Chapter 9 – The Real Tip-Off

The air felt different.

It wasn't just another gym now—it was game day.

Banners hung from the rafters, the bleachers were packed, and a marching band in the corner filled the gym with drums and horns. The season opener wasn't against a powerhouse, but the energy was real.

Michael sat in the locker room, headphones in, eyes closed.

His pulse was calm.

[Game Recognized: Official High School Season Match] [XP Scaling Increased – Stat Tracking Enabled]

Coach Alvarez walked in, clipboard under one arm, voice steady.

"Tonight's about identity. I don't care if we win by 30 or lose by 1. I want to know who we are. I want them to know who you are."

He glanced at Michael. Just once.

Michael opened his eyes.

"I'm ready."

The crowd buzzed as the starting lineups were announced. When they called Michael's name, a few cheers rang out—but mostly murmurs.

"Is that the kid from the clips?"

"He's huge, man. Like a college player."

"Hope he ain't all hype."

Tip-off.

First quarter.

Michael didn't force anything. He let the game come to him. Cut without the ball. Rotated on defense. Passed to open shooters.

Then came his first touch in the post.

Spin. Pump. Fade.

Swish.

The gym let out a little gasp.

Next possession: he slipped a screen, caught a lob, and finished with a soft touch.

Then came a breakaway.

Jamal pushed the pace, drew two, dropped it off.

Michael caught it on the move.

One step.

Two.

Takeoff.

SLAM.

The backboard rattled. The crowd exploded.

"Yo!" "DID HE JUST—?"

Michael landed light. Jogged back like it was nothing.

[Progress: 5.61%] [Attribute Boost: Vertical Explosiveness +1]

By halftime, he had 13 points, 4 boards, 2 assists, and 1 block.

Coach Alvarez smiled as they walked off.

"You're doing it the right way. Keep going."

Michael nodded. "I'm just warming up."

Second half, the other team tried zone.

Didn't matter.

Michael parked in the mid-post. Turned into fadeaways. Hit cutters. Sprinted back in transition to swat a layup off the glass.

He was everywhere.

Final score: 76–52.

Michael's line: 24 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks.

The gym buzzed after the final whistle. Students lingered. Opponents stared.

The whispers were no longer whispers.

Jamal clapped him on the back. "Guess you really like proving people wrong, huh?"

Michael grinned. "Nah. I like proving myself right."

[Progress: 6.03%] [Milestone Achieved: First Official High School Game] [New Skill Fragment Unlocked – Defensive Anchor Tier I]

Outside, the night was cold.

But Michael's name?

It was getting hotter by the minute.