Wind up: Increases Pitching by 1 grade when using your wind up - 5,000 Major points
A wave of nostalgia crept over Ken as he looked at this skill at the top of the list. This was the first skill that he had drown with the bronze lottery ticket when he had completed his first mission.
Back then he had complained bitterly, since he was still injured and couldn't pitch. At the time it had felt like a low blow, but now that he had come so far, he could look back at the memory with some humor.
Since it was so cheap, Ken decided to buy it, even if it didn't give him a great boost like his other skills. At this point, there was no cap to the amount of skills he could possess, so there were no downsides.
'Everything helps…' He thought, clicking to purchase the skill.
[Congratulations, you have purchased skill: Wind up]
[Skill: Wind up is far below users level and effect is unusable in games]
Ken let out an exasperated sigh, but he wasn't too upset. In reality, he had purchased the ability for nostalgia reasons mostly, the boost would have not meant too much in the long run.
*DING*
[Would user like to reroll the skill's grade?]
'Huh? Reroll?' Ken stared at the words in front of him curiously. This was the first time that he had ever seen this window, so he did not act immediately.
Next to the Yes button was a price, one that made his heart sink.
'150,000 Major points… That's a steep price.' He mused, unsure of whether it was worth taking the leap. He considered the matter for quite a while, weighing up the pros and cons.
If he were to reroll and the grade of the skill was still something that he could not use, then he would have just wasted all those Major points. However, he had barely touched these points since upgrading the system the last time.
In fact, Ken wasn't even sure if he would upgrade the system next time, even if he had the opportunity. So what was the point in keeping the points? Wouldn't they just go wasted?
However, Ken was a miser at heart. He would splash out on his loved ones with no issue, but when it came to spending for himself, he would be very frugal.
After a few more minutes of consideration, he eventually decided to take the gamble, as much as it pained him. Ken needed to level up ahead of facing Leo in the Super Regionals, otherwise they would be knocked out.
Pressing the confirm button, he closed his eyes, not wanting to see the result.
'Please be good…'
[Congratulations, user has received skill: Domineering Wind up]
[Domineering Wind up: Increases pitching grade by 2 when performing wind up. Causes the batters abilities to decrease]
When he opened his eyes, Ken's jaw dropped. This was the first time he had seen a skill that could negatively affect his opponent, there was no way he could have expected this.
'Is it something like intimidation?' he thought.
Either way this was good news. His pitching had been stuck at the SSS+ grade for almost 2 seasons. With Showdown and this skill, he could increase his pitching 4 grades against one player.
'Would that bring my pitching to Legendary grade!?'
[Affirmative]
'Holy crap…'
***
Michael Thompson made his way through the airport having collected his luggage after the 5 hour flight, his expression showing his excitement. He had been waiting for this moment a whole 5 years.
As soon as the Super Regionals had been announced, he had gone online and purchased a ticket with his hard earned pocket money. Thankfully his parents had offered to pay for his lodgings, otherwise he might not have been able to afford the trip.
Michael had changed a lot in the past 5 years. He was no longer the timid blond-haired youth who would give up at a moments inconvenience. The bullies that he used to be so afraid of were now too scared to touch him after he had gained the protection of the baseball team seniors.
After he had shown his talent and work ethic, Michael had become the star player for his middle school, which had continued to the present day. With the popularity he'd gained, his life felt like it had done a complete 180.
He stepped into the taxi and told the driver the address for his hotel. Getting comfortable, he pulled out a clear case within his bag, looking at it fondly.
To some it was just a signed ball, but to Michael, this ball was far more. On that day 5 years ago, his idol had come to find him in the crowd and signed this ball.
'Dream big and never give up - Ken'
Perhaps the man who had signed it did not know, but these words had never left him, even now. At the time he had considered quitting the team after being bullied heavily at school, but he was glad that he did not.
Now 18, Michael had already committed to California State for the following season. Originally he had wanted to join Columbia alongside Ken next year, but he thought better. Not only would he be on the other side of the country away from his family, but he did not feel worthy to join him.
There was only 2-3 years difference in age between the two, but to Michael, the man was his idol. He was afraid that he might mess up in front of this person and cause bad feelings. This would all but crush him.
'Perhaps I'm still that timid kid from back then…' Michael thought, a wry smile creeping onto his face. He found it a little funny, but such a thing could not ruin his mood, not now.
After a 5 year long wait, it was finally time.
"I'll finally get to see you play again Ken…" Michael muttered, his excitement palpable.