Chapter 4: The Blueprint of an All-Rounder
Aryan woke up early the next day, quickly making himself some toast and milk before heading out to the Shivaji Park maidan nearby.
He was eager to test out how his upgraded stats—specifically his Timing and Vision—affected his gameplay in the nets. It was 6:13 AM when he reached the damp, foggy pitch.
After arriving at the maidan, Aryan changed into his training whites by the small clubhouse before heading onto the empty practice pitch. He then whispered, "System," before the translucent blue screen appeared once again.
The System then spoke:
[User doesn't need to speak out loud all the time as we can't have you be mistaken for a mad person. Rather, a host should communicate telepathically as the System can hear your thoughts.].
Oh, a bit unsettling that you can read all my thoughts, but okay. And isn't it a little weird to always call you System? Aryan thought.
[That is a choice of the user,] said the System.
Well, okay, then I'll call you Max, thought Aryan. Just then, the System took on a masculine form of voice which seemed strangely familiar to Aryan.
System, why this voice? asked Aryan.
The System replied, [It was a familiar voice I found in your subconsciousness, likely a commentator you admire, so I took it. If the host doesn't like it, I could change—].
No, it's okay, Aryan thought with a somewhat sad smile, recognizing the voice of a cricket legend he used to watch with his father. Ok then, Max, what is the best role for me to utilize my talents? Aryan asked.
[Looking at some of your attributes like Running Speed and Timing, you could transition to be an aggressive Opener. However, with attributes like your good Vision and decent Bowling Accuracy, you could also opt for a more stable Middle-order Anchor who bowls,] said Max.
[In my opinion, let's not settle for one dimension. Modern T20 franchises and state coaches love versatility. I would advise you to go for a Fast-Bowling All-Rounder type of position,] the System concluded.
Okay, but how do I do that? Aryan asked.
Max replied, [The System will give out daily tasks to do and will issue Match Quests and Seasonal Quests at the start of every match or tournament. The System will issue certain challenges due to the situations you find yourself in and also adapt to situations, like a scenario where you are injured and have to sit out the season—although, with the Recovery Elixir, I doubt you will have such a situation].
Recovery Elixir? asked Aryan.
[You can access the System Shop after you have upgraded to Level Two, although some of the items won't be available yet,] Max explained.
How can I buy these items? asked Aryan.
Max replied, [By completing tasks and quests, the System will reward you with Legend Points (LP), which is the currency of the System. Some quests will also give you Stat Points to upgrade your attributes.].
[The currency can also be used to buy Skill Shots and Bowling Variations, which are determined by the number of stars your Creativity trait has. Currently, you have 4/5 stars on Shot Creativity, which means you can purchase and learn up to 4-star batting shots like the Scoop or the Switch Hit,] Max added.
Aryan nodded, understanding how the System worked up to this point.
[User should not worry as eventually, you will get to know the other functions of the System,] the System said after reading Aryan's mind.
Okay, then, what do I do now?
Just then the blue screen appeared with a training schedule.
HYBRID FAST-BOWLING ALL-ROUNDER PROGRAMME
* SHADOW BATTING 200x: This entails practicing the 'Perfect Defense' and 'Cover Drive' form without a ball.
* Improves Footwork and a bit of Technique.
* SHORT SPRINTS 15x: This entails running with pads on at top speed between the wickets (22 yards).
* Improves Running Speed and Acceleration.
* SPOT BOWLING 15x: This entails hitting a coin placed on the 'Good Length' spot on the pitch.
* Improves Bowling Accuracy.
* DIRECT HITS x40 (20m): This entails throwing the ball at a single stump.
* Improves Fielding Accuracy and Arm Strength.
* LOFTED RANGE HITTING x20: This entails hitting the ball over the long-on boundary (upward of 70m).
* Improves Power Hitting.
* RUN AROUND MAIDAN x15:
* Improves Stamina.
* NET SESSION (Survival) x10 mins: This entails not getting out against a bowling machine or bowler.
* Improves Defensive Technique.
* NET SESSION (Slogging) x5 mins: This entails trying to hit every ball.
* Improves Shot Selection under pressure.
* Rewards:
* C-Grade Recovery Elixir
* 500 Legend Points (Beginner bonus lasts for one week)
* +3 Stat Points for one week (Will revert to +2 points after the starter week)
So this is how it is, murmured Aryan.
[I suggest the Host starts immediately because there are only 2 weeks left till the start of the Academy Selection League,] the System spoke.
With that, the grind for the next 2 weeks started.