2010 Middle School Basketball, California
Jonathan Brandit, 14 years old and wearing jersey number 16, glanced at the clock. With just 10 seconds remaining in the 4th quarter, his team trailed by a single point.
He knew it was now or never. Jonathan called out to his point guard, Alonzo, "Pass!"
Alonzo threw the ball to Jonathan as the commentators' voices echoed through the gym, "Alonzo passes to Brandit. 9 seconds left on the clock!"
Jonathan dribbled past the shooting guard, using a smooth crossover before stepping back to set up a three-point shot. The shooting guard lunged to block the shot, but Jonathan was already in the air.
"What a move by Jonathan Brandit!" the commentators exclaimed. "He's shooting from beyond the arc with just 5 seconds remaining!"
The ball flew through the air, heading straight for the basket. The crowd held its breath as the clock ticked down—
5... 4... 3... 2... 1...
The ball swished through the net. Jonathan, seeing the ball go in, jumped with joy, raising his arms and shouting, "Yah!!!!"
The commentators were ecstatic, "What a shot by Jonathan! The Hunger Bulls win the game!!!"
Jonathan's teammates rushed to him, lifting him up and celebrating wildly. "You did it, man! You did it!!!"
Jonathan smiled, soaking in the victory. But suddenly, an alarm blared, pulling him from his euphoria. His eyes snapped open, and he found himself back in his room.
The memory of the game, the championship moment, was now just a distant dream. It was 14 years ago, the day he had been the MVP before life took a tragic turn. The accident had changed everything, leaving him confined to a wheelchair.
Jonathan sighed deeply as the dream faded away, leaving him alone with the harsh reality. He looked at his legs and whispered, "Damn legs." feeling tears well up.
The clock on his bedside table read 3 a.m and his parents were likely asleep. He looked over at his wheelchair, parked near the bed. Gritting his teeth, Jonathan managed to crawl slowly towards it. Moving was tough, but he was determined.
He reached the wheelchair, panting heavily as he attempted to lift himself into it. The effort was hard, his legs felt heavy and uncooperative. After several minutes of struggling, he finally got himself settled into the chair. The effort and the strain of getting into the wheelchair reminded him of how difficult things had become.
Once he was seated, he wheeled himself towards the door of his room. The house was quiet, with only the occasional creak of the floorboards breaking the silence. He made his way through the dimly lit hallway, moving carefully.
His father's gym was located in a separate building behind their house. Jonathan rolled carefully through the kitchen and out the back door, where the cool night air greeted him. He wheeled his way across the backyard, the moonlight illuminating the path.
As he approached the gym, the large metal doors stood closed and silent. He maneuvered his wheelchair to the side door, which he managed to open with a bit of effort. The interior of the gym was dark and still, the vast space empty and echoing with silence. The wooden floor, polished and well-maintained, stretched out before him. The only sound was the faint hum of the gym's heating system.
Jonathan rolled inside, the lights flicking on as he entered. He took in the sight of the gym—neatly arranged basketball hoops, the polished court, and the scent of leather and varnish in the air. The space was a reminder of what he had lost, yet it also fueled his determination.
Despite the early hour, Jonathan began his practice, the rhythmic sound of the basketball bouncing against the floor a comforting reminder of his past. Each shot he took was a mix of frustration and hope, a quiet testament to his desire to reclaim his dreams.
As Jonathan took another shot, a sharp pain suddenly stabbed through his chest. He clutched his heart, gasping, "Aurg!!!"
The pain intensified, causing him to collapse to his knees on the hardwood floor. His vision blurred, and a wave of exhaustion washed over him. He thought of his family—his younger brother, his parents. What would they do if he died now? Would they be heartbroken?
Jonathan closed his eyes, the pain overwhelming him. In that moment, he felt an unsettling peace.
July 20, 2024: Jonathan Brandit died.
When Jonathan opened his eyes again, he found himself in an unfamiliar room. The surroundings were starkly different from the gym he had been in. The room was brightly lit, and he was lying on a simple bed. Confused, he murmured, "Where am I?"
Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through his head, causing him to groan, "Aurg!!!" Memories began to flicker and flash in his mind, disorienting him.
As the haze cleared, Jonathan realized he had somehow transmigrated into a new body. The person he now inhabited was Ethan Albarado—a 14-year-old with blonde hair and blue eyes, of mixed Filipino and American heritage. Ethan was a student at Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, and was a bench player on the basketball team.
The shock hit Jonathan like a freight train. He had been transported into the world of a novel he had once read. To his dismay, he discovered that Ethan's team included the protagonist, Lucas Graves. And here Jonathan was, stuck in the role of a mere bench player.
His heart raced as he processed the reality of his situation. He was no longer Jonathan Brandit, but Ethan Albarado in a world where basketball was the backdrop of a novel's drama.
....
Jonathan—now Ethan Albarado—recalled everything he knew from the novel Turning Point. He remembered that Lucas Graves, the protagonist, was a basketball prodigy endowed with the ability to perfectly mimic any basketball move. This power had been granted by an old man, making Lucas a formidable player with skills akin to Kise Ryota's perfect copy ability.
Ethan thought to himself, Lucas is still a bench player like me at the moment. Tomorrow, July 2, 2010, will be pivotal as it's the day Lucas showcases his abilities. I know that this date marks the beginning of Lucas's rise. Our team, the Vorpal Basket, is set to face off against the Orlando Hoops, a team from Orlando, Florida, that is known for its strong reputation. Unfortunately, Vorpal Basket is considered one of the worst teams.
He sighed, "Shit, what should I do?"
Suddenly, an unfamiliar sensation surged through him, causing a sharp pain in his head. Ethan clutched his temples, groaning, "Aurg!!"
A disembodied voice spoke up, breaking through the confusion, "Initiating system..."
Ethan's eyes widened in shock. "System?"
The voice continued, "Hello, host. I'm your basketball system."
Ethan's surprise grew as he stammered, "Whoah, is this the so-called golden finger? The protagonist's system?"
The AI system responded calmly, "Yes, host. I am here to assist you in your basketball journey. My functions include providing performance analysis, skill development tips, and strategy recommendations. You can call upon me whenever you need guidance."
Ethan was stunned. The reality of his situation was sinking in. He now had access to a system designed to help him become a better basketball player, just like in the novels. The possibilities seemed both thrilling and daunting as he considered how this new development could impact his upcoming game and his future in this world.
Ethan was deep in thought when a voice called out from outside his room.
"Ethan, are you okay?!"
Startled, Ethan quickly composed himself and shouted back, "Nothing, Mom! I just slipped, hehehe."
His mother's voice carried a hint of concern. "Be careful, okay?"
Ethan replied, "Okay, Mom. Thanks!"
After the exchange, Ethan turned his attention back to the new reality he found himself in. He murmured to himself, "Now, I should focus on my system abilities."
With a deep breath, he began to explore the system's features, eager to understand how he could leverage this unexpected advantage to change his fate in the basketball world.
Ethan focused on the system's interface, eager to understand its features. He commanded, "System, show me how it's done."
The AI responded promptly, "Affirmative, host."
[Basketball Power System]
Status:
Name: Ethan Albarado
Level: Rookie
Upgrade Points (UP): 40
Shop Points (SP): 600
Core Attributes
[Offensive Attributes:]
Shooting Accuracy - 6
Layup Skill - 4
Dunk Skill - 3
Dribbling Skill – 4
Passing Skill - 5
[Defensive Attributes:]
Defense - 3
Blocking Ability - 3
Steal Skill - 4
[Physical Attributes:]
Stamina - 4
Endurance - 4
Speed - 4
Skills:
Basic Power Shot - This skill represents the fundamental shooting technique of a player. It enables you to take and make basic shots with average accuracy, providing a solid starting point for improving your shooting skills.
Basic Precision Pass - This skill covers the essential passing technique for beginners. It helps in making basic, accurate passes to teammates, ensuring you can effectively move the ball around without advanced flair.
Basic Dribble - This skill provides the fundamental dribbling technique needed to control the ball while moving. It helps you navigate the court and maintain possession with average handling, laying the groundwork for more advanced dribbling skills.
Shop Skills
Available Skills for Purchase:
Jordan Shooting Form – 1000 SP
Effect: Significantly increases shooting accuracy.
Kobe Shooting Form –1000 SP
Effect: Enhances mid-range and long-range shooting.
Windmill Dunk – 30 SP
Effect: Adds a spectacular dunk to your skillset.
Advanced Defense Techniques – 40 SP
Effect: Improves defensive skills and blocking ability.
Playmaker's Vision – 40 SP
Effect: Enhances passing accuracy and court vision.
Purchasing and Upgrading Skills:
Skills can be bought using Shop Points (SP). Skills can be upgraded by spending SP to enhance their effectiveness.
Shop Card:
Boost Cards: Temporary enhancements for attributes or skills.
Example: "Speed Boost Card" (+2 Speed for 5 minutes)
Example: "Shooting Accuracy Card" (+3 Shooting Accuracy for 5 minutes)
Team Cards: Cards that provide boosts when used with teammates.
Example: "Team Synergy Card" (Boosts all teammates' attributes by 1 for 10 minutes)
Example: "Defense Coordinator Card" (Improves team defense for 10 minutes)
[YOU CAN USE SP POINTS TO BUY SHOP CARDS AND SHOP SKILLS]
Ethan took a moment to process the information. He now had a clear understanding of his attributes, available skills, and how to utilize his Shop Points effectively. This new system offered him a structured path to enhance his basketball abilities and possibly transform his role on the court.
Ethan sat on the edge of the bed, the dim light from the bedside lamp casting a soft glow over his surroundings. He focused intently on the system's interface, his mind racing with the new possibilities.
He spoke to the system in his thoughts, (So I can upgrade my attributes through Upgrade Points and buy shop items with Shop Points, am I right?)
The AI system's voice was calm and precise, "Yes, host."
Ethan leaned back, trying to absorb the information. (How can I gain Shop Points and Upgrade Points?)
The system replied, "You can gain them through quests, host."
Ethan's brow furrowed. (Quests?)
The system explained, "Yes, host. Quests are tasks or challenges that, once completed, will reward you with both Shop Points and Upgrade Points. They can vary from individual achievements to team-based objectives."
Ethan looked around the room, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. The room was sparsely decorated with simple furniture—a wooden desk with a laptop, a small bookshelf, and a framed poster of a famous basketball player on the wall. The window was partially open, letting in the cool night breeze and the distant sounds of the quiet street outside.
He shifted in his seat, his thoughts turning to the upcoming game. The realization of his situation began to solidify. He needed to make the most of this new opportunity and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Ethan took a deep breath, adjusting to his new situation. He got up from the bed, feeling the cool wooden floor under his feet. As he walked across the room, the floorboards creaked softly. His steps were steady and confident, a big change from how he used to move.
"Alright," Ethan said aloud, his voice filled with determination. "I'll need to learn more about these quests and start preparing for tomorrow's game."
As if in response to his determination, a transparent window suddenly materialized in front of him, hovering effortlessly in mid-air. The window was sleek and modern, displaying a list of quests with clear, bold text.
The window shimmered slightly, the edges glowing faintly in the dim light of the room. Ethan stared at it, his curiosity piqued.
Practice Session - Basic Drills
Objective: Complete 30 minutes of basic basketball drills (shooting, dribbling, layups).
Reward: 20 Shop Points (SP), 5 Upgrade Points (UP)
Status: Incomplete
Team Bonding - Pre-Game Strategy
Objective: Engage with your teammates and discuss game strategies for the upcoming match.
Reward: 15 SP, 3 UP
Status: Incomplete
Game Day Preparation - Personal Workout
Objective: Complete a personal workout routine focusing on agility and strength.
Reward: 25 SP, 7 UP
Status: Incomplete
Showcase Skills - Impactful Performance
Objective: Demonstrate your skills during the game tomorrow, aiming to make a significant impact.
Reward: 40 SP, 10 UP
Status: Incomplete
..... More
The list appeared clearly, each quest accompanied by its objectives, rewards, and current status. Ethan's eyes scanned the quests, noting the practical rewards for each task.
He took a deep breath, recognizing the significance of these manageable goals. "Looks like I've got a good plan to follow." he murmured, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.
Determined to make the most of his situation, Ethan glanced at the clock. It was late, but he knew he needed to start on his quests. He decided to begin with the first quest, focusing on practice drills to sharpen his skills.
With a final glance at the quest list, Ethan headed to the gym, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.