The training dome echoed with the rhythm of Mateo's footfalls.
Sweat. Breathe. Push. Repeat.
He was doing more than he should.
But he wasn't chasing limits.
He was breaking them.
The Hidden Quest
The System quest still pulsed in his interface:
"Return as the Storm"Objective: Reach match-level conditioning before official clearance.Risk: Minor strain.Reward: Unlock Advanced Skill based on peak metric.
And Mateo?
Was almost there.
He moved like a blade in motion—sharp, fluid, unrelenting.
The doctors were stunned.
The physios whispered."He's recovering too fast…""No one comes back like this."
But Mateo wasn't listening.He only listened to the fire in his chest.
Breaking News
That same afternoon, the training center's televisions shifted to a red alert banner:
BREAKING: Bayern Munich appoints Ricardo Ferrera as new head coach.
Mateo paused mid-drill, confused.
Not the rumored Alonso.Not Flick. Not De Zerbi.
Ricardo Ferrera.
Portuguese.A defensive tactician.Known for rigid systems, verticality, and prioritizing experience over youth.
Mateo blinked as the screen showed Ferrera's unveiling press conference.
"I believe in structure. In balance. In control.Young players must earn their place the right way —Not with hype, not with videos.With discipline."
Mateo felt something shift in his gut.
Private Concerns
Later that evening, Klara found him staring at his phone, watching clips of Ferrera's previous teams.
"Not the coach you were hoping for?" she asked.
"No," Mateo muttered. "Not even close."
"He'll see what you can do."
Mateo stayed silent.
He wasn't so sure.
The Final Test
That night, Mateo requested the dome alone.
He had one thing left to do.
Dribble. Cut. Pivot.Sprint. Stop. Strike.
Explode. Control.
The System flashed bright red.
⚠ QUEST FINALIZATION
Performance Index: 96.4%
SUCCESS
✨ Advanced Skill Unlocked:
⚡ "Surge Control"
Increases acceleration and ball control when initiating explosive runs from a standstill.Especially potent when catching defenses off guard.
Mateo stood still, chest heaving.
He wasn't just back.He was ready.
Even if Ferrera didn't believe in him—He would make him.
The Storm Builds
The System whispered:
"Return to full team training: 12 days."
Mateo looked at the ceiling of the dome.
At the badge on his training vest.
Bayern Munich.
This was his team.And no matter who sat on the bench—
He would fight for his place.