The locker room was filled with the usual post-practice chatter. Players discussed their performances, cracked jokes, and exchanged banter. But Zaid remained quiet, lost in his own thoughts.
He unwrapped the tape from his fingers, feeling the sting of minor cuts and blisters. Every ball he bowled, every shot he played, took a toll. But that was the price of progress.
Sameer plopped down beside him, shaking his head. "You need to chill, bro. You're playing like your life depends on it."
Zaid smirked. "Maybe it does."
Sameer sighed. "Man, I don't get you. But hey, keep playing like this, and the selectors won't have a choice but to notice you."
Zaid clenched his fists. That was the plan.
The next morning, he woke up before sunrise. The world outside was quiet, but his mind was loud.
Push-ups.
Sit-ups.
Sprints.
The System didn't give free handouts. He had to earn every bit of progress.
Ding!
[+5 Stamina]
[+2 Strength]
Zaid wiped sweat from his forehead, breathing heavily. Not enough. He needed more.
He glanced at his phone. A message from Zoha popped up.
Zoha: Don't push yourself too hard, idiot. Take care of yourself.
A small smile appeared on his lips. He typed a quick reply.
Zaid: No pain, no gain. But thanks.
Zoha: Fine, but at least let me treat you to something nice later.
His fingers hovered over the screen before he replied.
Zaid: Alright.
For a moment, the weight on his shoulders felt a little lighter.
Later that day, Zaid arrived at the ground, ready for another grueling practice.
The coach gathered everyone. "Big announcement. We're playing a practice match against the state team next week. This is your chance to prove yourself."
A ripple of excitement ran through the squad.
Sameer grinned. "This is it, bro. Your moment."
Zaid's heart pounded. A match against state-level players? This wasn't just practice anymore.
This was war.
The moment Coach Sharma announced the practice match against the state team, a new kind of tension settled over the squad.
Zaid could feel it in the way his teammates trained—more urgency, more hunger. This wasn't just another game. It was a chance to prove they belonged at the top level.
For Zaid, it was more than that. It was a stepping stone.
That evening, as he sat on his small balcony, staring at the night sky, his phone buzzed.
Zoha: You're thinking too much again, aren't you?
Zaid smirked.
Zaid: Maybe. This match is important.
Zoha: You're going to kill it. I know it.
Her confidence in him was reassuring.
Zaid: I'll try.
Zoha: No. You'll do it. Period.
He chuckled. She really was something.
The next morning, he arrived at the ground earlier than usual. The sun had barely risen, but he wasn't alone.
Sameer was already there, stretching. "I knew you'd come."
Zaid nodded. "Can't waste time."
Sameer grinned. "Then let's push each other."
They trained harder than ever, focusing on refining their weak points. Every delivery. Every shot. Every single movement mattered.
The System rewarded him accordingly.
Ding!
[+3 Reflex]
[+4 Batting Technique]
Zaid exhaled sharply. He was getting stronger. But was it enough?
Match day arrived sooner than expected.
As they boarded the team bus, Coach Sharma gave a final pep talk. "This isn't just about winning. It's about making a statement."
Zaid sat quietly, earphones in, focused.
This was it.
A chance to prove himself.
A chance to take one step closer to his dream.
The bus rolled to a stop outside the stadium. It wasn't a full-fledged international arena, but the stands were decent, and the presence of scouts added weight to the game.
Zaid stepped out, taking a deep breath. He had played in local matches before, but this was different. The state team had players who were already on the radar for national selections. This was his chance to make a mark.
The team huddled near the boundary as Coach Sharma gave final instructions.
"This is your opportunity. Show them why you deserve to be here."
Zaid clenched his fists. He would not waste it.
Toss Time.
The state team won the toss and chose to bat first.
Zaid took his position at mid-on, scanning the opposition batters. They were taller, stronger, and more experienced.
But he had his own weapon.
Ding!
[Match Quest Activated!]
[Objective: Take 3 Wickets / Score 50+ Runs]
[Rewards: +10 Skill Points, +1 Special Ability Unlock]
Zaid's heartbeat quickened. A special ability? This was new.