The cotton in Aki's nostrils was doing its job, but his brain still felt scrambled. He sat beneath the banyan tree, watching the world of Khed slowly come alive again—kids shouting, shoes slapping against the dry earth, the distant ring of a school bell hanging in the air.
But inside him, a storm was brewing.
It wasn't just confusion—it was something deeper, something more unsettling. Was this a second chance? A glitch in the universe? A blessing?
He whispered the word once more. "System."
The moment it left his lips, a translucent screen shimmered into view, as if the morning mist had suddenly materialized before him.
[CRICKET SYSTEM]
Player: Aki Surya
Age: 15
Level: 1 – Rookie
Skill: Cricket Instincts (Passive)
STATS
Batting: 12
Bowling: 10
Fielding: 8
Agility: 7
Stamina: 9
Focus: 5
Inventory: None
The stats were laid out clearly, staring back at him. He didn't quite understand what this system was or how it worked, but there was no denying that it was real. He was being given another shot at something he hadn't quite understood the first time.
Then, just as he was about to question everything, a new prompt appeared, blinking urgently on the screen.
[MISSION AVAILABLE]
Objective: Take the wicket of Ajay (opponent batsman) in your next over.
Reward (Upon Completion):
→ +1 Skill Point
→ Energy Drink
→ Fast Bowling Technique (Basic) – Improve your fast bowling capabilities: form, wrist positioning, pacing.
Temporary Skill Boost:
→ Bowling Accuracy +2
→ Bowling Speed +2
Accept this mission?
[ YES ] [ NO ]
Without a second thought, Aki tapped [YES]. He wanted this. He needed this. The uncertainty—the confusion—had to go. He had to prove something, not just to the world but to himself.
[MISSION ACCEPTED]
The screen vanished. In its place, a rush of energy surged through him. His muscles tightened, his senses sharpened. A sudden clarity washed over him, and for the first time since waking up, he felt completely present. It wasn't just his body that was ready—it was his spirit.
His PT teacher's voice broke through his thoughts.
"Aki, you're up next for bowling. Don't mess this up!" The teacher smiled, but his tone was serious.
Aki nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. This wasn't just about bowling. He wasn't just going to play; he was going to take the wicket. He was going to prove that this—whatever this system was—wasn't a dream.
With newfound focus, Aki positioned himself on the field. The ball felt heavier in his hands, but the skill boost was undeniable. His body felt lighter, his mind clearer.
"Ajay, you're mine," he muttered under his breath.
The mission was clear, and with his temporary boost to accuracy and speed, Aki felt ready. He was going to take this wicket—this was his moment.