The train screeched to a halt at Warangal station.
Raj stepped down with a duffle bag over his shoulder, eyes wide with a mix of awe and tension. The air was drier than back home. The sun hit harder. The buildings around the stadium loomed larger than anything he had seen in Maibadh.
He was no longer the best player on the ground.
Here, everyone had talent.
Everyone had stories.
And everyone wanted to be seen.
The district camp was held at the Sathya Sai Residential Grounds, known for its perfect turf, steel nets, and a high-performance gym. Raj had only ever dreamed of training here. Now, he was standing in the middle of it, surrounded by 39 other students — all chosen from different mandals and towns.
Each one wore sports jerseys, most had private coaching experience, and some even owned branded bats with their initials engraved.
Raj clutched his old bat tighter.
[System Status Boost: Performance Zone Activated]
You are now in a high-level environment.
Training Efficiency: +25%
New System Stat Detected: "Adaptability" — unlocked.
Raj blinked. "New stat?"
Adaptability: 30/100
(Measures how quickly you learn and adjust under pressure)
He smiled faintly.
"This is where the real climb begins."
The players were divided into five groups of eight.
Raj was placed in Group C — a mix of fast bowlers, all-rounders, and two pure batsmen. One of them, Ravi Prakash, had been state under-14 last year. He barely looked at Raj.
"Where's your gear?" Ravi asked.
Raj patted his bag.
"No helmet?" Ravi raised a brow.
"I improvise."
Ravi scoffed. "Right. Well, try not to get hit."
The first day was all fitness drills.
Shuttle runs. Plank holds. Jump squats. Rope sprints.
Raj didn't dominate, but he didn't fall behind either. What he lacked in explosive speed, he made up for with grit and rhythm.
By noon, some students were already limping.
Raj kept going.
[Stamina +2]
[Adaptability +1]
Trait: "Enduring Mind" strengthening...
Coach Mahesh Varma, a former Ranji player with a sharp voice and deadpan face, took notes silently. He rarely praised anyone.
But when Raj completed the final timed lap three seconds ahead of Ravi, he finally looked up.
"Name?"
"Pavan Raj."
The coach just nodded.
In the evening, net sessions began.
Three bowling lanes. Two batting strips. Observers with clipboards.
Raj waited his turn, watching others go first.
Some played flashy shots. Others tried to impress with aggression.
Then came his turn.
He stepped in calmly. Took guard.
The first ball was a bouncer.
He didn't flinch. He swayed under it effortlessly.
Second ball — a yorker.
He flicked it for two runs.
Third ball — wide outside off.
He leaned and guided it with soft hands.
Simple. Clean. Effective.
[Shot Selection Bonus: +3 Reflexes]
Coach's Observation Noted: "Technically sound under pressure."
When he left the net, someone tapped his shoulder.
"Not bad, rookie."
Raj turned. A tall boy stood with curly hair and dark shades.
"I'm Yashwant, by the way. Remember that name."
Raj smiled. "You're good?"
"I'm the best. And I don't like slow risers."
Raj raised an eyebrow. "Neither do I."
That night, as players slept in dorm-style rooms, Raj sat by the window, staring at his system panel.
His XP bar had finally filled for the first time.
[Level Up!]
Host: Pavan Raj — Level 2
New Stats:
Batting: 39 (+3)
Bowling: 22 (+2)
Reflexes: 43 (+4)
Stamina: 48 (+3)
Strategy: 33 (+5)
Adaptability: 37 (+7)
New Passive Skill: "Situational Clarity (Lv.1)"
Effect: +10% better choices under pressure
Raj grinned.
Every sweat drop today had turned into progress.
The next day brought match simulation — the most important part of the camp.
Players were mixed into new teams. Raj was placed as No. 4 batsman in Team Orange, facing Team Blue led by none other than Yashwant.
In the first innings, Raj's team stumbled.
Two early wickets.
He stepped in early.
Yashwant grinned from mid-off. "Let's see if the system helps you here."
Raj didn't flinch.
First over — dot ball.
Second over — one flick, one edge.
By the third, he adjusted.
[Situational Clarity Activated]
Reading bowler's grip angle... anticipating short ball...
The next delivery — a slower one — came floating.
Raj stepped out.
Smashed it over midwicket for a four.
Yashwant's smirk vanished.
Raj ended with 28 runs off 22 balls.
Not flashy. But consistent.
His teammates noticed.
"Why didn't you go big?"
"We needed stability," Raj replied.
Coach Mahesh nodded slightly from the sidelines.
But that evening, in the mess hall, Yashwant walked up to him again.
"You're not bad," he said. "But you're too careful. No risk, no fame."
Raj paused. "Fame without control is short-lived."
Yashwant's smirk returned. "Then we'll see who shines brighter at the finals."
[New Rival Registered: Yashwant Menon]
Effect: Rival path unlocked — competitive bonus when facing Yashwant
Winning against him will double training gains.
Raj stared at the pop-up and whispered, "Game on."