The week bled away in sweat and drills.
By Friday, the war drums beat again.
Lincoln High's home ground.
Winter air clung to the pitch, sharp enough to sting lungs.
The visitors arrived in black and gold kit—Riverside Prep.
Nothing had changed in their core. Nico Villar, Damian Rowe, Silas Malik—their heartbeat, their spine—still there.
Three midfield generals, heavy enough to tilt the field by themselves.
But Lincoln wasn't whole either.
Leo—suspended.
Cael—recovering.
Two pillars stripped away.
Julian sat on the bench, eyes locked on the team that had once been his very first opponent.
The opener of the season—back then, he'd only carried a body with a total stat of 130.
Now, he'd grown sharper, stronger, a step closer to the throne he claimed.
Would Riverside come changed?
Would they bring new tricks, new fury to break Lincoln?
Or had they stagnated, frozen in place while he climbed?
Across the pitch, Silas Malik turned.
Captain's armband tight on his arm.
