(Eijun's POV)
"Brat, stop being so loud!" Ojiisan's voice echoes from downstairs.
I chuckle. "Sorry, Ojiisan!" I shout back before turning to the glowing screen in front of me, my grin fading.
"What… are you exactly?" I ask, frowning. "You said your name is Perfect Strike, right?"
A calm, robotic voice answers, "Correct. I am a system called Perfect Strike—though you may rename me if you wish. My purpose is to train you to become Seidō's ace… and, ultimately, the best pitcher in Japan."
I blink. "Okay, that's… a lot. But why are you helping me?"
There's a pause before the voice replies.
"You have suffered enough, Eijun. You tried to become their ace, pushed yourself until you developed the yips, and were left ignored and forgotten. It was decided that you deserve another chance to make your dream come true. Your coaches gave you tips, yes—but did they ever truly teach you? Did they explain, or just tell you what to do?"
I freeze, then whisper, "…I guess you're right."
"I know I am," the voice says gently. "You received some support for your pitching, but when it came to batting… no one really helped you, did they?"
I stay quiet, lost in thought.
*This system… it's right. This could actually be my chance.*
"Yes," the voice says suddenly, startling me. "I can give you a proper chance—but only if you're willing to work hard."
My eyes widen. "You can hear my thoughts?"
"Yes."
I nod slowly. "Alright. I'll do it. I don't care how hard it is… I'm used to hard."
After a moment, I think, *So… do I have stats or something?*
The screen flickers and shifts
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Name: Sawamura Eijun
Age: 15
Sport: Baseball
Position: Pitcher
Potential: SSS+
Current Ability: E+
Attribute Points: 0
Wheel tickets: 0
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"This is your main menu," the voice explains. "To see your detailed stats, simply think the words 'Stats Menu.'"
*Got it,* I think. *But first—what are Attribute Points and Wheel Tickets?*
"Attribute Points can be assigned to increase your stats. You earn them by completing daily tasks or missions. Wheel Tickets are earned the same way but are used in the Skills Wheel, which grants you random abilities depending on where it lands."
I nod. *Alright, thanks. Now—Stats Menu.*
The screen changes again.
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STATS MENU
Attribute Points: 0
Stamina: D (35/100)
Speed: D- (26/100)
Agility: D- (47/100)
Strength: E (53/100)
Flexibility: C (80/100)
Control: E (27/100)
Batting: E (13/100)
Bunting: B (66/100)
Fielding: E (43/100)
Base Running: E+ (20/100)
Mentality: B (50/100)
Baseball IQ: C+ (50/100)
Non-Dominant Arm: E (34/100)
Skills: 0
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I groan. *Man… these are awful! My first-year self was really trash, huh? Oh—and can anyone else see or hear you?*
"No," the voice replies simply.
I nod, relieved. *Good. Now, you mentioned daily tasks—what are those?*
The screen shifts once more.
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DAILY TASKS:
10 km run
100 push-ups
100 burpees
100 10m sprints with tyre
100 pull-ups
1 hour ballet
1 hour yoga
Completion Reward: +10 Attribute Points, +1 for every stat, Recovery Potion
Failure to Complete: Electric Shock
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My face pales. *Oh god… I'm going to die.*
*Will the rewards and punishment always be the same?* I ask nervously.
"No," Perfect Strike replies. "But I recommend completing today's task—it's already 6 p.m."
"Wait—it's already—?!" I jump up. "Oh crap! Alright!"
I bolt downstairs. "Okaasan! I'm going to the fields and backyard!"
"Alright, honey, be back by nine for dinner!"
"Got it! Thanks, Okaasan!"
And with that, I sprint toward the backyard, determination buzzing through me