The First Test

Game day.

CF Igualada's first pre-tournament match was here, and Daniel was on the bench.

Coach Navarro had warned him—his training had been too inconsistent. But he still had a chance to prove himself.

As the game started, he watched closely. Álvaro was in the starting lineup, playing aggressively, pushing forward.

But in the second half, he made a mistake.

The opposing team intercepted a pass, leading to a counterattack. The coach cursed under his breath.

Then—Coach Navarro turned to Daniel.

"Carter, warm up."

Daniel's heart pounded. This was his chance.

He stepped onto the field, shaking out his nerves. The crowd noise filled his ears.

Then, as the ball rolled toward him—time shifted again.

Everything slowed. His mind raced. He could see every movement before it happened.

For once, instead of panicking—he used it.

He dodged a tackle effortlessly. Spotted a pass before the defender could react.

He didn't question it. He just played.

By the end of the game, CF Igualada had turned things around. They won.

And Coach Navarro gave Daniel a nod. "Good work."

Daniel exhaled. Maybe—just maybe—he could control this.