The morning sun, a pale sliver peeking over the horizon, cast a soft, golden glow over Jingūmae. The air was crisp and cool, carrying the faint scent of pine needles and the distant rumble of the city waking up.
Belial, his body aching from the previous day's grueling training, stumbled out of bed, his mind already replaying the relentless drills and the burning sensation in his muscles.
He had never been one for physical activity, preferring the comfort of his gaming chair and the vibrant glow of his monitor to the sweat and exertion of the real world.
But now, he was determined to become a basketball player, to master the game that had captivated him for so long.
He made his way to Aria's house, his footsteps heavy and slow.
He could already feel the familiar pang of apprehension in his stomach, the fear of failure gnawing at him.
He had always been the one who shied away from challenges, the one who preferred the safety of his comfort zone.
But now, he was here, facing a challenge that seemed insurmountable, a challenge that threatened to expose his deepest insecurities.
He found Aria in her backyard, her platinum blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, her movements fluid and graceful as she dribbled the ball with effortless precision.
A little girl, no more than five years old, trailed behind her, mimicking her every step, her tiny hands clutching a miniature basketball.
A wide grin stretched across her face, her eyes alight with wonder and admiration.
"Morning, Belial," Aria said, her voice bright and cheerful. "Ready for another day of training?"
Belial forced a smile, trying to mask the wave of dread that washed over him. "As ready as I'll ever be," he mumbled, his voice barely a whisper.
Aria chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Don't worry, I'll go easy on you today. We'll start with some basic dribbling drills."
She demonstrated a series of moves, her hands a blur of motion as she dribbled the ball between her legs, behind her back, and in a rapid series of crossovers.
Belial watched, his eyes wide with a mixture of awe and apprehension.
He had seen these moves countless times on television and online, but now, seeing them performed in person, he was struck by their sheer beauty and complexity.
"Try to mimic my movements," Aria instructed, her voice patient and encouraging. "Focus on keeping the ball close to your body and using your fingertips to control it."
Belial took the ball, his hands trembling slightly.
He tried to mimic Aria's movements, but his efforts were clumsy and awkward.
The ball bounced off his fingers, his movements jerky and uncoordinated.
He felt a wave of frustration wash over him, the familiar feeling of inadequacy creeping into his mind.
"Don't get discouraged," Aria said, her voice gentle. "It takes time and practice to master these skills. Just keep trying, and you'll get there."
Belial nodded, his determination flickering back to life.
He knew that she was right.
He had to keep trying, to push himself beyond his limits.
He had to learn to embrace the physicality of the game, to find joy in the movement, to feel the power of his own body.
He had to learn to dance with the ball, to make it sing.
He continued practicing, his movements becoming smoother and more controlled with each repetition.
He focused on keeping the ball close to his body, using his fingertips to control its direction.
He practiced dribbling between his legs, behind his back, and in a rapid series of crossovers.
He felt the burn in his muscles, the sweat dripping down his forehead, but he pushed himself harder, determined to master this basic skill.
As he practiced, his mind drifted to the random training manual he had received from the system earlier.
He had been so excited to receive it, so eager to unlock its secrets, but he had forgotten to bring it with him.
He had been so focused on the physical training, so overwhelmed by the challenge of mastering the basic skills, that he had completely forgotten about the manual.
He stopped dribbling, his mind racing.
He had to get that manual.
He needed its guidance, its wisdom.
He needed to learn the secrets of the five basic basketball techniques.
"Aria, I need to go get something," he said, his voice breathless. "I'll be back in a minute."
He rushed back to his room, his heart pounding in his chest.
『[Skill Book: Set Basic Training Manual]
•A beginner's guide to covering fundamental training, basic techniques and drills.
※[Skill Book: Basic Dribbling]
•A beginner's guide to dribbling, covering fundamental techniques and drills.
※Skill Book: Basic Shooting]
•A beginner's guide to shooting, covering fundamental techniques and drills.
※[Skill Book: Basic Passing]
•A beginner's guide to passing, covering fundamental techniques and drills.
※[Skill Book: Basic Defense]
•A beginner's guide to defense, covering fundamental techniques and drills.
※[Skill Book: Basic Rebounding]
•A beginner's guide to rebounding, covering fundamental techniques and drills.』
『Basic Dribbling (Skill) has been acquired.
[Basic Dribbling] (Level 1)
Rating: Common
Description: This skill focuses on mastering the core technique of dribbling a basketball. It's a foundational skill that every player needs to develop.
Effects:
Vision: +10
Handling: +10
Ball Control: +5
Movement: +5』
He found the manual, its pages filled with diagrams and instructions, and he devoured its contents with a voracious hunger.
He learned about the different types of dribbling, the importance of hand positioning, the proper footwork, and the countless drills that could help him to improve his skills.
Belial feels a surge of excitement, but also a wave of doubt.
He's never been good at physical activities, and he's worried that he'll never be able to live up to his own expectations.
He wonders if he's making a mistake, if he's setting himself up for failure.
He fights these doubts, reminding himself of his determination and his dream of becoming a great player.
He returned to Aria's backyard, his mind buzzing with new ideas and strategies.
He began practicing the drills from the manual, his movements becoming more precise and controlled.
He felt a sense of accomplishment, a growing confidence in his abilities.
He was learning, he was improving, and he was starting to believe that he could become a great player.
"You're getting better," Aria said, her voice filled with admiration. "You're really starting to understand the rhythm of the game."
Belial smiled, his heart filled with a newfound sense of hope. He knew that he had a long way to go, but he was finally on the right path. He was finally starting to believe in himself.
Belial pushed himself harder, sweat dripping down his forehead as he practiced dribbling.
He was determined to master these basic skills, but it felt like a monumental task.
He was used to the instant gratification of the digital world, where skills could be acquired with a few button presses.
This was different. This was real, and it demanded patience and dedication.
The burn in Belial's muscles was relentless, but a strange energy coursed through him.
His mind sharpened, his movements grew fluid.
The ball danced in his hand, an extension of his will.
He felt a sense of unity, a connection to the game he'd never experienced before.
As he continued to practicing, during a particularly intense practice session, Belial feels a surge of vigor and focus.
He starts to feel like he's in a trance, his movements becoming fluid and effortless.
His heart pounded in his chest, a rhythm that matched the squeak of his sneakers against the court. He could see the world in slow motion, anticipating his opponent's moves before they happened.
He felt a sense of unity, a feeling of being completely connected to the game.
The ball seemed to become an extension of his hand, moving with him in perfect harmony.
He realizes that he's entered the "Pseudo Zone."
It was like a heightened state of awareness, his senses becoming sharper, his reactions faster. He could feel the texture of the ball beneath his fingertips, the weight of it in his hand.
He feels like he can see the game in slow motion, anticipating his opponent's moves before they happen.
He could hear the faint sound of his own breathing, the rustle of the leaves in the wind. He could see the world around him in slow motion, anticipating his opponent's moves before they happened.
A rush of adrenaline coursed through his veins, and a grin spread across his face.
He had heard stories about the "Zone" and the "Pseudo Zone," but he had never believed they were real. Now, he was experiencing it firsthand.
"You're in the 'Pseudo Zone,'" Aria said, her voice soft but filled with excitement.
She had seen this happen before, to other players, and she knew what it meant. "It's a temporary state, but it's a powerful one.
You can see the game differently, react faster, and make plays you wouldn't normally be able to make."
Belial nodded, his mind buzzing with possibilities.
He had always been fascinated by the concept of the "Zone," by the idea that players could transcend their limitations and achieve something extraordinary.
He had always dreamed of reaching that state, of unlocking his own hidden potential.
"It's a step below the 'Zone,'" Aria continued, "but it's still a powerful state that can give players a significant advantage. It's a sign that you're on the right track, that you're starting to tap into your true potential."
Belial felt a surge of excitement, but also a sense of trepidation. He knew that the "Pseudo Zone" was a temporary state, that it wouldn't last forever.
But he had tasted its power, and he was determined to find a way to access it again, to make it a part of his game.
He was determined to become a legend.
"The 'Talent Awakening' is what makes this possible," Aria explained, taking a seat beside him. "It's a phenomenon that's been happening all over the world, where people suddenly develop unique abilities. Some people get enhanced strength, others gain telekinesis, and some, like you, are gifted with a special connection to the game."
"But the 'Zone' and 'Pseudo Zone' aren't just about talent," she continued. "They're about pushing your limits, training hard, and finding that perfect balance between mind and body. The 'Pseudo Zone' is a stepping stone, a glimpse of what you can achieve if you dedicate yourself to this path."
Aria shared stories about the "Zone" and the "Pseudo Zone" with him.
She told him about the legendary players who had achieved the "Zone," about the incredible feats of strength and skill they had accomplished, about the almost supernatural abilities they had unlocked.
She told him about the "Pseudo Zone," a state of heightened awareness and focus that could be achieved through intense training and dedication.
She told him that it was a step below the "Zone," but it was still a powerful state that could give players a significant advantage.
Belial listened intently, his mind racing with possibilities.
He had always been fascinated by the concept of the "Zone," by the idea that players could transcend their limitations and achieve something extraordinary.
He had always dreamed of reaching that state, of unlocking his own hidden potential.
"It's not easy to enter the "Zone," Aria said, her voice a mix of wonder and awe. "It requires a level of focus and concentration that is almost impossible to achieve. But it's worth striving for."
Belial nodded, his determination hardening.
He knew that he had a long way to go before he could even dream of entering the "Zone," but he was willing to put in the work, to push himself beyond his limits, to unlock his own hidden potential.
As he continued to train, Aria shared stories about the "Dark Valhalla Gang," the group that had been terrorizing Jingūmae for years.
She told him about their leader, Zen, a powerful player with a talent that made him almost invincible.
She told him about their ruthless tactics, their disregard for the rules, their relentless pursuit of power.
Belial listened, a chill running down his spine.
He had heard rumors about the "Dark Valhalla Gang," but he had never really understood their significance.
Now, hearing Aria's stories, he began to understand the true threat they posed.
He knew that he had to be prepared to face them, to defend himself and his friends from their wrath.
"They're not just a gang," Aria said, her voice serious. "They're a force to be reckoned with. They're a threat to everything we stand for."
Belial nodded, his determination hardening.
He knew that he had to be prepared to face them, to defend himself and his friends from their wrath.
He had to become stronger, faster, more skilled.
He had to learn to harness his own potential, to unlock the power that lay dormant within him.
He continued to train, his determination hardening with each passing day. He knew that he had a long way to go, but he was finally on the right path.
He was finally starting to believe in himself. He was finally starting to understand the true meaning of talent.
He was finally starting to see the world in a new light.
The sun began to set, casting long shadows across the backyard.
Aria smiled at Belial, her eyes filled with admiration. "You've come a long way," she said. "You're really starting to become a player."
Belial smiled back, his heart filled with a newfound sense of hope.
As he continued to train, Belial witnessed the impact of the "Talent Awakening" on everyday life.
He saw people using their talents to perform extraordinary feats, to create amazing works of art, to solve complex problems.
He saw the potential of this new world, the possibilities that lay ahead.
He saw a young boy, no more than ten years old, using his talent for super speed to deliver groceries to customers in record time.
He saw a group of artists using their talents for telekinesis and teleportation to create breathtaking murals on the sides of buildings.
He saw a scientist using his talent for mind control to help people overcome their fears and anxieties.
He saw the good that the "Talent Awakening" could bring, the hope that it could inspire. But he also saw the dangers, the potential for abuse, the possibility of conflict and chaos.
He saw in a TV, politician using his talent for mind control to manipulate the public and gain power.
He saw the darkness that the "Talent Awakening" could unleash, the threat it could pose to the world.
Belial witnesses a group of teenagers using their talents for telekinesis and teleportation to vandalize property and terrorize innocent people.
Belial knew that he had to be prepared for both the good and the bad, for the light and the darkness.
.....
As Belial walked home from training, a sense of unease settled over him.
The streets of Jingūmae, usually bustling with activity, felt strangely deserted.
A chill wind whipped through the alleys, carrying with it the scent of rain and the distant rumble of thunder. He quickened his pace, a sense of foreboding creeping into his mind.
He rounded a corner and came face-to-face with a group of teenagers, their faces contorted with arrogance and malice.
They were surrounding a group of younger kids, their voices laced with threats and intimidation. Belial's heart sank as he realized what was happening.
The teenagers were using their talents to bully the younger kids, demanding money and threatening to use their powers to harm them if they refused.
"Hey, leave them alone!" Belial shouted, his voice filled with righteous anger. He stepped forward, his eyes blazing with defiance.
The teenagers turned, their smirks widening. "What are you going to do, little runt?" one of them sneered. "We're not afraid of you."
"I'm not afraid of you either," Belial said, his voice unwavering. "But I'm not going to stand by and watch you bully these kids."
"You're just a rookie," another teenager scoffed. "You don't stand a chance against us."
"We'll see about that," Belial said, his eyes gleaming with a newfound confidence. "I challenge you to a basketball game. If I win, you leave these kids alone. If I lose, you get to take their money."
Belial feels a surge of anger and intervenes, challenging the teenagers to a basketball game. If he wins, they have to leave the younger kids alone.
If he loses, they get to take the money
He knew that he had to use his own abilities to make a difference, to help create a better world, a world where the "Talent Awakening" was a force for good, a force for hope.
...
A chill wind whipped through the streets of Jingūmae, carrying with it the scent of rain and the distant rumble of thunder.
The district was shrouded in a heavy gloom, mirroring the darkness that simmered within Takamoto.
The "Dark Valhalla Gang" was waiting in the shadows, their eyes fixed on Belial, their hearts filled with vengeance.
They didn't know that Belial was already on the path to becoming stronger, that he was already pushing himself beyond his limits, that he was already becoming the player he was destined to be.
They didn't know that Belial, the boy they dismissed as a weakling, a mere shadow in their world, was undergoing a metamorphosis.
They couldn't see the fire that burned within him, the relentless spirit that refused to be extinguished.
They couldn't feel the shift in his energy, the growing confidence that radiated from him like a beacon in the night.
With each grueling practice session, with each sweat-soaked dribble, with each aching muscle pushed to its limit, Belial was shedding his old self, the boy who had always been content to hide in the shadows.
He was embracing the raw power that lay dormant within him, the power that had been awakened by the Talent Awakening, the power that was now surging through his veins like a raging torrent.
He was becoming more than just a basketball player.
He was becoming a force of nature, an unstoppable whirlwind of talent and determination.
He was becoming a symbol of hope, a beacon of light in a world that had been plunged into darkness.
They didn't know that the Rookie Players was about to witness a phenomenon, a spectacle that would rewrite the rules of the game.
They didn't know that their world was about to be shaken to its core.
They didn't know that they were about to face a force they could never have imagined.