System Upgrade
In the quiet of his dorm room, Lian Dao couldn't help but chuckle to himself, thankful that DeMar wasn't around to witness his current state of amusement. The reason for his amusement stemmed from an unexpected interruption during his rigorous training session earlier that day—a message from the system:
[Congratulations, host! You've achieved the hidden mission 'Little Fame,' triggering an upgrade that will take approximately 2 hours to complete]
Curious yet focused on his training regimen, Lian Dao had chosen to ignore the upgrade process until later, when he returned to his dormitory. It was only then that he remembered the pending system upgrade and decided to check its progress.
Upon opening the system interface, he noticed some minor adjustments but was particularly intrigued by a newly introduced feature: points.
"What are these points, System? Do I earn them after each game?" Lian Dao queried.
[Yes, host. In NCAA games, you earn a base of 20 points for every victory. Unfortunately, there are no points awarded for losses. Additionally, specific statistical achievements in each game contribute to your points accumulation: 2 points per assist, rebound, steal, and block], the system explained.
Lian Dao nodded, beginning to grasp the significance of these points. "And what exactly can I do with these points?" he inquired further.
[You can exchange these points for skill values. The exchange rate varies depending on the current skill level:
Skills rated below 60, it takes 10 points to increase the skill value by 1 point.
Skills rated between 60 and 69 require 100 points per skill value increment, while those between 70 and 79 need 1000 points].
[The exchange becomes more challenging for higher-rated skills:
Between 80 and 84, it's 10,000 points per skill value, and for skills rated between 85 and 89, it's 50,000 points.
However, skills rated 95 or higher, known as 'superstar exclusive skills,' cannot be improved through point accumulation], the system elaborated.
Frowning slightly, Lian Dao sought clarification. "Why can't skills rated 95 or higher be improved using points?"
[Skills rated 95 or above are considered exclusive talents of NBA superstars. Each NBA superstar typically possesses no more than two skills rated 95 or higher. These skills can only be enhanced through special methods like collecting jerseys or completing system-assigned tasks], the system clarified.
Lian Dao nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the information. "Are there other ways to earn points besides games?" he inquired, eager to maximize his potential.
The system paused briefly, perhaps surprised by Lian Dao's persistence.
[Defeating opponents and obtaining their jerseys is another way to earn points. The number of points earned from each jersey exchange varies, ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 points depending on the caliber of the defeated opponent], the system disclosed.
Lian Dao's eyes lit up with realization, sensing the hidden potential the system had unveiled. "Ah, I see your game now, System. If I hadn't asked, you would have kept this advantage to yourself," he remarked wryly.
The system, oblivious to Lian Dao's inner thoughts, continued with factual precision. [Currently, your point balance stands at 0].
"What? But I've won 15 games already and even acquired Griffin's jersey!" Lian Dao protested, feeling a bit cheated.
[Those points weren't activated at the time and cannot be retroactively added to your total], the system stated matter-of-factly.
Indignant, Lian Dao persisted. "That's unfair! I worked hard for those victories and the rewards they brought!"
The system relented slightly, offering a token of consolation.
[Very well, I will compensate you with 10,000 points as a gesture of goodwill. However, there will be no negotiations for information in the future], it declared firmly.
Lian Dao sighed, begrudgingly accepting the offer. "Fine, 10,000 points it is. What kind of skill value can I increase with that amount?"
"Status"
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Host: Lian Dao "Sickle"
Position: Small Forward
Evaluation: 72 (B) NBA bench player strength
Points: 10000
Currently Included jerseys: 1
Birthday: 1990.12.15
Height: 203cm → 204cm (205cm)
Wingspan: 223cm
Weight: 90 → 98kg
Bounce: 60 (63)
Strength: 79 → 85 (94)
Sprint speed: 60 → 61 (64)
Lateral speed: 69 (72)
Dexterity: 60 (73)
Stamina: 60 → 66 (64 → 89)
Field of view: 86 (93)
Basketball IQ: 98
Skill Evaluation:
Ball handling: 78
Passing: 79
Breakthrough: 60 (62)
Finishing: 52 → 59 (64)
Mid-range shooting: 51 → 59 (73)
Three-point shooting: 90 (97)
Rebounding: 60 (73)
Defense: 74 (89)
Injury resistance: 93↓
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During this period, Lian Dao's sprint speed increased by 1 point, physical fitness by 2 points, strength by 6 points, mid-range shot by 8 points, and basket by 7 points.
However, there was a downward arrow indicating reduced injury resistance. Over-training had left his body fatigued, contributing to this decline in resilience.
Realizing he couldn't sustain such intense training, he reflected thankfully on the timely appearance of point exchanges, which made rapid improvement possible.
Surveying his attribute panel, he deliberated on his priorities.
"What I need to focus on now: speed, jumping ability, stamina, and mid-range shooting."
"Max out speed first."
With 3300 points, he pushed sprint speed and lateral movement to their limits. This boosted his maximum breakthrough to 62 and added 2 points to his defense, thanks to improved physical attributes enhancing skill values.
Next, he invested 300 points to max out his jumping, resulting in a +4 increase in rebounds automatically.
Allocating 5300 points, he raised physical fitness to 74.
With his remaining points dwindling to just 100, Lian Dao remarked, "Hey, it's going really fast!"
Deciding not to leave anything unused, he boosted his basket from 59 to 60.
[All points have been redeemed. Attributes have been updated]
"Status"
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Host: Lian Dao
Position: Small Forward
Evaluation: 74 (B) NBA bench player strength
Points: 0
Currently Included Jerseys: 1
Birthday: 1990.12.15
Height: 204cm (205cm)
Wingspan: 223cm
Weight: 98kg
Bounce: 60 (63)
Strength: 85 (94)
Sprint speed: 61 → 64
Lateral speed: 69 → 72
Dexterity: 60 (73)
Stamina: 66 (89)
Field of view: 86 (93)
Basketball IQ: 98
Skill Evaluation:
Ball handling: 78
Passing: 79
Breakthrough: 60 → 62
Finishing: 60 (64)
Mid-range shooting: 69 (73)
Three-point shooting: 90 (97)
Rebounding: 60 (73)
Defense: 74 → 76 (89)
Injury resistance: 93↓
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