Aki's pulse pounded as he gripped the ball, the weight of it both familiar and strange in his hand. His heart raced, but everything around him seemed to blur—like the world paused for just a second. The field, his teammates, the hum of the village—everything faded. The only thing left was the game. His game.
The CRICKET SYSTEM popped up in his mind
Aki felt a jolt of energy. It wasn't just the system—he could feel something more inside. This wasn't just another delivery. This was it.
He walked up to the crease, shaking off the nerves that tried to creep in. The field came alive again—his teammates shouting, the bat cracking against the ball, the rhythm of his steps on the ground. Ajay stood there, that cocky grin plastered on his face, like he already knew he was the one in control.
But Aki had a different plan.
Ajay wasn't going to make it easy. The crowd went quiet, and the weight of the moment settled in. Aki's thoughts were sharp now. Was this really his moment? Was he ready?
The system whispered again:
"Focus. Precision. Power."
Aki nodded to himself. No more second-guessing.
He bowled. The ball shot out of his hand, fast, and Ajay wasn't ready. It slammed into the ground, skidded, and veered off. Ajay swung too late—missed it completely.
The crowd gasped.
Ajay looked stunned, his eyes wide. "Did I... miss that?" he mumbled.
Aki let himself smile just for a second. It was a fluke, but sometimes that's all it took to change everything.
Quickly, he lined up for the next ball. This one had to be better.
The second ball came out with speed, and Ajay reacted. The bat met the ball—but it wasn't a clean hit. The ball flew toward the boundary, but not as he'd intended.
The fielders scrambled, but Ajay jogged casually to the other end and completed two runs.
Aki didn't let that bother him. He had a job to do. This was no friendly game. This was his chance.
"Nice shot," Aki muttered under his breath. But this wasn't over.
He gripped the ball again. His muscles were tight, his mind focused. The energy from the system was running through him now, guiding him. Ajay stood, ready for what he thought would be another easy delivery.
The ball shot off Aki's fingers—this one was different. It curved, faster than before. Ajay tried to adjust, but the bat barely touched it. The ball spun off his bat, sailing right toward the stumps.
Aki watched in disbelief as the ball smashed into the wickets. The bails flew into the air.
WICKET.
The crowd erupted.
Ajay stood frozen for a moment before turning to the umpire, who raised his finger. The disbelief on Ajay's face was clear.
"You... you actually got me," Ajay muttered, still stunned.
Aki didn't say anything, just stood tall, feeling the weight of the moment lift off his shoulders. This wasn't just a wicket. It was the first step toward something bigger.
The system chimed in:
[MISSION COMPLETE]
Reward:
+1 Skill Point
Energy Drink
Fast Bowling Technique (Basic) Unlocked
Aki stood there, breath coming in sharp bursts, the cheers around him sounding distant. For the first time in years, he allowed himself to feel something: hope.