Ding.
A soft chime echoed in my mind. Right—how could I forget? I had an item that could help with this crushing fatigue.
[Use Fatigue Reducer, Echo.]
[Administering Fatigue Reducer…]
As I lay collapsed on the court, a wave of warmth rushed through my body. It wasn't instant, but I could feel strength slowly return to my muscles. The exhaustion wasn't completely gone, but at least it was manageable now.
Was this… doping?
Whatever. It worked.
At least I could stand up without worrying the others.
"Dirgaaa!" Kaito came running to check on me, concern plastered on his face.
"Yeah, yeah—I'm good." In one smooth motion, I stood up like a Dragon Ball character munching on a Senzu Bean.
"Take it easy, seriously," Kaito said, still breathing heavily from running over.
Sayaka and Ayaka rushed toward me, towels and water bottles in hand.
"Here you go. Are you okay?" Sayaka asked, handing me a towel.
"I'm okay, I promise," I replied, hopping lightly on my toes to show I was fine.
"Don't move too much yet. Just rest," Ayaka said sharply, like a mom scolding her child.
"Okay, okay… But come on, that was a nice move, right?" I grinned.
"It was," Kaito nodded. "But you really have to take care of your body. Don't burn out too early."
"Got it, Captain."
…
"Everyone, gather up!" Kaito called out.
With that, the whole team moved to the center of the court.
"This mini-tournament has officially ended," he announced. "Thank you to everyone who came today. If you're interested in joining the team, come again tomorrow. That includes those who already participated."
He glanced toward Rikuya, maybe inviting him to speak—but Rikuya simply gave a nod of respect, silently indicating he wouldn't step over Kaito's role as captain.
"Alright, I'm closing up the gym. Thank you again!"
"Thank youuuu!"
…
With thirteen of us now—including five from the starting team and eight new additions—we sat in a loose circle on the court. Our first unofficial huddle as a full squad.
"Welcome to the club," Kaito said with a calm but proud smile. "Tomorrow, our coach will officially join us. We'll start team-building drills and follow the training schedule he provides."
He paused. "There's a practice match against another school next week. I won't reveal the opponent yet—think of it as a surprise."
"Any questions?"
"Hai hai hai! So… are we cleaning up today too?" Aizawa asked with his usual clueless expression.
"Ah, yeah… We are. Let's do it today so we can start fresh tomorrow."
No one else had anything to say, so Kaito dismissed us. Time to head home and get some well-earned rest.
…
After changing into my casual clothes and stepping outside, I heard a voice behind me.
"Dirga."
It was Taiga.
"You were amazing out there. Seriously, how can you move like that? You're not like any middle schooler I've ever seen."
"If you say that, then what about Rikuya-senpai? He's on another level too."
"Well, yeah—but he's a third year."
"Hey hey hey. What's this? My rival doubting himself?"
"I'm not doubting myself!" Taiga puffed his chest. "It's just… I lost today. But next time, I'll win."
"That's the Taiga I know." I smiled. "Let's keep pushing each other. Let's take this team to Nationals."
Taiga's eyes lit up again. That fire in him… it was real. I need to guide him, sharpen his potential, and lead this team. If we want to conquer Nationals, this is just the first step.
…
[SYSTEM ALERT]
[QUEST COMPLETE]
Quest Unlocked: "I don't want to clean"
Objective: Win the Tournament
Rewards: Random draw, + 100 atribute to Host choice, random skill, 3x item for host to choose
Right, I almost forgot about the system's Post game reflection.
[Echo, start the Post-Game Reflection.]
[System Notification]
Mini Tournament : Win
Official Match Registered. Post-Game Reflection System: Active.
Analyzing game data...
Analysis Complete.
[Post-Game Reflection Summary]
– Outcome: Win
– Team Contribution: Excellent
– Leadership Influence: Excellent
– Decision-Making: Excellent
– Physical Output: Excellent
"You made the right calls, Host. Utilizing your teammates effectively, choosing your moments—keep this momentum in the big games ahead."
Rewards Gained:
• Skill Evolution Triggered: Passing Instinct + Tempo Reading + Team Spark + Synergy Vision → Output: 100% Rare Skill
Wait, what? A rare skill?
[Echo, what does 'rare skill' mean?]
[Skills are categorized: Common → Rare → Legendary → God Tier.]
[So only three types above common?]
[Correct. Host can choose to accept or decline the skill upgrade.]
"Accept."
The moment I said it, a strange rush hit me—a realization, a burst of clarity. What kind of skill would this become? How would it grow? How much more could I elevate this team?
…
Skill Name: Maestro's Pulse
Type: Passive + Active
Description:
Host conducts the flow of the game like a seasoned maestro.
[Passive Effect]:
Host presence on the court enhances the rhythm and tempo of his teammates. Off-ball movement, spacing, and reaction time subtly improve as players subconsciously align with his pace.
[Active Skill 1 – Maestro State]:
Usable once per half – Duration: 60 seconds
Host enters a heightened state of awareness, sharpening his passing precision, movement reading, and court control.Boosts passing accuracy, decision-making speed, and synergy effects.Temporarily increases Flow efficiency by 20%.Slight stamina consumption during active use.
[Active Skill 2 – Insight]:(Cooldown: 5 minutes)
Host gains the ability to "scan" any player on the court and reveal two core attributes. Can be used on allies or opponents. Cooldown is affected by Intelligence stat
…
[Host has also earned +100 attribute points. Choose freely.]
[Host has also earned 3x item for host to chosen]
1. Adrenaline Spike : Temporarily removes fatigue and boosts physical stats by +10%.
2. Clutch Surge : Greatly boosts composure, shot accuracy, and decision-making for the final 60 seconds of a match.
3. Surge Patch :Instantly restores 50% stamina and gives a short +5% speed boost for 1 minute.
4. Quick Heal Patch: Removes minor muscle cramps or soreness mid-game. One-time use only.
5. Sync Lens : Allows user to visually sync and analyze another player's movements in real-time.
6. Shadow Copy : Temporarily replicates one skill or movement pattern of a teammate or opponent.
7. Sync Beacon : Instantly syncs user's movement and decision-making with a chosen teammate.
8. Iron Pulse Band : Boosts physical resistance. Helps with contact, body bumps, and post battles.
9. Cerebral Spike Drink Effect: Temporarily increases Basketball IQ processing speed.
10. Phantom Step Insole: Grants a short burst of ultra-light, smooth footwork.
Wow… these are all new. And I haven't even unlocked the Shop system yet.
[Echo, what about the shop system?]
[Shop system will open at high school level. These are sample consumables from the future store.]
[So the shop sells one-time use items only?]
[Yes.]
So I need to choose wisely… Every item looks good. But I know what I need.
Iron Pulse Band. Shadow Copy. Quick Heal Patch.
That covers contact resistance, versatility, and injury control. Clutch Surge might've been tempting, but I already have Flow. I'll take my chances getting the others later—maybe through future quests or when the Shop opens.
[Confirm Host's choices.]
[Confirmed.]
[Open Status.]
• Name: Renji Dirgantara
• Height: 155 cm
• Weight: 47 kg
• System Level: Junior High School (0/100)
• Quests:
Daily Quest → Reward: Random Draw x1
• Skills:
Form Speed Lv.1 (58%)
Maestro Pulse Lv. (2%)
Quick First Step Lv.1 ( 38%)
Flow Lv1 ( active skill) ( 20 %)
• Items:
1x Training Booster
2x Injury Booster
2 x Fatigue Reducer
• Shop: (Locked)
…
• Attributes:
• Scoring
Layup: 60/100
Dunk: 11/100
Post Score: 14/100
• Shooting
Mid-Range: 60/100
Three-Point: 52/100
Free Throw: 50/100
Unique Shot: 9/100
• Playmaking
Pass Accuracy: 72/100
Vision: 75/100
Ball Handling: 56/100
• Defense
Interior Defense: 18/100
Perimeter Defense: 24/100
Steal: 22/100
Block: 11/100
Rebound: 13/100
• Physical
Agility: 60/100
Strength: 40/100
Jumping: 30/100
Intelligence: 80/100
Endurance: 70/100
Just a few tweaks in numbers… a new skill… but on the court?
It's going to feel different.
A small step closer to the player I was—And to the player I want to become.