[Congratulations! You have acquired a new skill — Pull-Up Jump Shot!]
Cory Grant's chest swelled with joy. This wasn't just another move—this was another weapon added to his arsenal. And with the system, he could grind it, level it up, and transform it into lethal offense.
But the joy didn't last long. An exhausted wave swept over him, as if his body had been hollowed out. He bent over, hands on his knees, gulping air while sweat dripped down his cheeks, splattering onto the concrete court.
"Cory," said Mr. Russo, adjusting his glasses and smiling. "You've grasped the pull-up jumper. Now just keep practicing and refining it. I need to head back. If you've got questions, come find me at the store anytime."
"Manager, thank you—for everything!" Cory bowed his head, meaning every word. Without Russo's patient, detailed instruction, there was no way he would have mastered the jumper so quickly.
Nearby, Ken Matsen stretched his arms and groaned from under the shade of a tree. "I'm heading out with Russo. Next time you've got a run like this, Cory, call me." Before leaving, Ken jotted down his address before walking off beside Russo.
Alone again, Cory pulled up his panel.
His Stamina bar was close to max. He sat a moment to catch his breath, then slung on his backpack. Might as well fill it completely with a jog back to school.
By the time Shohoku High came into view, his face was red and his chest burning. He staggered, nearly ready to quit, when—
[Stamina: 66 → 67]
A jolt of power rippled through his frame, washing away fatigue like an energizing tide. The drained body restored instantly, leaving him sharp and alive again.
"God… that feeling," Cory muttered, half-laughing. The crash-to-surge cycle was addictive.
Of course, his mind wandered mischievously: If I timed this during… He shook his head furiously. Focus. I'm a serious man!
At Shohoku, Cory stopped outside the locked gym. The large wooden doors stayed shut. He frowned.
I need the key to the gym. With it, I could train anytime—even weekends.
Normally, the team manager would hold the keys. But Shohoku's basketball team was so weak, not a single girl had volunteered. That meant only two people had them—Captain Daniel Irving, and of course, Coach Anderson.
Moments later, Daniel arrived, walking casually.
"Captain!" Cory greeted quickly.
"Cory? This early?" Daniel blinked. Official practice didn't start until 3:30. Unlike powerhouses like Ryonan, Harbor, or even Sanno, Shohoku's sessions were shorter and softer—Coach Anderson's influence.
"I just want to push myself harder," Cory explained. "The faster I get stronger, the more I can contribute."
Daniel's serious features softened into a smile of approval as he unlocked the door. "Glad to hear it."
The Shohoku gym felt like sacred ground: wood floors glinting under the rafters, walls lined with gear, and separate equipment and video rooms. Cory grabbed a ball instantly and began drilling.
What others saw as "boring basics," Cory only saw as progress bars ticking upward. To him, every rep carried meaning.
Across the floor, Daniel Irving stretched, casting a curious glance.
"Cory… it feels like you were holding back yesterday," he finally said. "How about you and I go one on one? Just ten points. Let's test what you've got."
The request excited Cory. Not only would battling a live defender accelerate his proficiency gains, but he could test if Daniel held teachable skills of his own.
"I'd be honored," Cory said.
They set rules:
1 point per basket (2 points if beyond the arc).
First to 10 wins.
Regardless of make or miss, possession alternated.
Daniel handed Cory the ball. "Take the first."
Cory gripped it tight. The instant his dribble hit the floor, Daniel lunged forward, aggressive. But Cory's reflexes surged—ball snapped behind his back as he shifted past. Daniel's balance tipped, his weight leaning wrong.
Cory bolted, long stride eating space. At the last moment, he skidded into a flawless stop. Daniel, recovering, skated past helplessly. Gap created—Cory rose.
Swish. Nothing but net.
[Crossover: +2 Proficiency]
[Pull-Up Jumper: +2 Proficiency]
His system pulsed confirmation. Against a live opponent, every step doubled his growth.
"Pull-up jumper?" Daniel's eyes widened, impressed. He hadn't expected Cory to add that weapon. Just from a single play, he could sense the change in level.
As captain, he felt a spark of hope. Perhaps Shohoku wasn't doomed after all.
"My turn. Don't let your guard down," Daniel warned, taking the ball outside the arc.
Cory crouched, ready.
Daniel dribbled with composure, then snapped into a sharp stop-and-shake crossover. Smooth and efficient, his first step was powerful. Cory's defense faltered, hips shifting the wrong way.
In a flash, Daniel shouldered through, drove hard, and finished the layup at the rim.
Cory scowled. So he's got ball-handling AND strength on his side too…
This wouldn't be easy.