"No! How did you do that, Leo?!" Byon's voice was a mix of frustration and grudging admiration. He slammed his FIFA controller down on the sofa cushion.

"That was a ridiculous pass! And Haaland just walks it in?!"

Leon (Current: 84) grinned, leaning back, the virtual Real Madrid players celebrating on screen.

"Just saw the opening, mate. Predicted your defender's run. My 'sight' works even in FIFA, apparently." He chuckled. The score was 8-3. Leon's Real Madrid had absolutely crushed Byon's Manchester City.

Byon (Current: 85) threw his hands up. "This is unfair! You've got some kind of cheat code for real life and video games! My Kylian Mbappé should be flying past your defense, but your virtual Vinicius Jr. is marking him out of the game!"

"Hey, don't blame the game, blame the player," Leon teased, winking.

"Looks like my '92 Current' translates pretty well to FIFA, even with your £48 million squad!"

Byon grumbled good-naturedly. "Fine, fine, you win this time. But next time, I'm picking Barcelona. My Lamine Yamal will humble you!"

They talked for a while longer, dissecting the virtual game, then the real Champions League matches they had watched.

Byon was still buzzing about Emre Demir's (Current: 86) performance for Real Madrid.

"He's going to be a problem, Leo," Byon said, serious for a moment. "He's got that raw finishing ability, and he just keeps growing. Like a cheat code, honestly."

"We'll be ready," Leon replied, his gaze drifting to the Premier League table, which was still displayed on the TV. They were 6th. "Arsenal are flying at the top, City right behind them. Tough league."

Byon nodded. "You guys did amazing against Arsenal, though. That last-minute winner... still can't believe it."

Leon leaned forward, a confident glint in his eye. "You know, Byon, I've got a feeling. We're in 6th place now. But I think... I think we can go even higher."

Byon raised an eyebrow. "Higher? Like what? Fifth? Fourth? Chelsea are tough, Man United are strong..."

Leon's smile widened. "Fourth. I'm going to make sure Aston Villa finishes in the top four this season." His 'Current: 92' pulsed with this new, ambitious goal. It aligned perfectly with his 'Help System' quest for 6th place, but he was pushing the boundary. Top four meant Champions League football. It meant global recognition. It meant truly competing with the giants.

Byon stared at him, then a slow grin spread across his face. "Top four, huh? You're crazy, Leo. But if anyone can do it, it's you. With your magic eyesight and your sudden FIFA skills." He chuckled, then stood up. "Alright, I better head back to City. Got an early training session tomorrow. You dream big, Leo."

"You too, Byon. Don't let those City boys get too comfortable. My '84 Current' is coming for your £48 million!" Leon teased.

"Dream on, Fischer!" Byon called out, already heading for the door. "See you!"

Leon watched him go, then felt a sudden urge for some fresh air. The common room was a bit stuffy. He slipped on a light jacket and stepped outside, into the cool night air. The stars were out, tiny pinpricks of light in the vast darkness.

He thought about his conversation with Byon, about the impossible dream of finishing top four. It felt daunting, yet strangely achievable with his evolving 'sight' and the secret 'Help System'.

He pulled out his phone, just checking messages, when it buzzed with a new notification. A text message. From Coach Emery.

Leon's heart leaped. Coach Emery rarely texted him directly outside of team matters. He opened it, his eyes scanning the words.

From: Coach Emery

Subject: Good news, Fischer

Text: Just received word. Your excellent performances and rapid development have been officially recognized.

Check your bank account. A reward from the club. You've earned it. Keep up the phenomenal work.

Leon's eyebrows shot up. A reward? He quickly opened his banking app. He stared at the screen, his eyes wide.

Balance: £190,000.00

One hundred and ninety thousand pounds! On top of the £40,000 he already had! His jaw literally dropped. This was incredible! The club was rewarding him directly for his performances!

A new house. The thought sprang to mind instantly. Not just fix the roof, but a brand new house for his mom.

A place where she wouldn't have to worry about anything ever again.

A real home. He could do it. He could actually buy them a new home.

The dream was no longer distant; it was within his grasp. He felt a surge of emotion so powerful it almost brought tears to his eyes.