Match

The teams were quickly organized for the basketball match. On the opponent's side were Li Jun and Zhang Wei and on Lin Xiao's side was the basketball team vice-captain, Chen Ming.

However, Wang Lei, for some unknown reason, didn't join the match and left the field, leaving a noticeable gap in the lineup.

As the game began, Lin Xiao found himself observing the court, recalling moves and strategies he had seen in professional games.

His Strength and Intelligence allowed him to mimic these plays with surprising accuracy. He quickly got into the rhythm of the game, making sharp passes and shooting precise three-pointers.

The match was intense from the start. Li Jun and Zhang Wei coordinated well, their teamwork evident as they navigated the court with practiced ease.

However, with Chen Ming on his team, Lin Xiao had a significant advantage. Chen Ming's presence was intimidating, and his skill at both offense and defense kept the opposing team on their toes.

Despite the tough competition, Lin Xiao's team started to pull ahead.

Lin Xiao executed a perfect pick-and-roll with Chen Ming, using the screen to break free from his defender and score a clean layup.

The girls on the sidelines began to cheer, and Lin Xiao couldn't help but notice their enthusiasm. It was a new experience for him, and it boosted his confidence.

In the midst of the game, Lin Xiao glanced over and saw Chen Manyao watching him intently. Her presence made him a little excited and he started to try harder.

He executed a flawless crossover, leaving his defender stumbling, and drove towards the basket with incredible speed.

With a powerful leap, he dunked the ball, earning loud cheers from the spectators. The energy on the court shifted, and his teammates fed off his momentum.

Chen Ming, seeing Lin Xiao's energy, played even harder. Together, they created a dynamic duo that was hard to stop. Lin Xiao's assists were on point, and Chen Ming's scoring ability was unmatched.

The synergy between them was palpable, and their team continued to widen the gap.

Towards the end of the game, Lin Xiao intercepted a pass from Zhang Wei and sprinted down the court.

With a final burst of speed, he made a spectacular jump shot from beyond the three-point line. The ball sailed through the air and swished cleanly through the hoop.

The final whistle blew, and Lin Xiao's team was declared the winner. The girls cheered louder, and some even started chanting his name.

Chen Ming clapped him on the back. "Great game, Lin Xiao. You're a natural."

"Thanks, Chen Ming," Lin Xiao replied, still catching his breath. "Couldn't have done it without you."

As the students began to disperse, Lin Xiao glanced over at Chen Manyao one last time. She smiled and gave him a thumbs-up, which he returned with a smile of his own.

Lin Xiao stood on the edge of the court as the last few students dispersed. Li Jun and Chen Ming approached him, both wearing wide grins. Chen Ming handed Lin Xiao a form.

"Great game, Lin Xiao," Li Jun said, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "We'd like you to join the team officially. Here's the form. We practice almost every day since the tournament is coming up on the 15th of next month."

Lin Xiao took the form and scanned it. He was eager to join, but the thought of daily practice sessions made him a bit apprehensive.

He needed time to meet with Li Jing and learn more about the supernatural associations.

"Do I have to come to every practice?" Lin Xiao asked, trying to sound casual.

Li Jun and Chen Ming exchanged surprised glances. "Well, it's important to practice as much as possible," Chen Ming said. "But given how well you played today and your synergy with the team, we can make some exceptions. Just make sure to let us know in advance."

Relieved, Lin Xiao nodded and signed the papers. "Thanks, I appreciate it."

As he walked away, he heard the familiar chime of the system.

[Mission Completed - Win the basketball match today - Reward: +0.5 Strength, +60 Exp]

He felt a slight surge of strength flow through him, a reminder of his unique abilities. With the mission completed, he headed to his next class.

...

...

As the day went on, he managed to catch glimpses of his classmates' activities.

Li Na and Zhang Wei were still engrossed in their conversation, while Wang Lei seemed to be avoiding them.

Lin Xiao wondered what was going on but decided not to get involved for now.

After school ended, Lin Xiao pulled out his phone and messaged his mother. "I'll be late coming home. I have basketball practice," he wrote, a half-truth that concealed his actual destination.

Instead of heading to the basketball court, he made his way to the nearest bus stop.

He waited a few minutes before the bus arrived, and he hopped on, finding a seat by the window.

The ride to the military base took about thirty minutes, giving him some time of peace.

When the bus finally reached the stop closest to the military base, Lin Xiao got off and walked the remaining distance.

The entrance to the base was guarded, but as he approached, the soldiers at the gate immediately recognized him and opened it without question.

Lin Xiao was taken aback by their recognition. He nodded to them and walked through the gate, the bustling activity of the base enveloping him.

The base was alive with movement with soldiers training and vehicles moving.

Lin Xiao made his way through the grounds, heading straight for Li Jing's office. He felt a sense of anticipation, knowing that his visit here could provide him with crucial information about the so-called supernatural association tournament.

Upon reaching Li Jing's office, he knocked on the door. A moment later, a voice from inside beckoned him to enter.

"Come in."

Lin Xiao opened the door and stepped inside, finding Li Jing seated at her desk, surrounded by papers and a computer screen displaying various data.

She looked up and smiled when she saw him.