44 Rematch
*Sound Effects*
**Language**
'Thoughts'
"Dialogue"
(Point of View)
| Setting |
[System]
| Location: Practice Facility, San Antonio, Texas |
| Date: Monday Nov 28, 2005 4:20 am |
(1st Person - Javi)
*Squeak*
*thump* *thump* *thump*
.
.
.
*Swish*
I watched as the ball sailed into the net with ease.
'I still can't believe this' I thought in disbelief at the progress I had already made in just under the first month since I've been in the league. My stats had increased, but more importantly, my comprehension of the game grew immensely in just this month.
I opened up the system as time stopped.
[Finishing: 86]
[Shooting: 85]
[Playmaking: 85]
[Defense: 79 -> 80]
[Physical: 83 -> 84]
[Overall: 83 -> 84]
[Status: Normal]
Next, I checked on my packs, almost drooling at the thought of opening them, but I held myself back again.
[1x Bulls Pack]
[1x Garry Payton (Uncommon+)]
[1x Bob Cousy (Uncommon+)]
[1x Oscar Robertson (Uncommon+)]
[1x Isiah Thomas (Uncommon+)]
[1x Jason Kidd (Rare+)]
[1x Reggie Miller (Rare+)]
[1x Yao Ming (Rare+)]
[1x Heat Pack (Rare+)]
[1x Nuggets Pack (Rare+)]
[1x Cavaliers Pack (Rare+)]
[1x Bobcats Pack (Rare+)]
[1x Bulls Pack (Rare+)]
[1x Celtics Pack (Rare+)]
[1x Wizards Pack (Rare+)]
[1x Hawks Pack (Rare+)]
[1x Rockets Pack (Rare+)]
[1x Kings Pack (Rare+)]
[1x Warriors Pack (Rare+)]
[1x Lakers Pack (Rare+)]
[1x Penny Hardaway (Epic+)]
[1x Playmaker's Pack (Epic+)]
[1x Boardmaster's Pack (Epic+)]
[1x Pickpocketer's Pack (Epic+)]
[1x Shotblocker's Pack (Epic+)]
[1x Scorer's Pack (Epic+)]
[1x Walt Frazier Pack (Epic+)]
[1x Random Pack (Legendary+)]
I then made my way to the shop, I had already amassed [2.68M] Gold. Finally, I checked my weekly's, we had just come off a 4 day break as we had been on the road constantly the entire month, I could see it on some of the guys the wear and tear, however, I felt nothing.
The guys would sometimes joke around about how I was a robot as even on back-to-back games, I was at 100% whilst everyone else was around 80%.
I just joked and said it was good genes, but I knew it was really Kobe's passive that came in clutch for me.
Exiting the window, I proceeded with my daily quests, which had become routine by now. I was grateful that the daily quests forced me to lift weights; otherwise, I'd avoid them like the plague.
My strength that used to be my lowest stat under 'Physical' is now much higher going from '40' to '80'. It made sense though since I never liked to touch weights but the daily quests forced me to do it. Additionally, I was never sore when I woke up the next day so I was able to quickly gain strength without having to wait for my body to heal.
However it was still not easy. It wasn't the pain that deterred me from lifting, as I no longer needed to worry about that. It was simply the monotony. However, I recently discovered podcasts, which made the routine more bearable. I found interest in "Weekly Tech," a podcast discussing the latest technologies.
As I continued putting up shots, I couldn't help but smile at the new form of entertainment I had discovered.
It was through this podcast that I learned about a new website called "You Tune," where people could tune into videos from creators on the platform. It introduced me to a new avenue of entertainment in my off-time, and I found myself laughing while watching "Smush," who made comedy videos.
This got me thinking, 'What if I started a channel?' However, I dismissed the thought, knowing nothing about recording and editing videos.
My thoughts were interrupted by a sound from behind me. I turned around with a smirk.
"It's about damn time" I said while looking at Kobe who was smiling as he made his way in with sweats on.
"I don't get why you want to lose this bad" he teased with a smirk.
I returned his smile, my tone confident. "I don't plan on losing like last time," I asserted as I prepared myself for the challenge ahead.
Similarly to last time, Kobe didn't warm-up, heading straight to the court and allowing me to start with the ball in hand.
As I looked at him, my demeanor shifted, the lightheartedness giving way to a steely resolve as I fully embraced the 'Mamba Mentality.'
'Here goes nothing,' I thought, feeling the surroundings darken around me until it was just Kobe, the court, and me.
But just as I was about to make my move, a screen materialized in front of my eyes, freezing time.
[Legend's Challenge -
Defeat Kobe in a 1v1 game.
Difficulty: SSS+++
Reward: Kobe Bryant card (Mythic+)
Penalty: System Deactivation (1 day)
Accept: Y/N?]
"What the..." I muttered, perplexed by the unexpected interruption. Scrutinizing the prompt, I couldn't help but furrow my brow at the ominous penalty. What would system deactivation entail? I hoped it wouldn't lock my abilities.
Despite the uncertainty, I resolved to accept the challenge. Beating Kobe would be no easy feat, but I refused to back down. Weakness had no place in greatness. With a determined nod, I accepted the quest, a countdown timer materializing before time would resume.
[10]
[9]
[8]
'Worst comes to worst, I'll at least know what it's like without the system,' I mused, feeling a pang of doubt that had lingered within me finally surface.
'What am I without the system?'
[3]
[2]
[1]
As time resumed, I locked in, ready to attempt the impossible.
I initiated the game with a fake three-point shot, but Kobe didn't take the bait. Undeterred, I rose for the jumper, the ball swishing through the net.
2-0.
With Kobe's silent acknowledgment, determination surged through me once more. I attempted the same move, but Kobe's swift adjustment thwarted shot attempt.
In that split second, I used his movement to pivot sharply, slipping past his hip with a burst of speed. With Kobe trailing behind, I saw my chance to go for the layup. However, his towering presence and lightning reflexes led to a thunderous block against the backboard, echoing through the gym.
'Damn!' I cursed inwardly, immediately shifting my focus to defense.
'He baited me,' I realized, acknowledging Kobe's strategy to lure me into the layup attempt.
"Almost," Kobe's voice resonated as he tossed the ball for a check-up. Passing it back, I braced myself for his triple threat stance, knowing his physical advantage would be tough to overcome.
The game continued, Kobe hitting shot after shot, increasing the score to 2-10 with his mid-range prowess. Despite tightening my defense, his dominance remained unchallenged, his height and athleticism making it difficult to contest.
Yet, my opportunity arose as one of his shots bounced off the rim. Chasing the rebound, I dribbled back beyond the three-point line. With Kobe closing in, I faked left, crossed over right, and sped past him, finishing with a floater.
The momentum shifted as I continued to match Kobe shot for shot, narrowing the score to 8-10. Utilizing a fake drive, I pulled back for a crucial three-pointer, tying the game at 10-10.
Kobe's demeanor shifted, his silence signaling heightened focus. Sensing his intensity, my competitiveness surged. I executed a fake, causing Kobe to lunge forward, then accelerated past him for a reverse layup, seizing the lead at 11-10.
Passing the ball to Kobe, I braced myself for the battle ahead, knowing that victory was within reach.
He tossed the ball back as he got in a low defensive position.
As soon as the ball reached my hand, I bolted to the right, aiming to catch Kobe off guard with a quick drive. Yet, his anticipation was uncanny; he met me head-on, forcing me to rethink my strategy. Quickly pivoting, I attempted to switch direction, driving left this time. With a deceptive fake to the right, I managed to create a sliver of space, but before I could capitalize on the opening, Kobe's imposing figure loomed over me.
In a lightning-quick motion, he swatted the ball from my hand, the force of his block knocking it away before I could recover. With a deft move, Kobe regained possession.
'Shit' I exclaimed mentally as I got on defense quickly.
Kobe received the ball with a steely determination, his gaze locked on me as he prepared to make his move. Anticipating his next move, I tightened my defense, ready to meet the challenge head-on.
As Kobe dribbled, his movements were deliberate, calculated. With each step, he seemed to size me up, probing for weaknesses in my defense. I mirrored his movements, staying low and agile, refusing to give him an inch of space.
Suddenly, Kobe executed a series of lightning-fast size-up dribbles, his ball-handling skills mesmerizing. For a moment, I found myself caught off guard, but I quickly regained my focus, determined not to be outmaneuvered.
With a sudden burst of speed, Kobe made his move, driving towards the basket with undeniable force. Reacting instinctively, I moved to intercept him, rising to contest the shot.
But just as I thought I had him contained, Kobe unleashed a jaw-dropping spin move, leaving me momentarily flat-footed. Before I could react, he rose up for a pull-up jumper, his form flawless.
I leaped with all my might, extending my arm in a desperate attempt to block the shot. But it was too late. With lightning speed, Kobe released the ball, his shot soaring towards the basket.
The ball soared into the net, barely touching the net as it fell perfectly in between the hoop.
Kobe continued to show off his footwork, always leaving me unable to jump as he was able to get me on the flat of my feet just as he rose up for a shot. It felt like my feet were stuck to the ground whenever I was guarding against him.
This feeling was unfamiliar, unlike anything I had experienced in our previous encounters.
'He probably took it easy on me before,' I thought, realizing the extent of Kobe's capabilities.
Despite my best efforts, the score steadily climbed to 19-10 in Kobe's favor. Remarkably, throughout the entire game, Kobe hadn't attempted a single shot from beyond the arc, capitalizing on every opportunity in the paint.
"You won't shoot" I taunted him as he received the ball.
To my surprise, Kobe's response was swift and decisive. With a perplexed look, he calmly rose up from the three-point line and effortlessly sank the shot, sealing his victory with a flourish.
The court fell silent as the quest notification reappeared.
[Quest Failed]
[Penalty: System Deactivation (1 day)]
[3]
[2]
[1]
As the timer reached zero and the world resumed its normal pace, I attempted to reactivate the system, but to no avail. Despite the setback, I couldn't discern any immediate impact on my skills; the 'Mamba Mentality' passive still seemed to function as usual.
'Fuck' I thought, grappling with the disappointment of falling short once again. I really believed with the current skills and my improved stats that I'd at least have a chance.
'If only I had more skills,' I thought, the weight of missed opportunities weighing heavily on my mind.
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A/N: This information is based on NBA stories, it is widely known that Kobe is considered the GOAT to some players as to them he was like an average shooting guard, he didn't have a crazy vertical like Jordan and he also didn't have incredibly big hands like Jordan either.
Also, Pack opening coming up soon! Let me know some skills you'd like to see and what rarity you'd think they would be at. These skills can involve passing, defending, possibly support skills as well such as an aoe buff to his teammates and many more!
