First Test
Jack Turner arrived at the ballpark early, the morning sun casting long shadows over the freshly cut grass. The air was crisp, filled with the promise of another day of baseball. As he walked towards the dugout, the usual pre-game nerves buzzed at the back of his mind, but today, they were overshadowed by the surreal reality of the system now embedded in his vision.
The ballpark was mostly empty except for the grounds crew making their final touches and a few early birds jogging the outfield. Jack dropped his bag into the dugout and headed to the bullpen, his cleats crunching on the gravel path. The stats and figures flickered in the corner of his vision, a constant reminder of the strange new world he was navigating.
Coach Ramirez spotted him as he approached. "Turner! You're up early. Eager to throw, huh?" the coach remarked with a grin.
"Yeah, Coach. Just want to get a good session in," Jack replied, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of thoughts.
The bullpen session was crucial. It was not just about warming up or refining his pitch today; it was about testing the limits of this mysterious system under the watchful eyes of his coach and teammates. Jack took his place on the mound, the catcher gave the sign, and the first pitch was called—a fastball.
As he wound up, the overlay activated, displaying the ideal release point and velocity. Jack followed the guidance, releasing the ball smoothly. It rocketed towards the plate, hitting the catcher's mitt with a satisfying pop that echoed slightly in the early morning air. The catcher looked up, surprised by the pitch's precision and speed.
"Nice heat, Turner! Keep that up!" Coach Ramirez shouted, clapping his hands.
Encouraged, Jack continued, the system guiding him through different pitches—changeups, sliders, curveballs. Each pitch was better than he'd ever thrown before. The system's suggestions were subtle but effective, enhancing his natural skill without making it obvious that something was amiss. With each successful throw, his confidence in the system grew, but so did his anxiety about its mysterious origins and potential consequences.
Halfway through the session, Coach Ramirez stepped into the batter's box. The system presented its first real-time challenge: Strike out Coach Ramirez with three pitches. The reward was a boost in pitch accuracy. Jack hesitated, glancing around to ensure no one was paying too close attention. He nodded to himself, accepting the challenge silently.
The first pitch, a curveball, cut through the air, curving just as it reached the plate and catching the batter off guard—strike one. The second, a slider, veered away sharply, tempting the batter into a clumsy swing—strike two. With the third pitch, Jack chose a fastball, placed perfectly on the outside corner. The batter swung late—strike three.
"Damn, Turner, you're on fire today!" the catcher exclaimed, sending the ball back.
Coach Ramirez approached, a curious look on his face. "What got into you today, Jack? You're pitching like a major leaguer."
"Just feeling good, Coach," Jack managed to say, hoping his smile looked more confident than he felt.
As the session wrapped up, Jack's mind was a mix of triumph and turmoil. He had passed the first test with flying colors, the system proving its worth beyond doubt. Yet, with each pitch, the weight of his secret grew heavier. How long could he keep this up? What would happen if anyone found out?
Walking back to the dugout, Jack knew that this was just the beginning.