Chapter Eight

After Long Yan's impressive display of skill with two consecutive ultra-long three-pointers, the score between the two sides shifted to 2:6.

Akagi quickly regained his focus and reassuringly patted Kogure's shoulder, urging him not to get distracted and to keep a close eye on the talented young player, Long Yan.

"Now, let's prioritize scoring a goal," Akagi declared, his voice filled with determination.

Kogure, feeling a tinge of embarrassment for his momentary lapse, responded to Akagi,

"Don't worry, Akagi. I'll personally take on the responsibility of guarding him."

Long Yan's consecutive goals were a testament to his exceptional shooting skills, and it was evident that his impact couldn't be underestimated.

Little did Kogure know that even if their team captain, Takenori Akagi, were to defend against Long Yan himself, it would still be a daunting challenge to stop him.

"Alright, let's go! Show them our unwavering determination,"

Akagi rallied everyone with a resounding yell as he prepared to serve the ball.

Although the score difference wasn't substantial, the outcome of the game was undeniably surprising.

Initially, Akagi believed that Rukawa would be their team's leading scorer, but he was taken aback by the impressive performance of the rookie player, Long Yan.

On the opposing side, Long Yan's leadership prompted Rukawa and the rest of the team to swiftly return to their respective defensive positions, eagerly anticipating Akagi and his teammates' offensive moves.

With a hand placed firmly on his waist, Long Yan assumed a confident posture, offering a reminder to Kuwata and the others to stay focused and guard against their opponents.

Kuwata and Sasaoka nodded in agreement, their expressions filled with determination and resolve.

In the blink of an eye...

[Ding!]

[The host completes the task.]

[Acquired quick recovery skill.]

The system's prompt resonated in Long Yan's mind, grabbing his attention.

Without wasting a moment, he carefully studied the details of the quick recovery skill.

[Quick recovery: When the host's physical strength is depleted to 50%, it restores 30% of the host's physical strength. This ability can only be used once per day.]

As Long Yan absorbed the information provided by the system, he realized that this skill functioned similarly to a glucose nutrient solution, enabling a rapid rejuvenation of physical stamina.

For someone like him, who possessed relatively weak physical endurance, this skill couldn't have been more suitable or beneficial.

"Excellent!" he exclaimed inwardly, feeling a surge of excitement coursing through him.

Regardless, he was determined to make the most of each passing day and savor every moment of the game.

In an instant, Long Yan felt his previously tired body brimming with energy after using the quick recovery skill.

"Great skills! Now, let's play basketball seriously," he exclaimed, feeling invigorated.

With renewed strength, his focus shifted to Kogure, who was dribbling the ball.

"Be careful," Kogure cautioned, looking at Long Yan, the defender, as he searched for an opportunity to break through.

[Ding!]

[Training mission: Prevent Kiminobu Kogure from breaking through.]

[Reward: Phantom interception.]

[During the game, when the opponent possesses the ball for more than 5 seconds, the host activates the phantom interception skill, granting extraordinary speed. The first three interceptions have a 100% success rate, and subsequent interceptions have a 70% success rate with low physical exertion.]

Just as Kogure approached, the system presented another training task.

Long Yan glanced at the skill introduction, secretly delighted with the system's effectiveness.

The phantom interception skill significantly enhanced his ability to steal the ball.

Defending against Kogure's breakthrough was inevitable.

"Senior, come at me," Long Yan called out, spreading his arms and assuming a defensive posture.

Kogure slapped the basketball with his right hand and turned to check Long Yan's left side.

The left side was often the weakest area for defenders, but Long Yan maintained intense focus on Kogure's eyes.

'Left?' Long Yan guessed the direction of Kogure's breakthrough.

'Left.'

Injecting strength into his right foot, he prepared to block Kogure's imminent breakthrough.

The speed of Kogure's dribbling increased.

He made a move, breaking towards Long Yan's left side.

But the moment Kogure took his first step, Long Yan's body transformed into an immovable wall, swiftly moving in the direction of Kogure's breakthrough.

After successfully anticipating Kogure's direction, Long Yan's quick reaction surprised Kogure, who realized that underestimating his opponent would be a mistake.

After several unsuccessful attempts to break through, Kogure realized that his speed was no match for Long Yan's solid defense.

"Frustrating!" he exclaimed, feeling the pressure of Long Yan's unwavering obstruction.

On the other hand, Long Yan's relentless defensive play was gradually wearing down Kogure's physical stamina.

At that moment, Kogure couldn't help but be surprised.

While Long Yan might not have predicted the exact direction of his breakthrough, his exceptional speed compensated for it.

This appeared to be the fundamental difference between Kogure and Long Yan.

The two players found themselves locked in a tense standoff on the court.

"Kogure, pass the ball quickly," Akagi urged, positioning himself strategically near the basket.

Observing Kogure's struggle to shake off Long Yan's tight defense, Akagi provided a timely reminder.

"I won't let you receive the ball," Rukawa chimed in, standing in front of Akagi with a determined defensive stance.

Frustrated, Akagi glanced at Rukawa, unable to suppress his complaint.

The situation highlighted the underestimated strength of Long Yan, not only in offense but also in defense.

He was indeed a rare talent.

Upon hearing Akagi's words, Kogure's expression grew serious.

He assessed Akagi's position and recognized it as a prime offensive opportunity.

With the ball in his hands, Kogure made the decision to attempt an empty pass towards Akagi's position.

[Ding!]

[The host completes the task: Prevent Kogure from breaking through.]

[Reward: Phantom interception.]

At that precise moment, the system's voice echoed in Long Yan's mind.

"Phantom interception?" he questioned, intrigued by the sound of the new skill.

In an instant, a sense of lightness enveloped Long Yan's body, and Kogure's movement to pass the ball seemed to unfold in slow motion before his eyes.

Without hesitation, Kogure seized what he believed to be the perfect opportunity and shouted loudly,

"Akagi!"

But in the blink of an eye, Long Yan's lightning-fast reflexes kicked in, as he intercepted the pass with uncanny precision.

"Snapped!"

In a swift motion, Long Yan's hands shot up like a skilled fisherman reaching for the elusive moon's reflection in the water, securely grasping the basketball mid-air.

"He stole it!"

Kuwata couldn't contain his excitement, exclaiming in awe at the remarkable feat.

"Fast attack!"