"Welcome to the south coast."
The security guard muttered as the Leeds United bus hissed to a halt outside St. Mary's Stadium. The air was salty, damp, and smelled like tension.
Rio stepped off the bus, his headphones blasting techno music. He adjusted his collar, feeling the fabric of his club tracksuit against his neck.
"It's quiet," Archie Gray whispered, stepping down behind him. "Too quiet."
"They are saving their energy for the booing," Rio grinned, grabbing his kit bag. "Don't worry, Arch. Once we score, it will be even quieter."
"You're cocky today, Skip."
"Not cocky. Focused."
They walked through the players' entrance. The walls were adorned with pictures of Southampton legends. Le Tissier, Shearer, Mane.
Rio didn't look at them. He was looking at his own reflection in the glass doors.
[System Active]
[Condition: Peak]
[Titan's Core: Ready]
[Mission: The Creator (0/5 Assists)]
"Only five assists," Rio muttered to himself. "Easy work."
