Chapter 48 – Beyond the Horizon
The dawn broke slowly over the quiet town of Bruges, its soft light spilling like liquid gold across the cobblestone streets and rooftops of the academy. Jota stood at the edge of the training ground, the cold morning air filling his lungs with sharp clarity. A thin mist clung to the grass, dampening the earth beneath his cleats, as if the world itself held its breath, waiting.
For weeks now, the academy had been a crucible of pressure and expectation. Scouts from all over Europe had descended like hawks, eyes trained to spot the faintest glimmer of greatness. Each drill, each pass, each sprint was no longer just practice—it was an audition. A delicate dance between fear and hope.
Jota tightened the laces of his boots, feeling the rough leather beneath his fingers, grounding himself. Today was not just another day. It was a day that could redefine everything.
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