2012 · Los Angeles
The moment the plane touched down, the cabin gave a slight jolt.
An English announcement followed, fast-paced and steady. Gu Kai could understand it without much trouble, though he still had to focus to catch every word.
He pulled his suitcase out of the cabin.
A wave of heat hit him head-on.
Los Angeles air was dry and direct, without any buffer. The airport terminal buzzed with movement—languages mixed together, the rhythm noticeably faster than back home.
The instant his feet touched the terminal floor, the familiar interface appeared again.
This time, there was no blur.
No hesitation.
---
[Stage Mission Triggered]
[Stage One · Adaptation Phase]
Mission Name: First Entry into the United States
Mission Description:
Adapt to basic daily life and communication in a completely unfamiliar language and environment.
Mission Requirements:
- Complete immigration procedures independently
- No external translation assistance
- Complete at least one full English interaction
[Mission Status: In Progress]
---
Gu Kai didn't slow his pace.
He queued up, handed over his passport, and answered the immigration officer's questions.
"Yes, I'm here for training."
"No, I don't have a team yet."
The sentences weren't complicated, but every word was clear and precise.
When the officer handed his passport back, the system notification appeared almost simultaneously.
---
[Stage Mission Completed]
[Reward Settlement in Progress…]
🟢 White Trait Acquired: English Proficiency
- Smooth daily communication
- Enhanced understanding of basketball terminology
- Improved efficiency in training communication
[Evaluation]
Language isn't a talent. It's your ticket onto this court.
---
Gu Kai felt almost no sense of discomfort.
It wasn't that he had suddenly "learned English."
It was more like—
Expressions that once required conscious effort now flowed naturally.
As if they had always been there, simply waiting to be unlocked.
He exited the airport and spotted the driver his father had arranged, holding a sign with his name on it.
"Welcome to LA," the man said with a smile.
Gu Kai nodded. "Thanks."
The car merged onto the highway. The city unfolded outside the window.
Bigger than he imagined.
And calmer.
That afternoon, he was taken to an unremarkable training facility.
No luxury equipment. No star posters.
Just an old but well-maintained wooden court—and several young players already warming up.
The coach was a middle-aged Black man, not tall, with sharp eyes.
"Tryout," he said, pointing to the court.
"No promises."
Gu Kai nodded and took off his jacket.
The moment he stepped onto the floor, the system interface appeared once more.
---
[Stage Mission Triggered]
Mission Name: Join a Team
Mission Type: Basic Professional Threshold
Mission Description:
Prove your value in live competition and earn a training spot or rotation role.
[Mission Conditions: Hidden]
---
Gu Kai looked at the final line, and instead of unease, he felt calmer.
This time, there were no explanations.
No hints.
Only one sentence appeared at the end.
[System Notice]
There are no translators on the court.
The whistle blew.
The first scrimmage began.
The difference was immediate.
Tighter defense. Earlier body contact.
No reaction from the referee.
Gu Kai lowered his center of gravity and exploded forward.
One step.
The defender was left behind.
On the second step, he didn't slow down. His body crashed into the help defender's space as he rose into the air.
The ball slammed through the rim.
No cheers.
Only a few people on the sideline exchanged looks, instinctively.
The scrimmage continued.
Gu Kai began reading the defense on his own—driving, kicking out, then attacking again.
When the session ended, the coach kept the whistle between his lips and stared at him for a few seconds.
"You can come back tomorrow,"
he said.
At that moment, the system notification appeared quietly.
---
[Stage Mission Completed]
🟢 White Trait Acquired: Tactical Understanding (Basic)
- Improved execution of tactical instructions
- Enhanced off-ball positioning awareness
- Faster reaction to coaching commands
[Evaluation]
You're starting to understand the real language of this game.
---
Gu Kai stood by the sideline, sweat dripping from his chin onto the hardwood.
He knew this was far from enough.
But at least—
He was standing on this road now.
The system interface flickered one last time.
[Next Stage Mission Generated]
[Objective: In high-intensity competition, establish your own label]
Gu Kai lifted his head and looked up at the lights above the court.
They were bright.
This time, no one told him—
You're not suitable.