The whistle blew.
Training began.
And tonight—it wasn't just Lincoln that had leveled up.
Julian's stride carved across the pitch like wind given form. Each sprint bit deeper into the turf, sharper, heavier. His body moved with purpose—faster acceleration, cleaner cuts, no wasted motion.
Every first touch glued the ball to his feet. Every turn snapped like a blade.
And the way he read space—how his eyes cut ahead of every pass—felt almost inhuman.
"Yo—what the hell happened to you?" Leo called out, still catching his breath.
"Yeah, did you… like, suddenly evolve overnight?" Riku frowned, brows furrowed as if trying to see what changed.
Even Noah—quiet as always—nodded once, silently agreeing.
Julian just chuckled, chest rising with a steady rhythm. "Maybe that San Dimas match unlocked my potential."
"Pfft, must've been one hell of a match," Aaron grinned.
