Chapter 15: The Torch Passes, The Era Ends
Chapter 15: The Torch Passes, The Era Ends
The dressing room buzzed with a mix of adrenaline, nerves, and raw anticipation. Players slumped on benches, chests heaving, their kits soaked through with sweat and grit. The walls seemed to pulse with the energy that still lingered from the first half, it was chaotic, fiery, and unforgettable.
Niels stood at the center of it all, one hand resting lightly on the tactics board, the other clenched loosely by his side. His gaze swept the room not just assessing tactics or formations, but the players themselves. Luka, face flushed but eyes sharp. Dev, still catching his breath, his shirt untucked and his leg twitching with residual energy. Reece, silent as always, but focused like a blade in a sheath.
They had given everything but it wasn't over.
"You've fought well," Niels said, his voice steady, calm despite the thunder in his chest. "And you've earned that lead. But this second half... this is where we prove who we are."
Silence fell like a blanket over the room.
"They're coming back with everything. Desperation and fire. But so will we. Not because we're afraid to lose..." he looked each man in the eyes "but because we refuse to let tonight slip through our fingers."
He took a breath, held it.
"Play for each other. Play for the badge. And play for the man who built this place into a home."
He didn't have to say Milan's name. Every head turned toward the man seated quietly in the corner, wrapped in his coat, eyes glinting with pride and something deeper, something that almost looked like sadness. Milan offered only a quiet nod, and Reece of all people was the first to clap.
One by one, the players followed.