The leaves around La Masia had turned gold and brown.
The chill of late November hugged the training grounds, but the energy on the pitch? White-hot.
Luca's breath formed mist as he sprinted through drills. He looked different now—stronger, sharper, more mature.
The Time Between
Since that thrilling match against Deportivo, Luca had:
Played in 7 league matches, starting in 5.
Scored 3 goals and delivered 4 assists.
Grown physically—thanks to a strict gym regimen, early mornings, protein-rich meals, and consistent sleep.
Become a voice in the locker room. Quiet, but respected.
He and his dad now lived in a cozy apartment just ten minutes from the Ciutat Esportiva. His father had stopped working, just like Luca asked, and now spent most of his time cooking, watching games, and being the rock Luca always leaned on.
Their home felt peaceful. Focused. Professional.
November Training – A Regular Day... Almost
Coach Márquez blew the whistle. "Tight rondo, boys! Keep the touches clean."
The team circled up. One touch, two touch, slap of a pass—Luca's movement was fluid. Predictable in the best way: the kind of predictable that guaranteed results.
"Luca, you're not a kid anymore," said Héctor Fort with a grin, "you play like you've been here five years."
Luca just smiled, wiping sweat from his brow.
Suddenly, a club staffer approached from the sideline.
"Luca Herrera?"
He stepped forward, unsure.
"The first team has requested you for training. Starting tomorrow morning."
Silence.
His teammates looked at him. Then—cheers. Claps. Shoulder bumps.
"Vamos!""You earned it!""Luca to the first team!"
Coach Márquez walked over, shaking his hand firmly.
"You've been training like a pro for months. Now it's time to train with the pros. Don't change a thing."
Luca was stunned. His heart was racing. He had dreamed this moment a thousand times. But now?
It was real.
That Night – The Call Home
Luca pushed open the door to their apartment, still wearing his training gear.
His dad looked up from the kitchen. "Back early?"
Luca dropped his bag gently and smiled.
"I'm training with the first team tomorrow."
Silence. Then his father's eyes welled up.
He walked over, placed both hands on Luca's shoulders, and said:
"I always knew this day would come. And it's only the beginning."
They hugged. No words needed after that.
System Notification
Milestone Unlocked: First Team Training Invitation
"You've climbed the mountain. Now you're invited to the summit."
Rewards:– +1 Composure– +2 Tactical Awareness– New Badge Unlocked: First Team Potential