Chapter 624: Another Advancement
Twenty base points and ten special points. After using the points exchange system, Lu Ke had successfully changed his points and could now add them as he saw fit. He didn't choose to exchange all of his special points for base points and make a huge leap because he noticed the "luck" stat in the hidden attributes.
Before today, this stat was -10 to 75, which meant that ten special points would allow Lu Ke to officially say goodbye to the negative number and enter a completely positive phase. This meant that even if he wasn't overflowing with luck, he could at least avoid bad luck. The unfortunate situation of opening the upgraded points lottery ticket just now could be cleared, and he could also avoid losing a victory due to bad luck in the game.
So, Lu Ke deliberately kept ten special points. After the exchange, Lu Ke decisively added all ten special points to his luck. It went to 0 to 75, and for the first time, Lu Ke officially said goodbye to bad luck. The negative number was successfully cleared.
The last step of his inventory was finally here: adding the base points.
First, physical fitness. It was originally 78, but after adding two points, it reached 80. This was a major breakthrough. Lu Ke, who was limited by his physical talent, had now successfully reached above the league average. Even if he wasn't the best, he had finally managed to get rid of the restriction of being a liability. Of course, he still needed to pay close attention to improving his physical fitness. He couldn't relax his strength training during the offseason. He needed to find the bottleneck where a quantitative change could lead to a qualitative change and break it.
He chose this because, on the one hand, of the feeling he had when his injury resistance index broke through the perfect score barrier. Lu Ke was still wary of concussions. Even if physical fitness couldn't directly prevent the harm of concussions, it was still an improvement. On the other hand, during this week's game, he was mentally tense, and his physical stamina was a problem. For the next Conference Championship game, he had to be fully prepared.
Next, willpower. As one of Lu Ke's strengths, his score of 86 was a definite strength. Now, with four base points added, it reached 90 for the first time. People often wonder, what determines a player's performance in crucial moments, tense moments, and game-winning moments? Willpower is clearly an important attribute. The more tense a moment is, the calmer they are. The more dangerous a situation is, the more steady they are. Strong willpower can always turn the impossible into the possible in a pinch.
Surprisingly, after his willpower broke through 90, before Lu Ke could continue adding points, his mental fitness automatically increased by one point, from 86 to 87. Mental fitness, like physical fitness, is an overall score. Willpower, tactical awareness, observation, left-side awareness, right-side awareness, and the four hidden attributes are all part of mental fitness. They have a subtle connection with each other, can influence each other, but are not interdependent. His tactical awareness reaching a perfect score, his willpower reaching 90, his anticipation reaching 99, and his luck leaving the negative range all contributed to the improvement of his mental fitness. This was the first time since Lu Ke got the system that his mental fitness improved because of the improvement of other items.
Next, tactical zone accuracy. In this Divisional Playoff game, in the final four minutes, both Lu Ke and Brees showed their tactical zone passing accuracy. It wasn't just about the sideline area. It also included the entire tactical plan, the middle, left, right, red zone, goal line, corner pylon, and so on. This was an important part of controlling the entire game. Short, medium, and long passes all had to be done in conjunction with the tactics. At 85, this item was excellent but still not enough. So, he added five base points to it, and it reached 90.
Fourth, wrist control. It went from 84 to 90, using six base points. As the game went on, Lu Ke gradually realized that wrist control was not only about interceptions but also about pump fakes. The subtle changes in his hand release could often successfully trick defenders, giving his receivers more running space and more opportunities to catch the ball. Even if it was only a quarter-second of an opening, it was crucial during the game. Maybe in the future, he could further explore and extend the realism of pump fakes and trick plays.
Details. When your skills have reached a certain level, when two strong teams face each other, details will be the key to victory. These unseen details are often the shining moments of a battle between masters and are also what separates a good quarterback from an elite quarterback.
Finally, strength. At 65, the remaining three base points were all used, and it smoothly reached 68. He chose to improve his strength because besides his throwing power, Lu Ke needed more push-off power, more rushing power, more resistance, and more stamina, especially his physical stamina. He hoped that it could last longer, which would be an improvement for his resistance throughout the offense.
In the blink of an eye, the twenty base points were all used, and his overall skills had been further improved. After a quick scan, his personal attribute panel seemed to be fully improved, but there were still many deficiencies, not only in his physical aspect but also in his quarterback skills. Suddenly, Lu Ke regretted it a little. Maybe he shouldn't have been in a hurry to improve his luck to a positive number. He should have exchanged the other ten special points for base points and used them all to improve his passing skills.
People always say that you can only truly understand your skill level by competing with a true master. In the games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New York Giants, and the New Orleans Saints, even though the San Francisco 49ers won all of them, the final score was within one touchdown, or even one field goal. They could have won the game, but they also could have lost it.
This season, the young and energetic 49ers' offense never held back in crucial moments and showed a strong attacking force because of their youthful vigor and the fact that they were a fresh, new team. But in the next season, after opponents have studied them, these close games could have a completely different outcome. They might not even have to wait until next season. The next game, whether it's against the New York Giants or the Green Bay Packers, is sure to be a tough battle!
Unfortunately, there was no chance to regret it now. He could only wait for the next time. After completing this advancement, Lu Ke was ready to face his next opponent.
Eli Manning? Or Aaron Rodgers?
Thinking back to the reporter's question, to be honest, deep down, Lu Ke wanted to play against Rodgers, the leader of the mid-generation, the reigning MVP of this season, the youngest elite quarterback, and the one in the best form this season. The Green Bay Packers, led by him, were definitely the top favorite this season.
He gets stronger when he faces a stronger opponent. Just imagining the scene of playing against Rodgers in his mind made Lu Ke's blood boil! What's more, first Brees, then Rodgers, and if he could make it to the Super Bowl and play against Tom Brady, then this season would be complete for Lu Ke.
But even if his opponent wasn't Rodgers, but Manning, Lu Ke couldn't be careless. Although the 49ers had defeated the Giants in the regular season, any professional player knew that for two teams with similar skills, every match-up was full of countless possibilities. And the variables in a playoff game were even more unpredictable.
So, if he were to face Manning again, Lu Ke would not lack motivation. The motivation to beat Manning twice in one season.
"Bambi? Bambi! Your ice bath time is up. You should get out now." Marcus Lynch's voice came over. He patted Lu Ke's shoulder hard and then started joking. "Or are you fantasizing about some wonderful scene and need me to give you some private space?"
A chorus of laughter broke out nearby. Lu Ke slowly opened his eyes and calmly replied, "Or are you going to join me?"
"Hoo hoo hoo! Hoo hoo hoo!"
All the teammates started to chant, "Lu Ke and Marcus are sitting in a tree! Lu Ke and Marcus are sitting in a tree!" The group even stood side by side with their arms around each other's shoulders, imitating the grand scene of the Can-Can dance, and started to dance in unison. The party atmosphere in the therapy room started to boil again. Marcus stood there, looking innocent and helpless. He just wanted to joke with Lu Ke, but he got dragged into it himself. He could only widen his eyes and spread his hands. "What do I do now?"
Lu Ke shrugged and said seriously, "Join them! Let's dance together!"
Marcus had a bunch of question marks on his face.
Almost two hours had passed since the first Divisional Playoff game ended. The second Divisional Playoff game was about to begin, and all of North America's attention had shifted from Candlestick Park to Gillette Stadium. Candlestick Park, meanwhile, was gradually becoming quiet.
The fans had already left, with only a small number of stragglers remaining. The reporters gathered outside had all left, almost disappearing without a trace. The entire Candlestick Park was becoming quiet. The tranquility after the game was a rare sight.
Then, the players slowly started to leave the stadium. There were no cheers, no applause, no shouts, but the excited and passionate feeling still lingered in the air.
Lu Ke and his teammates were chattering and laughing as they left Candlestick Park. Suddenly, a shout came. Someone was shouting Lu Ke's name again. It seemed everyone was shouting Lu Ke's name today. "Who is it this time?" Lu Ke had a helpless smile on his face and looked ahead.
"Not me."
"Not me."
Then, the crowd gradually parted, and they saw a beautiful figure standing right in front of them.
🗒️NOTE:
New chapters drop Three times a day, every Monday through Sunday! Plus, you have the power to unlock more: we'll release Three bonus chapters for every 300 votes! Let's get this story moving together.
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/MistaQuartz
Explore up to 30 chapters in advance!