All square with the clock ticking down – this was the kind of pressure-cooker scenario that separates good players from great ones. Amani could feel the thrum of his heartbeat, but inside, he was surprisingly calm. As Ajax took center kickoff, a familiar DING resonated softly in his mind. In the periphery of his vision, a golden icon flashed:
***
Trait Activated: Clutch Performer.
***
He didn't need to read the fine print to know what it meant. A cool focus washed over him, heightening his senses. The roar of the crowd dimmed, and the movements of players seemed just a bit sharper, more predictable. It was as if time stretched subtly whenever he was on the ball. This was the System's gift for moments like these – and Amani intended to make it count.
