The Final Drills

The morning air at the Manchester City training complex was crisp and invigorating. This was the last training session before their Champions League clash with Barcelona—a game that held the promise of glory and the weight of expectation. For most of his teammates, it was an opportunity to fine-tune their skills and tactics. For Elian, however, it was a reminder of what he'd lost. The absence of the Awakening System left him feeling exposed and vulnerable—a stark contrast to the unstoppable force he had once been.

Elian arrived on the pitch with a heavy heart, his blue-black hair damp from a light drizzle. He wasn't used to being out there without the extra digital edge. Today, he'd be starting from the bench, a role that gnawed at his confidence. Still, he knew that every training session was a chance to reclaim his own strength, to prove that his natural talent was enough.