Ten days later, in the third week of his weight-loss plan, Zack finally nailed the first phase of his slim-down mission. As a reward, he snagged the system's stage-one prize, just as promised.
During this 15-day opening act of his weight-loss *shiai* (match), Zack could've crushed it even faster with his sheer willpower. The only reason he didn't was to ensure enough protein intake, tweaking his diet from week two onward.
Let's be real—when you're carrying extra weight, the scale drops *fast* in the early stages, way quicker than it does for most people.
"Congratulations, Host, for smashing the first-phase weight-loss challenge!
The Injury Monitoring Bar, designed to track potential injuries during your weight-loss journey, is now activated.
The second-phase weight-loss challenge is officially ON!
Rewards for the second phase are as follows: Upon successfully unlocking the *Santen* (Peak) System, the Host's future agility potential will increase by +4, vertical leap potential by +2, and speed potential by +2.
Plus, after completing the second phase, the system will unlock a special Nutritional Supplement Drink, exclusive to the weight-loss period.
This drink can be redeemed once daily during your weight-loss phase to prevent muscle loss."
Back in his dorm, Zack stared at the system panel displaying the rewards for completing the second phase. He couldn't help but suck in a sharp breath.
It's no secret that, no matter how much you supplement, your body's absorption limits make it nearly impossible to avoid muscle loss during weight loss.
In his past life, Zack had read about NBA legend Udonis Haslem, a true *inspiration no otoko* (man of inspiration). Back in the summer of 2002, Haslem, overlooked after college, let himself go, and his weight skyrocketed. To get back in shape, he spent months shedding a whopping 30 kilos, then an entire summer rebuilding his chiseled physique.
Reflecting on that grind, Haslem once said, "I lost a ton of muscle during my weight loss, so I had to pour in even more sweat and effort afterward to reclaim my strength."
At this moment, Zack's heart was pounding so hard it might've burst out of his chest. Nobody in the world could understand just how *sugoi* (amazing) this Nutritional Supplement Drink from the *Santen* System was!
What a system! It's like it's handing him cutting-edge *tech* on a silver platter!
To Zack, this drink wasn't just a game-changer—it was a cheat code. It'd let him create a calorie deficit without fear, all while preserving his fighting strength post-weight loss.
Think of it as a turbo-charged *kakekomi* (sprint) button, speeding up his path to challenging the NBA.
Sure, in his past life, Zack hated cheaters and hackers in games. But when a real-life shortcut shows up? He's not dumb enough to sidestep it.
And let's not kid ourselves—those NBA superhumans? Are they *really* all 100% natural, no additives?
Get real. In the 21st century, "all-natural" is a myth. Zack knew that behind the relentless discipline of many NBA stars were plenty of *tech* and *hustle*—science and grit working hand in hand.
"You know, this reward you just dropped? It's like you injected me with a shot of *genki* (energy)!" Zack grinned, staring at the *Santen* System interface in his mind.
Back in the dorm, after taking a moment to calm his racing heart, Zack shifted his focus to the Injury Monitoring Bar he'd just unlocked.
According to the system, the bar had four colors—green, blue, purple, and red—each tied to a level of injury risk: no risk, slight risk, elevated risk, and "you're probably gonna get hurt."
During his weight-loss journey, this tool would help him dodge potential injuries and adjust his training intensity based on its feedback.
Of course, the system warned that real-world variables could mess things up, so he shouldn't treat it like gospel—just a guide.
…
That afternoon, as usual, Zack hit the outdoor court nearest his dorm for some *shuuren* (training).
Here's the kicker: ever since his fated reunion with his kouhai (junior) Paul, the guy had started joining him every afternoon for practice.
Back in high school, Paul and his "senpai" Zack didn't talk much. But being from the same school gave them a bond that had been heating up fast lately.
Since their reunion, Paul noticed Zack was a completely different guy. Not only was he more talkative, but the stubborn grit he showed during training caught Paul's eye.
As a fellow hard-headed *nekketsu* (hot-blooded) type, Paul respected Zack's work ethic. During their sessions, he shared his game experience with zero hesitation, holding nothing back.
The catch? Zack still didn't dare try jump shots. Even with Paul's help and his own effort to refine his shooting form, his current shot looked less like Durant's smooth "Thunder Crescent Slash" and more like… a trebuchet.
A massive, oversized trebuchet.
Whatever, trebuchet it is!
As long as it goes in, who cares how it looks?
Plus, with Paul's advice, Zack had recently zeroed in on the perfect court role for himself:
*The pick-and-pop toolman.*
With summer winding down, the 2003-04 NCAA season was about to tip off. Zack knew that in his upcoming sophomore season, his main focus would still be shedding pounds.
After sizing up his current stamina, skills, and basketball IQ, Zack—who had a dead-on sense of his own limits—realized that earning back his coach's trust and securing a spot on the Demon Deacons required leaning into Paul's suggestion.
In pick-and-rolls, Zack's current build could provide rock-solid screens, giving his guards a sense of *anzen* (security).
And don't forget—nobody else knew, but Zack was well aware that Paul was set to become the Demon Deacons' starting point guard next season.
So, what could possibly be more important than clinging to Paul's coattails?
To Zack, if he could use this summer to build pick-and-roll chemistry with Paul, he'd have a real shot at a *fukkatsu* (comeback) in the new season.
Zack had always been a practical guy.
To get more minutes, he had no issue playing the blue-collar role on the court.
And in that sense, he and Paul were *nakama* (comrades) through and through.
As the future "God of Point Guards," Paul's job was to find the most practical solutions on the court.
Watching his senpai soak up knowledge and improve daily, Paul had a gut feeling. By helping his "prodigal" senpai turn things around, he'd somehow benefit in the future, too.
A devout believer, Paul was convinced this reunion with Zack was guided by fate. So, beyond pouring out his knowledge, he made up his mind: as long as Zack kept grinding, Paul would do whatever it took to pull his senpai up in the upcoming season.
As they say, where there are people, there's a *jianghu* (world of connections).
And where there's a *jianghu*, there's always human bonds and favors.
To Paul, since he and Zack hailed from the same high school and were about to be college teammates, why not let this fated connection carry them through their university years?
If you had to sum up Paul's thoughts in one line, it'd be:
"Don't worry, Senpai—I've got your back!"
…
*(Chapter End)*