The sun was higher now, casting a harsh glare across Ghostline Pitch Zone 3.
Raj adjusted his helmet strap slowly, feeling the tug against his chin.In front of him, Gravex players laughed, shouted instructions, clapped unnecessarily hard.
It wasn't real encouragement,it was only noise.It was planned to throw him off before he even took strike.
As Raj walked toward the crease, a voice from point called out loudly:
"Hope that fancy glove doesn't rip when you swing, kid!"
Another player snickered near the boundary:
"Must be nice stitching dreams. Too bad they won't help you hit the ball!"
Raj didn't react.He didn't even look at them.
Because inside, his system pulsed softly.
[System Alert: Psychological Disruption Detected]
Rival Tactic Active: Verbal Sledging
Passive Engaged: Play the Game, Not Their Noise
Bonus Activated:
– +8% Focus
– -10% Emotional Reaction to External Provocation
Objective: Respond Only Through Play
Innings started,The bowler stepped up.
