Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

"What was that?"

"Who is that handsome kid?"

"What team is he from? He's the only one not wearing a uniform."

"W—what?" Dingbang stammered. He couldn't believe what he just saw!

Meanwhile, the Shizi Dogs couldn't help but guffaw as they watched the scene before them.

"Ah, their faces are priceless!" Jet exclaimed, slapping Shang's arm.

Shang shook his head. "I want to see it again."

Meanwhile, Andy placed his hand over his chest. "Somehow, I feel really proud of having him on our team."

Jet nodded. "I'm acting like I'm in his shoes right now. It feels good."

Shang looked at him and shook his head. "You seriously need some help."

For his next decision, Kai knew he was breaking the rules of basketball. However, he couldn't care less. These guys annoyed him to the core.

He caught the ball that he just shot and dribbled it a bit before passing it to Hong.

Almost instinctively, Hong caught the ball with wide eyes. Not even a few seconds later, Kai stole it back from him, leaving him stunned.

Without missing a second, Kai pulled up for a three-point shot. The ball arched high, but it didn't quite make it.

Andy clicked his tongue. "That's still his weakness," he muttered.

However, Kai knew how to make up for his weakness.

His muscles coiled like springs as he leaped forward, snagging the rebound before anyone else could react. With a swift motion, he put the ball back up and into the hoop.

The ball swished cleanly through the net, and Kai descended back to the court, his mind already plotting the next play.

Jiali and Anjing clapped in excitement. They had never met a player like him before! Even their seniors didn't play as well as Kai.

Meanwhile, Dingbang and Hong turned to each other with shame and surprise. Why the heck were they boasting in front of a monster?

[+50 XP]

[Shame has been inflicted upon opponents]

Enjoy new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

[Current level: Grandmaster: 123/300]

Kai smirked as he watched their bewildered expressions. With that, he wanted to show them another special move.

However, before he could do that, a familiar voice cut through the noise of the game.

"Kai!"

Kai froze. His eyes widened as he turned toward the sound, and there, standing at the edge of the court with her hands firmly planted on her waist, was Lina.

Well, she didn't look happy.

He dropped the ball instantaneously.

"Oh no," Kai muttered under his breath, feeling a wave of dread wash over him. He glanced back for his teammates, wanting to ask them for help, but they had mysteriously vanished.

"Cowards," he muttered, mentally cursing them for abandoning him at a time like this.

Lina's gaze was sharp as she marched over to him. Kai scratched the back of his neck, feeling goosebumps prickle along his skin.

"Oh boy," he muttered.

"Sorry," he said quickly to the other players, holding up his hands in surrender. "I have to go."

With that, he walked to meet Lina halfway.

"Wait!" Anjing exclaimed. "The game has just started!"

"If you leave, then it means that we've won. We're still one point ahead of you!" Dingbang exasperated, trying to sound tough.

"Okay," Kai said, holding up an 'okay' sign.

Dingbang pursed his lips and felt that although they had more points, they still lost.

As soon as Kai arrived in front of Lina, she grabbed him by the ear and tugged him off the court with a firm grip.

Kai winced, trying to keep up with her pace.

She stopped when they arrived at an empty street. Then, she turned to glare at Kai with a stern expression, still holding onto his ear.

"What did I tell you about preserving your condition? Why are you playing with those guys?"

"They were cocky," Kai said, attempting to defend himself. "Ask my roommates! They were asking for it."

Lina clicked her tongue, unimpressed with his reasoning. "Is that enough of a reason? What would have happened if you got hurt?"

Kai sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I didn't."

Lina exhaled deeply, her grip on his ear loosening but not completely letting go. "And that's because you're fortunate. But you need to be smarter about this. Hold back for now. Our first match is with those guys anyway."

Kai's eyes widened in surprise. "The match list is out?"

Lina nodded, releasing his ear and folding her arms across her chest. "It's out. We've been divided into two groups of seven, and it looks like the system is favoring the stronger teams again."

Kai's eyes narrowed. "Did we...?" He didn't need to finish the sentence. He knew what Lina was going to say.@@novelbin@@

She nodded again. "It's bad. We're up against some of the toughest teams right from the start. They're all on the other group, so their chances of winning are higher while ours are lower."

Kai clenched his fists, the competitive fire in him igniting even more. "But we're strong, too."

Lina smiled. "We are. And that's why I need all of you at your best. So don't do this again, alright?"

Kai nodded. "I'll wait."

"One more day," he muttered.

***

The largest basketball court in Beijing was filled with energy. More and more people came in despite it already looking full.

The Interhigh Nationals had always been a prestigious tournament, known even more for its intensity and talent than the collegiate level. The stands were filled to the brim with spectators, a sea of color as fans from all over the country came to support their teams.

Kai stood among his teammates and lined up with the other players in front of the podium. He couldn't help but look around in awe. The size of the court was overwhelming, almost twice the size of the one they were used to back in Jilin. Everything about this place screamed prestige and importance.

This was the big leagues.

The Shizi Dogs, despite their usual confidence, couldn't hide their amazement. Jet nudged Kai. "This is something else, huh?"

Kai nodded, his eyes scanning the 53 teams lined up beside them. It was a staggering number, and yet, somehow, they all fit on the court.

As the opening ceremony began, the noise level in the arena rose. Cheers erupted from the stands as the commentator of the night, David Chou, appeared on the podium.

The time had finally come.

The Nationals were officially underway.