Chapter 3: A New Beginning on the Court

Bang!

Before Ethan even reached the court, the loud impact of a palm meeting the basketball echoed through the air. The force behind the sound was undeniable—it had to be a perfect block.

Sure enough, at the center of the court, Marcus Camby stood with a smug grin on his face, towering over his opponent. The unfortunate victim of the block, James Martin, scowled in frustration.

"Hey kid, your layup is way too soft! That's not the kind of competition I'm looking for," Camby taunted, his deep voice carrying across the court.

The crowd erupted in cheers. Trash talk was just as much a part of the game as the plays themselves.

"Man, it's just one block!" Martin shot back, trying to save face. "Next time, you're not getting that on me!"

Though he was frustrated, his confidence remained intact. Basketball wasn't just about skill—it was about mentality. Even if you got beaten, you never let your opponent see weakness.

Ethan stood off to the side, quietly observing the action.

He wasn't here just to watch, though. With his Perfect Imitation ability, every second spent studying players in action was an opportunity to learn.

Bang!

Another round, another block. Camby swatted the ball out of the air again, leaving Martin completely stunned.

Damn.

Ethan had always known Camby was a force on defense, but seeing it up close was something else. His combination of athleticism, basketball IQ, and timing made him an absolute menace in the paint.

The only reason the game was still competitive was because the other team had a sharp-shooting white guard who kept draining deep threes. Otherwise, Camby's team would have already dominated.

Ethan took a deep breath.

This was it. Time to make a move.

"Hey, man," he called out to one of the players on the sideline. "Mind if I borrow a ball?"

The guy looked up and shrugged. "Sure, go ahead. Knock yourself out."

Ethan caught the ball with ease and stepped into an open area of the court.

With Perfect Imitation, every skill he saw could become his own. And right now, his target was the quick-handed guard wearing the No. 6 jersey.

The guy's ball-handling was silky smooth, his dribbling rhythm almost hypnotic. Ethan had never been great with a basketball before today, but now?

Now, he could copy it.

Bang!

The ball bounced rhythmically under his control.

Bang bang, bang bang!

The sound became sharper, crisper—his hands moving faster with every bounce.

Crossovers.

Between-the-legs dribbles.

Behind-the-back moves.

At first, he fumbled a little, his body adjusting to the new techniques. But after just an hour, his control over the ball had transformed. He wasn't just dribbling—he was commanding the basketball.

It was almost unnatural how quickly he had picked it up.

What the hell?

Ethan himself was in shock. He had known Perfect Imitation was an insane ability, but this?

This was ridiculous.

Just hours ago, he couldn't even properly hold a basketball. Now he was moving like a seasoned player.

It wasn't just copying movements—his body was adjusting instantly, optimizing every motion.

His progress was simply terrifying.

"Hey, Ethan!"

A familiar voice broke him out of his thoughts.

Ethan looked up to see Marcus Camby jogging toward him, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement.

"I thought I was seeing things, man. But it's really you?" Camby laughed, shaking his head. "I didn't think you'd ever touch a basketball in your life!"

Ethan scratched his head sheepishly. "To be honest… basketball looks kinda fun."

Camby's eyes widened. "Whoa, whoa, what?!"

The big man clutched his chest in mock disbelief. "Am I dreaming? You—Ethan Walker—are actually interested in basketball?"

Ethan grinned. "Yeah, I guess you could say that."

Camby slapped a hand on Ethan's shoulder, shaking his head. "Man, I can't believe it. We've been roommates all this time, and you never once wanted to play. But now, out of nowhere, you're out here dribbling like you know what you're doing?"

He narrowed his eyes. "You sure you weren't hiding some skills from me this whole time?"

Ethan shrugged, keeping his expression neutral. "Maybe I just never tried before."

He wasn't about to explain that he had literally learned everything in the past hour. That was a little too crazy to admit out loud.

Camby studied him for a moment, then shook his head with a grin. "Well, whatever it is, I'm just happy to see you out here, man. It's about time! The only difference between us was basketball—but now we can actually hoop together!"

Ethan smirked. "Yeah… about that."

He spun the basketball in his hands, feeling completely at ease with it.

"Camby, let me know when your next game is. I want in."

Camby's eyebrows shot up. "Oh? You serious?"

Ethan nodded.

For all his rapid improvement, the only way to truly master the game was through real competition. Practicing on the sidelines wasn't enough—he needed to get in the game.

Camby clapped a hand on Ethan's shoulder. "Hell yeah, bro! If you're serious, then you're playing with me tomorrow."

"Sounds good to me."

Grinning, Camby walked with Ethan toward the exit, but then, his smirk turned mischievous.

"By the way…" he said, lowering his voice. "You know that girl Christie Carey from our class? She's been into you for months, man. You should bring her out tonight."

Ethan chuckled. "Oh yeah? What about Monroe Scott? You've been eyeing her, right?"

Camby suddenly blushed, clearing his throat. "I mean… I don't have a preference…"

Ethan laughed, shaking his head. "Don't worry, bro. I got you."

With that, the two walked off, the sounds of the court fading behind them.

Tomorrow, Ethan was stepping into the game for the first time.

And he was ready to dominate.