The Obsidian Throne Academy's dormitory was silent save for the hum of energy barriers keeping the celestial winds at bay. Ibukun sat cross-legged on his meditation slab, his body still aching from the day's training. The System's golden text pulsed in his vision:
***GRAVITY SIMULATION CHAMBER READY***
**Location:** Neural Training Ground (Consciousness Transfer)
**Duration:** 90 Minutes (Perceived: 6 Hours)
**Cost:** 800 SP
**Gravity Settings:** 3x Earth Standard (Adjustable)
**Opponents:** Customizable (Prime Defenders + Academy Elites)
Jay-Jay's hologram flickered into existence, chewing on a virtual toothpick. *"Finally using the good stuff, huh? Don't wet yourself when you see the bill."*
---
### **Descent into the Crucible**
Ibukun activated the transfer sequence. His vision whited out—
—and reformed in an infinite black expanse where the very air shimmered with restrained power. Underfoot, the pitch materialized pixel by pixel until he stood in a perfect replica of the Celestial League's main stadium, empty save for the holograms awaiting his command.
***SYSTEM PROMPT***
**Select Training Parameters:**
1. **Defensive Press Simulation** (Prime Maldini + Ramos)
2. **High-Speed Dribble Course** (Kethar Stormdrift ×3)
3. **Custom Scenario:** ________
He chose **Option 3** and input: *"Stormborn FC - Thunder Formation (Full Match Simulation)"*
The world reconstructed itself.
---
### **The Simulation**
**Gravity Engaged: 3x Standard**
His first step felt like wading through molten lead. The ball, heavier than a cannonball, threatened to crush his foot with every touch.
**Minute 1:** A simple pass to the holographic Kaelis went wide, skidding out of bounds before reaching its target.
***SYSTEM FEEDBACK***
**Pass Accuracy:** 62% (Unacceptable)
**Muscle Compensation Required:** Quadriceps +12% Qi Allocation
**Minute 23:** After twenty-two failed attempts, his **Qi-Infused Step (3x/Match)** finally created enough space to attempt a cross. The ball barely cleared the first defender before being intercepted.
Jay-Jay's laughter echoed across the void. *"That was the saddest cross I've seen since my nephew's U-12 tournament."*
**Hour 1:** Breakthrough.
By redistributing Qi to his plant foot, he replicated **Beckham's Curving Cross**—just without the actual skill unlocked. The ball bent around the holographic Maldrek and found Zyrax's run at the far post.
***DRILL COMPLETED***
**Crossing Accuracy:** 78% → 85%
**Qi Efficiency Improved:** +5% Stamina Retention
---
### **The Gauntlet**
**Second Phase: Dribble Under Pressure**
The System spawned three Kethar Stormdrift holograms, each with 120% of the original's speed.
- **Attempts 1-15:** Failed. Their tackles fractured his ribs seven times (simulated).
- **Attempts 16-30:** Used **Qi-Infused Step** to evade, but exhausted his daily allowance.
- **Final Set:** Adapted by studying their pressure triggers—faked a pass to draw them in, then exploded past.
***DRILL RESULTS***
**Successful Dribbles:** 18/20 (Partial Completion)
**Penalty:** -200 SP (For Extended Session)
---
### **The Cost**
As the simulation faded, the System delivered its verdict:
***SESSION SUMMARY***
**Total SP Spent:** 1,000 (Overage)
**Improvements:**
- First Touch (81% → 83%)
- Weak Foot Passing (68% → 72%)
- Qi Redistribution Speed (+8%)
**New SP Balance:** 9,000
Jay-Jay's hologram watched as Ibukun's consciousness slammed back into his physical body, now drenched in sweat. *"You're still slower than a three-legged donkey, but at least you're paying attention now."*
---
### **The Real-World Consequences**
His body bore no physical injuries, but his nervous system screamed from the neural overload. The System's damage report scrolled:
***PHYSICAL DEBRIS***
**Neural Fatigue:** 64% (Critical Threshold: 80%)
**Recommended Recovery:** 6 Hours Cryo-Sleep
Valentina's fire-messenger arrived as he collapsed onto his bed:
*"Warlord Krazith wants your simulation data. Offer: 2 Celestial Alloys for 1 session recording. Don't ask why."*
The System appended:
***WARNING***
**Training Footage Contains:**
- Muscle Memory Patterns (87% Accuracy)
- Qi Circulation Routes (Proprietary Data)
**Risk:** Reverse Engineering Possible
Ibukun deleted the message.
---
### **The Choice**
At dawn, the System presented two paths:
**Option 1:**
- Purchase "Precision Vision" Now (5,000 SP + 1 Alloy)
- Risk SP Bankruptcy Before Next Match
**Option 2:**
- Grind Fundamentals Further
- Save for "Iniesta's Close Control" (12,000 SP)
He chose **Option 1**.
The installation felt like molten gold being poured into his optic nerves.
---