Chapter 17 – Between the Lines
The sun poured golden light over the rooftops of Dortmund, casting long shadows on the streets that bustled with early morning life. For the first time in weeks, Nico Valen had no training, no match, no tactical drills pressing at the back of his mind. It was his first true day off since arriving in Germany—and he intended to make the most of it.
He stepped out of his apartment dressed in a clean white hoodie, slim-fit jeans, and a pair of spotless white sneakers. With his hair brushed back, sunglasses perched on his head, and his phone in hand, Nico blended in with the crowds of young people enjoying their Saturday.
The city felt alive. Music leaked from cafés, students laughed over brunches, and the clanging of a tram running on the rails echoed through the streets.
Nico had lived in Dortmund for months now, but he hadn't really seen it.
His first stop was the Phoenix-See, a beautiful lake in the heart of the city, surrounded by clean walking paths and modern architecture. He took a slow lap around the water, passing joggers, couples, and dog walkers. He snapped a few pictures of the lake and one of the famous Signal Iduna Park in the distance.
> System Notification: Rest Bonus Activated – +5% Morale Recovery
A vibration buzzed from his phone. A message from his agent, Jorge Mendes:
Jorge: Brunch. Café Kieztörtchen. Come hungry. Bring your smile.
Nico rolled his eyes but smiled. Jorge never wasted time. Wherever he went, deals were brewing.
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10:30 a.m. – Café Kieztörtchen
The small café buzzed with quiet chatter and the scent of freshly brewed coffee. Jorge Mendes sat at a corner table in a gray blazer and a crisp button-down shirt, sipping an espresso. He smiled as Nico entered.
"You look like you slept for a decade," Jorge said.
"Feels like it," Nico replied. "What's the occasion?"
Jorge slid a manila folder across the table. "You're hot, Nico. I don't mean that in the 'cover of GQ' way—though, maybe someday. Clubs are sniffing around. Endorsements too."
Nico opened the folder. Inside were logos he recognized—Nike, Adidas, Puma. There was also a German drink company and a fashion brand he'd never heard of.
"It's too soon," Nico muttered. "I've played half a season."
Jorge raised an eyebrow. "Half a season is enough when you're drawing comparisons to zidane and Henry. These aren't billion-dollar deals. They're stepping stones. Build your image now, and when the time comes—you'll be more than just a footballer."
Nico leaned back. "I didn't come here to be a brand. I came to be the best."
Jorge chuckled. "You can be both."
After brunch, they walked together toward the city square. Fans recognized Nico here and there, asking for photos. He obliged every time, even when it felt awkward.
"You're going to need a public page soon," Jorge said.
"Like... a website?"
"No. Instagram. TikTok. Twitter. People need to see you. And not just you scoring goals. They need to see you eating lunch, walking your dog—even if you don't have one. Make them care about Nico Valen, the person."
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1:00 p.m. – Nico's Apartment
Back home, Nico stared at his phone, hesitating before tapping the Instagram app. He had a private account—barely used. But this one would be different.
He created a new profile: @NicoValenOfficial
He uploaded a professional photo from training, one with the yellow of Dortmund behind him, his name stitched across the jersey.
Caption: Focused on the next challenge. One game at a time. #BVB
Within minutes, fans flooded in. Comments in German, Spanish, English, and French piled up. Some called him a genius. Others a prodigy. A few simply asked if he was single.
> System Notification: New Social Reach: 10,000 Followers Passive Fame Bonus: +3% Sponsorship Value
He raised an eyebrow. So even the system cared about clout.
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3:00 p.m. – Westfalenpark
With time to kill and the sun still warm, Nico took the metro to Westfalenpark. He sat on a bench with a view of the Florianturm, the iconic telecommunications tower that loomed like a needle over the trees.
He watched kids kicking a ball around the grass. He smiled.
One of the kids ran over. "Are you Nico Valen?"
Nico nodded.
The kid beamed. "Can I be you in FIFA?"
Nico laughed. "Only if you win."
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6:00 p.m. – Back at Home
Nico spent the evening reviewing game footage. Not just of his last few matches, but of Thierry Henry. He watched the way Henry drifted off the defender's shoulder, the sudden acceleration, the subtle shifts in balance before shooting.
> System Notification: Henry Template Learning – 45% Progress
He practiced some of the movements in front of the mirror. High knee drive. Open body stance. Curling finish.
It wasn't all fun and glamour. To become a legend, he had to sweat even when no one watched.
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8:00 p.m. – Jorge's Late Call
"I know you're resting," Jorge said on the line, "but one last thing. Barcelona asked if they could send a scout to your next match. Nothing official—just an observer."
Nico froze.
"Barça?"
"Don't let it get in your head," Jorge said. "Play your game. We're not chasing offers right now. You said it yourself—it's too soon. But they're watching."
Nico sat on the edge of his bed. His heart pounded—but not from nerves. From excitement. The path ahead was clear. He couldn't afford to slip.
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System Summary:
> Follower Count: 32,000 (+22k Today) Market Value: €12.5M Morale: High Fitness: Excellent Henry Template Progress: 45%
> Side Quest: Brand Rising Reach 100k followers and sign one endorsement deal. Reward: Passive Income +5% / Unlock Style Customization
> Upcoming Fixture: Bundesliga Matchday 11 – Borussia Dortmund vs Hamburger SV
> Coach Reaction: "Good to see him grounded. Not every young star knows how to switch off and still move forward."
> Fan Forums: "I follow him now. Guy looks like a model and plays like Zidane. Unfair." "Hope he doesn't let the hype mess with him. But he's been class so far."
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