Chapter 71 – Rising to the Challenge
The sun hung low over the rooftops of Penedono, casting a warm glow on the cobblestone streets. Children darted between doorways with laughter echoing, while old men leaned on their walking sticks, exchanging quiet stories of the past. For most of the village, this was just another evening in the rhythm of rural life. But for Jota, it marked the threshold of something larger—a test that would push him closer to the destiny he was quietly rebuilding.
Tomorrow, their small team would face not just another village, but a regional powerhouse: Castelo Branco Juniors, a side known for producing youth talents who often caught the eyes of scouts from Lisbon and Porto. The match was more than just football—it was an audition. Every touch, every run, every decision would be observed by strangers who held the keys to the future.
