The cheers of the home crowd flooded the stadium like a tidal wave, the roar of thousands of voices echoing off the walls of the arena. In an instant, Franck found himself surrounded by his jubilant teammates, all of them eager to share in the moment of triumph. They crowded around him at the center of the pitch, their faces lit up with excitement as they clapped him on the back and voiced their congratulations.
On the sidelines, Coach Elgert was a picture of exuberance, his arms thrown wide open as he shouted in joy. For a moment, the usually composed coach looked like an excited schoolboy, reveling in the thrill of the game. His joy wasn't just because the team had all but secured their spot in the quarter-finals—a result that, given the circumstances, was somewhat expected. What truly electrified him was Franck's stunning execution of the set-piece.
Franck's technique on the free-kick had been nothing short of flawless, mirroring the precision and control he had demonstrated during training sessions. While Coach Elgert had come to know Franck's capabilities well, witnessing this level of performance in a high-pressure match still filled him with a mix of surprise and delight.
The ability to seamlessly translate a newly acquired skill from the training ground to the pitch, without any drop in effectiveness, was a rare quality. As a veteran of professional youth training systems, Coach Elgert knew that many players struggled with this transition. The pressure of live competition often caused them to falter, to lose the finesse they had in practice. But Franck had shown no such hesitation. His set-piece, executed with the composure and precision of a seasoned professional, was a testament to his exceptional talent.
It wasn't just Franck's technical ability that stood out to Coach Elgert. The young defender's mental strength was equally impressive. Franck played with a calmness and confidence that belied his age, showing little to no fear on the pitch. Such psychological resilience was invaluable, and Coach Elgert knew that any coach would treasure a player as composed and reliable as Franck.
As he watched Franck bask in the adulation of his teammates, Coach Elgert couldn't help but smile. Franck was exceeding every expectation, proving himself to be a player of remarkable potential.
What Franck didn't know was that Coach Elgert's ultimate goal for him was nothing less than the Bundesliga. The coach was resolute in his belief that Franck had the talent, the mindset, and the drive to make it in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. This was no casual assessment; it was the highest expectation Elgert had for any player on the team.
Even though Samuel Ndi Ebogo had scored ten goals and was leading the divisional scoring charts, Coach Elgert's hopes for Franck were on a different level. While he was confident that Samuel would have a successful career, possibly even in a major European league, he couldn't say with the same certainty that Samuel was destined for the very top. But with Franck, there was no doubt in his mind. The Bundesliga was where Franck belonged, and Elgert was determined to guide him there.
…
After Franck scored the set-piece, the morale of the Free University of Berlin was instantly crushed. The players on the visiting team wore sullen expressions, their earlier optimism fading rapidly. Before the game, they had held onto the belief that anything was possible, hoping to pull off an upset through sheer effort and determination. But now, just half an hour into the match, they found themselves two goals down. The harsh reality of the situation was a bitter pill to swallow.
Their head coach was equally at a loss. The key issue wasn't just the scoreline but the fact that there was no clear path to a breakthrough. Westphalian University of Applied Sciences had crafted tactics that perfectly countered Berlin's approach. It was becoming painfully obvious that the two teams were on different levels—not just in terms of individual player ability but also in coaching and strategy.
As the second half began, the Berlin coach made a quick adjustment, substituting in a speedy forward who could potentially mimic Samuel's pace. This was a last-ditch effort, a final roll of the dice. Conventional tactics had failed to penetrate Westphalian's defense, so they resorted to hoping for individual brilliance to make a difference.
Berlin began to imitate Westphalian's strategy, instructing their defenders to launch long passes in an attempt to simplify their attack. However, their execution fell short of the mark. Unlike Franck, who had developed an exceptional long-pass ability, Berlin's defenders lacked the precision and vision required to make this tactic effective.
Franck, though not as fast as Samuel, was rock-solid in one-on-one defense. The new forward, who lacked Samuel's strength and guile, stood no chance against him. Each time Berlin aimed a long pass towards Franck's area, he would position himself perfectly, using his physical dominance to outmuscle the attacker and neutralize the threat.
The small, quick forward repeatedly tried to challenge Franck, but the results were disastrous. Franck was like an immovable wall, unyielding in his defense. On several occasions, when the forward attempted to outpace him, Franck would simply place a firm hand on his back and gently nudge him off balance, sending him sprawling to the ground. Though Franck always offered a hand to help him up, the frustration was evident in the forward's eyes. He stared at Franck with a mix of fear and resignation, knowing he was outmatched.
In the second half, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences shifted their focus to a more counterattacking and defensive strategy. But unlike their opponents, their defense was active and confident, a stark contrast to the passive, desperate defense Berlin was forced to employ. The home team conserved energy, knowing they were in control, while Berlin's players, who relied heavily on hopeful long balls, began to tire. By the 70th minute, their offensive efforts had all but fizzled out, their fitness levels and morale plummeting in tandem.
Sensing the shift, Westphalian seized control of the game, dominating possession in the midfield and backline. They didn't need to push for another goal; merely keeping the ball and running down the clock was enough to secure victory. The opponent, drained and demoralized, no longer had the energy to press high or disrupt Westphalian's composed possession game. As the final whistle approached, the tickets to the national quarter-finals were firmly in their grasp.
The match ended with a comfortable 2-0 victory for Westphalian University of Applied Sciences, securing their place in the 2007 University Nationals quarterfinals. The victory, while satisfying, was entirely expected by the team, so the post-match celebrations were subdued. No one was overly excited, and Coach Elgert was quick to remind the players to keep their focus and not let their mentality drift.
Two days later, the quarter-final draw was announced, and Westphalian University of Applied Sciences found themselves facing the reigning champions, Munich University. The excitement of advancing past Berlin had not yet worn off when the reality of their next challenge set in. Munich University was a powerhouse, a team far stronger than any opponent Westphalian had encountered so far, including the formidable Technical University of Dortmund. The title of defending champion carried a psychological weight that was hard to ignore, even for someone as confident as Franck.
Despite having the system to assist him, Franck was under no illusions about the difficulty of the task ahead. He wasn't arrogant enough to guarantee victory against the defending champions; such bravado might temporarily lift the team's spirits, but reality has a way of humbling even the most confident. Franck knew that if the game turned unfavorable, the fragile confidence of the team could quickly shatter, leading to a rapid mental collapse.
Coach Elgert, ever observant, quickly noticed the shift in the team's atmosphere. Training had become tense, and Franck, usually the linchpin of the team's morale, seemed out of sorts. Recognizing the importance of addressing the issue head-on, Elgert decided to speak with Franck privately.
Without any unnecessary preamble, Coach Elgert got straight to the point. "Franck, you've been off these past few days. What's on your mind?"
Franck hesitated, scratching his head. As the team captain, he found it difficult to admit his nerves to the coach. The idea of confessing that he was anxious about facing Munich felt like an admission of weakness, something he couldn't bring himself to do easily.
Coach Elgert, observing Franck's hesitation, could easily guess what was troubling his captain. Instead of offering comforting words, he addressed the issue head-on with a serious tone. "Franck, as the captain and the cornerstone of our defense, I have to say I'm a bit disappointed. I've told Samuel before, if he wants to play professional football, confidence is everything. This applies even more to you. A forward might have a bad day, miss chances, or fail to score, but if you, as a defender, make a mistake, it could lead to catastrophic consequences for the team, like conceding a crucial goal. A little sense of urgency is normal, but it must not interfere with your performance. Otherwise, I will have to reconsider whether you're suitable for the next game."
There's a saying that goes: "A drum doesn't need to be hammered lightly." And because Coach Elgert had high expectations for Franck, he decided to use the heavy hammer this time, hoping to jolt Franck into the right mindset. He wanted Franck to approach the upcoming battle with the defending champions with a calm, focused heart and the confidence that had made him such a key player.
Franck understood the coach's intentions, and a sense of urgency settled over him. He knew that Coach Elgert wasn't just trying to scare him. The coach was dead serious; he wouldn't tolerate any hidden weaknesses in a key position. If Franck's performance wasn't up to par, there was a very real chance he would be benched for the match against Munich University. The coach's words weren't just a warning—they were a reality check.
That night, back in his dormitory, Franck sat cross-legged on his bed, breathing deeply. He used a de-stressing technique he had learned during his college entrance exams, one that helped clear his mind and relieve stress. As he meditated, Franck reflected on his recent anxiety. He realized that his fluctuating mentality stemmed from overthinking the outcome of the game. To regain his composure, he needed to let go of his obsession with winning or losing and focus on what he could control—his own performance.
With this realization, Franck's mind cleared. He understood that his job was to give his best effort on the field without being consumed by the pressure of results. This clarity brought him a sense of peace, and he decided to share his newfound perspective with his closest teammates, Samuel and Alain. He simplified his message to them: "If you don't accept it, prove it!"
The defending champions? Once you look past the intimidating label, they're just another team. Beating them would prove that Westphalian University of Applied Sciences had the strength to win the national championship.
The next week passed quickly, with only two or three days left before the match. During this time, the "Cameroonian trio" of Franck, Samuel, and Alain gradually returned to their usual form. Their focus sharpened, and their confidence grew, which had a positive effect on the rest of the team. Seeing the trio's renewed determination, other players were inspired to step up their game as well. This shift in mentality gave Coach Elgert a boost of confidence, knowing that his key players were leading by example.
With just two days remaining before the game, the team was preparing to depart for Munich. The trip to face the reigning champions would be challenging, both on and off the pitch.
On the night before their departure, Franck lay in bed, quietly reviewing his system data. After the last game, he had completed the second task assigned by the system and received his rewards accordingly.
His speed ability value had increased by 10 points, bringing it to 59, though his short-distance acceleration still lagged at 55. Franck knew that improving his acceleration was crucial—it represented his explosive power on the field. As a central defender, being able to quickly close down an opponent or reach a key defensive position could be the difference between a clean sheet and conceding a goal.
But Franck also understood that he had no control over how the system functioned. He could only accept the "help" it provided, complete the tasks it assigned, and hope that the rewards would continue to enhance his abilities.
When the system first appeared, Franck had been thrilled, imagining himself rising through the ranks like the protagonists in novels. But now, a sense of unease had begun to creep in. The system's constant demands made him feel like a puppet on strings. If not for his burning desire to play professional football, Franck might have rejected the system altogether. The thought of being free from its constraints, of playing without restrictions, was increasingly appealing.
After checking his ability values, Franck was about to exit the system when Tactica's voice suddenly sounded: "Please don't exit yet. A system announcement is about to be issued."
Franck was startled, watching as the virtual screen shifted from displaying his stats to a new row of text: After simulation testing, the host's next game will be broadcast on television. As an amateur player aiming for professional football, this is a good opportunity for exposure. The host is encouraged to perform at his best.
"Ah? Really?!" Franck exclaimed in surprise, quickly covering his mouth as he glanced around the dorm. Thankfully, no one had been disturbed by his outburst. Franck smiled to himself, unable to contain his excitement.
This was the opportunity he had been waiting for. Although German football had a strong talent selection system, standing out as an individual in such a competitive environment was still incredibly difficult. Without media exposure or the attention of professional scouts, Franck's dreams of turning pro would remain just that—dreams.
It was often said that Franck had the talent to pass a trial with a professional club, but what he needed was a platform to showcase his skills—a chance to be noticed. Now, that opportunity was within reach.
The excitement from this revelation allowed Franck to sleep well that night, and he even dreamed of success.
The night passed without incident, and the next day, Franck was still buzzing with energy as the team prepared to depart for Munich. Coach Elgert noticed his excitement but didn't dwell on it, attributing it to Franck's usual pre-match enthusiasm. However, Samuel, who knew Franck better than most, sensed that something was different. Curiosity piqued, he asked, "Franck, what's up? Why are you so hyped for just a game?"
Franck turned and smiled knowingly at his friend. "Have you ever wanted to be on TV?"
"Ah?" Samuel was taken aback, but Alain, sitting in the back row, overheard and leaned in closer, realizing that something special might be happening.
Franck continued, "If we perform well, we might become famous after the next game."
Samuel's eyes widened in realization. "Wait, are you saying our game is going to be on TV? Wow, the coach is so sneaky—why didn't he tell us? Doesn't he trust our mental strength?"
"Your mental strength is indeed questionable," Franck teased him, then added, "It has nothing to do with the coach. He doesn't know—I can just sense these things."
Samuel narrowed his eyes, unsure if Franck was being serious or just messing with him. But the idea of playing on TV had clearly caught his interest, and the excitement began to spread among the team as they headed towards what would undoubtedly be a defining moment in their season.
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: 74
Long Passing: 61
Shooting: 45
Jumping: 70
Physical Fitness: 60
Reactions: 67
Speed: 59
Acceleration: 55
Positioning: 70
Set-piece Accuracy: 60
Corner Accuracy: 35
Heading: 64