Chapter 3

The street game ended, but the impact still lingered in the air. The court was silent, except for the heavy breathing of the players. Everyone was stunned, watching Brian with a mix of disbelief and fascination. He didn't even look sweaty; his muscles still tense and ready for more. For him, that had been just a quick workout, a display of what was to come.

He looked back, seeing the players arguing amongst themselves, probably trying to comprehend what they had just witnessed. Their gazes ranged from distrust to amazement. Brian, however, didn't care about any of it. He knew the real test would come later. He was just beginning to show his power, and no one was truly prepared for what he could do.

With firm steps, he walked away from the court. There was no emotion on his face, only the immense confidence of someone who knew exactly what they were capable of. His eyes were fixed on the horizon, not focused on anything in particular, but with unwavering determination. The world would be his. And he knew it.

He was back, and this time, no one was going to stand in his way.

The city at night had a unique charm. The streetlights lit the path, and the sound of the wind between the trees created a soft melody. But none of that mattered to Brian. He was completely immersed in his own thoughts. It didn't matter where he was, or what was going on around him. His body was perfect, his talent absolute, and he had one mission: to dominate everything that came his way.

As he walked, a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Hey, kid!" the voice was firm and direct, coming from a man standing in the middle of the sidewalk.

Brian turned with mild curiosity. The man was dressed simply, but his posture and gaze indicated that he wasn't just another random person on the street. He seemed like someone accustomed to observing and analyzing everything around him. The man's gaze was fixed on Brian, studying him carefully.

"That was impressive," the man said with a skeptical expression. "But have you ever played organized basketball before, or was that your first time? Because, sorry, it doesn't look like you just started. I saw what you did on the court. That move isn't something an amateur would pull off."

Brian wasn't surprised. Scouts like that were common, and it was obvious that he had been noticed. But even with the direct approach, Brian wasn't intimidated in the slightest. He knew his potential. He knew what he was capable of. He looked at the man with an arrogant smile on his face.

"I started today," he said without hesitation, his tone challenging. "But I'm not like the others. That was just the beginning. You'll see more, if you want."

The scout kept his gaze fixed on him, as if trying to figure out whether Brian was just boasting or actually believed his own words. The man took a step forward, staring at Brian more intently, evaluating every movement he made.

"Sorry, kid," the scout replied skeptically. "I've seen a lot of guys who think they're good, but you seem like someone who's only doing this for fun. It's not possible that you started today and did that. The skills you showed are from someone with years of experience. Either you're an absurd natural talent, or you're lying to me. I don't know what to think right now."

Brian shrugged, defiant, not caring about the man's disbelief. He didn't need to prove anything to anyone. His talent would speak for itself. He wasn't like the others. He wasn't just another player playing for fun. He had a purpose, and everyone who crossed his path would soon understand that.

"If you think it's luck, just wait and see what else I'm capable of," Brian replied with an arrogant grin.

The scout remained silent for a moment, still skeptical, but with a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes. Finally, he spoke again, his voice lower, as if pondering the situation.

"My name's Carter," he said, his tone more serious. "I'm a scout for some top-level teams. Tomorrow, there's a private tryout, just for the best high school prospects. Only those with real potential will be chosen. It's going to be brutal. It'll test you to your limits. If you're really good, your name will spread fast. But if you're lying, it'll just be another disappointment. It won't be easy."

Brian looked at him with an impassive expression. He didn't care about the challenge. He was ready to show what he was capable of. The world he had known so far was nothing compared to what he was about to face, and he wasn't afraid. Nothing could stop him.

"Give me the address," Brian said with absolute confidence.

Carter hesitated for a moment, evaluating Brian's seriousness, but, like every experienced scout, he knew when there was something special in someone. He handed Brian a card, still with a look of doubt but also a slight smile on his face.

"We'll see you tomorrow, kid," he said, with a challenging tone. "But if you're not as good as you think you are, it's going to be a terrible start for you."

Brian grabbed the card with a swift motion, not even looking at the paper. He was focused on what was coming next.

"I'll show you," Brian replied, with unbeatable confidence. "And you'll see that I'm everything you imagined and much more."

With an arrogant and determined smile, Brian walked away. Carter stood still, watching him walk off, still with a doubtful expression. But Brian knew it was just a matter of time before the whole world would know who he was.

He had taken the first step.

The game had begun.