[System binding in progress...]
[10%...30%...70%...100%...]
[Binding successful!]
[Welcome to the "Dominator of the Basketball World" system, Host: Wu Dao.]
A series of incredibly clear, emotionless synthesized electronic voices, as if branded directly into the depths of his soul, yanked Wu Dao violently out of the despair and humiliation that were about to consume him!
Time seemed to get stuck in a viscous swamp, the movements of teammates, the bounce of the basketball, the shouts from the sidelines all turned into blurry background noise.
His consciousness was forcibly pulled into a strange space—an endless darkness, with only a high-tech, semi-transparent blue light screen hovering before him, emitting a soft and clear glow.
On the light screen, concise information was displayed:
Host: Wu Dao
Height: 208cm
Weight: 108kg
Position: Small Forward/Power Forward
Current Matchup Player: Antoine Jamison (Rating: B+)
Available Matchup Experience: 0
Below were several main option boxes: [Personal Attributes], [Skill Library], [Mission System], [Mirror Space], [System Store (Offline)].
"This... this is..." Wu Dao's mind went blank, the immense shock temporarily overriding his previous negative emotions. As a netizen from 2023, he was no stranger to the concept of a "system," but that was mere fantasy in novels and films! Now, this fantasy appeared before him so real!
Is it an illusion? Schizophrenia from too much pressure?
No! The texture of the light screen, the clarity of the electronic voice, and a mysterious feeling deep inside him, closely connected to this light screen, all told him—this is real!
Exhilaration surged through his soul like a tsunami! A way out of a desperate situation! A glimmer of hope! All words used to describe turning points were insufficient to express even one ten-thousandth of his current feelings!
"System... 'Dominator of the Basketball World'..." he murmured, his consciousness focusing on the light screen.
Almost instinctively, his consciousness touched the [Personal Attributes] option.
The content of the light screen changed, displaying detailed data:
[Basic Attributes]
Strength: 75/100 (NBA Rotation Level)
Speed: 78/100 (NBA Rotation Level)
Agility: 72/100 (NBA Rotation Level)
Jumping: 85/100 (NBA Starter Level)
Stamina: 70/100 (NBA Rotation Level)
Physical Recovery: 68/100 (Needs Improvement)
[Technical Attributes]
Close Shot: 65/100
Mid-Range Shot: 58/100
Three-Pointer: 45/100
Dribbling: 60/100
Passing: 55/100
Rebound (Offensive): 62/100
Rebound (Defensive): 70/100
Block: 68/100
Steal: 60/100
Defensive Awareness: 50/100 (Huge Weakness!)
Offensive Awareness: 48/100 (Huge Weakness!)
Stability: 40/100 (Highly Volatile)
[Mental Attributes]
Basketball IQ: 75/100 (Potential Advantage)
Willpower: 65/100
Clutch: 50/100
Leadership: 40/100
(Note: Attribute ratings are based on NBA averages, 60 is passing, 70 is solid rotation, 80 is starter level, 90 is All-Star level, 95+ is superstar level.)
The attribute panel intuitively reflected his current situation—excellent physical talent, especially jumping, reaching NBA starter level. Speed and strength were also at the rotation level.
But the technical attributes were universally poor, shooting and ball-handling were just barely passing, and defensive and offensive awareness were abysmal, perfectly explaining why he played like a sleepwalker.
Among the mental attributes, the Basketball IQ of 75 was a highlight, likely due to his past experience as a data analyst, but it couldn't be effectively translated into on-court performance. Willpower and clutch ability were also only at a passing level.
"Indeed... the problem isn't the body, but the technique and awareness, especially awareness!" Wu Dao suddenly understood.
Next, he clicked on the [Skill Library]. Most areas were grayed out as [Locked], with only two icons radiating a faint glow at the top:
[Deathly Grasp Lv1 (Activatable)]: Slightly improves lateral movement speed, reaction speed, and steal anticipation during perimeter one-on-one defense. Activation requires continuous consumption of a small amount of stamina.
[Paint Deterrence Lv1 (Activatable)]: When the host is guarding the paint, it slightly reduces opponents' shooting percentage in the paint and creates invisible psychological pressure on players attempting to drive to the basket. The effect is related to the host's defensive stance and blocking ability.
Simultaneously, a stream of information flowed into his mind: As a beginner's benefit, the system provided an additional one-time basic physical enhancement, which would take effect after exiting the system space.
Deathly Grasp! Paint Deterrence! And physical enhancement!
Wu Dao's heart pounded! Weren't these exactly the abilities he needed most right now?! Defense! Starting with defense!
Although it was only Lv1, this was a system skill! An ability that surpassed what could be achieved through conventional training!
"Ding——"
[Beginner Mission Issued: First Gleam of Brilliance]
[Mission Requirement: In this team scrimmage, successfully defend Antoine Jamison at least once (defined as: causing him to miss a shot, commit a turnover, or be stolen from/blocked while under the host's primary defense).]
[Mission Reward: Matchup Experience +100, [Deathly Grasp] proficiency slightly increased.]
[Failure Penalty: None. (But host, are you willing to accept it?)]
The last sentence, the taunt in the "failure penalty," with a hint of mechanical coldness, struck Wu Dao's deepest sense of humiliation and unwillingness like a needle.
Unwilling! Of course, I am unwilling!
Before, there was no hope, only passive acceptance of humiliation. But now, the key to turning the tables was in his hands!
Jamison! Rated B+? The team's leading scorer, right?
Wu Dao suddenly raised his head, his consciousness withdrawing from the system space. The slowed-down time flow outside instantly returned to normal.
"...Dao! Wu Dao! Get back on defense! What are you spacing out for!" Baron Davis's roar exploded in his ears.
He was still standing in the spot where Jamison had easily scored just moments ago. The white team was quickly inbounding the ball from the baseline, Ramon Sessions was dribbling and pushing forward. The score on the board a glaring number: White Team 26:14 Blue Team.
Everything seemed unchanged, except for Wu Dao himself.
His eyes were no longer lost and despairing, replaced by a sharp gaze mixed with extreme excitement, determination, and a hint of vengeful flame.
He could feel a warm current subtly flowing within his body, dispelling some of his fatigue, his muscle fibers seemed to be emitting an almost imperceptible hum, that was the basic physical enhancement taking effect!
"My turn... has begun." Wu Dao whispered, his voice hoarse but carrying unquestionable power. He took a deep breath, spread his legs, and ran back to defense with all his might! His steps seemed a bit lighter than before, and his breathing was smoother.
The white team's offense was still methodical. After a few passes, the ball found its way again to Antoine Jamison, who was positioned at the 45-degree angle on the wing. Jamison caught the ball, instinctively feeling the defense behind him with his back. Hmm? Did the pressure from this rookie's defense increase a bit compared to before? Was it an illusion? Or a death throe?
He didn't pay too much attention, still preparing to finish the play in his usual way. He dribbled, posted up, feeling Wu Dao's resistance, searching for his rhythm.
However, this time, Wu Dao's feeling was completely different!
Instantly as Jamison posted up, fragmented streams of information seemed to naturally surface in his mind—the angle of the opponent's force, subtle changes in center of gravity, even probability analysis of the next offensive move (though still fuzzy)! This was his high Basketball IQ of 75, under the system's invisible enhancement, beginning to combine with his own perception!
More importantly, with a thought—
[Deathly Grasp Lv1], activated!
A stream of cool energy seemed to flow instantly through his legs and nervous system. His lateral movement became more agile, his reaction speed seemed to have improved slightly, and his judgment of Jamison's dribbling rhythm became clearer!
Jamison felt a subtle difference. This rookie behind him was no longer a defenseless dummy that could be easily manipulated. His defense seemed... more "present"?
But this was not enough to make an experienced veteran falter. Jamison chose his most stable offensive method—backing down Wu Dao, half-turning towards the baseline, followed by a standard fadeaway jump shot! The movement was fluid, almost flawless.
Before, facing this move, Wu Dao would either be completely fooled or unable to interfere in time.
But this time, empowered by [Deathly Grasp Lv1], Wu Dao's reaction was a beat faster! He didn't fall for the pump fake. The moment Jamison jumped, he also leaped with all his might, relying on his top-tier jumping ability rated at 85, his 208cm height and long arms, to fully contest Jamison's shooting line!
His fingertips almost touched the rising basketball!
Jamison's eyes flashed with surprise, this rookie's jumping and reaction...? In his memory, the original Wu Dao didn't have such keen defensive instincts and such decisive jump timing.
"Clang——"
Perhaps the unexpected defensive interference had an effect, Jamison's seemingly foolproof fadeaway jumper hit the back rim and bounced out!
"Rebound!" JJ Hickson and the blue team's center, Samuels, roared and battled for position.
And Wu Dao, having successfully completed a valid defense, as he landed, clearly heard the pleasant notification sound in his mind:
"Ding—Successfully defended B+ rated player Antoine Jamison once, Matchup Experience +15!"
Success! Although he didn't get a direct block or steal, this defense was judged successful by the system!
A huge sense of accomplishment mixed with the thrill of revenge instantly engulfed Wu Dao! He clenched his fists tightly, feeling the slight sense of fulfillment from gaining 15 experience points.
This feeling... was amazing!
"Whoa! Nice defense, rookie!" Baron Davis was the first to rush over, patting Wu Dao's butt vigorously, a look of surprise and praise on his face. Although it was just one play, compared to his previous state of being easily dominated, it was like a world of difference!
On the sidelines, Coach Byron Scott, who had maintained a stern expression, slightly furrowed his brow, his gaze lingering on Wu Dao for two extra seconds.
Antoine Jamison looked at his hands, then at Wu Dao, whose eyes had completely changed, and for the first time, a hint of seriousness appeared on his face.
"Interesting..." he muttered to himself.
This Chinese kid... seems to have... changed a bit?
Wu Dao sensed the subtle shift in the atmosphere around him, felt the surging power within his body and the clear light screen in his mind, and an unprecedented confidence welled up.
The humiliation had not yet been washed away, and the score was still a deficit.
But, the roles of hunter and prey had quietly begun to shift from this moment on.
His path against the heavens officially began, from within these ruins of despair!