The locker room reeked of sweat, turf, and silence.
Nobody dared break it.
The scoreline still burned in their minds: 2–1. Their first league match of the season. Their first loss.
Some players sat with their heads lowered, jerseys clinging to their skin. Others rubbed their faces with towels, as if they could wipe away the sting of defeat. The echo of the opposing crowd's cheers still rang in Dante's ears.
For him, it was different. His first real game for Eternal Era—called in from Team B, thrust into the spotlight, with the crowd screaming for a miracle. And he had delivered—he had scored. For a moment, the stadium had roared his name.
But it hadn't been enough.
Now he sat with his hoodie pulled up over his damp hair, staring at the floor, the glow of adrenaline fading into a heavy knot of frustration.
Then the door opened.
Jason entered.
