Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

"That's just a random man," Kai muttered.

The second quarter was about to begin, and even then, Kai could feel the change in Marcus' demeanor. He just couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Marcus sat taller, his shoulders squared as he kept playing with the hem of his jersey. There was something in his eyes that hinted he was going through something personal. Sometimes, his eyes would sweep over the arena, too—like he was looking for someone.

Kai glanced at him, curiosity sparking in his gaze, but he turned back to the court.

Park Jin-woo was still playing. Kai couldn't help but watch him because the guy kept glancing toward his way! It felt like he was boasting after every sot!

"Not bad," Kai muttered under his breath as he watched Jinwoo's previous plays replay in his mind. The guy was skilled; there was no denying that, but Kai felt a surge of confidence bubbling in his chest.

He was definitely better. Not just on the court. He was much more handsome, too!

The whistle blew, and the starting players made their way back to the bench. With that, the other five stood.

Max stole a glance at the lineup and couldn't help but shake his head slightly.

He could practically see the fire reflecting in their eyes! He passed by Zheng, who patted him on the shoulder.

"Good luck, man," Zheng said, sounding amused and teasing at the same time.

"Jian should be here," Max muttered, not quite under his breath. "He fits this roster better!"

He glanced at them once more, but it just made him feel the same way.

These were the most intense, fiercely competitive, and annoyingly stubborn players in their team—Jimmy, Marcus, Caleb, and Kai. Only Jian was missing!

He knew they would stop at nothing to outshine one another and claim the MVP title, especially after Coach Xu Wei's challenge. Max took a deep breath. He wanted to win, but he also wanted their team to win more than anything.

The score showed only a two-point lead in their favor, and he knew it could disappear in a split second if they weren't careful.

Across the court, Park Jinwoo sat on the bench, eyes never leaving the court. Gina and David, the commentators for this game, were already full of praise for the South Korean star.

"He's definitely living up to his reputation," Gina said. "A formidable player for his age."

"And look at the crowd! Every time the camera pans to him, you'd think we were at a pop concert," David added as teenage fans screamed, waving banners with Jinwoo's name.

Jinwoo's eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms tighter, the smirk fading into a more serious expression. "Let's see," he muttered, focusing on Kai.

Marcus dribbled the ball confidently as the game kicked into high gear.

His movements were deliberate and experienced, each step done to maintain his authority on the court. He faced off against his defender, a tall and agile forward who matched his energy step for step.

Marcus feinted to the left before making a sudden spin to the right, breaking free just long enough to take a shot from the mid-range. The ball soared through the air, spinning with perfect rotation before sinking smoothly into the net. The crowd erupted into cheers.

"Marcus starts us off strong with a beautiful mid-range shot!" Gina's voice carried over the noise.

43-39.

Jimmy was next to take control. He caught the ball from Max, who served as the glue of the team for the time being. He could already feel how they all wanted the ball from him!

However, since Jimmy was the most convenient to pass to at the moment, he chose him—even if that meant sacrificing his own score.

Jimmy hesitated for just a moment, eyes darting around to assess his options. His hands were steady, but the hint of nerves showed in the way he dribbled—just a bit too fast and a little too tight.

He knew his dad was here, sitting in his usual spot.

He found an opening and took a jump shot. The ball wobbled slightly as it left his hands, causing a collective inhale from the audience. It bounced on the rim once, twice, before finally dropping in. Relief washed over Jimmy's face as he jogged back on defense.

45-39.

Caleb wasn't one to be left out.

As soon as they regained possession, he called for the ball and received a quick pass from Max.

Caleb's eyes gleamed with determination, his footwork impeccable as he dodged past his defender with a swift crossover. He leaped forward, releasing a clean shot that barely touched the rim before falling straight in. His expression was triumphant as he shot a quick glance at the scoreboard, watching their lead inch up.

47-39.

However, of course, he was prouder that he had two points under his name now.

"Oh, this is a nightmare," Max muttered as he found himself playing the role of the connector. He knew he wasn't going to win this competition—not with the likes of these players during this quarter.

Along with that, the most passionate guy hasn't even scored yet!

"Max," he heard someone call from behind.

He moved on instinct.

The moment Kai received the ball, Park Jinwoo, along with the crowd, held their breaths, anticipating what was going to happen next.

The South Korean defenders converged on him, moving swiftly to form a tight wall. They must have heard what Kai was capable of, and they weren't taking any chances. Kai glanced at the defense, eyes calculating as he mapped out his path in an instant. He dribbled low, working back and forth with movements so quick they blurred.

"Looks like they're tightening their defense on Kai," David noted.

Then, Kai saw the opening, a narrow path barely there.

He pushed off his right foot, pivoted, and angled his body, keeping his eyes trained on the hoop.

The defenders lunged toward him, but he was already a step ahead. Kai leaped into the air, the noise of the crowd fading into a distant hum as he twisted his body mid-flight.

Time seemed to slow as he reached the apex, the ball cradled in one hand.

"Is he—" David began, suddenly standing from his seat, eyes wide.

"A reverse dunk?"