Darius continued his basketball training. The ball bounced against the court surface. He maintained control of the ball. His feet were positioned correctly. His shoulders were square to the basket. He focused on the rim.
The Hustle System had recorded thirty-nine shot attempts. Twelve shots had been successful. The remaining shots were recorded as misses.
Darius positioned himself for another shot. He exhaled and shot the ball. The ball hit the front of the rim and bounced away.
Darius did not react emotionally. He retrieved the ball and returned to his shooting position.
Four teenagers entered the court area. Each person carried a basketball. One person wore a sleeveless hoodie. His name was Trey. Another person had headphones around his neck. His name was Zion. The third person carried a backpack. His name was Manny. The fourth person wore old basketball shoes. His name was Jace.
The four players approached Malik.
"Hello Malik," Trey said. He spun his basketball once and caught it.
Malik walked toward them. "Hello."
They greeted each other by slapping hands. They looked at Darius, who was preparing for another shot.
"Who is that?" Zion asked.
Malik looked back at Darius. "That is my cousin. Darius."
Jace looked more carefully. "Is that Darius who was in a coma?"
"Yes," Malik said. "He is recovered now. He has been training."
Manny noticed the scar on Darius's head. "Is that scar from the surgery?"
Jace made a comment comparing the scar to a technology installation.
Malik stepped forward. His voice became sharp. "Watch what you say."
Malik looked at Darius to check his reaction.
Jace raised his hands. "I was just saying..."
"Say less," Malik replied.
Darius heard the conversation. He did not respond. He continued dribbling and shooting. The comment about his scar registered in his mind.
He missed his next shot. The miss was not by a large margin.
Darius considered getting a headband or hoodie to cover the scar. He wondered how many people had already noticed the scar but not commented.
He kept his eyes on the rim. He pretended not to hear Malik and Jace continuing their conversation.
Trey stepped between Malik and Jace. "Stop arguing. We came to play basketball."
Zion agreed. "Let's play 3-on-3. You two plus me against us three."
Malik hesitated. "No, we are fine."
Darius was in the middle of his drill when the Hustle System displayed a message.
[UNOFFICIAL CHALLENGER DETECTED: 3v3 game to 21 points] [PROGRESS INCENTIVE ACTIVE] [PROJECTED SKILL GAIN: +2 Shooting, +1 Footwork, +1 Decision-Making] [Continue training or accept challenge?]
Darius read the message. He had not played live basketball since waking up. He had only practiced individual skills. He was not ready for competition. However, something in him wanted to accept.
He selected Accept.
Darius turned to Malik. "We will play."
Malik looked at him. "Are you sure?"
Darius nodded. "Yes."
Malik showed surprise and approval. "Alright then."
The teams were formed. Team 1: Darius, Malik, and Zion. Team 2: Trey, Manny, and Jace.
Darius checked the ball to start the game.
Team 1 started on defense. Malik guarded Jace. Zion guarded Manny. Darius guarded Trey.
Trey bounced lightly on his toes. Malik called defensive switches. Zion positioned himself low with arms wide. He watched Manny's hip movement. Darius tracked Trey's movement, but his feet were slower than his mind.
Trey faked left, then moved right quickly. Darius saw the movement but could not shift fast enough.
Jace read the situation. He threw a bounce pass through the lane. Trey caught the ball while moving and made a layup.
Score: 2-0.
Darius exhaled. His jaw was tight. He jogged back to position.
Team 1 had possession. Darius inbounded the ball to Malik. Malik dribbled up court with control. Jace applied defensive pressure. Malik did not rush his dribble. He pivoted and passed the ball to Zion.
Zion caught the ball cleanly. He made one fake step, then drove toward the basket. Manny slid over with his arms up. Zion did not attempt a forced shot. He stopped and passed the ball to Darius.
Darius was open on the wing. He caught the ball. His feet were set properly. His shoulders were aligned. He jumped and shot.
His shooting form was correct. The release was automatic.
The ball missed the rim completely. It was an airball.
The ball bounced out of bounds.
Jace laughed loudly. "The scar affected your aim too?"
Malik's jaw became tight. Zion did not comment. He retrieved the ball and moved to the inbound spot.
Trey raised his eyebrows but did not speak. Manny smiled and returned to his position.
Darius did not respond to the comment. He moved back to his defensive position.