Off Day

{This story is ready to read on my P-a-t-r-e-o-n. If you wish to read ahead then the link is https://www.p-a-t-r-e-o-n.com/easyread. Be sure to remove the dashes. I hope to see plenty of you there and enjoying this novel.}

~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~

~~~(Date: July 20th, 2026)~~~

~~~(Location: Penthouse, Las Vegas)~~~

~~~(Time: 8:08 AM)~~~

[The Singularity Is Coming...][Complete]

[Details: Show the world that you're where you belong, and there is nothing stopping you from being the best player in the world right out of the gate.]

[Objective 1: Score 45 Points, 12 Rebounds, 10 Assists, 4 Blocks, and 2 Steals.][Complete]

[Current Progress for Objective 1: 51 Points, 15 Rebounds, 12 Assists, 7 Blocks, and 6 Steals.][Complete]

[Objective 2: Don't Shoot Less than 80% from the Field or Three-point.][Complete]

[Current Progress for Objective 2: 100% from the Field and Three-point.][Complete]

[Objective 3: Hold your Defensive Match-up (Scotty Hopson) to 20% or lower from the Field and Three-point.][Complete]

[Current Progress for Objective 3: 0% from the Field and Three-point.][Complete

[Rewards: Upgrade to The Simulation Space, A New Badge]

[Failure: You must complete 2/3 Objectives, or all Stats will suffer an entire grade drop.]

I look at the mission before I check out the rewards I've gotten. This is the first time I've completed a mission this complex and interesting. I'll be getting them frequently since I'm in the NBA now.

[The Simulation Space has been upgraded! You're now able to train against NBA Legends for Rewards!]

[Warning: Players in The Simulations Space will be brought up to your skill level for a challenge!]

[You've earned a New Badge]

[Devourer Of Stars][X+]

[Description: When facing off against one or more Superstars, Weakness in their form, offense, and defense will be presented. They'll suffer an entire grade drop when defended by you.]

Wow, that's an amazing new badge. I find it interesting the system is going with the theme of me being a Black Hole coming to the NBA to devour the Stars and Superstars of the NBA.

I open my system stats to see where I'm at.

[Ulysses Kennedy]

[Class - The Singularity] [Legendary]

[Age 18, birthday January 24th, 2008]

[Shooting- S+] [Dribbling- S] [Passing- S-] [Speed- S-] [Defense- A+] [Lateral Quickness- A] [Dunking- S] [Rebounding- A+] [Endurance- S+] [Current Height- 6'11 without shoes] [Wingspan- 7'6] [Weight- 245 Lbs.]

[Badges]

[Quick learner][A] [Shooters Touch][A+] [One of a Kind][S+] [Incredible Work Eithic][B+] [Dribbling Talent][A+] [Deadeye][A] [Limitless Range][A+] [Lockdown Defender][A+] [Heartbreaker][A] [Deep Impact][S] [Highlight Reel][A+] [Ankle Breaker][A] [Post-move Master][A] [Moving Fadeaway][A+] [Deep Range Deadeye][S] [Tight Handles][S] [Endless Energy][S] [Uninjurable][S+] [Impossible Shot Maker][S+]

[Special Badges]

[The Singularity's space][X+] [Event Horizon][X+] [Devourer Of Stars][X+]

Yesterday was one of the best days of my life. Stepping onto a court with NBA players. Sure, I played against the G-leaguers for The Thunder. But it's still the NBA. That's not something you ever forget. Never.

My attention is pulled from my system as Hannah and Ellie come back into the Penthouse. They went out to check out the sights of Las Vegas this morning and are just getting back from it.

"Did you both have fun?"

Hannah smiles as she makes her way over to me and wraps me in a hug.

"Yeah! It was a blast! Ellie was hit on by so many sleazeballs! You should've been there!"

Now that's funny.

But also disturbing. Ellie deserves better than a bunch of pigs taking their shots on a date with her. That's not how you approach a classy woman like Ellie.

"Oh, you make it sound like the scum of Las Vegas was catcalling me. There were some pretty decent guys in the mix. But I'm not here to find a boyfriend."

Ellie makes her way over to the couch Hannah and I are sitting on and takes the remote. Turning on the TV in the process.

"Are Ulysses's candid comments last night worrying you about his future with The Knicks, Stephen A.?"

Looks like they're discussing the games from yesterday. Along with post-game interviews. I said what was on my mind. I didn't sugarcoat anything.

"Well, Molly. As brutal as he was in his stance. He didn't disrespect the fans of The Knicks. He didn't say he didn't want to be here with us in New York. That's what stood out to me. He was honest, and all of us Knicks fans appreciate that."

I'm glad it's well received by one Knicks fan. Maybe others will see it the same way.