After Testing his new Skill , Dirga was still itching to play basketball. But one thing frustrated him finding a place to practice.
With time to spare before the afternoon, he grabbed his ball and headed out. He roamed the neighborhood, peering down alleys, strolling through parks, even checking nearby schoolyards. But no luck.
Basketball courts just weren't as common here as they were back in Indonesia. Maybe there was one in a public park or an indoor center, but getting there would take more than just walking—he'd probably need a bike or even a car.
"If I can't find a court, how am I supposed to complete my daily quest?" Dirga muttered, clenching his fists.
From what he remembered, the closest place might be the indoor sports center at a nearby university. Or... maybe the school itself.
His eyes lit up."Maybe I can convince Ojii-san to let me use the school gym."
Without wasting a second, he sprinted home and burst through the front door.
"OJII-SANNNNNNN!"
Takeshi looked up from his newspaper, startled. "What happened?"
"Please let me use the school court! I want to practice!" Dirga pleaded, eyes gleaming with determination.
Takeshi raised an eyebrow, studying him carefully. There it was again—that same fire his younger brother once had. Takeshi had loved basketball too once... but life had led him down a different path. Maybe this was fate giving him a second chance—through Dirga.
He chuckled. "Hmm."
"Please, Ojii-san! When I become an NBA player, I'll never forget you!"
Takeshi burst into laughter. "Aoi, did you hear that?" he called out as his daughter came downstairs, adjusting her schoolbag.
Aoi smirked. "He's a big dreamer. Just like you, Dad. But before you think about the NBA, try beating my school first."
Dirga grinned. "Just wait, I'll show you!"
Takeshi smiled warmly. "Alright, alright. Aoi's right—it's good to dream big. Dirga, since you'll be enrolling in Toyonaka Horizon Junior High soon, there's no harm in letting you see the school early. Let's go."
"Blehhh, hear that, Aoi?" Dirga teased playfully.
It was a lighthearted moment—one of many that had started to make this house feel like home.
As they got into the car, Takeshi glanced at Dirga through the rearview mirror."So, how do you feel? In a few weeks if you decide to joint My school, you'll start school."
Dirga looked out the window at the unfamiliar streets that were slowly becoming familiar. "It's fun, Oji-san. I like it."
Takeshi nodded. He remembered how hard Dirga had cried that first night. The pain of losing his parents had been unbearable. But after that, something had changed.
Now, that pain had turned into fire.
"That's good to hear, Dirga. I hope it stays that way. I'll support you to the very end."
Dirga clenched his fists. "I'll make you, Auntie, Dad, and Mom proud. I'll make them smile from heaven. Oh, and Aoi too—after all, you guys are my family now."
Takeshi's heart warmed. This kid… really was something else.
A short drive later, they arrived at Toyonaka Horizon Junior High.
The school was huge—modern and elegant. Clearly one of the best international schools in Osaka.
"Okay, Dirga. We're here."
Dirga stepped out, gripping his basketball tightly. "Ojii-san, where's the court?!"
Takeshi chuckled. "Straight to the court, huh? Follow me."
As they walked through the school, Dirga noticed students running baseball drills and practicing soccer. The school grounds were alive with activity. But the gym?
Silent.
Takeshi noticed his look. "Right now, we don't have any indoor sports teams. Basketball will be the first."
Dirga's eyes widened. "Ohhh! But Ojii-san… isn't the gym locked?"
"It is," Takeshi smirked. "But I have the key."
Dirga blinked. "Wait… you have the key?"
"And one more thing—I'm officially the advisor for Toyonaka Horizon Junior High's basketball team."
"What?! That's awesome!"
"Not just that," Takeshi added proudly. "I'm also the advisor for all indoor sports clubs. Basketball's just the beginning."
Dirga was speechless. His uncle wasn't just a teacher—he was the one leading the charge to create the school's first basketball team!
"So I can play here, right?!"
Takeshi tossed him the keys. "Yes. I'll be at the principal's office to finalize your paperwork. Don't get injured, alright?"
"Yes, Oji-san! Thank you!"
As Takeshi left, Dirga stepped into the gym. The polished wooden floor gleamed under the lights. The air smelled like fresh varnish and rubber.
It felt like home—and a battlefield.
He laced up his shoes and pulled out his ball. "Alright… let's start with warm-ups."
After ten minutes of stretching, he began dribbling.
[System Notification]
[System is active.]
[Training mode detected. Would you like to activate Virtual Reality Mode?]
Dirga raised an eyebrow. "Wait… Virtual Reality Mode? What's that?"
[Virtual Reality Mode allows you to train in simulated match conditions. You can practice passing, shooting, and even play against AI-generated opponents.]
His eyes sparkled. "That sounds awesome! Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?"
[User did not ask.]
Dirga sighed. "Fine. Let's activate it."
[Confirmed. Close-range shots must be taken inside the paint. Mid-range shots are outside the paint. For passing, virtual teammates will be generated.]
He nodded and got to work.
Layups, Close shots, Mid-range jumpers, Threes.Free throws, Dribbling drills, Virtual passing sequences.
Two hours passed in a flash.
"Huff… huff… this is hard… but I like it!" Dirga grinned, wiping sweat from his brow.
[Daily Quest Completed]
Free Throws: 100/100 (10%)
Close-Range Shots: 50/50 (30%)
Mid-Range Shots: 50/50 (20%)
Three-Point Shots: 20/20 (5%)
Layups: 50/50 (20%)
Dribbling: 120/100 mins
Passing: 100/100 (60%)
Rewards: Random Spin
[Spinning the Prize Wheel...][Congratulations! You've earned: Training Booster x1, Injury Booster x1]
Items Gained:
Training Booster x1
Injury Booster x1
[Passing exceeded 50%. Passive Skill Unlocked: Passing Instinct Lv.1]
Passing Instinct Lv.1 – Increases your instinct for passing by 10%.
Dirga's vision sharpened.He could feel passing lanes before they opened. Like he was seeing the future.
Then
Creak.
The gym doors opened.
A voice echoed through the hall."Hey… who are you?"
Dirga turned around, heart skipping a beat.
A new challenger had arrived.