Chapter 4

The next day arrived quickly, and Brian was immersed in an unshakable calm. He knew what was going to happen at the tryout: nothing more than a formality. His confidence was unbreakable. What he had shown so far, in street basketball or improvised training, was more than enough for any scout to see that he was on a completely different level.

The city was still in the quiet of the morning when he left his house, dressed in simple gear, but carrying the confidence of someone who knows nothing can surpass them. His gaze was fixed on what lay ahead. He wasn't nervous; nervousness was something he didn't know. For him, the game had always been more than just fun, an opportunity to enjoy himself while winning.

When he arrived at the tryout location, Brian could feel the pressure in the air. The gym was full of players with different styles and abilities, all fighting to impress the scouts and earn a spot on the team. The atmosphere was tense, but for Brian, it all felt irrelevant.

He looked around, watching the other players silently, recognizing that he was the favorite. Brian simply gave a small smile and grabbed the ball. He wasn't there to impress anyone; he was there to show who was in charge.

Carter, the scout who had met Brian the day before, was at a distance, watching with a skeptical expression. He didn't seem impressed yet, but that didn't bother Brian. He knew Carter would soon realize that nothing or no one could match him.

When Brian was called to participate in the tryout, he walked confidently to the center of the court. The other players watched, silent, acknowledging that he was the one to beat. Brian simply gave a sly smile and picked up the ball. He wasn't there to prove anything; he was there to show who was boss.

Carter, watching from afar, couldn't hide a curious expression when he saw the way Brian was approaching the tryout. He didn't seem the least bit tense. It was as if he already knew the game would be his without even trying.

Brian took the ball and, without hesitation, made a perfect shot. The ball flew with flawless precision, swishing through the net without a problem. The entire court fell silent for a moment, absorbing what had just happened.

Carter, without taking his eyes off Brian, took a step forward. "You really started today? Or are you trying to make a fool of me?"

Brian looked directly into Carter's eyes with a smile that oozed arrogance. "I started today. But that doesn't mean anything to me. That shot? Just a warm-up."

The scout furrowed his brow. He wasn't convinced. "I can't believe it. You made that shot with a level of precision that many guys who've been training for years can't reach. Either you're lying or you're one of those absurd natural talents. I just don't know which option is harder to swallow."

Brian gave a dismissive smile and shrugged lightly. "I don't need to lie to impress anyone. What you saw was just a fraction of what I'm capable of."

The scout remained silent for a moment, studying Brian's every move. He could feel the growing tension in the air. Finally, Carter spoke again, this time with a more serious tone.

"I'm Carter. I scout for some top-tier teams. Tomorrow, there's going to be a private tryout, just for the best high school prospects. It's going to be brutal. I'll test you to your limits. If you're as good as you say you are, your name will spread quickly. But if you're lying, it'll just be another disappointment."

Brian kept his gaze fixed on Carter, a determination in his eyes. "Then show me what you've got. I'll show you what I'm capable of. And you'll see that I'm everything you thought I was—and much more."

Carter hesitated for a moment, but a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. Okay, kid, we'll see each other tomorrow. Just hope you're not overestimating your skills."

Brian didn't respond immediately, just grabbed the card Carter handed him. It was clear the scout was starting to believe that there was something special about Brian. "I'll see you tomorrow," Brian said with unwavering confidence. "And get ready to be amazed."

As Brian walked away, he felt something inside him shift. He knew this was just another step in his journey. He was after something bigger. Every challenge that came his way only fueled his thirst for conquest. Basketball was just the beginning. Soon, he would need to look for something else. Something that challenged him, something that made his adrenaline surge again. But for now, he would give everything to basketball. This would just be the first chapter of his great story.

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