Franck's story, Eric fell into deep thought. After a moment, he asked, "What do you think about this?"

Franck answered honestly, "At first, I found it very appealing. But Coach Elgert doesn't seem to want me to go. The Bundesliga second division is indeed a bit lower in level."

Eric nodded, understanding the situation. "Coach Elgert is right. Let me tell you something. He mentioned to me that your potential goes far beyond the Bundesliga second division, so Franck, don't accept their offer. Not just any club appreciates you, and talent always shines. With your strength, you should aim for a higher platform, to start at a point where you can outpace others. Your future is a lifelong matter, and you mustn't take it lightly. I..."

Eric hesitated, realizing that this wasn't the right time to delve into certain topics, especially with Franck's girlfriend present. The conversation was starting to touch on more personal matters.

However, Lena, always perceptive, sensed the need for privacy and excused herself to the bathroom, giving the two men space to talk.

Franck, knowing where the conversation was headed, looked up at his father after a moment of reflection. "Dad, have you and Mom really decided not to... Is there no chance at all?"

Eric shook his head gently. "It's impossible. Your mother is doing well now. If I disturb her, what good would come of it? I couldn't give her what she needed at the time. Honestly, I'm grateful to her. If she hadn't moved on, I wouldn't be where I am today. I'd still be living like I used to."

"But things are different now. Haven't you thought about reconciling? Don't tell me you have no regrets."

Eric looked at his son with a sense of relief and pride. "Good boy, it seems love has made you mature."

But then, his tone shifted as he began to advise his son. "However, some things, once lost, can't be regained. That's why, Franck, you must never take your future lightly. Aim high, don't settle. Only then will you have the ability to provide everything your loved one desires. Your dad is a living example. You have to be strong enough to protect everything you cherish. Don't wait until it's too late to fix things."