Chapter 39: The Spotlight

The summer transfer window officially opened, and Kenilworth Road buzzed with energy. For Rahmat, the day felt like a turning point. His new signings—Kakeru Aizawa and Hiroshi Satou—had integrated seamlessly into the squad, and their presence was already elevating the team's training sessions. But with success came attention, and Luton Town's meteoric rise in the Premier League had put both the club and its players firmly in the spotlight.

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The Chairman's Call

Rahmat was reviewing tactical notes in his office when his phone buzzed. It was David Wilkinson, the club chairman. Rahmat picked up, his tone professional. "Good morning, sir."

"Morning, Rahmat," Wilkinson said, his voice tinged with excitement. "The press is already buzzing about Aizawa and Satou. They're calling it one of the most surprising signings of the window. We need to capitalize on this momentum."

"What do you have in mind?" Rahmat asked, already sensing where this conversation was headed.

"A press conference," Wilkinson said. "This afternoon. I want you to introduce Aizawa and Satou formally to the media. Their story—especially Aizawa's—is compelling. Let's make sure everyone knows Luton isn't just a fairytale; we're building something real."

Rahmat nodded. "Understood. I'll prepare them for it."

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The Press Conference

The media room at Kenilworth Road was packed with reporters, their cameras and microphones poised to capture every word. Rahmat walked in alongside Kakeru Aizawa and Hiroshi Satou, both dressed sharply in Luton's official gear.

The questions came quickly.

"Rahmat, these signings have raised eyebrows across the league. What made you choose Aizawa and Satou?"

Rahmat smiled. "Both Kakeru and Hiroshi bring unique qualities to the team. Kakeru's speed, stamina, and ability to perform under pressure make him a perfect fit for our style of play. Hiroshi's versatility and leadership will strengthen our squad depth and adaptability. They're not just players; they're competitors."

A reporter turned to Aizawa. "Kakeru, how are you adjusting to life at Luton and in the Premier League?"

Aizawa grinned. "It's been an incredible experience so far. The team has welcomed me warmly, and the training sessions have been intense. I'm ready to give my all for Luton and prove myself at this level."

The attention shifted to Satou. "Hiroshi, you've been praised for your calm demeanor on the pitch. How do you see yourself contributing to Luton's success?"

Satou nodded thoughtfully. "I believe in working hard and staying adaptable. Whether I'm in defense or midfield, my goal is to support the team and ensure we're always moving forward."

The conference ended with a flurry of photos, and Rahmat felt a surge of pride as the new signings handled the pressure with composure.

---

Later that afternoon, Rahmat returned to his office, only to find Mina waiting for him. The agent's sharp eyes and businesslike demeanor gave away the gravity of the conversation before she even spoke.

"Rahmat," she began, closing the door behind her. "We need to talk. The transfer window isn't just about who you're bringing in—it's about who other clubs want to take."

Rahmat frowned. "What do you mean?"

Mina handed him a tablet, the screen filled with emails and notifications. "Aoyama, Barou, and Wakabayashi. Their performances have caught the attention of Europe's biggest clubs. Offers are coming in fast."

Rahmat's heart sank. He scrolled through the messages. There were inquiries from clubs like Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid. Each message spoke of interest in one of his star players.

"This is inevitable," Mina continued. "You've built something extraordinary here, and now the world has noticed. But you need to decide—do you let them go for the right price, or do you fight to keep them?"

Rahmat placed the tablet on his desk, his mind racing. Losing any of the trio would be a massive blow, not just to the team's performance but to the morale of the squad and the fans.

Mina studied Rahmat's expression. "I know this isn't easy, but you have leverage. The players trust you. If you make it clear that staying is in their best interest, they'll listen. But the offers... they're substantial. Enough to secure the club's financial future for years."

Rahmat leaned back, his thoughts racing. Mina didn't know the truth—that Aoyama, Barou, and Wakabayashi weren't ordinary players but summons from another world. To her, they were extraordinary talents that had come out of nowhere. To Rahmat, they were family.

Rahmat despised the trope he had read about in countless novels: protagonists summoning beings and treating them as tools or possessions. The idea of seeing someone who trusted you as nothing more than an asset made his blood boil. From the moment he summoned Aoyama, Barou, and Wakabayashi, Rahmat vowed never to be that kind of person.

To him, they weren't just footballers. They were individuals with dreams, personalities, and lives of their own. He had seen them grow—not just as athletes but as people. They had connected with the community, played with kids at the local park, and inspired fans to believe in something bigger than themselves.

Rahmat turned to Mina, keeping his thoughts to himself. "Let me talk to them first. Their opinions matter more than anything."

Mina softened. "Then you need to ask them what they want. You've built trust with them, Rahmat. If anyone can convince them to stay, it's you."

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That evening, Rahmat called Aoyama, Barou, and Wakabayashi into his office. The three players sat down, their expressions curious but calm.

Rahmat didn't waste time. "I'll get straight to the point. You've all received interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs. Real Madrid, Bayern, United... the list goes on."

Barou smirked. "Of course they want us. We're the best."

Rahmat chuckled but quickly sobered. "I'm not here to tell you what to do. I've seen too many stories where people in my position treat those who trust them as tools, belongings, or pawns. That's not how I see you. You're not just summon to me—you're family."

The room fell silent. Rahmat continued, his voice softer now. "If you want to go, I'll respect your decision. You've given everything to this team, and you've earned the right to choose your path. But I also believe in what we're building here. I want you to stay—not for me, but for this team, this community, and everything we've worked for together."

Wakabayashi was the first to speak. "Rahmat, you've given us more than just a team—you've given us purpose. I'm staying. There's still work to do here."

Aoyama nodded, his calm voice steady. "I've played in many places, but I've never felt the kind of trust I have here. This team is different. It's special. I'm staying."

All eyes turned to Barou, who leaned back in his chair, his smirk softening into something genuine. "I could leave. Go somewhere bigger, win trophies. But leaving now would feel like running away. Besides, this kingdom still needs its king. I'm staying."

Relief washed over Rahmat, but he kept his composure. "Thank you. All of you. This means everything—to me and to this club."

As the players left his office, Rahmat felt a renewed sense of determination. Keeping the trio was a victory, but it also meant the pressure was higher than ever to deliver results. Mina's voice echoed in his mind: You've built something extraordinary, and now the world has noticed.

With the transfer window in full swing, Rahmat knew this was only the beginning. The journey ahead would be challenging, but with the loyalty of his players and the belief of his team, anything was possible.