CHAPTER 13 — FIRST REWARD
The morning after West Haven's big victory, Jaden Alexander Brooks woke to an unusual ping on his phone. At first, he thought it was another highlight from the game, another fan clip of Showtime in action.
It was not.
It was a notification from the serum device.
REWARD UNLOCKED: PERFORMANCE BONUSCredit Added: $2,500Options Available: Training gear, footwear, equipment, personal development items
Jaden sat up, blinking. He had expected small bonuses before—system perks for coordination upgrades, minor efficiency improvements—but this felt tangible. Real. Practical.
Morning Strategy
He texted Malik."Yo, bonus just hit. Thinking about new cleats and gloves."
Malik grinned."Man, finally! You deserve it. But remember, do not let this change anything. Showtime is not about flash. It is about control."
Jaden nodded. The system was not just giving him money—it was reinforcing his discipline. The rules were clear. Performance drives reward. Misuse or showboating risked inefficiency.
The Shop Interface
After breakfast, he accessed the system's purchase interface. A minimalist display appeared:
Custom cleats: optimized for traction and comfort
Training equipment: weighted balls, resistance bands, agility ladders
Personal upgrades: journals, video analytics software, instructional materials
Lifestyle perks: car rental credits, minor housing improvements, custom shoe designs
Jaden selected a pair of cleats and a set of weighted training balls. Simple. Efficient. Focused on performance, not luxury.
A small pulse in the serum confirmed the transaction, subtly syncing his motor control and coordination with the new equipment.
Afternoon Practice
At practice, the new cleats hugged his feet perfectly, letting him plant and pivot with more confidence than ever. He ran drills, timed himself, and threw perfect spirals downfield. The weighted balls helped him simulate game pressure and increase arm strength.
Coach Daniels noticed immediately."Brooks, your footwork looks cleaner today. Did you get new gear?"
Jaden shrugged."Just optimizing what we already have."
The system buzzed faintly in his arm. A quiet acknowledgment that the upgrades were functional. Not flashy, not obvious, but effective.
Subtle Public Notice
Word spread that Showtime's performance had improved again. Scouts noted his fluidity, precision, and poise under pressure. Jaden kept it understated.
He did not want fans, coaches, or rivals to suspect the system. Visibility was valuable, but too much risked attention. Showtime was about control, not spectacle for its own sake.
Evening Reflection
Back in his room, Jaden updated his training journal. The cleats and weighted balls felt like small advantages, but in reality, they amplified the improvements he had already built into himself.
The serum pulsed faintly. Fifteen percent now. Coordination, reflexes, and mental calculations subtly improved without anyone noticing.
Ironheart built the foundation. Showtime elevates it.
He smiled, thinking of the system. The money was not the reward. It was the tool, a way to optimize, to grow.
The next challenge was coming, and he intended to be ready.
Game. Pressure. Showtime.