The door clicked shut behind Belial, the warmth of the room fading as he stepped back into the harsh, unfamiliar world. A wave of longing washed over him, a bittersweet ache for the girl he had left behind.
Aria, with her infectious smile and unwavering spirit, had brought a spark of joy to his world, a world that had felt so bleak and hopeless just hours before.
He clutched the basketball in his hands, the worn leather a tangible reminder of her presence.
He could still feel the warmth and energy of her spirit in the ball, a beacon of hope in the darkness he had known for so long.
He fought back the urge to turn around, to run back to the court, to the warmth of her laughter and the comfort of her company.
He had a mission to complete, a destiny to fulfill. He couldn't let himself get distracted by fleeting feelings, no matter how strong they were. He had to be strong, he had to be resilient.
He had to find his place in this new world, to make something of himself, to prove to everyone, especially himself, that he wasn't a failure.
He slumped onto the worn couch, the faded floral pattern a stark reminder of the poverty that had been his reality for so long.
The apartment, a cramped, two-room space, felt suffocating. The air hung heavy with the musty scent of old furniture and forgotten dreams
He needed to understand his new powers, to unlock the secrets of the "Gamer System" that had thrust him into this strange new world.
He opened his system, a holographic interface shimmering into existence before him, a barrage of information and updates flooding his senses.
It was a complex, ever-changing network of icons and data streams that pulsed with an ethereal light, a gateway to a new world.
But before he could delve into the system's intricacies, a sharp knock on the door jolted him back to reality.
He stood up, his heart pounding with a mixture of apprehension and annoyance. He hadn't been expecting visitors, especially not at this hour.
He opened the door, revealing a petite girl with fiery amber eyes and a defiant set to her jaw.
She was no older than twelve, but she held herself with a confidence that belied her age. Her name was Mia Yumehara, the granddaughter of his landlord, and she was not happy.
"Hey, you freeloader!" she exclaimed, her voice sharp and accusatory. "You've been behind on your rent for a whole month now. When are you going to pay up? And what's that awful smell?"
The air hung heavy with the musty scent of old furniture and forgotten dreams.
The apartment, a cramped, two-room space, felt suffocating. The bathroom was a stark contrast to the rest of the apartment, a small, cramped space with peeling paint and a leaky faucet.
The chipped tiles were stained with grime, and the air hung heavy with the musty scent of mildew.
A single, flickering light bulb cast a dim, sickly yellow glow over the room, barely illuminating the rust-stained shower stall and the cracked porcelain sink.
Belial couldn't help but inwardly sigh. It was the previous owner's fault for insulting her during their first encounter. It was only natural for her to have such a negative impression of him.
"I apologize deeply, Miss Yumehara," Belial said, his voice calm and sincere. "Please give me one more week, and I promise I will find the money to pay the rent."
He knelt down on the floor and bowed his head in a formal apology, a gesture that surprised Mia.
She had never seen him express such confidence and sincerity before.
He had always mumbled and insulted her, making her feel disgusted.
Despite her aversion to dealing with him, she was concerned about her kind grandmother, who had to collect the rent from him.
Unfortunately, Mia's parents had passed away, and she felt the need to be strong for her grandmother and protect their family.
Mia hesitated, her gaze flickering between Belial's bowed head and the worn floral pattern of the couch.
She had always seen him as a loser, a freeloader, someone who wasn't worth her time.
But there was something different about him today, something in his posture, in his voice, that made her hesitate.
She had never seen him express such sincerity before.
A flicker of curiosity, a spark of something she couldn't quite define, ignited within her.
"We've given you plenty of time already," she said, her voice softening slightly.
"My grandmother has been worried sick about you."
"I understand," Belial said, meeting her gaze directly. "It's entirely my fault, but at this moment, I genuinely have no means to pay the rent. Please, grant me one more week, and I will find a way to fulfill my obligation."
That trashy face was still repugnant to her, but there was something in his sincerity that piqued Mia's curiosity.
"I know I've been rude to you before," Belial continued, his voice filled with a newfound confidence.
"And it's difficult for you to trust me. But I've reflected on my past actions, and I'm determined to start a new life. Please, grant me this final chance. It's not just about the rent, Miss Yumehara. It's about proving myself, about becoming someone worthy of your respect."
He bowed his head again, offering a sincere plea.
Belial's heart pounded in his chest as he waited for Mia's response.
He had never been good at begging, at pleading for mercy.
But he knew that his future depended on her decision.
He had to convince her, to make her believe in him, to give him another chance.
"You know," Mia said, her voice softer than before, "I've never seen you act like this before. You're usually so... disrespectful."
"O... Okay," Mia said as if she decided something, pouting her lips. "I'll give you one more chance. I... I'll return in a week."
Belial felt a surge of hope. He had to capitalize on this moment. "I'm trying to change, Miss Yumehara. I want to be a better person."
"Hmm," Mia said, tilting her head. "I'll give you one more chance, okay. But if you don't pay by next week, you're out."
『Ding! You have increased your favorability rating
Affinity with 'Mia Yumehara' has reached 5』
Belial heard a sound in his mind, a notification from the game system. It confirmed his successful increase in Mia's friendship level.
"Thank you, Miss Yumehara!" Belial exclaimed. He felt a wave of relief wash over him. "I promise I won't let you down."
"I'll be watching you," Mia said, her gaze hardening slightly. "Don't think you've gotten away with this."
Belial nodded, his heart pounding with a mixture of relief and determination. He had one week to find the money, and he was going to find it.
"I won't let you down," he said, his voice filled with a newfound confidence. "I promise."
Mia turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing in the hallway. Belial watched her go, a small smile forming on his lips. He had one week to find the money, but for now, he should start with taking a bath.
Without hesitation, he headed to the bathroom, ready to cleanse himself and embark on finding a solution to his financial predicament.
....
The bathroom was a stark contrast to the rest of the apartment, a small, cramped space with peeling paint and a leaky faucet. But as Belial stood under the lukewarm water, the grime and sweat of the previous day washing away, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. He had been living in this cramped apartment for months, his life reduced to a constant struggle for survival. He had always dreamed of a better life, a life filled with purpose and meaning, but reality had always seemed to crush his hopes.
Now, with his newfound abilities and the promise of a new world, he felt a surge of optimism. He had a chance to create a new life for himself, a life filled with purpose and meaning. He had a chance to become the best player in the world, to make his mark on this world. But as he stepped out of the shower, the cold air hitting his skin, he was brought back to reality. He had one week to find the money to pay his rent, and he had no idea where he was going to find it.
He sat down on the edge of his bed, his mind racing with possibilities. He could try to find a job, but he was unsure of his skills and qualifications. He had always been a gamer, a dreamer, a loner. He had never had to work a real job before. He had always relied on his parents, but they had passed away years ago, leaving him with nothing but a small inheritance that was quickly dwindling.
He could try to bet on basketball, just like he had done before, but he was wary of the risks and the potential for addiction. He had been down that road before, and he knew that it was a dangerous path. He had lost everything once, and he didn't want to lose everything again.
He could try to rely on the system to provide him with money, but he was unsure if that was possible. The system had been a source of both wonder and confusion. It had given him incredible abilities, but it had also thrown him into a world he didn't understand. He had no idea what its limits were, or what it was capable of.
He sighed, his head pounding with a mixture of frustration and despair. He was trapped, caught between his dreams and his reality. He wanted to become the best player in the world, but he also needed to survive. He needed to find a way to make money, to pay his rent, to keep a roof over his head.
He looked out the window, his gaze falling on the bustling streets below. He saw people rushing to work, their faces etched with a mixture of determination and exhaustion. He saw children playing in the park, their laughter echoing through the air. He saw couples walking hand-in-hand, their love for each other evident in their every gesture.
He felt a sense of longing, a desire for a life that was different from his own. He wanted to be a part of that world, to be a part of something bigger than himself. He wanted to find his place in the world, to make a difference, to leave his mark on the world.
But he knew that he couldn't just sit around and wait for his dreams to come true. He had to take action, to make things happen. He had to find a way to make money, to pay his rent, to survive.
He stood up, his body aching with exhaustion, his mind buzzing with a mixture of determination and anxiety. He had one week to find the money, and he was going to find it.
He was Belial Scarlet, and he was not going to let his dreams die.
...
The next morning, Belial woke up with a renewed sense of purpose. He had a mission to complete, a destiny to fulfill. He had to become the best player in the world, to prove himself, to make his mark on this world. He had to find a way to make money, to pay his rent, to survive.
He opened his system, and a new quest appeared before him:
[Ding! New Main Quest triggered:
[Teamwork Makes 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)]
Belial accepted the quest without hesitation. He knew that teamwork was essential to success in basketball, and he was eager to find a team that shared his passion and ambition.
He headed to the park, his heart pounding with anticipation. He knew that he would find a team that was right for him, a team that would help him achieve his dreams.
As he walked through the park, he couldn't help but notice the energy and excitement in the air.
People were playing basketball on every corner, their movements fluid and graceful, their skills honed by years of practice.
He felt a surge of excitement, a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose.
He saw Aria, her platinum blonde hair shining in the sunlight, her sapphire eyes sparkling with excitement.
She was playing basketball with a group of friends, their movements fluid and graceful, their skills honed by years of practice. She was a natural, a born athlete, and Belial couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration.
He approached her, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
He wanted to tell her about his new abilities, to share his dreams with her.
He wanted to ask her to train him, to help him become the best player he could be.
"Hey, Aria," he said, his voice a little shaky. "It's great to see you again."
Aria turned, her smile as bright as the sun. "Hey, Belial! I'm glad you're feeling better. You look different."
"I feel different," Belial said, a smile spreading across his face. "I've been training, and I've learned a lot about this world."
"That's great!" Aria said, her eyes sparkling with interest. "What have you learned?"
Belial hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to explain everything he had discovered.
He didn't want to overwhelm her with information, but he also wanted to share his excitement with her.
"I've learned about the 'Awakening Era,' and how the world changed," he said. "I've learned about the 'Talents' that people have awakened, and how they've changed the world."
"That's amazing!" Aria exclaimed, her eyes widening with wonder. "I've heard stories about the 'Awakening Era,' but I never thought I'd meet someone who had been through it."
Belial nodded, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
He wanted to tell her everything, to share his newfound abilities with her, but he hesitated. He wasn't sure how she would react.
"I've also learned about the 'Global Basketball Association' and how it was created to prevent future conflicts," he said, his voice a little hesitant. "It's a world where people can compete and express themselves through basketball."
"That's incredible!" Aria said, her face lighting up with enthusiasm. "I've always loved basketball, and I've always dreamed of playing in the 'Global Basketball Association.' It's the biggest stage in the world, where the best players come to compete."
Belial felt a surge of excitement. He had found a kindred spirit, someone who shared his passion for the game.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of hope, a belief that he could achieve his dreams, that he could become the best player in the world.
"I want to be the best player in the world," he said, his voice filled with determination. "I want to play in the 'Global Basketball Association' and make a name for myself."
Aria smiled, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "That's a great goal, Belial. I know you can do it."
"But I need your help," Belial said, his voice a little hesitant. "I'm still learning the game, and I need someone to train me, to push me to be better."
Aria hesitated for a moment, her smile fading slightly. "I'd love to train you, Belial, but I'm not sure I'm the right person for the job. I'm still learning myself."
Belial felt a pang of disappointment.
He had hoped that Aria would be his mentor, his guide, his partner in this new journey. But he understood her hesitation.
She was a talented player, but she was still young, still learning. She might not be ready to take on the responsibility of training him.
"I understand," he said, his voice a little dejected. "But I'm willing to learn from anyone who can teach me."
Aria smiled, her eyes filled with warmth. "I'll help you, Belial. I'll teach you everything I know. But I'm not the only one who can help you. There are other players in this world who are better than me, players who have been playing for years, players who have mastered the game."
Belial felt a surge of hope.
He knew that he had a lot to learn, but he was determined to become the best player he could be.
He was ready to put in the work, to train hard, to push himself to his limits.
"I'm ready," he said, his voice filled with determination. "I'm ready to learn, to train, to become the best player I can be."
Aria smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Then let's get started," she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "I know a few places where we can train, and I know some players who can help us."
Belial felt a sense of excitement and anticipation.
He was ready to embark on this new journey, to explore the world of basketball, to push himself to new heights. He was ready to become the legend he was destined to be.
As Belial and Aria walked through the park, they talked about their dreams and aspirations, their hopes and fears.
Belial shared his story, his struggles, his triumphs, his dreams of becoming a great player.
Aria listened intently, her eyes filled with empathy and understanding.
They found a quiet spot under a shady tree, and Aria began to teach Belial the basics of the game.
She showed him how to dribble, how to shoot, how to pass, how to defend.
She explained the different positions, the different strategies, the different rules.
Belial was a quick learner, his new abilities amplifying his natural athleticism.
He was able to pick up the skills quickly, his movements becoming more fluid and graceful with each passing moment.
As they trained, they talked about their lives, their families, their friends. They shared stories and laughter, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.
Belial felt a connection with Aria that he had never felt before, a sense of belonging, a sense of purpose. He had found a friend, a confidant, a kindred spirit.
...
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the park, Belial and Aria decided to call it a day. They had trained for hours, and Belial's body was aching with exertion, but his heart was filled with a newfound joy.
"Thanks for training me, Aria," Belial said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I've learned so much."
"You're welcome, Belial," Aria said, her smile as bright as the setting sun. "You're a natural, and I know you're going to be great."
Belial felt a surge of confidence.
He knew that he had a long way to go, but he was determined to become the best player he could be.
He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, to push himself to new heights, to achieve his dreams.
As they walked away from the park, Belial couldn't help but feel a sense of hope and excitement.
He had found a friend, a mentor, a guide.
He had found a world where he belonged, a world where he could be himself, a world where he could finally feel like he was home.