Chapter 9: The System Store

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing Mainline Mission 2: Entering Kanagawa. Mission Reward: 1500 SD Points, one Tactical Training Scroll (Advanced)."

Tactical Training Scroll (Advanced): Using this item will triple the effectiveness of the host team's tactical training within one month. (PS: Assuming the original training effect without the scroll is 1, the team's training effect after using this advanced scroll will be 1 + 3 x 1 = 4. Similarly, the training effect of a beginner's scroll is 2, and an intermediate scroll is 3.)

"Ding! As the host has now successfully completed the mission for the first time and has SD Points, the System Store is now officially open."

"I didn't expect this SD System to have such goodies. It seems like this system has some use after all," Kudo thought happily after seeing the effects of the Tactical Training Scroll (Advanced). "With this, it'll be easier to improve the team's strength!"

"Ding! Mainline Mission Three is released based on the host's current situation."

Mainline Mission Three: The Chairman's Request

Mission Description: Although the host has joined the Shoyo Basketball Team, a powerhouse in Kanagawa, the host's position is not stable. To successfully coach the Shoyo Basketball Team without being ousted, the host must fulfill the chairman's request: lead the Shoyo Basketball Team to the National Championships within two years. Failure will result in the host leaving the team.

Mission Reward: Unknown

Mission Punishment: Unknown

PS: If this mission fails and the host leaves Shoyo, and is unable to coach a Kanagawa High School Basketball Team when the plot year arrives, Mainline Mission Two will be considered a failure, and the punishment will be aggravated.

"Is that so?" After reading the newly emerged main quest and its requirements, Kudo resolved in his mind, "I will never fail!"

Outside the Chairman's Office

"Mr. Kudo, what's wrong with you? Your face keeps changing," Ms. Gamiya said cautiously, noticing Kudo's fluctuating expressions as he stood outside the chairman's office. "If you didn't get the job, please don't be discouraged. You're still young and have plenty of opportunities!"

"........." Kudo -_ -#.

Hearing Yoshie Gamiya's words, Kudo realized he was still standing in front of the chairman's office door and had lost his composure in front of others. Embarrassed, he scratched his head and explained, "Ms. Gamiya, I'm really sorry, and thank you for your concern. I was just so happy about being accepted by Chairman Sasaki that I got a little carried away. Please forgive me!" He bowed apologetically.

"Oh! That's okay," Gamiya said, her expression softening. "Congratulations, Mr. Kudo. We'll be coworkers from now on." She extended her right hand with a warm smile.

Kudo shook her hand firmly and said sincerely, "Ms. Gamiya, thank you very much! I look forward to working with you."

"Likewise! Please guide me more in the future as well," Gamiya replied cheerfully.

"I'll take my leave now," Kudo said.

"See you later!" Gamiya waved.

"Bye!" Kudo replied before hurrying away.

On the Way Home

Kudo resisted the urge to check the System Store again while on the road, fearing he might make another scene. Once he arrived home, he rushed to his room and eagerly opened the System Store.

The store was divided into two categories: Potions and Training Scrolls. Both categories had three grades: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. However, only one item of the same type could be used within the same time period. For example, if Kudo had two Advanced Tactical Training Scrolls and one Beginner Tactical Training Scroll, he could only use one of them at a time. However, training scrolls with different effects could be used simultaneously.

Body Growth Potions enhanced a player's physical attributes, such as height, weight, jumping ability, strength, and explosiveness. The effects lasted for three months. There were also Healing Potions to recover from injuries, which were essential for basketball players. Healing Potions had no time limit, meaning multiple potions could be used simultaneously. However, the healing effect of two Beginner Potions was inferior to one Intermediate Potion, and two Intermediate Potions were less effective than one Advanced Potion.

Training Scrolls were divided into Individual and Team training scrolls. Individual Training Scrolls enhanced the training effectiveness of specific basketball skills, such as three-point shooting, hook shots, and stamina. Team Training Scrolls improved the team's overall coordination, tactical understanding, and execution.

However, these items weren't cheap. The prices were as follows:

Body Growth Potions: Beginner (300 SD Points), Intermediate (600 SD Points), Advanced (1200 SD Points).

Healing Potions: Beginner (500 SD Points), Intermediate (1000 SD Points), Advanced (1500 SD Points).

Individual Training Scrolls: Beginner (200 SD Points), Intermediate (400 SD Points), Advanced (600 SD Points).

Team Training Scrolls: Beginner (300 SD Points), Intermediate (600 SD Points), Advanced (900 SD Points).

"Wow, these items are amazing, but how do I earn more SD Points? Can I only get them by completing missions?" Kudo asked the system in his mind.

"In addition to completing missions, the host can earn SD Points through the victories of the team he coaches and the honors achieved by the players under his guidance."

"I see," Kudo thought. "That's manageable. However, there are only a few high school basketball tournaments each year. Since Shoyo is one of the top four teams, they skip the first four rounds of the prefectural tournament and start from the quarterfinals. That means Shoyo only plays about eight matches a year if they don't make it to the national tournament. Winning all of them wouldn't earn me much... unless we go to nationals!"

Kudo asked, "System, do I get SD Points for winning practice matches?"

"You cannot earn SD Points from your own team's practice matches, regardless of the outcome. However, you can earn SD Points by winning practice matches against other teams, though the rewards are significantly less than those from official matches."

Kudo smiled. "That's fine! Even a small amount of SD Points from practice matches is better than nothing. It looks like we'll need to schedule more practice matches in the future. The opponents shouldn't be too strong, though. Right now, in the Kanagawa high school basketball scene, only Hainan and Musashi can challenge Shoyo."

With that, Kudo Shinichi began formulating his training plan for Shoyo and strategizing how to maximize his SD Points.