Mahmoud woke in the pre-dawn hush, the echoes of yesterday's victory fading into a deeper awareness. The academy was alive with a new kind of energy—one of uncertainty and ambition, not celebration. Standards had shifted; nothing was guaranteed now.
At breakfast, the tension was palpable. Yasser and Kareem no longer traded jokes but shared tactical tips, their focus sharpened by the pressure. Around them, teammates old and new ate quietly, each feeling the weight of upcoming matches.
Coach Muneer assembled the squad, his voice cutting through their nerves:
"Yesterday was a step. This week, three games. No one's position is safe—every mistake is a test, every win, just a start. Mahmoud, you're the fulcrum in midfield. Kareem, marshal the defense. Yasser, drive the wings."
With responsibility heavy on his shoulders, Mahmoud remembered his struggle with self-doubt and errors. Now, error was a teacher, not a mark of failure. VALYS's guidance echoed in his thoughts:
"Correction cycle: active. Adapt quickly."
On the pitch, training was relentless—blistering sprints, tactical drills under pressure, where even a minor slip meant instant substitution. Mahmoud watched, not just for his own performance but for his new teammates' struggles. He redirected and encouraged rather than criticized, becoming the quiet anchor his squad needed.
During a brief pause, Yasser approached with a nervous smile. "Do you really think we're ready for what the scouts want to see?"
Mahmoud replied, "They want to see recovery, not perfection. Progress, not just talent."
After practice, Coach pulled Mahmoud aside.
"You're solving problems before they surface. That's leadership in action. Tomorrow, take the armband—not just as captain, but as the one who lifts this team through adversity."
At home, Mahmoud studied match footage and compiled notes on vulnerabilities—his, the squad's, and particularly the newest members. VALYS flagged tactical edges and emotional weak points:
"Left-side transitions vulnerable. Support recommended."
That night, the rooftop meeting felt different. Mahmoud encouraged honest admissions of weakness, transforming embarrassment into a shared drive and practical solutions. The team outlined a plan, one forged in trust.
As Mahmoud drifted to sleep, he understood that real standards were raised not by avoiding mistakes, but by growing stronger through every one.
***
**End of Chapter 26**