Chapter 86

### Chapter 86: Tryout (7)

* * *

Coach Park Tae-hyung protested.

"...Even if the contract is like that, a sudden call-up to the first team? As a starter?"

"It's already decided."

"By who?"

"Me, the chairman, and the representative. The front office is all in on this too."

If the matter had reached this point, there was nothing Coach Park Tae-hyung could do.

"...I haven't agreed to this yet. I thought you entrusted the players to me."

"Why, you said she's good. What's the problem? You always say that in pro, it's all about skill, right?"

Just because of those words, you're making her a starter?

That's ridiculous.

To begin with, Coach Choi Tae-dal didn't even know what Outrow's skills were like.

"......"

However, even though Coach Park Tae-hyung knew what Coach Choi Tae-dal's intentions were, he couldn't directly oppose them.

Because he had no valid reason.

Thus, the only thing he could do was make a weak, powerless protest.

The only thing Coach Park Tae-hyung had said about Outrow's skills was that she was "good," but in reality, Outrow had surpassed that description easily.

Even if Coach Choi Tae-dal didn't know this fact yet, he couldn't deny the clear reality.

"...I did say that, but we need to verify it more. There are also practical issues like the training camp."

"What did you do until now?"

"...We did it on a commute basis."

"Then we can continue that way."

You old weasel.

Coach Choi Tae-dal didn't come to this position for nothing. While his in-game insight in League of Legends wasn't particularly remarkable, his political acumen as a coach was quite excellent.

However, the question of how and in what direction his excellent abilities were used was a completely different matter.

'Damn it.'

In other words, the direction in which Coach Choi Tae-dal used his abilities was something Coach Park Tae-hyung despised.

"Tae-hyung."

Coach Choi Tae-dal lit a cigarette.

Although smoking was prohibited inside the building, no one would point it out to Coach Choi Tae-dal, who ruled the dormitory like a king.

"...Yes."

"Do you know why our team isn't popular?"

"It's because our performance isn't good—"

"No."

Coach Choi Tae-dal cut off Coach Park Tae-hyung's words and smiled bitterly.

"It's because we don't have a star."

A franchise star.

An excellent player who is a crucial element in forming a sports team and can be seen as a symbol of the team.

Unfortunately, YSG currently lacked such a franchise star.

Of course, YSG's history isn't that short, and there have been players with the potential to become franchise stars.

However, the problem is that all these players transferred to other teams before they reached a certain level.

'Who's fault is that?'

Of course, this was before Coach Park Tae-hyung joined the team, but Coach Choi Tae-dal's management was notorious among both players and fans.

"You know, right? Yoo Jin, that girl has the potential to become a star."

The first female professional gamer in the domestic league.

Not just any female pro gamer, but one with a face that makes celebrities look like a joke.

The buzz this would create is unimaginable.

And if, as Coach Park Tae-hyung said, she also has the skills?

A unique star that would surpass even Rainbow and Mobydick, the greatest stars in the history of League of Legends, would be born in YSG.

"...The existing players will resist."

Coach Park Tae-hyung knew this.

Outrow, if left as is, could rise to the first team and secure a starting position in a short time.

But that would only happen after proper procedures and processes.

If, as Coach Choi Tae-dal suggested, Outrow is suddenly called up to the first team and made a starter, the already chaotic team atmosphere would completely fall apart.

'She will surely think she was unfairly stripped of her starting position because of her looks and star potential.'

Even if the existing team members don't get along well, they would surely unite if such an unfair situation arose.

'He can't possibly be calculating that far, can he...?'

When an external enemy appears, the existing forces naturally unite, but Coach Park Tae-hyung couldn't tell how far Coach Choi Tae-dal's vision extended.

Sometimes he seemed like a greedy, cunning weasel, and other times his thoughts were completely unreadable.

"What's the problem?"

While Coach Park Tae-hyung's mind was a jumble of thoughts, Coach Choi Tae-dal just laughed and stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray.

"If you see it accurately, she'll prove it with her skills. I trust your judgment. Haven't I always?"

That's damn grateful.

"...I'll be going now."

"Sure. Take care of the contract."

"Yes."

A coach who doesn't even participate in the contract... Is he really a coach?

Unfortunately, Coach Choi Tae-dal was exceptionally competent in maintaining his position.

If Coach Park Tae-hyung were to be fired or leave the team, it would never be before Coach Choi Tae-dal.

'...My head hurts.'

He desperately wanted a cigarette.

* * *

The 6th day of the tryout.

As usual, I arrived at the dormitory, and Coach Park Tae-hyung suddenly appeared.

"Contract?"

"Yes. You passed the test. You probably already knew, right? Ha ha."

Ignoring Coach Park Tae-hyung's awkward smile, I felt that what was supposed to happen had finally happened.

My win rate during the tryout was 100%.

I had won every match, so there was no way I could have failed the tryout.

"Here's the contract. Do you want me to explain it?"

"Um... Yes."

It was strange.

Despite this being something I had desperately wanted, I wasn't as happy as I thought I would be.

Was it just my mood?

Or...

"First, the player in the contract is obviously you, and the company is the team. It's just a formality, so keep that in mind."

"Ah, yes, yes."

"Things like the league, game rules, and such, I'll explain later. Just read through it roughly."

"Yes, wait a moment."

I didn't understand what it said.

"First, the annual salary is a bit higher than the standard, at 65 million won, and it will be paid monthly. And another important point, there's a performance bonus based on your results. Look here."

Maybe because I had received so many offers in the tens of millions, even though it was a good deal for a rookie, I wasn't particularly drawn to the amount.

"Ah, yes, yes."

"The contract period is initially one year, and if you want, it can be extended for up to three more years. You have the right to request a contract renewal each year based on your performance. So, depending on how you perform, you can negotiate a new salary at the end of each year. Of course, if you don't perform well, it might not increase."

"Ha ha..."

On the surface, the contract didn't seem to have anything particularly bad for me.

But I knew I didn't understand the world well, and I also remembered my mother's advice.

"Is there anything else you want to know?"

"Um... Can I take the contract home? I'm not very familiar with these things."

"Of course. Show it to your parents and think carefully before making a decision."

I was worried he would say no, but unexpectedly, Coach Park Tae-hyung nodded.

"Yes."

"Sure, then you can go home today. You need time to think about it."

"Yes. I'll discuss it with my parents and let you know."

"Sure. Be careful on your way home."

That's how my YSG tryout ended without even filling a week.

'Have I... done it?'

The pro debut I had longed for was not just close but within reach, yet I felt more uneasy than happy.

'Let's go home first.'

I'll show the contract to my parents and think about the rest later.

I started walking.

* * *

Coach Park Tae-hyung, who had handed the contract to Outrow, felt very strange.

I hope Outrow signs the contract willingly.

But at the same time, I hope she doesn't.

Not for any other reason.

'...Outrow is too talented to just be an idol in this team.'

On the 6th day of the tryout.

During these 6 days, Outrow achieved a perfect win record in internal scrim matches and also reached the Grandmaster tier in solo queue.

Of course, since she was a naturally skilled player, it was only a matter of time, but it also meant something else.

It was time for other teams to start making offers.

'If Outrow is here...'

Coach Park Tae-hyung, who had long dreamed of stepping onto the Red Cup stage, might finally get the chance.

A stage he had only stepped onto once during his active career.

Even as a coach, Park Tae-hyung still felt like he was an active player when he thought about that day.

'But, it's a waste.'

To Coach Park Tae-hyung, Outrow was a talent who could easily aim for a Red Cup championship if she joined another team.

Would such a talent spend her prime years in a team like YSG, playing the role of a girl?

'...I'll go crazy.'

In a way, it would be better if Outrow refused the contract on her own.

Then he wouldn't have to deal with this moral dilemma.

Practicality or conscience.

"Ha... I really want a cigarette."

Unable to decide what to do, Coach Park Tae-hyung finally put a cigarette in his mouth.

* * *

"So, you said she went home?"

"Yes."

"That's right."

Coach Choi Tae-dal, who was listening to the report from Coach Baek Su-ho, another YSG coach, inhaled deeply and smiled contentedly.

The contract was just a regular contract.

There were no hidden clauses like in the past, and even if there were, it would be hard for an average person to feel any discomfort.

'The salary is 50 million won higher than other rookies.'

Coach Choi Tae-dal remained calm.

It was a natural story.

For an amateur gamer, a pro debut is a dream.

When a pro team finally offers to make that dream come true, no amateur can easily refuse.

It would have been the same.

'What? Why haven't I heard anything yet?'

It had been three days since Outrow took the contract home.

If she was going to review it, she would have done it by now.

But for some reason, there was no contact from Outrow.

'Could she have joined another team?'

Park Tae-hyung, you incompetent bastard! What did you do while the kid was looking at other teams?!

Coach Choi Tae-dal urgently looked for Coach Park Tae-hyung.

"Park Tae-hyung! Where's Yoo Jin's contract?"

"...Not yet."

"Still haven't gotten her to sign?! What have you been doing?! If another team takes her, what will you do?!"

"The player needs time to review it..."

"Hey! Are you defying me? Are you doing this on purpose?"

"...No. The player needs time to think."

"Fine. I'll contact her directly."

At that moment.

*Ring!*

Coach Park Tae-hyung's smartphone rang.

"Who is it?"

"...It's Outrow, Yoo Jin."

Only then did Coach Choi Tae-dal's tense face relax a