The email came in just after midnight.
Subject: Oak Hill Academy Invitation
Michael didn't open it right away.
He stared at the notification, eyes half-lidded, body still sore from the night's game. Another win. Another stat line that looked like something out of a video game: 34 points, 11 rebounds, 4 steals.
[Progress: 7.84%]
Coach had said it was coming. But seeing it? That was different.
He finally clicked.
"We've followed your performance closely. We believe your ceiling is far beyond regional play. We're offering you a mid-season transfer with immediate scholarship and national exposure."
Michael scrolled down.
They mentioned travel schedules. Nike sponsorships. Training regimens. Access to NBA-level facilities.
Any other kid might've jumped at it.
He didn't.
He closed the email.
At school the next morning, Jamal slid into the seat beside him during lunch.
"You gonna do it?"
Michael looked up.
"You know already?"
"Everybody does. Coach said Oak Hill called him. You're the hottest name in the region. Maybe the country."
Michael stabbed his fork into his food.
"I'm not leaving."
Jamal leaned back. "You're crazy. You could play nationally. Boost your draft stock, go against other five-stars."
"I'm not chasing five-stars," Michael said. "I'm chasing legacy."
Jamal shook his head. "Legacy from where? Here?"
Michael nodded. "Exactly. If I can put this school on the map, carry a no-name program to the top—what's more legendary than that?"
Jamal didn't answer. Just looked at him like he saw him clearly for the first time.
Practice that afternoon was sharp.
Coach didn't ask about Oak Hill. Didn't mention Montverde's follow-up.
He just tossed Michael the ball during drills.
"Still ours?"
Michael grinned. "Until the end."
That weekend, Michael spent hours alone in the gym.
He imagined the big schools. The arenas. The lights.
Then looked at the faded lines on their cracked court.
And smiled.
"I'll make it from here."
[Milestone Achieved: Loyalty Over Spotlight][System Reward: Trait Upgrade – Unshakeable Focus Tier I → Tier II]
[Progress: 8.21%]
Let the five-stars chase each other.
Michael Schmidt would build something they'd all remember.