Field Commander - Chapter 27

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 27.

Chapter 27.

Chapter 27.

“Hey, can’t you sit up straight?”

Adam, the disciplinarian of Freiburg II, glared menacingly at Gunter who was sitting crookedly with his legs crossed.

“You’re not the manager or coach, so why are you bitching about how I sit?”

Germany was quite a conservative country, but it wasn’t one that cared much about age.

So even at 40, one could naturally enter a company as a new employee.

That was the general social atmosphere, though not everyone was like that.

When Adam, who looked like actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, shot up from his seat, captain Jeff spoke up.

“Both of you, stop it.”

Christian Günter was the top prospect that Freiburg SC fans had the highest expectations for.

He had shown decent ability since his youth days, was revered as the number one contributor to last season’s league survival, and was even the only German National Team player on the team.

Even though his attitude had worsened due to complaints, he was a player who needed to stay with the team.

“Getting arrogant after playing a few games with the First Team. If we gathered guys like you, we could probably build a whole country.”

As Adam’s cursing continued, Gunter seemed unable to bear it and tried to storm out of the locker room.

But before he could burst through the door, an Asian Player appeared at the entrance, and the furious Gunter shoved him hard.

“Get out of the way! You banana monkey chink.”

Everyone turned their heads at the sudden racist remark.

However, even though Gunter had shoved hard, for some reason the Asian didn’t budge at all.

Instead, he was grabbed by the collar and lifted into the air.

“What, you bastard?”

It wasn’t native-level German, but it was German at a level that everyone in the locker room could understand.

Gunter was about 185cm tall, among the taller ones on the team.

As a center-back with good physicality and strength, he was flailing helplessly in front of the Asian.

Since Gunter had said something he shouldn’t have, no one there could intervene.

“Do you want to die, you fucking bastard?”

This time it definitely wasn’t German, but it was words that felt extremely intimidating and full of killing intent.

While Gunter struggled as Kim Sang-hyuk held him by the collar, the players’ attention turned to Adam.

– Hey. What are you going to do? Shouldn’t you step in?

– Something’s going to happen at this rate.

Seeing Kim Sang-hyuk’s twisted face, even disciplinarian Adam instinctively took a step back.

“Stop it. Kim.”

The manager’s voice from behind.

“I’ll give him a proper beating for what he just said.”

At those words, the Asian released his grip, and the extremely agitated Gunter suddenly swung his fist.

– Thud.

But even that was blocked by Kim Sang-hyuk’s hand.

– Whoosh.

And simultaneously, Kim Sang-hyuk’s massive fist flew toward Gunter.

The wind pressure swept across his face with enough force to make Gunter’s hair flutter, but the punch wasn’t fully thrown.

At the fist that stopped right in front of his nose, Gunter squeezed his eyes shut and screamed.

“Aaaah!”

Kim Sang-hyuk shoved Gunter hard, knocking him down, then spoke.

“Coach. I need to hear a proper apology from this guy. Is that okay?”

“In what way?”

“I want to have a private conversation with him for a moment.”

The fallen Gunter, completely terrified, slowly backed away, and manager Klaus sighed.

He didn’t know much about Kim Sang-hyuk.

There wasn’t much material available to explain his career.

Other than the fact that Streich was very interested in him.

However, from what he’d just witnessed, he could be certain that he was an extremely spirited and aggressive player.

To think that Gunter, who was among the best at Physical Battle on the team, would be handled like this…

If he allowed them to have a private conversation, Gunter might actually die.

That’s how intimidating Kim Sang-hyuk’s expression was…

“Gunter. Apologize right now. If you don’t apologize, I’ll turn this matter over to the Ethics Committee.”

At the mention of the Ethics Committee, Gunter made excuses.

“This was without me realizing…”

“Will you do it or not?”

Gunter turned his gaze toward Kim Sang-hyuk then quietly lowered it.

This was a completely different type of person from the hot-tempered Adam.

He seemed like he might be from a gang.

Especially the gangs from Japan and China were said to be incredibly cruel…

“I think I made a mistake because I was momentarily angry. I’m sorry.”

When Gunter expressed his apology, Kim Sang-hyuk responded.

“If you say something like that one more time, I’ll rip your head off and shove it up your asshole.”

* * *

‘Hmm…’

Did I come on too strong?

Jung Seung-jin had advised me not to give a weak first impression since Germans tend to look down on and disrespect Asians.

Just as I opened the door and entered, some guy shoved me while making racist remarks, so I thought it was perfect timing and went at it quite intensely.

If I hadn’t thrown that punch, it would have ended cleanly there, but I got a little excited myself.

And then…

The locker room atmosphere, which should have been lively, became really quiet.

Occasionally when I made eye contact with someone or tried to greet them, they’d look away…

Except for one person.

A blonde guy wearing Number 4 who looked a bit older and like a movie actor, who gave me a thumbs up.

And though he didn’t make a sound, he seemed to be saying ‘well done.’

It seemed like he didn’t get along well with the guy who got beaten up by me.

‘Number 4…’

Ah, one of the oldest people on this team.

Had I already shown a good side to one of the two people I needed to get close to?

But who was the guy I beat up?

I was a little excited earlier so I didn’t see his number, but it’s Number 3.

‘Number 3? Was it Christian Günter?’

The player who would become the franchise that Freiburg fans love most?

Oh…

Shit.

Does this put me back at square one?

“Ahem…”

The manager also seemed bothered by this atmosphere and cleared his throat.

“Well, since we have a new player, let’s introduce him. Kim.”

As I got up and stepped forward, the manager added a brief introduction.

“By the way, Kim has German language ability that doesn’t require an interpreter, so don’t do anything stupid.”

I stood next to the manager and watched the players.

What I did after coming to Germany was meet various people including the club owner and exchange welcoming handshakes.

And immediately after receiving jersey number 33, I returned to the dormitory, then came here the next day.

It was a day without anything particularly special.

The only problem was that due to jet lag, it was originally time to sleep now, but I had to stay awake.

“I’m Kim Sang-hyuk from Korea. You can just call me Kim.”

“Korea?”

Number 4, who had shown the only favorable reaction to me earlier, responded.

“The country of Park Hong-min from Hamburg and Jang Jin-woo from Schalke 04?”

“Before that, it’s Kim Boom’s country.”

The oldest-looking blonde player wearing number 1 joined the conversation.

Was he old enough to know player Kim Beom-geun?

He said he was 41, right?

“That’s right.”

“Since when has that country been so good at soccer?”

“They made it to the World Cup semifinals last time. It’s not well known, but it’s definitely a country with potential.”

“You didn’t come because you were cheap, did you? Isn’t it a poor country?”

Gunter muttered quite loudly.

I don’t seem to be the type to just take it and stay quiet though.

‘He’s really asking for it. Really asking for it.’

When the surrounding gazes turned cold, the guy spoke up again.

“Why, did I say something wrong?”

I don’t know how well Germany lives, but among people who know Korea, is there anyone who could say Korea is poor?

“Ignorant.”

“What?”

I couldn’t find a reason to respond, so I ignored him and continued speaking.

“The positions I’ve played so far are center-back or defensive midfielder.”

“Now the old man next to you will be released too.”

At those words, Adam glared at Gunter with a murderous expression.

“Watch your mouth, Gunter.”

When the manager issued a warning, Gunter crossed his arms and smirked.

I didn’t know this team particularly well, but I could roughly understand why they were always in the relegation zone in the league.

A team with broken organization and teamwork couldn’t possibly achieve good results.

“Well, that’s unlikely to happen. I’m someone who’ll be leaving in 3 months… so there won’t be much need to worry about it.”

“What? A 3-month contract? What a joke.”

Gunter giggled with an expression full of mockery.

“No. I’m scheduled to play for the first team in 3 months.”

“What?”

Ah.

This part was something the first team manager and second team manager had requested during the first meeting.

They didn’t explain why though.

Gunter’s eyes widened, but it wasn’t just him.

The other players also looked incredulous.

But did I really need to explain all this in detail?

“So, there’s no reason for anyone to be released. I’ll leave my introduction at that.”

Gunter looked extremely indignant.

And I had a feeling that life on the second team would be filled with many troubles with that guy.

* * *

“Wow, this is really driving me crazy. Does this make any sense?”

Gunter, who had heard shocking news at the pre-season meeting, felt like he was going crazy from the whirlwind of emotions.

He called Julian Schuster, the team’s starting midfielder who he had become close with while playing in the Bundesliga last season.

“Really, am I not in the plans for this season?”

– That can’t be. Everyone says they like you.

“But I’m not included in the training camp either.”

– I’ve told you many times. Due to team finances, they’re only taking the first team.

“But why bring in a center-back? Has the team gone crazy? And is it true that he’s going to the first team in 3 months?”

– I haven’t heard any mention of that.

Although he had thrown tantrums asking to be transferred, Gunter had no intention of actually transferring.

He was born in this city and had never been to any other region even once.

And his only childhood dream was to become a soccer player and play here.

He also had the ambition to become the main character who would lead this team, which always went back and forth between the first and second divisions, to victory in the Bundesliga.

He had worked hard, shown his ability, and countless fans liked him.

– No. I must have done something wrong, or didn’t appeal to the manager…

Gunter found it difficult to escape from his feelings of despair.

– Hey, you idiot. You’re the franchise player the team is pushing. There must be a reason the manager didn’t put you on the team this time. It’s probably his intention to prepare you more before you become a sacrifice on the front lines of war.

“I’m ready enough!”

– You’re only 19 years old now. You’re not Messi or Ronaldo.

“Then what about that Asian guy?”

– Listen carefully, Gunter. In soccer, ability is everything.

“…”

– That’s also why you got called up to the first team during last season. Right now there’s just no spot because the injured players have rejoined. If any of them has problems, someone from the second team needs to be called up immediately.

It was Julian Schuster, who was considered the club’s next captain.

– When Streich builds his squad, the only thing he looks at is ability, and ability, and ability. No matter how much the club paid to bring someone in, if they can’t show anything in training, they’ll never get to play. That’s the kind of manager he is. So it’s only about ability. Ability!

“…Ability…”

– Right. Why, don’t you have ability?

“No. That’s not it.”

– Then show it on the field. Who’s the better player.

With his words, Gunter’s mind became clearly organized.

Come to think of it, his sudden call-up from the second team during the season was also very unusual.

If someone was going up, it should be him, not the Asian.

‘Damn monkey, let’s see. Some nobody bone…

* * *

The dormitory that Jung Seung-jin had arranged was quite an antique place.

It looked like an 18th-century mansion…

In reality, it was like a boarding house where many students attending the University of Freiburg lived.

“5.8 meters wide, 5.2 meters long. Or wait, are the width and length switched?”

Anyway, in this rectangular room, there was a bed and essential furniture, a desk, chair, and even a two-seater sofa.

There was also an old television, but it didn’t turn on yet.

I didn’t have much luggage that I brought when coming to Korea, so it was just like that.

Meals weren’t provided separately, so I had to eat food provided by the club or take care of it myself.

‘Cheongju FC was definitely better in this regard.’

Because I could eat carefully selected meals for free all week long.

Full-scale pre-season training would start in three days, and until then I had to handle my diet myself.

So I went to a nearby mart and did some grocery shopping.

‘Should I try cooking?’

I went to the dining room located at the end of the corridor with ingredients, and there was an Asian woman cooking there.

I wasn’t sure if she was Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, so I was planning to just nod politely if our eyes met…

“Huh?”

It was a face I’d seen many times before.

She also turned around after hearing someone approaching, and when our eyes met, she opened her eyes wide in genuine surprise.

“…Sang-hyuk?”

Hearing that voice brought back the memory.

The university student who visited the convenience store every morning.

She had said she was going to Germany to pursue her dreams.

…But how does this person know my name?

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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