Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

The game in the Water Court wasn't as exciting as the crowd wanted it to be.

Of course, it was exciting because the Juren Champions were playing. However, their opponent wasn't worthy to give everyone a great show.

"Jian shoots again!" Chaoxing exclaimed from the bench. He didn't even bother going in since the younger players were already doing so well.

"Jian hates this," he said to the newbie player beside him.

The newbie scratched the back of his neck. Even though they were from the same team, he still felt shy with his seniors. It really did feel like they were mountains away—skills-wise, that is.

"May I ask why he's still playing if he hates it so much?" he asked.

Chaoxing smiled. "Well, that's because he has a reputation to keep, of course. He also needs to maintain his place in the Elite Five. He appears like he doesn't care about it much, but I know that he doesn't want anyone to surpass him until the very last second—even if he's already graduating. That's how big his pride is."

"Same goes for that guy," Chaoxing added, pointing to Jimmy, who was also doing his best. "However, that guy enjoys attention way too much, so he wants to get into the Elite Five."

The newbie smiled shyly. "Is it easy to get into the Elite Five?"

Chaoxing nearly laughed out loud; however, he held himself back since he felt bad for the young player.

"Oh, what an innocent player you are," he said, patting his back. "Of course not. Why do you think I'm here?"

"Huh?" the player asked, tilting his head to the side in confusion.

"If it was that easy to get into the Elite Five, then I would be there...playing my ass off and garnering more points for my ranking," Chaoxing explained.

"However, I know my limitations. Even if I go there and bust my ass off, it wouldn't change a thing. Why?" he asked, turning to the court with a more serious expression. "Because those in the Elite Five aren't normal," he smiled.

"They're monsters."

Just then, the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the second quarter. It ended pretty quickly, especially since no fouls had been made. It seemed as if their opponents were afraid to get even close to them!

It was, most definitely, true.

As the other team walked back to their bench, they were already discussing their strategies for the next game.

Jian coincidentally heard them and shook his head, finding it disgusting. Every day, he was reminded that the opponents worth fighting were getting lesser and lesser.

He couldn't wait to graduate and face even greater opponents. However, even then, Jian felt like he was going to reach the top after a few years, or even months, of playing.

He shook his head, suddenly losing excitement.

Jian sat on the bench and leaned against the wall. "I'm not going anymore."

"You sure?" Chaoxing asked.@@novelbin@@

"Yes," Jian said. "I already have 40 points under my name. That's enough to keep me on top until the end."

"Nice," Jimmy smiled. "More points for me."

Chaoxing shook his head in amusement. "That went by so fast. There were no timeouts or interruptions. I wonder if the other courts are also on their halftime break."

Jimmy shrugged, and then, he narrowed his eyes at Chaoxing. "Are you thinking about the game in the Air Court right now?"

Chaoxing smiled. "How did you know?"

Jimmy scoffed while Jian turned to him with furrowed eyebrows.

"If you're so curious, then why don't you go? It's not like you're playing for this game," Jian bitterly said.

Chaoxing chuckled. "Such bitter people you are. Aren't you curious?"

"About who's going to win?" he added.

Jian clicked his tongue and stared up at the ceiling.

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"The Dragons will win," he said without any hesitation.

"How are you so sure?" Chaoxing asked.

"Because an Elite Five member is there," Jian said, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Even if you say that those Dogs are good, the Elite Five is on another level."

"If that member can't uphold such a name, then maybe, they don't deserve to be in the Elite Five after all."

***

"What the heck? This guy is on another level!"

Kai dribbled the ball, surpassing Guri and positioning himself for the shot once more.

The score had inched closer throughout the second quarter, and now, Kai was determined to make it even closer.

As close as possible.

The ball bounced rhythmically in Kai's hands, echoing through the semi-packed arena. Guri crouched low, ready to pounce.

Kai's first step was lightning-fast. He shifted his weight to the right, and Guri reacted instantly, cutting him off. But Kai didn't stop. He crossed over to the left, leaving Guri a half-step behind.

"Not this time," Guri muttered under his breath, determination flashing in his eyes. He lunged, swiping at the ball with lightning-fast reflexes. For a split second, his fingers grazed it, holding onto the ball. He was certain he had him.

But the ball didn't leave Kai's hands.

[Sticky fingers activated]

It was as if the ball was glued to Kai's fingertips, perfectly controlled even in that brief moment of contact. Guri's breath hitched—how was this possible? His grip was strong, but Kai's was stronger. With a sharp flick of his wrist, Kai pulled the ball away, leaving Guri stumbling forward, his outstretched arm hanging in the air.

Time seemed to slow as Kai took his next steps toward the basket. The crowd fell into a hush, all eyes on him as he glided across the court. His feet barely seemed to touch the ground as he rose up for the shot.

"Get him!" Coach Hope from the Dragons' bench shouted.

But it was too late.

Kai released the ball with perfect form. Everyone's gaze followed it, breath held, until it swished through the net.

"That's 16 points for the number 16 player!" someone from the crowd exclaimed.

Along with that was the sound of the buzzer all throughout the court.

The second quarter had ended.

And the score?

The score was tied.

54-54.