CHAPTER 14 — FIRST NATIONAL TEST
The following Friday, the stadium at West Haven buzzed with anticipation. Scouts were in the stands. Local reporters had cameras set up along the sidelines. And every student seemed to have circled the field in their mind, waiting for Showtime to make his mark.
Jaden Alexander Brooks jogged onto the field, the afternoon sun glinting off his helmet. His cleats hugged his feet, weighted balls from yesterday's training still fresh in memory. He felt calm. Focused. Showtime was more than a nickname now—it was a standard, a promise he had set for himself.
Pre-Game Focus
Coach Daniels pulled him aside."Brooks, today is bigger than anything you've faced before. Crestfield was one thing. This team is ranked nationally. Their QB is fast, precise, and smart."
Jaden nodded."I know, Coach. I am ready. Just need to read them and stay sharp."
The system pulsed faintly on his wrist, confirming coordination, reflexes, and decision speed. Fifteen percent serum efficiency now, subtly enhanced by yesterday's upgrades.
"You've been disciplined," Daniels continued. "Stay that way. Showtime is about controlled execution, not risk for applause."
Jaden exhaled slowly. Control was everything.
Kickoff Chaos
The whistle blew. The first drive was immediate pressure. Blitzes came from every angle. The defense read his eyes. Every throw was contested.
But Jaden was calm.
He read coverage like a chessboard, shifting protection, adjusting routes, and finding openings. Weighted-ball drills from the previous day paid off. His arm strength was precise. His timing flawless.
A quick sideline pass to Malik broke their first strong defensive stand.
The crowd erupted. Scouts leaned forward. Even rival fans could not help but whisper: Showtime is real.
Strategic Adaptation
Midway through the second quarter, the opposing QB delivered a perfect deep ball to their star receiver. The play shocked everyone, but Jaden stayed composed.
He used film study habits, recalling patterns and tendencies. He anticipated a linebacker blitz, stepped up, and launched a 40-yard spiral over two defenders.
Malik caught it in stride. First down. Momentum shifted.
The system flickered in his wrist, rewarding perfect execution.
REWARD UNLOCKED: PERFORMANCE BONUSCredit Added: $3,200Options Available: Advanced training equipment, custom footwear, minor lifestyle perks, video analysis upgrades
Jaden smiled faintly. The money was never the point—it was a tool to sharpen his performance.
Halftime Reflection
Locker room. Coaches discussed strategies. Scouts whispered among themselves. Jaden sat quietly, studying the plays, analyzing tendencies, noting weaknesses. He scribbled adjustments in his training journal, thinking about how each small change could turn the tide.
Malik nudged him."You are Showtime, bro. Everyone knows it now."
Jaden nodded. Not for the fame, not for the applause. Showtime was about smart execution, anticipation, and control.
Fourth Quarter Execution
Score tied. Two minutes remaining. West Haven's final possession.
Jaden's eyes scanned the field. He saw the slight overcommitment of a linebacker. Timing was perfect.
Snap. Step back. Feint. Sidestep. Launch.
The football arced in a perfect spiral. Malik leapt above two defenders, caught it at the sideline, and secured the first down.
The crowd roared. Scouts took notes furiously. Jaden kept his calm, already planning the next drive in his mind. Showtime was not just a name. It was the standard he set every time he stepped on the field.
Evening Reflection
After the game, Jaden updated his journal. The serum pulsed faintly. Fifteen and a half percent now. Coordination, reflexes, mental calculations—all subtly enhanced.
Ironheart had built the foundation. Showtime elevated it.
He glanced at the system interface. New rewards waited, new options unlocked.
The game was won. The test passed.
But for Jaden Alexander Brooks, the next challenge was already forming in his mind.
Game. Pressure. Showtime.