Chapter 593: Leading the Team Out
With the fans cheering on both sides, the San Francisco 49ers players entered Candlestick Park and began their pre-game warm-ups in an orderly fashion, as if it were just another regular season game. But everything showed that this was not a simple regular season game. This contradictory feeling slowly boiled in the air.
Ding. A prompt sounded in his mind. Lu Ke knew a new mission had appeared.
"Game Missions:
Complete the first pass in the first playoff game: No requirements. Reward: Special point +1.
Complete the first touchdown in the first playoff game: No requirements. Reward: Special point +1.
Complete a touchdown in the first playoff game: No requirements. Reward: Special point +1 for each touchdown.
Improve pass completion rate in the first half of the first playoff game: Requirement: At least 60% completion rate. Reward: Special point +1.
Avoid interceptions in the first half of the first playoff game: Requirement: Two or fewer interceptions. Reward: Special point +1.
Complete a pass to a specific area in the second half of the first playoff game: Requirement: At least two passes of 30+ yards, at least three passes to the sideline. Reward: Special point +1.
Complete a pass from a specific formation in the second half of the first playoff game: Requirement: Advance at least 80 yards from the shotgun formation. Reward: Special point +1.
Win the first playoff game: No requirements. Reward: Gold point +2."
After an entire season, Lu Ke was once again experiencing a major burst of game missions. Just like his first NCAA game and his first NFL game, his first playoff game was also very different. Not only were there a large number of mission series, but there were also two "first time" missions. Considering that some quarterbacks may never get a single touchdown in their entire playoff careers, the mission difficulty was understandable. In addition, the missions for the first half and second half were further refined. What was surprising was that the first half missions were more stable and conservative, while the second half missions were more aggressive and fierce. Did this mean that the outcome of today's game would ultimately be decided in the second half? Or, from another perspective, was Drew Brees a quarterback with explosive power, and his ability to explode in the final stages of the game was unparalleled, so Lu Ke also had to step up his game in time?
Looking back at the New Orleans Saints' game against the Detroit Lions, today's missions seemed to make perfect sense. Most importantly, all the mission rewards were special points, not basic points. After obtaining the point exchange system, the value was clear at a glance. One special point was equivalent to three basic points, and the reward level was completely different. One game could bring incredible gains—but only if the missions were completed.
As for the mysterious and precious gold points, each worth 30 basic points, they were finally making their official debut. A victory in a playoff game could earn two of them, which was equivalent to 60 basic points. With just one playoff victory, Lu Ke's abilities could undergo a complete transformation. But it must be noted that this was Lu Ke's first playoff game in his career, so it was naturally more special. If he had a chance to play a second playoff game later, the number of missions would definitely decrease, just like the regular season game missions. In addition, the special nature of this game was not limited to this.
"Special Mission: The Challenge and Confrontation of an Elite Quarterback.
Mission Description: As one of the top four elite quarterbacks in the league, Drew Brees is outstanding in skill, stable in his performance, and precise in his touch. He has maintained his excellent form from the beginning of the season all the way to the playoffs, once again showing the powerful strength of a Super Bowl favorite this year. As a quarterback, his ability to control the game far surpasses that of other quarterbacks. This is the host's first time facing an elite quarterback in his career, and the challenge level is not to be underestimated. Will you rise to the occasion and defeat a powerful opponent to reach the next level? Or will you surrender in embarrassment and admit the fact that there is still a gap in your abilities? This will be a tough challenge.Mission Requirements: Exceed Drew Brees in any two of the following five stats: pass completion rate, passing yards, passing touchdowns, number of interceptions, and quarterback rating.Mission Rewards: Comprehensive training package upgrade count +1; one random single stat +10.Failure Penalty: Off-season training effectiveness decreases by 5%, and daily training missions are doubled."
In this regular season, Lu Ke faced three excellent quarterbacks: Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Joe Flacco of the Baltimore Ravens, and Eli Manning of the New York Giants. Michael Vick of the Philadelphia Eagles was also a quarterback with a unique style, but none of these quarterbacks were elite. As the system said, there was a reason why elite quarterbacks were called "elite." Their ability to dominate and control the game far exceeded that of other quarterbacks. Their floor was higher, their performance was more stable, and their average skill was better. Overall, they had a certain advantage in all aspects. This was the first time Lu Ke faced an elite quarterback in his career, and it was also his first playoff appearance. The difficulty of the challenge was indeed extraordinary.
But from the special mission's rewards and penalties, it could be seen that this was a supporting mission. If he succeeded, he would be given more room for improvement in the offseason. If he failed, he would have to work twice as hard in the offseason to make up for his shortcomings and quickly improve his skills. In other words, whether he succeeded or failed, Lu Ke's training in the offseason would definitely not be easy. It could be understood that, according to the system's analysis and judgment, even if Lu Ke had an unparalleled rookie season, there was still a significant gap between him and the elite quarterbacks. Pure technical skill was one aspect, while game experience, game reading, and game control were another.
After reading all the mission options, Lu Ke's only thought was, "Little Seven, all the failure penalties are insignificant. Does this mean this is a game that can be lost?"
"...Yes." Little Seven's answer was too direct and blunt, like a sharp knife that stabbed Lu Ke's heart. Lu Ke couldn't help but choke and roll his eyes, saying in a complaining tone, "Thanks for helping me relieve the pressure."
It was a sarcastic remark, but Little Seven still answered seriously, "You're welcome."
Lu Ke, who was usually eloquent, decided it was better to focus on preparing for the game. Although the failure penalty was not severe, it didn't mean he could relax and lose this game. For Lu Ke himself, this was a game he had to win, because the Super Bowl was his ultimate goal!
"Bambi? Bambi!" The cheer from the front of the line spread among the players in a relay, and it quickly found Lu Ke, who was jumping in place to keep his muscles warm in the middle of the field. The teammates then made a path, and they could see general manager Trent Baalke standing at the end, constantly waving his hand. Lu Ke jogged over, and Trent came forward and patted him on the shoulder, saying with a smile, "You guys lead the team out today."
Following Trent's gaze, Lu Ke saw Patrick Willis and David Akers standing on his left side and instantly understood. The offensive captain, defensive captain, and special teams captain would lead the team onto the field together to receive the cheers from the entire stadium and kick off the game! At the Rose Bowl last year, the seniors, including Lu Ke, led the Bruins onto the field. Today, in his first playoff appearance, Lu Ke was one of the three captains leading the 49ers onto the field.
In just one short year, the world had changed dramatically. Lu Ke couldn't help but feel his blood boil. Trent left. He had come specifically to arrange the entrance order and had left his VIP box for this. This was obviously an important consideration for the Asian market, and he was probably instructed by the team owner to do so. Now that the arrangement was complete, Trent returned to his VIP box to watch the game from a higher vantage point.
Lu Ke turned his head to meet the gazes of Willis and Akers, and he said with a smile, "So, are you ready to win this game?" His confident and calm demeanor made Akers laugh happily. "Of course! We're always ready!" Willis patted Lu Ke hard on the shoulder. "Time to go! Candlestick Park is waiting for their heroes to make a grand entrance." After saying that, Willis and Akers stood on either side of Lu Ke, continuously jogging in place, as if they were building up speed.
Then, with a command, Lu Ke charged forward steadily and powerfully, and then charged again. Instantly, the cheers and screams cascaded down like a waterfall, creating a roar that echoed in their eardrums. The entire world was completely drowned out. The vast red sea stretched out endlessly, and the power of 70,000 fans reached an unprecedented peak at this moment! Every cell in his body began to boil, and Lu Ke couldn't hold back anymore. He started to roar, "AH!" The howl, like a wolf's or a war cry, surged through the heat wave, constantly releasing all the energy in his body. Then came Willis and Akers. They also roared like warriors, and the roaring spread quickly throughout the team. Even coach Kippy Clayton couldn't help but roar along, and so did the ball boy Thomas Robinson. Everyone, from top to bottom, from inside to outside, started roaring: The San Francisco 49ers are making a grand entrance!
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