The acrid scent of stale sweat hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the adrenaline-fueled victory Yang Yan had just experienced. He'd just toyed with Stephen Curry, the basketball prodigy, leaving the young star with a look of bewildered resentment etched on his face. The memory sent a thrill of exhilaration through Yang Yan; a feeling amplified by the boisterous celebrations of his teammates.
Curry, left alone on the court, stared at Yang Yan's retreating back, a simmering frustration bubbling within him. The echoes of his teammates' calls, "Stephen! Let's go!" jolted him back to reality. He lingered, however, one last lingering look imprinted in his mind, before finally leaving the arena, each step heavy with the weight of defeat.
That night, back in the dorm, Yang Yan was met with a wave of olfactory assault. The stench hit him like a physical blow, a pungent mix of unwashed bodies and lingering male hormones. "Shet! Damn Johnny!" he roared, his good mood evaporating like morning mist. "I swear, tonight, I'm putting you in a sack and throwing you to the wild dogs!" Johnny, the notorious offender, was a master of avoiding showers; a testament to what he considered 'manly essence'. This was a cultural clash Yang Yan was still struggling to adapt to.
Before Yang Yan could unleash his full wrath, Johnny, armed with toiletries, appeared sheepishly at the doorway. "I'll go! I'll go!" he stammered, a nervous smile plastered on his face. He knew better than to test Yang Yan's patience.
Once Johnny had scurried off, Yang Yan flung open the door and window, desperately trying to air out the fetid atmosphere. Only after the air had somewhat cleared did he approach his bed, his eyes falling upon the system panel.
The screen glowed with recent accomplishments:
At the age of 35, you finally became the team's starter after overcoming numerous hardships. In your first starting game, you performed exceptionally well, surpassing your youthful achievements. Your will burns brighter than ever, even as your body ages. Mission completed. A random sub-league gift pack has been distributed.
Yang Yan eagerly opened the reward package. His previous two abilities had been game-changers, addressing weaknesses and enhancing his strengths. He yearned for a similar boon.
The system revealed its gift: Congratulations on obtaining the NBA player Corey Brewer – Fast Break Straight Line Acceleration Ability (NCAA level).
Corey Brewer? A wave of disappointment washed over Yang Yan. Unlike his previous rewards—players he barely knew—Brewer was a prominent figure in the NCAA, a key member of the defending champion University of Florida Gators. The Gators were poised to make history, aiming to defend their title and break the record for consecutive NCAA championships. If things went well in March Madness, Yang Yan might even face Brewer and his team.
Frustration gnawed at him. "It's all Johnny's fault!" he muttered, blaming his roommate for the less-than-stellar reward. "If it weren't for that stench, the reward might have been better!"
He refocused on the system panel, where another mission awaited:
At the age of 35, you have successfully become a starter in the NCAA league through sheer determination, achieving what you failed to accomplish in your youth. You are now closer to your youthful aspirations. The door to the NBA stands before you. Continue striving! Make a name for yourself in March Madness. The first step is to lead your team to victory in the first round as a starter. Upon mission completion, you will be rewarded with a random sub-league gift pack.
March Madness. Yang Yan had anticipated this. The task seemed manageable; Ohio State's first-round qualification was highly probable.
He continued scrolling:
At the age of 35, you encountered the legendary Stephen Curry on the court once more, shattering the nightmares of your youth. You decisively defeated Curry, leaving an unforgettable mark. This game has become a thorn in Curry's side. Congratulations on completing the task! Mission completion rate: 120%!
Host over-completion detected! Unbelievable! At 35, you didn't just beat Curry; you turned the game into a lifelong nightmare for him! Mission Reward Upgrade: Your optional secondary league gift pack has been upgraded to an NBA league random gift pack! A random NBA league gift pack has been distributed. Please check.
Yang Yan stared, speechless. He hadn't expected such a significant reward upgrade. Curry's haunting defeat had clearly elevated the reward tier. Normally, he would have received a secondary league pack; instead, he was now in line for an NBA-level prize! The sheer improbability of it all sent a wave of exhilaration through him. He was ready for whatever came next.