Zaid Khan : A billion Dreams

Ding!

[Side Quest Activated: Zoha's Challenge!]

[Objective: Score 50+ Runs in the Practice Match]

[Reward: Special Gift from Zoha]

Zaid stretched his arms as he stepped onto the practice ground. The sun was relentless, beating down on the turf, but he barely noticed. His mind was set on one thing—Zoha's challenge.

Fifty runs.

It wasn't an impossible target, but it wasn't easy either. Especially with the kind of bowlers he would be facing.

"Zaid!"

He turned to see Sameer jogging over, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Man, you're really something. You just got here, and you're already making a name for yourself."

Zaid chuckled. "Not yet."

Sameer smirked. "Give it time."

As the rest of the team arrived, the coach clapped his hands. "Alright, boys! Today, we sharpen our skills. We have a practice match coming up, and I want full intensity."

Zaid felt his blood rush. This was it.

The nets were set up, and players began taking turns batting and bowling. Zaid watched carefully, observing the line and length of the deliveries, the way the senior players handled the pressure.

"Zaid, you're up!" the coach called.

He took a deep breath and walked to the crease.

The bowler was a tall, lean fast bowler, one of the seniors known for his deadly inswingers. Zaid tightened his grip on the bat.

Thud!

The ball crashed into the pitch and swung in sharply. Zaid barely managed to get his bat down in time, the ball deflecting off the inside edge.

"Close one," Sameer called from behind.

Zaid exhaled. Focus.

The next delivery came quicker. This time, he adjusted early, stepping forward and meeting the ball with the full face of the bat.

Crack!

The ball raced past mid-on. A perfect cover drive.

The sound of the bat meeting the ball sent a jolt of confidence through him.

The third ball was short. A bouncer.

Zaid instinctively pulled back and hooked it over square leg. The ball soared, landing just inside the boundary. Four runs.

Sameer whistled. "Now that's what I'm talking about!"

Zaid smirked.

Ding!

[+10 EXP]

[Shot Execution Improved!]

Ding!

[New Passive Skill Unlocked: Quick Reflexes]

The System was evolving with him.

Zaid felt it—his body reacting faster, his instincts sharpening. This was just the beginning.

And he was ready for more.

The coach blew the whistle, signaling a short break. Zaid walked over to the benches, grabbing his water bottle. His shirt was drenched in sweat, but his mind was buzzing.

Sameer sat down beside him, nudging his shoulder. "Bro, that hook shot was insane. Where the hell did you learn that?"

Zaid smirked. "Just… instinct, I guess."

Sameer raised an eyebrow. "Instinct, huh?" He shook his head. "Whatever it is, keep it up. You keep playing like this, and you'll be in the playing XI in no time."

Zaid took a deep sip of water, but he knew he couldn't relax. His goal wasn't just making the team—it was proving himself worthy of the biggest stage.

The second half of the session was focused on bowling. Zaid stepped onto the pitch, ball in hand.

The batsman at the other end was one of the seniors, a well-built guy who had played at the state level.

This was the real test.

Zaid ran in, his body moving almost on its own. Left arm over, wrist flick, perfect seam position.

Thud!

The ball pitched just outside off stump and cut back in sharply. The batsman was late on the shot, and the ball crashed into the stumps.

Bowled him!

A few teammates whistled, while the senior batsman scowled. "Lucky ball, kid."

Zaid smirked. "Let's see if I can get lucky again."

He bowled another delivery—a well-disguised slower ball. The batsman misread it completely and ended up lobbing it straight into the hands of the fielder at mid-off.

The coach clapped. "Zaid, excellent variation!"

Ding!

[+15 EXP]

[New Bowling Skill Unlocked: Deceptive Pace]

Zaid exhaled. The System wasn't just for batting. It was helping him become an all-rounder.

Sameer ran up, slapping his back. "Man, you're on fire today!"

Zaid nodded. "I have to be. This is just the start."

As the sun began to set, the practice session ended. But Zaid's mind was still racing.

There was so much more to do.

And he wasn't going to stop until he reached the top.