Luca's phone buzzed at 5:23 AM, dragging him from dreams filled with perfectly weighted passes and Marco's menacing smile. The notification glowed in the darkness of his hostel room: [Daily Quest Updated: Prove Yesterday Wasn't Luck. Objective: Maintain performance standards under increased scrutiny. Reward: Leadership Attributes +1.]
The academy felt different as he approached the gates. Word of yesterday's training match had spread through the youth system like wildfire. Players who'd previously ignored him now watched with calculating eyes, weighing whether he was a threat or an opportunity. The luxury cars still deposited their privileged cargo, but now some of those passengers stared back at him through tinted windows.
"Moretti." Coach Marotta's voice carried a different tone today—less skeptical, more expectant. "You're consistent, I'll give you that. Early again."
"Consistency breeds excellence, Coach."
