Spain Vs England: Build Up

Over the next few days, Elian threw himself into training, trying to drown out the growing unease. On the surface, everything seemed fine—his touch was sharp, his shots accurate, and his movements precise. But there was something missing, an instinctive edge he used to have. The system was supposed to enhance him, but it felt like it was encroaching on parts of himself he didn't fully understand.

During a late-night analysis session in his room, Meta spoke again, unprompted:

"Do you fear failure?"

Elian froze, his finger hovering over the pause button on the match replay. "What kind of question is that?"

"You hesitate in critical moments. Your performance is optimal, yet doubt lingers. Eliminate doubt to achieve perfection."

He frowned. "Doubt keeps me grounded. You're asking me to be a machine."

"Machines do not lose. You are evolving beyond human limitations. Embrace it."

The words hung in the air like a challenge.