November 22, 2013.
Two weeks into the season, and Michael Schmidt had already flipped the college basketball world on its head.
Howard was 4–0.
Michael was averaging:
29.3 points
6.5 assists
6.1 rebounds
3.2 steals
And ESPN's front page was running the headline:
"Is Schmidt a One-Year Wonder—or the Greatest College Prospect Ever?"
But Michael didn't care about headlines. He only cared about progress.
And lately? It had started to stall.
[System Notification: Template Progress – 71.01% → 71.05%][Warning: High-output performances now required for measurable growth]
Michael clenched his jaw.
"Only .04?"
[Note: You are now within the 70–80% Tier. Systemic resistance has increased. Template essence requires legacy-defining output.]
He stood alone in the Howard gym late at night, practicing fadeaways under silence.
One shot. Then another. Then fifty more.
He wasn't frustrated with the work. He was frustrated with the weight.
The closer he got to the top, the heavier it became.
December 1 – vs. Seton Hall
Michael exploded for 37 points and 8 steals.
He split defenders like they were standing still. Hit back-to-back threes from 30 feet out. Posterized their 6'10 center and stared him down as the crowd lost their minds.
[System Notification: Tier II Game Registered][Template Progress: 71.05% → 71.89%]
Still not enough. Not fast enough.
He walked off the court, reporters chasing him with questions.
"Michael, how does it feel to be this dominant so early?"
He turned, sweat pouring, expression unreadable.
"Dominance isn't enough."
Then he walked away.
Coach Beasley cornered him the next day in film review.
"You need to breathe. You're playing like every possession is a test."
Michael stared at the screen.
"Because it is."
Beasley paused. "No one's questioning your fire. But if you burn too hot, you'll lose what makes you special."
Michael didn't respond.
He just rewound the clip. Watched himself spin through a double team, hang, and finish.
And nodded slowly.
Not in agreement. But in understanding.
That night, the system spoke again.
[Next Trait Unlock: 75.00% – Legacy Path Triggered]
[Reminder: Your journey now influences future generational templates.]
Michael blinked.
"Wait—what?"
[Clarification: Your performance level has reached a threshold where you are no longer just copying history. You are now shaping it.]
Michael stared at the empty gym. Then smiled.
"Good. Let's make this unforgettable."