NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 14: Chapter 14: The Aftermath – A Star Is Born
The field was still buzzing with energy as Tom walked off, his jersey drenched in sweat, but his heart pounding with adrenaline and victory.
He'd done it.
Not just won the game—he'd announced himself to the world.
But the roar of the crowd was just the beginning.
Because waiting beyond the sidelines were scouts, reporters, and opportunities that could change his life forever.
The Scout Gauntlet
Before Tom even reached the locker room, a man in a sleek suit stepped in front of him, flipping open a leather-bound notebook.
"Tommy Bradfield?" the man asked, his voice sharp.
Tom nodded.
"Name's Coach Daniels, University of Alabama. We've been watching you."
Tom raised an eyebrow. "I figured."
Daniels chuckled. "We like what we see. You've got poise, vision, and—" he glanced at his notes—"clutch performance. We'd like to talk about your future."
Before Tom could respond, another scout slid in.
"Hey, Tom! USC Trojans here. That final drive? Legendary. Let's chat."
And then another.
And another.
Before he knew it, Tom was surrounded. Big-name colleges, legendary programs, all fighting for a piece of him.
Speedy jogged by, laughing. "Damn, QB, you're like a celebrity now!"
But Tom wasn't smiling.
Because deep down, he wasn't just a high school star.
He was the GOAT.
This was where he belonged.
The Message from Tyler Vaughn
Later that night, after the noise had settled and Tom sat in his room, staring at the ceiling, his phone buzzed.
A message.
Unknown Number:
"This isn't over. See you at Nationals."
Tom smirked. Tyler Vaughn.
The rivalry wasn't just alive—it was growing.
[GOAT SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
New Quest Unlocked: "The Road to Nationals"
• Objective: Qualify for the National High School Championship.
• Bonus Objective: Outperform Tyler Vaughn in stats and leadership.
• Reward: +10 to all stats, New GOAT Skill: "Clutch DNA" (Level 1)
• Failure Penalty: Loss of reputation and starting position risk.
The National Spotlight
The next morning, Tom arrived at practice to find the entire team buzzing.
Coach Donahue stood in the center of the field, holding an official-looking letter.
"Listen up!" he barked. "We've been invited to the National High School Championship Series. Only the top teams in the country get this shot."
The team erupted in cheers.
But Tom wasn't celebrating.
He was already thinking ahead.
The competition would be tougher. The games faster. The stakes higher.
And somewhere out there?
Tyler Vaughn was waiting.
Off the Field: A New Threat
Meanwhile, across town, Tyler wasn't sulking over his loss.
He was in a private gym, working harder than ever, his face twisted in frustration.
"Bradfield thinks he's better than me?" Tyler muttered, slamming a pass against the wall.
His coach approached, tossing him a towel.
"You lost because you underestimated him," the coach said bluntly.
Tyler's jaw tightened. "That won't happen again."
The coach smirked. "Good. Because at Nationals, it's not just about talent. It's about who's willing to do whatever it takes."
And Tyler Vaughn?
He was ready to do anything.
End of Chapter 14
Would you like the next chapter to focus on Tom preparing for Nationals, dealing with new challenges, or explore Tyler Vaughn's darker path as he pushes beyond his limits?