The Aston Villa contract Leon held still felt warm in his hand, a tangible symbol of his progress.

But the one Byon had just shown him, the shimmering Manchester City badge staring back from the top of the paper, felt like a cold splash of water.

"City?" Leon finally managed, his voice a disbelieving whisper..

"You... you signed for them? Our rivals?"

Byon (Current: 79) looked away, his usual exuberant energy replaced by a quiet solemnity.

"They offered. A professional contract. They said they'd been watching my U18 games, my recent assessment. Said they were impressed by my pace, my skill, my... my improved decision-making."

His voice held a hint of defiance, but also a deep undercurrent of something that sounded like guilt.

Leon slumped onto his bed, the weight of the news settling on him.

He was genuinely happy for Byon, thrilled that his best friend had secured a professional contract with one of the biggest clubs in the world.

This was the dream, after all. But it also felt like a betrayal, a sudden, unexpected fork in their shared path. Their "partner in glory" was now on the opposing team.

"I just... I didn't expect it to be City," Leon finally said, a slight edge in his voice.

"We've talked about playing together, in the Premier League. For Villa."

Byon nodded, still not meeting Leon's gaze fully.

"I know. Believe me, I know. But Leon, it's City. It's a chance I couldn't turn down.

The academy, the facilities, the coaching... it's a direct pathway to the first team, they said. They believe in me."

His 'Current' rating, while still high, seemed to have a faint, worried flicker around its edges.

Leon took a deep breath.

"I get it, Byon. Really. It's a huge opportunity. I'm happy for you, mate. Seriously."

He forced a smile, though it felt a little strained.

"It's just... going to be weird. Seeing you in a sky-blue shirt."

Byon finally looked up, a small, relieved smile touching his lips.

"Yeah. It's going to be weird. But hey, it means we'll play against each other, right? In the Premier League. Just on different sides."

Leon imagined it: him in claret and blue, Byon in sky blue, battling in the midfield, his 'sight' predicting Byon's dazzling runs, Byon's 'Current' ability a formidable challenge.

The thought sent a jolt of both excitement and a strange sadness through him.

Their dreams were coming true, but not quite in the way they had always envisioned.

"Good luck, Byon," Leon said, extending a hand. Byon grasped it firmly, a silent understanding passing between them.

The friendship was still there, strong and unwavering, but now, a new layer of professional rivalry had been added.

A few days later, the news was everywhere.

"Aston Villa Academy Star Joins Manchester City!" The headlines screamed. Leon saw clips of Byon, looking a little overwhelmed but beaming, wearing a training kit with the famous City crest.

His new number, a somewhat unusual #66, was visible on his back.

Leon was at home with his mom, eating breakfast, when a sports news channel flashed an interview.

"And here we have the latest talent to join Manchester City's ranks, Byon, a promising young winger from Aston Villa's academy. Byon, how does it feel to be here?"

his voice was clear. "It's a dream come true, honestly. Manchester City is a massive club, and I'm just so excited to learn, to push myself every day. I want to show what I can do."

He looked directly into the camera, a flash of the determination Leon knew so well.

Then, a clip of Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's legendary manager, appeared.

"Byon is a very interesting talent," Pep said, his voice calm but insightful.

"He has incredible speed, a natural flair. We have been watching his progress for some time, and we believe he has the potential to develop into a top player for us. He is still very young, but his recent performances showed a maturity in his game, an understanding of when to use his skills effectively."

Leon's mom turned to him, a soft smile on her face. "See? I told you he'd make it, Leon.

And the manager himself is talking about him! That's wonderful!"

Leon nodded, a complex mix of emotions swirling inside him. He felt immense pride for Byon, hearing Pep praise his "improved decision-making" – a direct result of their relentless training sessions. But there was also a pang of competitive spirit.

Byon was at City now, learning from the best, playing alongside stars like Haaland and De Bruyne. It pushed Leon even harder. He had to keep developing, to make sure he wasn't left behind.

"He deserves it, Mom," Leon said, buttering his toast. "He's worked incredibly hard."

"Just like you," his mom said, ruffling his hair. "And you'll play against him someday, won't you? In the Premier League."

Leon looked at the TV screen, picturing Byon in that sky-blue #66 jersey.

"Yeah, Mom. I guess we will." The thought sent a shiver of anticipation down his spine.

It wouldn't be just a game; it would be a clash of best friends, a test of how far they had both come.

Life at Aston Villa's academy quickly shifted back into high gear for Leon.

His goal and assist against Newcastle had cemented his place in the first-team squad for now, but he knew he couldn't afford to get comfortable.

Every training session was an opportunity to learn, to improve, to push his 'Current: 80' higher. He focused intently on perfecting his 'sight', recognizing the ghostly projections even faster, turning them into instinctive reactions.

He chatted more with the senior players now, asking John McGinn about midfield pressing strategies, quizzing Ollie Watkins on his movement in the box, absorbing every piece of advice. They treated him as one of their own, a young talent with immense potential.

"Leo, come here for a second," Douglas Luiz (Current: 85) called him over after a passing drill.

"Your weight of pass is excellent. But sometimes, when you're under heavy pressure, a simpler option is better than a risky one, even if you see the space.

Trust your teammates to make the next run."

Leon nodded, taking it all in. Luiz was right. His 'sight' sometimes tempted him to try impossible passes, but in the Premier League, consistency and reliability were equally important.

The team's spirits were high after the Newcastle win. They were still aiming for a strong finish in the Premier League. The next match was a crucial one.

Coach Emery gathered the squad in the tactical room, the large screen displaying the familiar red crest of their next opponent.

"Okay, lads," Emery began, his voice calm but firm.

"Next match. At Villa Park. We welcome Liverpool."

A collective murmur went through the room. Liverpool.

Another giant. Not quite the dominant force they once were, perhaps, but still a team filled with world-class talent and a fearsome manager.

Leon's 'sight' immediately flared, and the numbers of Liverpool's key players sprang into his mind.

Mohamed Salah (Potential: 90, Current: 89), a relentless goalscorer.

Virgil van Dijk (Potential: 92, Current: 90), a defensive colossus.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Potential: 89, Current: 87), a full-back with incredible passing range.

And their dynamic midfield, constantly running, constantly pressing.

This was another massive test. Bigger, perhaps, than Newcastle.

Bigger even than Manchester City in some ways, because this time, the expectation was higher.

He wasn't just a debutant anymore; he was a starting Premier League midfielder for Aston Villa.