Evening – Tenkuu Gakuin Highschool Gym Court
The match had ended, and sweat dripped from everyone's faces. Shi leaned against the wall, drinking water while Yoshito stretched his legs, twisting and rolling his ankles to release the tension. Ryota wiped his forehead with a towel, taking a deep breath and letting his muscles slowly relax.
Shi: Hey, that last crossover you did against Reiji was insane. I almost got dizzy just watching you. I was ready to fall over myself.
Ryota: Thanks, Shi. But you weren't too bad yourself. That speed of yours kept everyone on edge. Seriously, I thought I'd lose track of you a few times.
Yoshito: Haha, both of you are ridiculous. That was intense. I almost went all in... even almost injured myself because of you, Reiji. My legs feel like jelly now.
Reiji laughed while taking a long swig from his water bottle.
Reiji: You worry too much, Yoshito. It was just a warm-up. Ryota, that move of yours... you're improving way faster than I expected.
Chace (laughing lightly): You guys aren't bad either. Your big dunks almost crushed me, Yoshito. I had to jump back so fast I thought I'd lose my balance.
Ryota: Hahaha, I'm glad you survived that. Seriously, you have some crazy jumps. I don't know how you even get that high every time.
Shi rolled his shoulders and stretched his arms overhead, letting out a deep sigh.
Shi: And Ryota, don't think I didn't notice that behind-the-back pass earlier. Smooth. Real smooth. You're really getting dangerous on the court.
Ryota: I'm just trying to keep up with you guys. You push me to do better every time. Honestly, I didn't think I'd be able to pull off that move today.
Yoshito shook his shoulders and chuckled, wiping sweat from his forehead.
Yoshito: Honestly, I haven't felt this exhausted but exhilarated in a long time. My legs feel completely dead, but it's worth it. That last fast break you did, Ryota, nearly killed me keeping up with you.
Reiji leaned back slightly and took another drink.
Reiji: Intensity is what makes practice fun. Ryota, your control is improving, but don't rely solely on speed. You've got talent, but stamina is just as important.
Chace: Don't worry, Coach. I won't let you down. I'll keep working on stamina too.
Coach Oli, leaning against the sideline with his arms crossed, observed quietly with a satisfied look.
Coach Oli: Good work today, everyone. That was a solid session. Seeing how you all read each other's plays shows great team chemistry. Keep pushing each other, but remember, stamina and control are the foundation. Chace, you have potential, but don't burn out too early.
The players settled on the benches, some drinking water, others sipping sports drinks. Shi stretched his legs and flexed his arms, bouncing lightly on his toes, while Yoshito rolled his neck and shook out his shoulders. Chace rested, quietly analyzing his teammates' movements, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Shi: So, Ryota, what's next? You heading home now, or are you sticking around for a bit?
Ryota: Yeah, I need a bit of rest. I'll see you all tomorrow. But that match really pushed me today... I feel like I've leveled up a little, just from the experience.
Yoshito: Don't forget to eat and rehydrate. You pushed hard today. Your stamina looked great, but I saw you almost give out near the last few minutes.
Ryota: Will do. Thanks for looking out.
Shi grinned, giving a playful nudge to Ryota's shoulder.
Shi: Hey, don't let all this praise get to your head. You might become the star of Tenkuu faster than we can keep up.
Ryota (laughing): I'll try not to, but that's encouraging to hear. You guys motivate me too much sometimes.
Reiji: And remember, stamina is everything. Don't overdo it in the next session. Save some energy for the real challenges.
Ryota picked up his bicycle and stepped outside. The cool evening wind brushed against his face as he pedaled through the quiet streets. The motion eased the tension in his legs, and he let out a deep breath, smiling as the faint city lights reflected off the pavement.
Ryota (Thinking): My dream is really starting to feel close. Every day, every match, every practice... I'm getting closer. I can feel it.
Evening – Kagawa Residence, Matsumoto City
Arriving home, Ryota unlocked the door and stepped inside. The familiar scent of home greeted him, and he felt comfortable. First, he put his gym bag away and arranged his things neatly. Then, he started on some quick laundry, folding and organizing his clothes.
The rice cooker beeped, signaling the perfectly cooked rice. He sat on the sofa and took out his phone. Scrolling through social media, he paused on basketball reels and highlights. He watched incredible dunks, precise dribbles, and long-range shots.
Ryota (Thinking): Finally... I have time for myself. Not just training, not just the gym. A whole day to manage me, even a little.
He opened the group chat with the team, "Tenkuu Thanku." Emojis, jokes, and laughing messages filled the screen. Ryota laughed along with them, enjoying the sense of connection.
Next, he made a simple soup in the kitchen, quietly feeling satisfaction as the aroma filled the air. He realized that even small things like cooking could contribute to his progress. The soup increased a bit of his experience.
Suddenly, a system notification popped up.
Rui: You won a match. A lot of EXP and System points are gained.
Ryota: Huh? So that counts as a complete win even though the match isn't officially finished?
Rui: Yes. You gained 5 levels from that match.
Ryota: Holy, that's a lot!
Rui: You also gained 10,000 System points.
Ryota: Even more!
He opened his stats to check the updated numbers.
[UPDATED STATS]
Stamina – Level 20
Flexibility – Level 20
Strength – Level 18
Speed – Level 24
IQ – Level 30
Shooting – Level 22
Ancestral Level: 35
Ryota (Thinking): Which one should I level up? Stamina definitely needs work. I almost fainted today. Compared to Chace, I didn't go all out, so I have 20 points to distribute.
He thought carefully, weighing the options.
Ryota (Thinking): Hmmm, 5 to stamina, 5 to IQ, 5 to shooting, and 5 to speed. That should balance everything.
[UPDATED STATS]
Stamina – Level 25
Flexibility – Level 20
Strength – Level 18
Speed – Level 29
IQ – Level 35
Shooting – Level 27
Ancestral Level: 35
Rui: Let's look at our System Points Shop. Open it.
Ryota browsed the shop, seeing shoes, bottles, shirts, and other items. Each category had potions: Potion of Stamina, Potion of Flexibility, and more. The effects ranged from +3 to +10, with prices from 1,000 to 5,000 System points.
He paused at the most expensive item, a pair of special shoes. The description read:
Stamina +30
Flexibility +20
Strength +20
Speed +40
IQ +10
Shooting +20
Ryota (Thinking): These stats are insane. Better than a regular basketball. Price is... 150,000 System Points!!?? Wow its expensive but fair enough, the stats are insane... well alright, I'll save up for this and keep potions for special matches.
Rui: Congratulations Ryota on reaching Ancestral Level 35.
Ryota (Thinking): Feels great. I can finally rest after all that.
He laid back on the sofa, scrolling his phone a little longer before finally putting it down.
Morning – Kagawa Residence, Matsumoto City
Ryota woke up feeling refreshed and energized. He did a few push-ups, stretching to prepare for the day. It was Tuesday, and the stress hit him—today was an exam, and he had not studied.
He rushed to school in his car, taking the familiar streets at speed. Students whispered in the distance.
Student 1: Woah, look at him! He's cool!
Student 2: I heard he's insane at basketball too.
Morning – Tenkuu Gakuin Highschool, Exam Room
Ryota arrived and entered the exam room. Mr. Hayama looked up, surprised.
Mr. Hayama: Ryota, you're not late... and you look... improved.
Reiji was already seated, focused on his paper. Ryota took his own seat and glanced at the questions.
Ryota (Thinking): How do I know this?
Rui: You leveled up IQ. You gained intelligence not only in basketball but also in general subjects, same as others like flexibility not only you are flexible in basketball but you are also flexible in general.
Ryota (Thinking): Feels like cheating, but it isn't.
He answered the questions efficiently, finishing quickly. After submitting, he went outside to get some fresh air. In the distance, his father was waiting with a warm smile.
Ryota (Thinking): Everything is falling into place. My dream is coming true.
Morning – Outside Tenkuu Gakuin Highschool
The morning light shone warmly across the school gates as Ryota walked toward the parking lot. His father, Yori, leaned against the car, watching him carefully. The glint in his eyes wasn't the usual calm gaze Ryota was used to. It was more analytical, as if he were studying something beyond the surface.
Yori: Ryota, you've changed a lot lately. In just a few weeks, you look sharper, stronger. Even your eyes are different.
Ryota (Smiling awkwardly): Guess I've just been training harder, that's all.
Yori: Training or not, your improvements are too sudden. I've been running tests in my lab again. Maybe you should come by and let me check your body condition.
Ryota (Slightly tense): I'm fine, Dad. Really. No need for that.
Yori's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone calm but carrying concern.
Yori: I ran a few scans on human performance last week. There's a strange energy reading showing up near our area. It reacts to adrenaline and speed. I just want to make sure you're okay.
Ryota (Thinking): Strange energy? No way he means the System... does he?
Ryota: I'm sure I'm fine. Maybe next time, Dad.
Yori (Sighing softly): Alright then. Just don't overwork yourself.
He paused, observing Ryota for another moment, then smiled faintly.
Yori: You're growing fast, Ryota. Sometimes I don't know if that's good or bad.
He opened the car door and got inside, the engine humming quietly before it rolled away. Ryota stood still for a second, watching the car disappear down the road.
Ryota (Thinking): Dad's weird sometimes. One day he's serious, the next he's just caring. What's he even testing in that lab anyway?
He took a deep breath, the cool air brushing against his face, then turned and walked back toward the building.
Afternoon – Tenkuu Gakuin Highschool, Classroom
The classroom buzzed softly with chatter as students packed their things. Ryota stretched and reached for his bag, when his phone suddenly vibrated. He picked it up and looked at the group chat message.
Mr. Oli (GC Message): Meeting at the gym after class. All players attend. Important announcement.
Ryota (Thinking): Another meeting? Coach must have something big planned.
He slung his bag over his shoulder and headed out of the room, feeling a mix of curiosity and anticipation.
After Class – Tenkuu Gakuin Highschool Gym Court
The sound of bouncing basketballs echoed faintly through the gym. One by one, the players gathered near the center. The fluorescent lights reflected off the polished wooden floor, creating a bright and focused atmosphere.
Present:
Kagawa Ryota
Yoneda Reiji
Chu Jung
Miyata Yoshito
Zhu Shi
Chace Miller
Coach Oli
Coach Oli stood in front of them with his arms crossed, a faint smirk forming on his face.
Oli: Alright, everyone. Listen up. From today onward, we'll have an assistant coach joining the team.
The gym doors opened slowly. A woman stepped inside that looks like a foreigner, her posture confident and composed. Her long black hair was tied neatly, and her expression showed quiet focus.
Everyone turned toward her, surprised.
Sheena: Hello everyone. I'm Sheena Aien. From now on, I'll be your assistant coach.
For a few seconds, the gym was silent. Then murmurs spread among the players.
Reiji: Whoa... she's an assistant coach?
Jung: Wait, Aien? Does that mean you're Coach's sister or something?
Oli (Laughing): Not quite. She's my daughter.
Everyone's eyes widened in shock.
Yoshito: Your daughter!? Coach, you've been keeping secrets from us.
Chace (Whispering): No wonder she looks confident, she's got Coach's vibe.
Reiji (Nodding): She seems serious. I can already tell she knows the game well.
Sheena (Smiling): I've reviewed your last three practice recordings. You all have great chemistry and energy, but your coordination starts breaking down after the fifth rotation. That's what we'll fix first.
Shi (Whispering): Great, now even Coach's daughter is analyzing our weaknesses.
Reiji (Chuckling): Well, she's not wrong.
Ryota stayed quiet, watching Sheena's movements. The System activated faintly in his vision, scanning her data automatically.
[STATS – SHEENA]
Stamina – Level 21
Flexibility – Level 32
Strength – Level 16
Speed – Level 21
IQ – Level 44
Shooting – Level 18
Ancestral Level: Null
Ryota (Thinking): Not bad. She's not a player but her IQ is incredible. Probably half of her father's. We'll be fine with her guidance.
Oli: Four more days until the scrimmage. It will be held this Saturday at 8:00AM here in the gym. Some students will watch, so don't embarrass our school. This is our home court. We will not lose.
Everyone: Yes, Coach!
Sheena: Starting tomorrow, we'll begin strategy training. Today, we'll discuss team structure and play design. Remember, strategy beats strength when you use it right.
She projected diagrams on the screen, explaining formations and counter-plays. Everyone listened seriously. Even Reiji nodded in respect as she explained advanced tactics like zone traps and transitional gaps.
After a while, the meeting wrapped up. Everyone felt inspired.
Oli: Good work today. Prepare your bodies, but more importantly, your minds.
Ryota: Yes, Coach.
As the players began leaving, Ryota stopped near the exit.
Oli: Ryota, a word.
Ryota turned back, curious.
Oli: You've been improving fast, almost too fast. You remind me of myself when I was younger. But remember, growth without rest leads to collapse. Keep your balance.
Ryota: Got it, Coach. I'll pace myself.
Ryota (Thinking): If only he knew what's really driving me.
Evening – Kagawa Residence, Matsumoto City
The night was calm when Ryota returned home. He unlocked the door, humming softly after the long day. But the moment he stepped inside, his heart froze.
Six packages stood stacked neatly near the living room table. The same dull brown boxes, the same dark tape, perfectly aligned.
He slowly approached, his footsteps echoing across the quiet house.
Each label carried a name he recognized too well.
Sender: Kagawa Yori
A chill ran through him.
Ryota (Thinking): No... this can't be happening again...
He stared at the packages, his memories flashing back to the first one. The day it arrived. The strange light. The voice that spoke to him. That was when the System was born.
Now, there were six.
He knelt down slowly, placing a hand on one box. The cardboard was cold. For a brief second, he thought he heard a faint hum, like a machine warming up inside.
The refrigerator hummed quietly in the background. The clock ticked steadily, but to him, it sounded distant.
He quickly grabbed his phone and called his father.
No answer.
He tried again. Still nothing.
The line stayed dead. Just like before.
Ryota (Thinking): Why now... why again...
A small mechanical sound came from one of the boxes. It vibrated slightly, just enough for him to notice.
Ryota: Rui do you know if its one of you again?
Rui did not respond.
Ryota: Rui... why are you not talking to me!
Rui still did not respond.
Ryota (Whispering): it's happening again, isn't it?
He backed away slowly, his breathing uneven. The air felt heavier as he stared at the identical labels.
His pulse pounded in his ears, eyes locked on the boxes as his body froze completely.
Ryota (Thinking): Dad... what are you doing this time... or is it even dad... im sure its not him, he went earlier to my school...
He stood silently at the door, his reflection faintly visible on the glossy tape of the topmost box.
The faint mechanical hum continued for a few seconds before fading into silence.
To be continued...