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~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~
~~~(Date: October 22nd, 2026)~~~
~~~(Location: Madison Square Garden, New York)~~~
~~~(Time: 5:21 PM)~~~
We walk back out onto the court, and we're approaching 8 minutes left in the third quarter. The Bulls start their possession and bring the ball down the court. Kostos is trying to get free from me, but I'm keeping with him. Much to his annoyance.
The Bulls pass the ball around and use some good screens to get an open look. Knocking down a 2-pointer at the elbow and making the score 70 to 57 in their favor.
I'm inbounded the ball to start our possession, and I bring it down the court. The Mission I got said I'd be getting flagrantly fouled this quarter but didn't say when. So, I'll just have to play like usual until it does happen. Nothing I can do about it.
Instead of letting the double team get set up, I dart forward in a burst of speed and crossover my defender. Getting free and elevating for a leaning shot on the wing. I let go, and the ball sinks into the net. Getting a quick 3-pointer.
Making the score 70 to 60 in their favor. The score is now within 10 points, and the crowd is screaming at the brilliant move I displayed. The faces of the Bulls players are showing what's to come this quarter.
They bring the ball down the court, and I'm guarding Zach this possession. The ball is passed to him, but I pick it off in the lane. Brunson is already running up the court, and I full court pass it to him. He gets a hard slam dunk.
The score has quickly closed. Now it's 70 to 62 in their favor. We're only 8 points down now. The Bulls start their possession, and they're able to get a dunk from Kostos.
Widening the score back to 10 points. A little more than a minute has passed, and I'm bringing the ball down the court again. I immediately pass it to Barrett.
Jericho and Robinson screen my defender, and I'm given the ball back. Taking a shot behind the 3-point line and knocking it down.
Making the score 72 to 65, and we're closing in fast.
After the Bull's failed next possession, that's when everything interesting this quarter starts. I'm bringing the ball down the court, and as I split the double team and head for the basket with a dunk. I elevate, and before I can get halfway, I'm pushed by Kostos and pulled down by Lonzo.
I hit the ground hard, and the ball is picked up by the Bulls. Sending it down the court. I lay on the ground for a second, and on schedule, the whistle never comes. The Bulls score a quick 2-pointer.
I stand up and head to my teammates as their about to start something with the Bulls. Tom quickly calls a timeout and immediately heads for the refs. Right now, I need to calm down my teammates. I'm able to wrangle them.
We're at the bench now, and taking a break. I have some staff members checking my head, but it's them doing it. I didn't say I wanted it checked. I'm not hurt. The system pops up, and I see the Mission for this quarter.
[Mess With The Bull...][Complete]
[Details: The Bulls Players are angry and looking to bring the game under their control again. By any means necessary. You're going to be flagrantly fouled this quarter. And the refs aren't going to call it.]
[Objective 1: When the foul occurs, control your teammates, so no one gets ejected.][Complete]
[Objective 2: Since the refs won't call the foul, you'll be forced to show everyone that you can take it.][Complete
[Objective 3: Don't bitch about it when the foul occurs.][Complete]
[Rewards: New badge]
[Failure: You must complete all 3 objectives to earn the reward. If you fail to complete all 3 objectives, you'll be removed from the game by the coaching staff out of fear of possible injury when the game continues.]
My eyes are locked on the information about the New Badge I've gotten, and it's one that I didn't think existed. Mainly cause I never considered it.
[Focused Hatred]
And as I read its description, I can't help smiling. This will come in handy.
[A/N: Yes, I intentionally left out the description for the next chapter.]