Chapter 2: A Gifted Awakening

[Host: Ethan Walker

Age: 20

Height: 6'7" (201 cm)

Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)

Standing Vertical Jump: 21.5 inches (54.61 cm)

Running Vertical Jump: 27 inches (68.58 cm)

Wingspan: 7'2" (218.425 cm)

100m Sprint Time: 14 seconds

Endurance: 50

Skills: None]

Ethan frowned as he examined the glowing stat sheet in front of him.

"So, I really am stuck in this guy's body, huh?" he muttered to himself.

Physically, his new body was impressive compared to an average person, but for someone who dreamed of dominating on the basketball court? It was still a long way off.

Just as he was coming to terms with this realization, the system's voice echoed in his mind again.

[Ding! The system's beginner reward package has been prepared. Now delivering...]

Before he could even react, an intense surge of energy coursed through his body. His muscles tightened, his pulse quickened, and a strange warmth spread through every inch of him.

It was as if his body was being rebuilt in real time.

Although there were no visible external changes, Ethan could feel the transformation.

His strength. His speed. His overall physical ability—everything had been enhanced beyond what he had ever experienced before.

And then, the notification that changed everything appeared.

[Beginner reward package successfully delivered! Congratulations, Host, you have obtained the full-level talent and skills of Ryota Kise!]

Ethan's eyes widened.

Wait... What?

Even though he had been mentally preparing himself for something crazy, this was beyond anything he had expected.

The full abilities of Kise?

The same Ryota Kise from his favorite basketball anime? The one who could perfectly mimic any move he laid eyes on?

This had to be a dream.

To confirm, Ethan pinched his arm. Hard.

Pain shot through him.

Nope. Not a dream.

He took a deep breath, his excitement bubbling over. "Holy... This is insane."

Without hesitation, he snapped his fingers, testing his newfound reflexes.

Snap!

A crisp, powerful sound echoed in the quiet dorm room.

His body felt lighter. Faster. Stronger.

And then, just as suddenly, the stat panel reappeared, updating itself.

---

[Host: Ethan Walker

Age: 20

Height: 6'7" (201 cm)

Weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)

Standing Vertical Jump: 34 inches (86.61 cm)

Running Vertical Jump: 40 inches (100.58 cm)

Wingspan: 7'2" (218.425 cm)

100m Sprint Time: 10.5 seconds

Endurance: 85

Skills:

Impeccable Imitation (Can perfectly replicate any move seen and execute it at an elite level.)

ZONE Activation (Allows Host to enter a peak performance state for 30 seconds.)]

---

Ethan's jaw nearly hit the floor.

His vertical jump had skyrocketed. His sprint time had dramatically improved. His stamina had nearly doubled.

And the skills…

"Perfect imitation... and ZONE?" he whispered, his heart racing.

In reality, the ZONE was an ability that only a handful of NBA players had ever managed to tap into—a state of pure focus and peak athleticism.

And now, he had it.

This was more than just an upgrade.

This was a game-changer.

Even though he had never played basketball seriously before, his body and new abilities guaranteed that he could now learn at an insane speed.

If he wanted, he could even dominate other sports with these gifts.

But basketball was the goal.

And the system wasn't going to let him take his time.

[Ding! First mission unlocked: Join the University of Massachusetts basketball team and lead them to an NCAA Championship.

Completion Reward: Midorima's Full Talent and Skills!

Failure Penalty: All existing skills will be erased, and the host will start from scratch.]

Ethan clenched his fists.

So, this system came with both rewards and punishments.

That made things even more interesting.

For someone like him—who had barely touched basketball before—this task was a massive challenge.

But then again... hadn't the system just gifted him everything he needed?

He knew his previous self, back in 2020, would have hesitated. But now?

Now, he was ready.

If the system was giving him an opportunity to rewrite his destiny, there was no way in hell he was going to waste it.

The first step?

Learn the game. Fast.

That meant heading straight to the courts, watching players, and copying their moves.

Time to put this "Perfect Imitation" ability to the test.

No more hesitating.

As he left his dorm, Ethan was met with stares.

A tall, well-built guy like him was bound to attract attention, but now, there was something different in the way people looked at him.

The boldness in the eyes of passing girls didn't escape his notice either.

Some even walked up to him, casually asking for his number.

This had never happened to him before.

Still, Ethan politely turned them down, much to their disappointment.

Strangely, though, rejection seemed to make them even more interested in him.

"Guess being tall and good-looking really does make life easier," he muttered under his breath with a chuckle.

But he wasn't here for that.

Right now, his only focus was basketball.

As he made his way to the university's main basketball courts, the sound of a heated game caught his attention.

A big crowd had gathered.

At the center of the action, Ethan spotted a familiar figure.

Marcus Camby.

His roommate.

And from the way he was yelling and going at it on the court, it was clear—this was one of the toughest matchups happening right now.

Ethan grinned.

Perfect.

If he wanted to test his new abilities, this was the place to do it.

Without another thought, he stepped forward and walked straight toward the court, ready to make his move.