[SYSTEM ALERT]
Quest Complete: "Convince the Titan"
Objective: Win a 5v5 game against Rikuya Asano's team
Rewards: Rikuya's Approval, Synergy Vision LV.1, Random Draw
Huh? Synergy Vision?
That was supposed to be a reward from the recruitment quest. How did I get it now?
[Echo?]
[Yes, Host. You had not claimed the reward from the previous quest. Since both quests provide the same skill, it has now been granted as LV.1. When you complete the "Recruit 5 Members" quest, it will automatically upgrade to LV.2.]
So that's how it works. Dirga nodded to himself. At least this meant one thing—Synergy Vision would be the first skill he'd ever get to level up.
[What exactly is Synergy Vision, Echo?]
[At LV.1, Host can observe a player's attributes—but only one category : either skills or physical stats and will boost host skill in reading the game. LV.2 will unlock both options and futher boost the reading .]
Useful. Especially when building a team.
…
"You play really well for a first-year," said the sharp-eyed guy, casually spinning the ball between his hands. "So, are you joining the basketball team, Rikuya-senpai?"
Dirga turned toward the voice. That guy had been on his team during the 5v5. Sharp instincts, smooth movements, and solid mechanics. And he called Rikuya "senpai"—same school, then?
"I will," Rikuya finally replied, a rare grin tugging at his lips. "At least... it might be worth trying."
"First-year, huh? Name's Aizawa Haruto," the upperclassman said, offering a hand.
"Dirgantara Renji," Dirga replied, gripping it firmly.
"Me is Taiga Okabe-senpai!" Taiga jumped in with his usual explosive energy.
Dirga tilted his head slightly. Aizawa had a strong frame and standout instincts—but his ball-handling was still raw. Someone like that should already be in the club.
"Aizawa-senpai," Dirga asked, "why aren't you in the basketball club?"
"Hmm?" Aizawa shrugged. "I'm actually from the baseball club. Basketball's just a hobby."
[Echo, scan Aizawa-senpai's skill.]
[Echo Open]
• Name: Aizawa Haruto
• Height: 172 cm
• Weight: 68 kg
• Skills:
– Kinetic Coordination Lv.5 – Excellent motor control, useful across multiple sports
– Reflex Lv.4 – Fast reaction time in dynamic situations
– Spatial Instinct Lv.3 – Natural sense for space and positioning
– Dynamic Balance Lv.4 – Maintains control even at speed or through contact
– Explosive Base Lv.2 – Quick acceleration, especially in the first step
Dirga raised an eyebrow.
He's not even focused on basketball and he's already this good?
Aizawa might just be one of those rare athletes who could thrive in any sport.
Let's check on Taiga and Rikuya too.
[Echo Open]
• Name: Taiga Okabe
• Height: 176 cm
• Weight: 73 kg
• Skills:
– Raw Power Lv.2 – Strong body, useful for drives and physical play
– Rebound Instinct Lv.1 – Decent nose for the ball
– Hustle Drive Lv.1 – Never stops moving, always chasing plays
– Tunnel Vision Lv.1 – Focuses too much on scoring, forgets to pass
[Echo Open]
• Name: Rikuya Asano
• Height: 186 cm
• Weight: 82 kg
• Skills:
– Post Control Lv.8 – Dominates the post with footwork and precision
– Anchor Presence Lv.10 – A force in the paint, on both ends
– Basketball IQ Lv.4 – Strong game sense and decision-making
– Shot Timing Lv.6 – Exceptional timing on contests and blocks
– Rebound Lock Lv.4 – Boxes out with power and precision
…
So Aizawa-senpai is a multi-sport natural, the type who could walk into any sport and look good. But getting him to stay... that might be the real challenge.
Taiga's raw and untapped. Rikuya? A complete monster. No formal middle school experience, yet with that frame and skillset, it's no wonder he exploded on the national scene once he joined high school basketball.
"Aizawa-senpai, do you want to join our basketball club?" Dirga asked, trying to sound casual.
"Our school even has one?" Aizawa raised an eyebrow.
"A new one. Rikuya-senpai is one of the founding players."
Dirga knew exactly how to bait him. For someone like Aizawa, curiosity was the hook.
"Interesting," he finally said, a small grin forming. "I'll swing by your place tomorrow."
And just like that, he was gone.
Taiga, Dirga, and Rikuya remained at the court.
"You know Aizawa, right?" Dirga asked.
"Yeah," Rikuya said. "Talented. Every club wants him, but no one's been able to keep him."
"Because he doesn't stay long?"
"Exactly."
"Don't worry. I'll handle it. And Kaito-senpai will find a way too."
Rikuya looked at him and smirked. "I hope so. Things are getting interesting."
Taiga scratched his head as he watched the two of them talk. "What are you two even saying...? Anyway, it's great Aizawa-senpai's joining us!"
…
On his way home, Dirga suddenly remembered something.
[Echo, open the random draw.]
[Random Draw – Reward Acquired!]
– Fatigue Reducer ×1
– Super Booster ×1
Dirga stared blankly at the floating text.
"…That's it?"
A long sigh slipped past his lips.
"Well, I guess not every reward can be a jackpot."
He pocketed the boosters mentally. Even if they weren't flashy, they'd come in handy during tougher training days. Still, a rare skill or stat boost would've been nice.
Maybe next time.
[Echo, start the Post-Game Reflection.]
[System Notification]
5v5 Match Completed: Loss Recorded (21–19)
Official Match Registered. Post-Game Reflection System: Active.
Analyzing game data...
Analysis Complete.
[Post-Game Reflection Summary]
– Outcome: Narrow Loss
– Team Contribution: Excellent
– Leadership Influence: High
– Decision-Making: Above Average
– Physical Output: Intense
Rewards Gained:
• +20 Playmaking
• +30 Physical
"Still improving," Dirga whispered.
Even in defeat, progress was progress. The physical gains made sense—he had pushed himself hard, especially during that last scramble for the ball. And playmaking? It was his bread and butter, sharpened further through real-game pressure.
The road was long, but the signs were clear.
He wasn't alone anymore.
And the team… was beginning to form.