The park behind Rudra's apartment didn't look like a training ground.
It was uneven.
The grass was patchy.
Two rusted goalposts leaned like tired old men.
But to Rudra—
It was perfect.
Early morning sunlight filtered through neem trees as he began his warm-up laps. A few uncles walked briskly, discussing politics. A dog slept near the boundary wall, unmoved by ambition.
Rudra stretched his shoulders, rotated his wrists, then picked up the tennis ball.
No academy.
No coach.
Just intent.
🧠 SYSTEM QUEST UPDATE
Active Quest: The First Professional Goal
Objective: Demonstrate repeatable, measurable performance under observation
Conditions:
• Non-random success
• Skill application, not luck
• External validation required
Reward:
+2 All Physical Stats
Unlock: [Professional Athlete Path — Phase 1]
He marked a rough crease with chalk.
Six balls.
Same spot.
Same target.
The first delivery landed short.
The second drifted wide.
Rudra adjusted.
Micro-corrections.
Grip.
Wrist angle.
Release point.
By the fourth ball, the bounce stabilized.
SYSTEM FEEDBACK (LIVE)
Bowling – Control: +0.4
Reflex Calibration: Active
Sync Rate: Improving (Body-Soul Desync 85% ➝ 82%)
A voice broke the rhythm.
"Spinner?"
Rudra turned.
A man stood near the park gate, tracksuit slightly faded, whistle hanging loose around his neck. Mid-forties. Calm eyes.
A coach.
"Yes, sir," Rudra replied.
The man nodded. "Again."
Rudra bowled.
This time, the ball pitched on a perfect length, dipped slightly, and kissed the imaginary off stump.
The coach's eyebrow lifted.
"Name?" he asked.
"Rudra Sharma."
"Age?"
"Twelve."
The man exhaled slowly. "Too young to lie that confidently."
Rudra smiled—small, respectful.
🧠 SYSTEM PROMPT
Observation Check: External Evaluator Detected
Opportunity Tier: Medium-High
Advice: Do not overperform. Consistency > Flash.
The coach rolled the ball back.
"Bat."
Rudra picked up his plastic bat.
The coach bowled—gentle, testing.
Rudra defended.
Solid.
Still.
No flourish.
Again.
A slight opening.
Rudra drove.
Clean. Along the ground.
The coach blew his whistle softly.
"You play like you've been corrected already," he said. "Most kids need to fail first."
Rudra met his gaze.
"I don't like wasting attempts."
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION
Quest Condition Met: External Validation Achieved
Skill Triggered: Batting – Technical (Controlled Execution)
Reward Granted:
• Physical Strength +1
• Stamina +1
• Reflexes +1
• Batting – Tech XP Surge
New Title Unlocked:
🏏 Aspiring Professional
The coach scribbled something on a small notepad.
"Come to this address tomorrow," he said, tearing off a slip. "Zonal trials are coming. You're not ready."
Rudra blinked.
The coach smirked. "But you're closer than you think."
That night, Rudra placed the slip carefully inside his notebook.
Not under dreams.
Under plans.
🧠 INTERNAL MONOLOGUE
In my last life, my first professional goal was profit.
This time—
It's proof.
The system interface faded softly.
Outside, the park lights flickered on.
Tomorrow—
The grind would have a direction.