Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

[Game win: +40 XP]

[Hardwork points: +25 XP]

[Current level: Legend (254/500)]

Kai pursed his lips in satisfaction. He was finally on the halfway mark of his current level. He still didn't know how much further he could go. However, with the finals coming up, he wanted one final boost to get to that new level.

However, that also seemed to be an impossible feat, considering the finals were in two days. Kai shook his head and leaned against his seat.

He just had to wait for now.

Lina, who was replaying the scene of Kai kissing her cheek over and over again in her mind, turned to the tall and handsome boy with bright eyes.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked.

Kai snapped out of his thoughts and turned to her with a smile.

"Nothing," he said. "Just the finals."

Lina's smile widened. "We've really come far, huh? This was just a dream for me—one that I never knew we would be able to reach. However, look where we are now."

Jet heard their conversation and joined in. "And it's all because of me!" he exclaimed.

Shang scoffed and slapped the back of his head. "Says the one who scored three points for the entire game—and three of those were free throw shots!"

Jet clicked his tongue. "Whatever you say, man. You've changed!"

"How many points did you even garner for this game?" Jet asked, turning to Kai.

Kai pursed his lips before shaking his head. He honestly had no clue. Enjoy exclusive content from My Virtual Library Empire

He turned to Lina. "Did you keep score?" he asked.

Lina shook her head. "Sorry," she said. "I was too caught up with Yuze."

"It's alright," Kai smiled. "It's not like it matters too much."

"Yes, it does!" Andy chimed. "What if you had beaten the record for most points in a high school basketball game? You sunk a lot of twos and threes in the game."

Kai shrugged. "I guess we'll find out later."

The other players didn't want to let it go. However, Yuze arrived, causing them to stand from their seats and greet their captain.

It was clear that Yuze had swollen eyes, but they didn't talk much about it. One, because they felt happy for Yuze. And two, because even if Yuze was injured, he was still very capable of hurting them—and he wouldn't hesitate to do so if he got annoyed by their questions.

"Captain," Kai said as their eyes met.

Yuze, whose leg was now in a cast and holding crutches, glanced at his team with a small smile.

"We did it, boys," he simply said, causing them to cheer. It brought the attention of the nearby teams, but they just watched them without saying anything, feeling happy that a group of 'supposed' nobodies had made it this far into the competition.

"Sit down, Yuze," Kun said. "We all know you're in dire need of rest."

Yuze rolled his eyes. "I could still play better than you."

Kun smirked and shook his head. However, he didn't deny the statement. Somehow, it did feel like Yuze could still play better than him even if he was injured.

Yuze took the seat right next to Kai, placing his crutches to the side.

Kai quietly watched him, causing Yuze to smile in amusement. He turned to the younger player and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"Come on," Yuze said. "I know there's a lot in your mind."

Kai sighed in relief and finally asked the question he had been wanting to ask.

"How did it go with your dad?" Kai asked.

The smile on Yuze's face gave his answer away, causing Kai to smile.

"It went well, I presume?" he asked.

Yuze looked to the court, where the people were starting to fill in, before nodding.

"Yeah," he muttered. "It went well."

Kai placed his hands on his lap. "So, when you say that it's your last game, do you mean it?"

Yuze pursed his lips before answering. Now that the huge thorn had been plucked from his chest, he felt that he could look at basketball in a much better light.

However, it still wasn't easy for him to think about.

With that, he shrugged.

"For now, yes," Yuze said, looking down at his ankle. "I've completely torn it now."

Even though he said such words, he didn't sound sad, which Kai felt relieved about.

"So, I need all the rest I can get. I don't think I'll be able to push myself to play for the finals."

"However, I don't think I won't ever play. Let's see," he smiled. "For now, let's just say that I'm taking a short hiatus."

Lina, who was listening to their conversation, sighed. As much as she was happy that Yuze finally acknowledged his injury and was taking the rest that he needed, she still couldn't shake off the worry inside her heart.

The finals.

Yuze was an integral part of their team.

Even though Kai had been their greatest scorer and was now considered their 'star player,' Yuze was still one of the reasons why they were able to make it to where they were in the first place.

"So, it's really official?" Lina asked.

Yuze turned to Lina and nodded. "Yes," he said. "I'm sorry, Lina. I really didn't expect us to get this far."

Lina shook her head. "I understand," she said before facing the court.

It was at that moment that the two opposing teams made their way out to the court.

The court, which was now filled to the brim, erupted into screams as the two teams walked to their benches.

The Ying Eagles and the Juren Champions.

Lina then nudged Kai's shoulder, capturing his attention. She also called for the other players, making sure they were watching the game intently.

"Yuze's out of the next game," she said, making them nod in acceptance. They had all expected it already.

"So," she continued. "I need you to watch this game carefully. Analyze their strengths and their weaknesses—because, in this game, our fate lies."

"Whoever wins this game will be the team we need to beat at the finals."