Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

The moment both teams stepped onto the court, the entire stadium screamed at the top of their lungs.

Of course, one of the most prominent characteristics of sports fans was their pride, and they weren't afraid to show it.

The Shizi Dogs in their blazing pink and the Juren Champions in glimmering gold moved forward, each team radiating an aura that sent chills through the crowd.

As they reached the center, they stopped, just for a moment, and locked eyes. The tension between them was so intense that even the fans seemed to feel it, their cheers quieting for an instant as they took in the sight before them.

It was like watching the calm before a storm. However, instead of dread, they felt excitement.

On the sidelines, a small commotion caught some's attention as the Shizi cheerleading team arrived.

Right at the front was Suzy—her eyes were swollen and red.

Yani glanced at her and frowned. "Are you sure you're okay?" she asked.

Suzy smiled. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Well, it looks like you cried. Did your dad make you cry?"

Suzy scoffed. "I wish," she whispered to herself.

"Nope!" she quickly added, louder this time. "It's allergy season!"

Yani scratched the back of her neck. "If you say so."

Suzy nodded. "I'm really alright. No need to worry about me. It's time to bust your asses off! We're not going to lose to those Juren cheerleaders!"

Meanwhile, the noise level in the court took on a new high as more screams rose above the rest—for none other than Kai.

It was insane.

It felt like the entire place had transformed into a concert. Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire

Fans from both sides leaned forward, hands clasped, cameras flashing as Kai stood on the court, appearing more serious than others.

Even a few Juren supporters exchanged impressed looks.

"He's really something, isn't he?" one Juren fan murmured, nudging her friend. "Handsome, too."

"Is he single?" another one whispered back with a grin.

But Kai remained focused, eyes flicking across the court, surveying the area to analyze any possible problem.

As the teams lined up, Gina and David resumed their playful commentary over the speakers, hyping up the crowd and continuing with the pre-game rituals.

"Dang, you can really feel the energy in here!" David announced, his voice echoing. "Let's keep the spirit going and get ready for the program before we start."

The lights dimmed slightly, and the court took on a more solemn air.

Everyone rose to their feet as the announcer asked for silence.

The national anthem began, a powerful melody filling the stadium, reverberating off the walls and into the hearts of the spectators.

Kai looked up at their flag, suddenly having a vision to represent their country one day.

When the anthem ended, the crowd erupted into applause once more.

And as the applause died down, another voice came over the speakers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are honored to have with us today Johnny Wang, the head of the basketball committee, to say a few words before we kick off this legendary game!"

The crowd cheered as Johnny Wang, a respected figure in town and a former national champion himself, made his way to the center court.

Johnny took the mic, smiling at the audience, his gaze sweeping over the sea of pink and gold.

"Thank you, everyone," he began, his voice calm but filled with pride. "What an incredible sight to see so many people gathered here to support not just their favorite teams but the spirit of basketball itself. Tonight, we're not just here to watch a game. We're here to witness history and to support the dreams of these young men who have poured their hearts and souls into their journey. And let me tell you…"

He paused with a smile, "Tonight's going to be legendary."

The crowd roared, fueled by his words, hands clapping and fists pumping in the air. Johnny gave a nod, acknowledging the atmosphere.

"Now, to officially kick off this match, we have someone for the ceremonial first throw. You all know him—Jian Niu, third-year high school three-time champion from Juren High! Let's have him on the court!

Excitement surged through the stands as Jian strode onto the court. Fans jumped to their feet, cheering and chanting his name, unable to contain their excitement.

Jian held up a hand to acknowledge them before dribbling the ball and taking a step back. Instead of standing usually at the free-throw line, Jian stood at the half-court line.

However, that wasn't too surprising.

Gina's voice came over the speakers, barely concealing her awe. "I don't think I need to tell anyone who Jian Niu is. His half-court shots are the stuff of legend. I really can't wait to see what the future awaits for this high school boy."

The crowd grew still as Jian positioned himself at the half-court line, bouncing the ball a few times.

The audience held their breaths, their eyes glued to him while waiting.

To some, this was their first time witnessing his long-distance shots, so they were captured by the moment, waiting to see if he could truly live up to his reputation.

Jian took a step back, knees bent, eyes locked on the basket. With one powerful movement, he launched the ball, his arm extending perfectly as it soared through the air. The ball spun.

It wasn't a slow-mo moment. In fact, it felt too fast.

Swish!

The ball sailed smoothly through the net, the sound of it hitting nothing but the net echoing across the stadium.

Then, the crowd went absolutely wild. Fans were screaming, stamping their feet, jumping out of their seats. The players in the VIP area shook their heads in amazement.

The four Elites had gathered now, waiting to see if Jian could keep his winning streak or if Kai would be able to stop it.

Johnny Wang gave a hearty laugh, clapping Jian on the back. "There you have it! The magic of basketball!" he shouted, and the crowd's cheers reached a fever pitch once again.

As the teams prepared to return to their respective benches, the Shizi Dogs and Juren Champions exchanged one last look across the court.

Kai let out a deep breath. "It's near," he muttered.