Chapter 17: The Guardian of Oregun
The luxury of the team hotel in London felt hollow as Mide paced his room, the Nokia 8800 pressed to his ear. Outside, the London rain was streaking the glass, but his mind was thousands of miles away, in the dust-choked streets of Oregun, Lagos.
[System: "Warning: Heart rate elevated. You're acting like a stressed father, Mide. Victor is currently seven years old. He's tough, but he's about to sign a paper that says his soul belongs to a 'Businessman' named Chief Gbadamosi for the next fifteen years. If that happens, his path to Napoli and the African Player of the Year title in 2023 vanishes."]
"Bernard, tell me you found him," Mide said into the phone as soon as his agent picked up.
"I found the 'Chief,' Mide," Bernard's voice came through, sounding exhausted. "But the man is a shark. He knows the boy has talent. He wants fifty thousand pounds just to walk away from the 'verbal agreement' he made with the family."
Mide didn't hesitate. "Pay him. But don't just give him the cash. I want a legal document, stamped by the Nigerian Football Federation, stating that the boy, Victor Osimhen, is now part of the 'MA10 Foundation.' He stays with his family, he goes to a better school, and he gets proper boots. No contracts until he's sixteen."
"Fifty thousand? Mide, that's ten weeks of your wages! You haven't even bought a car yet!"
"I can walk to training, Bernard," Mide snapped. "Just do it. And find the other names I gave you. Ndidi. Iheanacho. We're building a shield around them."
[System: "Mission Triggered: The Great Protector. Reward: 400 SP & 'National Hero' hidden progress. Baba's Note: You're a madman, Mide. You're spending money you haven't even earned yet. But... I like it. A King protects his people. +100 SP for Leadership."]
The London Morning: Paparazzi and Pressure
The next morning, Mide stepped out of the hotel to head to the team bus. He was wearing his United tracksuit, hood up, but the London tabloids were already waiting.
Flash! Flash! Flash!
"Mide! Over here! Is it true you're the highest-paid teenager in United history?"
"Mide! How does it feel to humiliate Gareth Bale?"
"Are you the new 'Special One'?"
Mide kept his head down, but a reporter from The Sun blocked his path. "Olumide! There's a rumor you just sent a massive sum of money back to Lagos. Is it true you're funding a private militia?"
Mide stopped. He slowly lowered his hood and looked the reporter in the eye. A few teammates, including Rio and Rooney, slowed down to watch the exchange.
"A militia?" Mide asked, a dry, sarcastic smile playing on his lips. "Yes, it's true. It's a very dangerous militia. We call them 'The Schoolboys.' Our weapons are textbooks and footballs. We're planning to take over the world by... graduating from secondary school. You should be very afraid."
Rooney burst out laughing, clapping Mide on the back. "Leave him alone, he's too sharp for you lot! Move aside!"
[System: "Wit Level: 99. Media Deflection: 100%. The British press just realized you aren't a typical 'Yes, boss' academy kid. You're a nightmare for them. SP: 2,345."]
The Tactical Brief: The Return to Manchester
On the train back north, Sir Alex sat next to Mide. The Gaffer wasn't holding a newspaper; he was holding a DVD of Mide's performance against Spurs.
"You did well against the Welsh boy," Sir Alex said, his voice low. "But you're still floating too much. You want the ball at your feet every time. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for this team is to run into a space where you know you won't get the ball, just to drag a defender away for Wayne."
Mide nodded. "Tactical unselfishness, Boss. I understand."
"Do you? Because the fans want you to dribble the whole pitch. The 'Oracle' talk is everywhere. But if you want to play against Arsenal next week, you need to show me you can be a cog in the machine, not just the engine."
[System: "New Challenge: The Cog in the Machine. Objective: Create 3 'Decoy Runs' in the next match. Do not score a goal unless it's the only option. Reward: 'Tactical Genius' Trait (Lvl 1)."]
Baba, that's a hard one for my ego, Mide mused.
[System: "Your ego is already big enough to have its own postcode, Mide. Listen to the Scotsman. He's trying to make you unplayable. If you can score AND be a decoy, Vidić won't be the only one afraid of you."]
The Unexpected Visitor
When Mide finally got back to his new apartment in Manchester—a modest but secure place Sir Alex had insisted he move into—he found a package at his door.
No return address. Just a gold-embossed envelope.
Inside was a single ticket to a high-end fashion gala in London and a handwritten note in elegant, sweeping script:
"The Royal Adjustment was quite the statement. I prefer kings who know how to dress as well as they play. See you in London soon? — V.B."
Mide stared at the initials. V.B. Victoria Beckham? No, she was in Madrid with David.
Baba, scan the DNA on the paper, Mide joked.
[System: "I am a football system, not a forensic lab! But based on the scent of expensive Chanel and the high-society stationery... that's from a very influential fashion editor. You're becoming a 'Brand,' Mide. The world of celebrities is knocking. Do you open the door, or do you stay in the gym?"]
Mide crumpled the note and tossed it into the bin. "The gym doesn't ask for fashion advice, Baba. And Arsenal is coming to town. I have a date with Thierry Henry, not a gala."
[System: "Spoken like a true Blue Lock resident! +50 SP for Focus. SP Total: 2,395. Next Stop: The Clash of the Titans at Old Trafford."]
[Current Status]
Name: Mide Adeyemi (MA10)
SP: 2,395
Foundation Status: Victor Osimhen 'Shielded' (Secure).
Next Match: Manchester United vs. Arsenal (The North London Rivalry).