The bus rolled to a stop at the massive DFB Campus in Frankfurt —the crown jewel of German football development.
Around the entrance, dozens of young athletes warmed up, laughed, and talked,buzzing with a tension only players bound for a World Cup could understand.
This wasn't a casual gathering.
This was the first step toward immortality.
As Mateo stepped off the bus,bag slung over his shoulder,the energy shifted immediately.
Heads turned.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
Some eyes were curious.Others calculating.A few, filled with excitement.
From across the training field, a familiar voice rang out:
"Mateo! About time you showed up!"
It was Lukas, his old friend from the Bayern youth system, jogging toward him with a massive grin.
Close behind were Sebastian and Jonas, beaming with pride.
They surrounded him in a quick, rough hug — clapping his back, ruffling his hair.
"Finally!" Jonas laughed."Germany's secret weapon is here."
"Man, we missed you," added Sebastian.
Mateo smiled, the knot of tension in his chest starting to ease.
"At least some things never change."
From another group nearby, there were loud voices — but not hostile.
One player laughed and called out:
"Thank you, Argentina! For the free transfer!"
Another chimed in:
"Imagine letting Mateo slip through your fingers!"
A third added, shaking his head dramatically:
"Biggest own goal in history!"
There was laughter —not mocking Mateo,but mocking Argentina's loss.
And for the first time in a long while,Mateo felt no bitterness.
Only pride.
Before the excitement grew too wild, a sharp whistle sliced through the air.
Everyone turned.
There stood Markus Schuster, the head coach of Germany's U-20 squad, clipboard under his arm, eyes like steel.
His voice carried with authority:
"Enough chatter.You're teammates now — act like it."
The crowd hushed instantly.
Schuster's gaze swept across the field.
"Mateo is here.The squad is complete.We have work to do."
He gestured toward the training pitches.
"Warm-up starts now.First evaluation session in fifteen minutes."
The players quickly dispersed into smaller groups, jogging to the fields.
Mateo exchanged a determined glance with Lukas and the others.
He wasn't here to bask in compliments.
He wasn't here to celebrate.
He was here to conquer.
Inside his mind, the System chimed:
[Hidden Quest Progress: Rebuild International Reputation — +3%][Current Completion: 60%]
Mateo tightened the laces on his boots.
The real battle was just beginning.