28 July 2025.
The Manchester City Football Academy was unusually quiet at 7:00 a.m.
The summer sun had only recently climbed above the Manchester skyline, bathing the sprawling Etihad Campus in a soft golden glow. Dew still clung to the perfectly cut training pitches, sprinklers hissed somewhere in the distance, and birds chirped from the trees lining the walkways between the buildings. It was the sort of peaceful morning that existed only before footballers, coaches and staff filled the complex with noise.
Aaron eased the black Range Rover to a stop outside the first-team building.
"We're here."
Lukas unclipped his seatbelt and grabbed his duffel bag.
"Thanks."
"I've got a couple of errands to run," Aaron replied. "I'll be back later this afternoon."
"All right. See you then."
Lukas stepped out of the vehicle, slung the bag over his shoulder and watched Aaron drive away before turning toward the entrance.
The security guard at the gate smiled as soon as he saw him.
