[37] The Challenge
The reward list was dazzling, a mix of gold and purple options nearly blinding Shinichi. Up until now, aside from the Genius trait that was automatically applied and the gifted golden skill ZONE, he hadn't unlocked a single other gold-tier ability. Now, he could pick four in one go!
Who would've thought that all his years of relentless effort would pale compared to the rewards from this brief, relatively easy first selection?
Then again, it made sense. Without the system awakening beforehand, he would have entered Blue Lock as a blank slate.
The system's generosity likely reflected that reality, especially given his high evaluation this round.
"Let's see… Sharpshooter. This was locked before, and now it's evolved into a purple-tier trait after this evaluation. Feels like I might've wasted a slot locking it, though. Could've been a golden trait by now," Shinichi muttered, slightly regretting his past decision.
Back then, he had no clear idea of how the system worked, so he locked what seemed promising.
Now, having it as a mid-tier purple trait after advancing was bittersweet—too valuable to abandon, yet not ideal.
"Ah, the familiar Genius trait," he continued scrolling. "Too bad it's still only purple. If it had turned gold, I'd definitely pick it. Then, if I obtained another golden Genius, it could advance to red." His chest tightened as he scrolled, reflecting on what he could've done better to earn a higher evaluation.
"Hard Work Pays Off… Hmm, pretty ironic." Shinichi sighed, his brow twitching as he read the next trait.
He realized the system must have included his late-night training sessions at the legendary training facility.
But even with 20 hours of daily practice, why hadn't it turned red yet? Did he need to train 25 hours a day to achieve that?
Then, his eyes froze as he scrolled further. His pupils dilated, and without hesitation, he selected the crimson-gold trait that flashed on the screen as though fearing someone else might snatch it away.
"All attributes +2, and an additional +2 to your highest attribute… That's a total of 14 bonus points!" Shinichi's eyes sparkled with excitement as he reviewed the added effect.
He assigned the extra attribute points to Speed, and a surge of energy spread from his heart, filling every inch of his body.
...
[Ding! Your Speed attribute has reached 100 points. You may now select a special effect. This effect will apply to all speed-based actions.]
1. Illusion: All speed-based actions become more deceptive and harder for opponents to predict.
2. Burst: Your explosive power in short bursts becomes significantly stronger.
3. Quick Stop: The recovery time after sudden starts or stops is greatly reduced.
4. Directional Shift: When changing direction, the reduction in your speed is significantly minimized.
"Attributes reaching 100 come with an extra effect? Interesting," Shinichi muttered as he read the notification. Without hesitation, he selected the Directional Shift effect.
Changing direction and slowing down upon touching the ball had been one of his most persistent frustrations, and resolving this was a game-changer.
To him, achieving seamless, non-decelerated directional changes bordered on being an unbeatable ability.
With this single enhancement, Shinichi felt as if his skill level had undergone a dramatic transformation.
He was so pleased that he thought, Even if this was the only reward I got, it would've been worth it.
Humming a cheerful tune, he continued scrolling through the options.
"The skills are a bit disappointing," Shinichi remarked, scanning the list. "My off-ball movement is already exceptional. No point in wasting a reward on enhancing it further. Devour is something I've already mastered during training, so that's redundant."
"Piece Placement - Strategy? The skill effect looks flashy, but honestly, I'm more focused on improving myself rather than boosting teammates."
No other rewards stood out as much as the Monster trait, but when his eyes landed on the final option—Special Reward—he froze, his pupils narrowing.
"Special Reward: Complete control over reality…" Shinichi whispered, reading the description slowly. "Fascinating. Absolutely fascinating. You're telling me even something like this is possible? Hahaha, incredible! Perfect timing, since none of the other traits are tempting me right now. Let's see just how far this can take me."
Without a second thought, Shinichi selected the Special Reward.
Though it wouldn't directly enhance his abilities, he knew it would pave the way for him to ascend to legendary status.
...
"Someone's already here?" Rin Itoshi stepped out of the passageway, immediately spotting Shinichi sitting off to the side, his eyes vacant.
'Not the blue-haired guy.'
'Which means this one entered after me but still managed to finish first.'
Rin frowned slightly, his mind racing.
'Have I been getting complacent lately?'
He cast another glance at Shinichi, who seemed lost in thought, then found a seat and sat down.
"Ah, how magnificent! To think that the stylish me would be the third to arrive." Moments later, the door opened again, and Aryu walked in, his sleek black hair swaying as he entered. "Three people already? Is this where we form teams and move forward together?"
"The group's here. Don't waste time. Let's move on to the next stage," Rin said, standing up immediately.
However, Aryu dismissed the suggestion without hesitation. "I commend your taste for recognizing someone as fashionable as me. That said, my teammates haven't arrived yet. And more importantly..."
Aryu's eyes locked onto Shinichi, still sitting quietly to the side. "There's someone here I absolutely must defeat. How could I possibly team up with you?"
Meanwhile, Shinichi, deep in the midst of processing his rewards, muttered faintly, "Hoh... Uhh..."
"Waiting for teammates? Hmph, meaningless bonds," Rin scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain. "You people who treat football like a game… keep playing house as much as you like."
"Allow me to address your accusation," Aryu replied smoothly, unfazed. "This decision has nothing to do with sentimentality. Quite the opposite—my teammates were influenced by their matches with me. As the epitome of trendsetting, it's my responsibility to acknowledge that influence."
"Pointless self-justification..." Rin still didn't bother hiding his irritation. "Do as you like."
Negotiations had failed, and the waiting room lapsed into an awkward silence.
Though Shinichi had already finished processing his rewards and regained his focus, he opted not to break the quiet.
If everyone wanted to play it cool, he saw no reason to spoil the mood.
Instead, he kept his eyes closed, fully immersing himself in the newfound sensation brought by the Monster trait.
The eerie calm lingered, uninterrupted, until the door finally opened again.
"Fourth, huh? Looks like I've got a long way to go," Hiori entered, panting heavily. "But at least you haven't left yet. Looks like I managed to keep up with you this time."
"Cut the chatter. Let's get moving already," Rin stood again, his tone sharp and impatient. "I don't want to waste another second here."
This time, however, it was Shinichi who stopped him.
"Hold it, Rin Itoshi. Who said I was going to team up with you?" Shinichi grinned as he rose to his feet. "Since we're being asked to form teams, it's obvious we'll be competing in the next phase. So how about we settle this with a match? What do you say, younger brother of one of the New Generation World XI?"
That final title struck a nerve.
Coupled with Rin's growing frustration over Shinichi's faster completion time and the irritating calm he exuded, Rin's eyes burned with fury as he glared at Shinichi, who wore a composed smile.
"Fine. I'll crush you like the stepping stone you are," Rin growled.
"I'll show you just how naive you are for still seeing football as just a game."
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