The youngsters stared at each other for a moment, both letting out a sigh at the same time. It was a sigh of disbelief, of wonder, of something… different.
"Ankle Break," Rio murmured, her eyes glued to Aria. She'd never seen that move before, not from Aria, not from anyone. It was a move that required years of practice, an understanding of angles and body control that defied Aria's experience.
But what truly captivated Rio was the look on Aria's face. It wasn't just shock, it was a kind of... dawning. It was like a veil had been lifted, revealing a new level of understanding.
*CRACK!!! BOOM!!!*
It was almost as if Aria could hear the sound in her own head, a mental barrier shattering, a flash of inspiration or many known as epiphany.
She'd witnessed moments of sudden growth before, but this was different. This was something more.
"Hey, how did you do that?" Rio asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity. "That was... something else."
"I..I thought about doing a feint. I don't know, I just felt like I can do it, so I did," Aria stammered, her face still flushed with a mixture of surprise and excitement.
"Amazing!! Amazing, I can't believe you tried that, you're out of control in a lot of ways really!" Rio exclaimed, her eyes widening even further. "That was a real 'Ankle Break' move. You just unlocked something new, didn't you?"
Rio's gaze drifted towards Belial, who was still struggling to get to his feet. She could see the frustration and determination warring within him. She knew that this game, this loss, was going to be a turning point for him.
"I think so," Aria said, a shy smile forming on her lips. "I feel... different. Like I can do something now."
Rio nodded, her mind racing. She knew that Aria's sudden burst of skill was more than just a coincidence. It was a sign of something bigger, something that could change the game completely.
"It's her Gift," Rio thought, her eyes narrowing. "It's adapting, evolving. It's unlocking potential in ways we never imagined."
She turned back to Aria, her expression serious. "Aria, you need to be careful," she said, her voice filled with a newfound authority. "This power, this talent... it's a double-edged sword. You need to learn how to control it, how to use it wisely."
Aria nodded, her expression solemn. She knew that Rio was right. This new strength, this new skill, was a gift, but it was also a responsibility. She had to learn how to use it, how to control it, how to make it work for her.
"I will," Aria said, her voice firm. "I promise."
Rio smiled, her eyes filled with a mixture of hope and excitement. She knew that Aria had the potential to be something truly special. And she, as her friend, was going to be there every step of the way.
Rio nodded, her mind racing. She knew that Aria's sudden burst of skill was more than just a coincidence. It was a sign of something bigger, something that could change the game completely.
.....
Belial watched the exchange, a mixture of confusion and awe washing over him.
He couldn't understand what had just happened, but he knew it was something big.
He had seen Aria's talent firsthand, but this... this was different. This was something beyond natural ability. It was like a force had been unleashed, a power he couldn't even begin to comprehend.
He felt a pang of envy, but it was quickly replaced by a surge of determination.
He also had his own Gift, [The Gamer] his own path to follow.
He might not be able to match Aria's natural talent, but he had something else, something unique. He had to find a way to harness it, to make it work for him.
He had to find his own way to win.
Just then, they heard footsteps approaching. Three young men, looking like trouble, walked towards them, their smirks revealing a clear sense of entitlement.
"Oi oi, you brats, what are you doing on our turf, huh?" The one with a scar on his forehead sneered.
"Yeah, yeah, get outta here," another chimed in.
"You should know your place, or else," the third one threatened.
Belial felt a surge of annoyance. This was his court, his space, and these guys were trying to push him around. He wasn't going to back down.
"That's not fair," Aria said, stepping forward, her gaze unwavering. "We were here first. You're the ones who should get lost."
"Rio agrees too," Rio said, her voice firm.
"Woah, you really want pain, huh?" one of the thugs sneered.
"Wait a minute, since we're so nice," the scar-faced one said, pointing at the basketball. "We'll let you off if you give that ball to me."
The ball was a bright red Spalding, a good quality ball.
"You're the worst," Rio said, shaking her head.
"That's fine," Belial said, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Eh," Aria and Rio said in unison.
"Hoooh, then thank—" the scar-faced thug started, but Belial cut him off.
"Only if you beat us," Belial said, his smirk widening. "Let's settle this on the court with basketball. Three on three. Are you afraid to accept the challenge?"
"You idiot! Do you know who's standing in front of you?" the thug yelled, his voice laced with anger. "He's Takamoto-sama, an F-ranked player. He isn't someone a low-class trash like you could talk casually. Apologize to him this instant!"
Belial's gaze locked with Takamoto's.
He knew Takamoto was a strong player, but Belial was no stranger to facing challenges.
He wasn't going to bow down to someone just because they had a higher rank.
"Huh! Apologize! Why should I apologize?" Belial said, his voice unwavering. "I'm not afraid of you."
The thugs, including Takamoto, were stunned. They had never encountered someone who dared to challenge Takamoto so openly.
"You…!" the thug sputtered, speechless.
Takamoto's face hardened. He was a prideful man, and this was the first time someone had dared to disrespect him. He made up his mind to teach Belial a vicious lesson.
Belial was unaware of the brewing enmity. He was busy formulating a plan.
"Kuh— That's fine, then I guess I'll take that offer, you—" Takamoto started, but Belial interrupted him again.
"I'm not done yet," Belial said, his voice calm but firm. "You should give something if you want to receive something, right? It's unfair. We earn nothing if we win, but if we lose? How can this competition be fair then? Since we're wagering, the bets on both sides should be equal. In this gamble, we only stand to lose... Do you think that is fair?"
Takamoto was at a loss for words. His thugs, however, were not.
"You have to stop spouting shit," one of them yelled.
"You brat should be glad we didn't beat you up," another added.
Takamoto, seeing the validity of Belial's point, looked around. His gaze landed on the shoes on his teammates was wearing.
"How about this," Takamoto declared, his voice regaining its authority. "If I were to lose, over here Yoshida will give his shoes and become yours!"
Takamoto's cronies were stunned. They knew Takamoto was willing to do anything to win, but they hadn't expected this.
"Boss, this is my precious baby I can't give this easily," said Yoshida, his voice laced with panic.
"That's right boss! I heard he even went to great length to enchant that shoes to an enchanter superhuman," said Matsuda.
"Hey listen to me! Those are just easy prey, See there are only a scrub and two little girls, we won't lose to someone like that aren't you? And you Matsuda we'll take also those wristband as a bet to even the odds, Easy." Takamoto said, his voice dripping with arrogance.
"Thats...." the two were speechless, 'why don't you give your own' is what they're thinking. But they didn't voice their opinion or else they will be beaten up.
He already declared them as champions before even playing the game. Truly, his cockiness is piercing the heavens.
"Hey are you done with your monkey business? I'm bored out here waiting for your answers," Belial said, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.
"You braaattt..." He became speechless again.
This brat really needs to be educated, after I win this game I'll beat him up until nobody recognize him anymore.
"No we've already 'Talked' (Coerced) about it, we will use these shoes and wristband as a bet," Takamoto said, his voice regaining its arrogance.
"Is that so?" Belial said, a smirk playing on his lips. He couldn't help but feel a sense of amusement at Takamoto's arrogance. This guy was so sure of himself, so confident in his victory, that he was willing to bet his cronies' belongings.
"Just wait, you brat," Takamoto thought, his eyes narrowed. "After we get that ball from you, we will extort all your money and beat you up."
.....
"Hmm..yeah, I forgot to scan this thug because of my anger," Belial thought, his "Gamer System" kicking into gear.
It was the function of his system called "Talent Scan." Like the name stated, It allowed him to scan and see the talent of his opponent's skills, including their main specialty in basketball.
To him, this was also another advantage that the system provided. Being able to see your opponent's skill before the game will give you enough time to devise a plan and appropriate counter to take control of the game and eventually win it.
Belial somehow felt that the system was broken. If this really continued in the future, he would really be overpowered that no one could stop him.
Okay, let's see what you got.
[Talent Scan Initiating...]
[Target Acquired!]
Name: Takamoto Tanaka
Age: 12
Height: 154cm
Talent: 5 Basic Technique (Level 1)
[Talent Scan Initiating...]
[Target Acquired!]
Name: Yoshida
Age: 12
Height: 151cm
Talent: None
[Talent Scan Initiating...]
[Target Acquired!]
Name: Matsuda
Age: 12
Height: 148cm
Talent: None
The others are more or less the same as him. No noteworthy Talents. Looks like Takamoto was only talking big this whole while. In actual reality, he sucked in basketball.
Belial sighed in relief, when he heard that Takamoto was only an F rank Player. He thought that it was a big deal, but after being displayed in the screen. It wasn't by much, you're only a single rank higher.
"So, you're just a bunch of bullies with no real skills," Belial thought, a smirk playing on his lips. "This is going to be easy."
[Ding! New Main Quest triggered:
[Teamwork Makes the Dream Work]
[To become a qualified player, you need to find a team to work with.
Condition: Join a team: 0/1
Reward: All stats +1, Basketball Basic Theory (Skill), Increased affinity with Aria/Rio]
Belial paused, his eyes widening in surprise.
The quest notification, a stark reminder of his new reality, flashed before him.
He had been so focused on his own training, on mastering his skills, on proving himself, that he hadn't even considered the possibility of joining a team.
He had always been a lone wolf, a survivor, accustomed to fighting his own battles.
But now, with this new quest, he realized the potential benefits of working with others.
The thought of collaborating, of sharing his skills and knowledge, of relying on others and being relied upon, sparked a flicker of hope in his heart.
It was a new and unfamiliar feeling, a sense of belonging that he had never experienced before.
He had always been a misaligned stars, trying to fit into a world that didn't understand him.
But maybe, just maybe, this quest was a sign that he could find his place, that he could belong, that he could be part of something bigger than himself.
"A team, huh?" Belial muttered, his mind racing. "That could be interesting."
He glanced at Aria and Rio, who were still locked in a conversation about Aria's newfound ability. He could see the bond between them, the mutual respect and trust they shared. He knew that they were a powerful force, a force he could learn from and grow with.
"Maybe a team isn't such a bad idea after all," Belial thought, a smile creeping onto his face.
He looked back at Takamoto, his eyes gleaming with newfound confidence. He was ready to take on this challenge, ready to prove himself, ready to win.
"Alright, Takamoto," Belial said, his voice calm but firm. "Let's play."
Takamoto, still reeling from Belial's audacity, nodded, his face hardening with determination. He was going to teach this arrogant brat a lesson he wouldn't forget.
The game was about to begin, and Belial was ready. He was ready to face his fears, to push his limits, and to discover his true potential. He was ready to become a legend.
[Ding! Main Quest has been successfully completed!
•Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Reward:
You obtained All stats +1, Basketball Basic Theory (Skill), Increased affinity with Aria/Rio]
Belial felt a surge of energy as the system's notification echoed in his mind. He could feel his stats increasing, his skills sharpening, his understanding of the game deepening. He had never felt so powerful, so confident, so ready to play.
『Ding!
+1 All Stat has been obtained
Basketball Basic Theory (Skill) has been acquired.
[Basketball Basic Theory] (Level 1)
Rating: Common
Description: Basketball theory is a compulsory course for every player. You must learn the basic knowledge if you want to be a qualified player. This module covers the essential rules, court layout, positions, scoring systems, fouls, and basic strategies. It's a comprehensive introduction to the game, laying the groundwork for your basketball journey.
Effects:
Basketball Basics: Belial gains a comprehensive understanding of basketball fundamentals, including rules, positions, and essential skills. This knowledge allows him to better grasp a player's playing style, anticipate their movements, and contribute effectively to their teamwork.
Basketball Origin: Belial develops a deeper appreciation for the history, evolution, and cultural impact of basketball. This understanding fosters a greater respect for the sport and its significance in society, potentially enhancing his connection and their shared passion for the game.
Sportsmanship: Belial learns the importance of ethical conduct and fair play on the court. He understands the value of respecting opponents, teammates, and officials, creating a positive and supportive environment for himself. This fosters a stronger bond between them based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to fair competition.
Safety Knowledge: Belial gains awareness of safety precautions on the court, including minimizing unnecessary contact, following proper injury prevention techniques, and understanding the importance of safe play. This knowledge helps ensure the well-being of players, allowing them to play with confidence and focus on their teamwork without compromising their safety.
『Ding! You have increased your favorability rating, your affinity with Aria and Rio has increased.
[Affinity with Streetballer 'Aria Brightman' has reached 50.]
[Affinity with Streetballer 'Rio Sumire' has reached 20.]』
Belial smiled, his heart swelling with warmth. He had found a team, and a passion that would fuel his dreams for years to come. He was ready to take on the world, one game at a time.