THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME

Kristin Stein arrived at the Ruta Arena just as the Rosenborg players were entering the dressing room. "You see, we're late because of your dilly-dallying," she said, using the Norwegian language. "I have even failed to catch a glimpse of the players before they could enter the dressing room."

"Relax," Monica Rønning, a slim dark-haired girl who was her flatmate, said in response. "We still have an hour to the start of the game. What use is there in seeing the players before the start of the match?"

Kristin sighed, shaking her head. "What do you know? I wished to get an autograph from Mike Jensen and Nicki Nielsen before the start of the game. They are the two new stars of our team. But now, I've already missed out."

Monica frowned on hearing that. "You're hopeless," she said. "Can't you ask that neighbor of ours to get you the autograph? I've seen you talking to him on multiple occasions. Why don't you ask him to help?"

"We're not that close enough for me to ask him to grab me autographs from another player," Kristin replied. "Moreover, he has just joined the team. Asking for an autograph on my behalf would make him uncomfortable around his teammates. Imagine walking up to a teammate and asking for a signature. If you were in his place, would you be able to do it?"

"If that won't work, you can try asking your grandpa for help."

"Are you joking?" Kristin smiled wryly.

"Then, you can only wait for another chance," Monica said. "But for now, let's get our tickets first and head to the stands. The stadium is quite small. I'm worried we won't be able to get any seats if we delay."

"Okay, let's buy the tickets," Kristin concurred and led the way to the gate of the Ruta Arena.

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Just after Kristin and Monica had entered the stadium, another group of young men and women arrived at the stadium gate. They were Zachary's acquaintances. They had all donned black and white Rosenborg beanies on their heads, Rosenborg scarfs around their necks, plus white Rosenborg jerseys under their jackets. They seemed like the staunchest fans of the Troll Kids. Owing to that simple fact, they attracted a few unfriendly stares from the Strindheim home fans as they made their way to the ticket office.

"This is quite the small place," Kasongo commented right after paying for his ticket. "Are you guys sure we are in the right place? The stadium where Rosenborg will be facing Strindheim Idrettslag in the second round of the Norwegian Cup?"

The four others around him laughed at that.

"Don't take Strindheim Idrettslag lightly," Kendrick Otterson chipped in, shaking his head. "Although their stadium seems below par, the club itself—how should I call it?" He paused, seemingly recalling some information. "They are a very famous and competitive multisport club with sections for athletics, handball, football, speed skating, and cross-country skiing. Their cross-country ski team even has several world cup competitors. Petter Northug Jr, one of the top athletes in Norway, is from around here. So, they aren't just a simple football club. They deserve our respect."

"Then, they should build a stadium befitting their status," Paul Otterson said. He had also just finished paying for his ticket.

"But their men's football team is only in the second division," Kendrick said, shaking his head. "And they don't need a bigger football stadium for skiing or skating."

"Okay, guys," said Melissa Romano, frowning slightly. "Let's enter the stadium. At the rate at which the fans are flooding in, it'll be full in only a few minutes. So, we'd better hurry."

"Agreed," Marta Romano, her twin sister, said, nodding.

"Okay, then," Kendrick said, leading the way further into the stadium. The rest followed after him—and in only a few minutes, they managed to find some seats at the bottom section of the stands.

But just as Kasongo was about to settle in one of the seats, he heard someone calling his name. He turned around and noticed that it was Kristin Stein. "Kasongo," she yelled, trying to make herself heard over the chatter of the surrounding fans. "Why don't you and your friends join us here? We have plenty of space." She pointed at the unoccupied seats beside her.

"You know her," Paul asked, eyeing him with a smile that wasn't a smile.

"Yes," Kasongo replied. "Don't get any wrong ideas. She's the granddaughter of Mr. Martin Stein, the scout who brought us to Trondheim. She's also Zachary's friend." He added, stealing a glance at Marta Romano.

"Did you say, Martin Stein?" Both Paul and Kendrick exclaimed, their eyes widening and mouths agape. They looked comical.

"Yes, Mr. Stein, the scout," Kasongo replied, stealing a few glances at Kristin, who was still awaiting their response. "Anything the matter? Why are you both surprised?"

Both Kendrick and Paul sighed in unison.

"You may not know this since you only arrived at the academy two years ago," Kendrick said. "But Mr. Stein is a legend, famous in most circles of those that have supported Rosenborg for a long time. He was an executive on the club board until three or four years ago. I can't remember the exact time he retired."

"I have heard that he is one of the people that have contributed a lot to the club's success. That's why there's a saying: Coach Eggen in the light, Mr. Stein in the dark. Many have claimed that that has been the key to Rosenborg's success over the past two decades. He may still be on the management, despite not actively participating in club matters over the years."

"Isn't he just a simple scout?" Kasongo looked at Kendrick doubtingly. He still remembered the first time he had seen the scout back in Lubumbashi. Mr. Stein was in simple Khaki shorts, an unironed shirt, and casual sandals. He had no bearing whatsoever of a person who'd ever been part of a famous Norwegian club's management.

"You're joking, right," Paul replied, frowning at him. "How can you not know this when he's the one who scouted you?"

"Guys," Melissa cut in, interrupting their exchange. "You better decide whether we're going to watch the match over there or stay here. She is waiting, and the players are about to start their warm-up. So, make up your minds."

"Okay, okay," Kasongo said, stealing one more glance at Kristin. He noted that the five seats beside her were still unoccupied. "What do you think, guys? Should we watch the match from over there?" He asked the rest.

"It's fine with me," Kendrick said.

"Me, too..."

"Okay, then." Kasongo nodded after hearing the responses of the rest. "Since you all concur, let's watch the match from over there."

**** ****