[Eturnagaram – Morning, 2011 – Age 16]
Pavan's alarm rang, jolting him awake. The day had arrived — the school-level cricket trials. A fire surged through his chest, the fire of a second chance. His body felt lighter, stronger — his youth restored and enhanced by the Cricket System.
[System Activation Complete]
Task Generated: Perform exceptionally at today's trials.
Rewards: Batting Mastery +1 | Precision Boost | Stamina Recovery | Unlock: Local Business Insight (Passive)
Pavan quickly changed into his old school kit. His mother, Radha, called from the kitchen, "Pavan, don't forget to eat something before you go!"
"I won't, Amma," he replied, grabbing a quick bite.
At the dining table, his father, Raghav, muttered behind a newspaper, "Still wasting time with cricket?"
Pavan clenched his jaw but smiled. "Not this time, Dad. You'll see."
[Local Cricket Ground – Afternoon]
The dusty pitch buzzed with energy as schoolboys warmed up. Pavan joined his friend Uday, who gave him a thumbs up.
"Let's make them remember your name, bro," Uday grinned.
[System Boost: Confidence Aura Activated – Nearby teammates feel inspired.]
As Pavan's name was called, he stepped onto the pitch. The coach, Raman Sir, looked skeptical. "Let's see what you've got, Raj."
[First Ball Sequence]
The bowler sprinted. Pavan read the line and length instantly, bat slicing through the air. CRACK! A clean lofted shot — the ball sailed over the fielders and beyond the rope.
[Task Progress: Excellent Shot Executed]
[Reward: Reflex Sharpness +1 | Crowd Awareness Unlocked]
The small crowd stirred. A group of girls clapped; a few seniors exchanged glances. Someone muttered, "Who is that kid?"
[Second Ball Sequence]
This time, a slower delivery. Pavan waited, eyes locked. A soft tap — it raced past cover.
[System Recognition: Timing Accuracy Achieved]
[Skill Acquired: Split-Second Judgment]
Coach Raman scribbled notes. Uday hooted from the sidelines.
[Short Burst Montage – Over Summary]
A fierce pull shot — boundary.
A delicate leg glance — two runs.
Defensive block — perfect technique.
[System Task Completed: District Performance Exceptional]
Reward Unlocked: Local Business Insight (Passive)
(This skill helps you identify profitable small-scale ventures around you.)
As Pavan walked off, the crowd murmured. One boy whispered, "He plays like someone trained professionally."
A girl in the back row, Sneha, took out her phone to record.
Near the entrance, a parent reading a newspaper said, "This year, some Maibadh school kids might also come to Warangal College. That Kamal boy's name was mentioned in the topper list. He was never this focused in his studies before, but after the incident with Sravanthi, he turned his life around and became one of the top students in the area, especially in math and problem-solving. People are already calling him a future leader, but no one really knows the real reason behind his sudden change."
Another man added, "And didn't that Srinivas top the Olympiad again?"
Pavan didn't hear them — but destiny had started weaving their paths.
[System Notification]
Task Chain Unlocked: The Cricket Climb
Upcoming Task: Get selected into the district team.
Bonus Chain Activated: Invest first ₹100 into a side hustle.