Rising Tensions and New Beginnings

The sun cast long shadows over the CF Igualada training ground as Daniel wiped the sweat from his brow. Training had been intense, and Coach Navarro had been pushing the team harder than ever. The upcoming match against FC Vilafranca Juvenil was crucial for their position in the regional tournament.

Daniel had been improving, his control over his time-perception powers allowing him to make sharper plays. But there was something else on his mind today. As training wrapped up, he jogged over to Sofia, who had been called up to the under-division team and was finishing her drills."Hey, Sofia," he said, his voice carrying just a hint of nervousness.She turned to him, a teasing smile on her face. "What's up, Carter? Trying to steal my training secrets?"He chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Nah, I just—uh, I was wondering if you wanted to grab a coffee sometime. Just us."Sofia raised an eyebrow. "Are you asking me out?"Daniel felt the heat rise to his face but held his ground. "Yeah. I guess I am."She let the moment hang for a second before flashing a grin. "Alright. Coffee sounds nice. As long as you're paying."Daniel exhaled, half in relief, half in excitement. "Deal."Across town, in the dim glow of a hidden office, a shadowed figure stood before a holographic screen displaying Daniel Carter's profile. A familiar voice crackled through the speakers."I thought we got rid of him," the voice sneered.The figure, a man with piercing eyes, smirked. "You underestimated him. And now he's stronger. But he still doesn't know the truth."The screen flickered, showing a series of strange symbols—ones that Daniel himself had unknowingly drawn in his notebook days ago. The man leaned forward, his voice barely a whisper."It's time we remind him that he's not safe yet."