Chapter 639 - 635: I Can Only Find Another Way

Ethan Sterling left the waiting area and ran right into a staff member from "Wa-Cha-Cha."

"Ethan Sterling!"

"Caelum," Ethan Sterling said in greeting. The sponsors had taken notice of his performance over the past few days. Making it to the finals meant the entire team’s prize money doubled, and even Caelum was getting a bonus.

That’s why Caelum had a very good impression of Ethan Sterling. "I was just about to go look for you."

Ethan Sterling thought about the atmosphere in the ready room and hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Caelum, if you have something to discuss, let’s do it here. I’m in a hurry to get back."

"Alright, and it’s good news." A smile spread across Caelum’s face as he spoke. "Our brand manager has been watching your performance in the last few matches. It’s been spectacular, as everyone knows. You’ve not only brought tremendous exposure to our brand but also led Lorcain U to its best result in years. So, we’ve decided that after the fall season, we’re adjusting the roster to make you an official member of the Lorcain University Team!"

As far as Caelum was concerned, this was fantastic news. He finished speaking and looked at Ethan Sterling expectantly, only to be met with a calm, expressionless face. His own smile gradually grew awkward. "What’s wrong, Ethan? Why aren’t you reacting? Aren’t you happy?"

Ethan Sterling managed a strained smile and said sincerely, "Thank you for your high regard, Caelum, and thank you for looking out for me these past few days. However, I won’t be staying on this team. After the fall season, I’m going to form a new university team for Lorcain U."

"A new team?"

"That’s right."

A university isn’t limited to just one official team, but most schools have limited funding, so they typically only have one.

Lorcain U, of course, wasn’t short on cash, so Caelum was only slightly surprised, not shocked, when Ethan Sterling made his announcement.

An idea struck him. "That’s even better! Your own team is bound to be stronger. I’ll report this to the company and have our brand sponsor your team instead. That way, you won’t be short on sponsors, will you?"

"I already have a sponsor," Ethan Sterling replied honestly. "My sister is fully funding my team, so thank you for the kind offer, Caelum."

This time, Caelum was truly shocked.

’Ethan Sterling’s sister is fully funding it? A collegiate team is incredibly expensive. They’re usually backed by major brands. His sister?’

’By herself?’

Before Caelum could say anything else, Ethan Sterling nodded and walked away.

「The Sparrow Coffee.」

Chad Hector had arrived first. He spotted Ethan Sterling and Jameson Stone the moment they walked through the door.

"Ethan Sterling!"

Chad Hector stood up and waved. Jameson Stone’s eyes widened when he saw the man in the flesh. "Holy shit, it’s really Chad Hector!"

As they approached, Ethan Sterling spoke apologetically, "Sorry for being late, Coach Hector."

"You’re not late, I was early." Chad Hector was warm and welcoming, motioning for the two of them to scan the QR code. "Order whatever you want."

Ethan Sterling nodded, scanned the code, and ordered a latte for himself. For Jameson Stone, who wasn’t a coffee drinker, he ordered a hand-shaken lemon tea.

"I watched the match today. It looked like a bit of a struggle to win," Chad Hector said, sipping his coffee and watching Ethan Sterling calmly.

He was a professional, after all. He could tell it hadn’t been an easy win.

Ethan Sterling nodded. "But we did our best. My goal was just to make it to the finals, so I’d say we achieved that."

Seeing his honesty, Chad Hector couldn’t help but smile. "I told my club’s owner that with your individual skill, you’d be able to drag this Lorcain U team all the way to the finals of the Collegiate League. Looks like I was right."

"But the quarterfinals are probably your limit. The remaining teams are all top-tier collegiate squads, many of which have even played in the B Level League. I’m afraid your individual skill alone won’t be enough for a victory."

Ethan Sterling nodded seriously again.

Listening from the side, Jameson Stone grew anxious and couldn’t help but interject, "Coach Hector, aren’t you planning to sign Ethan?"

"I am!" Chad Hector nodded without hesitation. "I’m very interested. It all depends on whether he’s willing."

With that, he looked at Ethan Sterling, a smile in his eyes.

He didn’t rush or pressure him.

Ethan Sterling remained silent. In truth, he hadn’t made up his mind; he had only come because Chad Hector invited him out for a chat.

Jameson Stone nudged him. "What are you hesitating for? Chad Hector has coached world champions! You’re not going to take this chance?"

"Coach Hector, it’s not that I don’t want to sign. It’s just... I have to build this university team right now." Ethan Sterling looked up, his tone suddenly firm.

He was firm because he didn’t want to let his sister’s money go to waste.

Hearing this, Chad Hector raised an eyebrow and muttered thoughtfully, "A university team..."

After a moment, he slowly nodded. "I might have a solution."

"What kind of solution?"

"Every year, professional teams can nominate one team to compete directly in the Youth Training Competition. If you can build a university team on par with a youth training squad, our club can act as your sponsor and get you direct entry into the competition."

He had just mentioned that some of the quarterfinalists in the Collegiate League had even played in the professional B Level League—that’s because their skill earned them a recommendation to the Youth Training Competition.

The Youth Training Competition is also known as the precursor to the professional leagues. Only those who distinguish themselves there can advance to the professional stage.

"You... you’d be willing to recommend my team?"

"That depends on your team’s overall strength. Ethan, it’s always been you that I’ve had my eye on. But since you’re set on building a university team, I’ll have to find another way. Of course, my recommendation comes with a condition."

Chad Hector didn’t beat around the bush. "If your team performs well in the Youth Training Competition and qualifies for the professional league, then your entire roster must sign with our club!"

Jameson Stone’s eyes widened. ’Does this mean... I have a chance to sign with Chad Hector, too?’

"Ethan!" Jameson Stone gripped Ethan Sterling’s arm, so excited he was on the verge of tears.

Ethan Sterling was still hesitant.

Chad Hector spoke slowly. "I know what you’re worried about. The path of a professional player isn’t easy. It’s a brutal process of elimination just to become a youth trainee. After that, you have to be selected for the actual youth team, then compete in the Youth Training Competition... You have to fight your way through every obstacle just to reach the professional stage."

"But my offer is more than sincere, Ethan. You can take your team and bypass all that initial trial-and-error, heading straight for the Youth Training Competition. For anyone with professional aspirations, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you can’t just stumble upon."

Ethan Sterling had been picking at his fingers. He was genuinely tempted. He also believed that if his sister were here, she would one hundred percent support him in seizing this opportunity.

’But putting together a university team with the strength of a youth training squad is easier said than done.’

’I’ve been searching for so long and haven’t found a single new member.’

But he gritted his teeth and agreed. "Okay. Let’s do it your way!"