Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog-Chapter 616: Muffin Mission

The men's basketball team felt like they were on top of the world as they walked out of the locker room. Everyone turned toward their way, whispering among themselves.

Although they were used to people badmouthing them behind their backs, this was entirely new as people were actually singing praises for them.

"I think they might make it into the podium."

"Who's the next team they're heading against?"

"Most probably Germany."

"Germany is good, too, but France is a better team. I think they can do it."

Their shoulders rolled back with pride from all of the compliments they were hearing.

However, Kai couldn't smile at all.

He stared at his system board and shook his head.

[Enigma: 599/600]

What the heck was that? The system couldn't even grant him one XP, but he could grant Aiden a whole new upgrade when they switched bodies?

Speaking of that lunatic, Kai quickly checked if he had received a text from him and saw that he had.

Aiden: Dang, man! You were the best out there. No wonder they were glaring at me when I couldn't deliver.

Aiden: Anyway, congratulations. I felt that we were really meant to live each other's lives. I can't greet you personally because I have to prepare for tomorrow's writing contest.

Kai merely shook his head and turned off his phone, a small smile appearing on his face. He thought that Aiden would be a bigger problem, but he was actually pretty cool.

In fact, Kai admired him for finding his once miserable life good.

However, his face stiffened once more when he realized that he still hadn't upgraded to the next level. If he wanted to secure a podium finish, then he believed that upgrading was his greatest chance.

"Let's eat first," Coach Xu Wei said.

"Are you treating us out, coach?" Muyang excitedly asked.

The old man shook his head. "You still have two games left before I could treat you out. For now, we shall eat at the hotel's buffet. They have everything there!"

"Yeah," Zheng muttered. "Everything but the banana muffins."

"They better have some today," Max said. "That will make this day even better."

Kai nodded, joining in on their conversation for once. After such a long and tiring game, a banana muffin really sounded good.

With that, they hurried to the hotel's buffet.

However, what met them was a sight that made Kai even more dejected.

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There they were again—the German men's basketball team—hogging all of the banana muffins! And this time, it was even more infuriating. They were getting two for each player!

To make matters worse, it seemed like these were a fresh, new batch and that they were the only team who weren't able to get it.

"This is my first time tasting it. It's really good."

"It has a hidden chocolate center!"

"I can become a champion with this one."

[New mission!]

Kai's brows furrowed even further.

[Upgrade to a new level. The new level will come with exciting incentives, both for skills and stats. Become an expert in all skills. Become at least an SS in all stats.]

Kai stopped walking for a moment, forgetting about the banana muffin issue. If this was to happen, it would be his biggest upgrade yet!

What kind of mission would it be?

He realized there would be very high stakes if such a reward was given. However, the new notification made him freeze.

[Eat three banana muffins from the hotel buffet]

[Deadline: 72 hours]

"Crap," he muttered.

"It's crappy, alright," Jian agreed, shaking his head. "It's been so long since we've had one."

Kai pursed his lips. It sounded pretty simple, but it was actually a more difficult mission than he had realized. They sat at the table, a little bit disappointed but still happy because of their win.

On the other hand, Kai clenched his fists. He realized he couldn't get the massive upgrade before their game with Germany.

"We have to win against Germany at all costs," he said, his fists banging on the table.

The others turned to him with wide eyes.

"Woah, relax," Jaw-Long chuckled. "We just finished one game."

Kai's determination didn't waver. "I'm serious," he said. "We have to win."

"Of course," Coach Xu Wei said.

"It's the only way we can get a medal."

"It's the only way we can eat banana muffins," Kai muttered.

They turned to him with confusion.

"What was that?" Marcus asked.

Kai didn't respond anymore. His gaze went straight to the German team, who had over a dozen banana muffins on their table.

***

It was the next day, and Kai woke up early to see if he could try his luck for the banana muffins. As he walked, other athletes pointed toward his way.

"He's the guy who single-handedly beat France!"

"He's so handsome, isn't he?"

"Where's the rest of his team?"

He went to the pastry section and called for one of the assistants.

"Do you have any banana muffins?" he asked.

"Oh, we just ran out," she chuckled, causing his brows to furrow. He looked around the cafeteria. "But, there's no one here yet."

"Yeah," she said. "But that German basketball team really loves their bananas. They come here every morning to get some before they head to the gym. They call it as their pre-fuel."

Kai's eyes widened. "All of it?"

"Yeah, all of it!" she said. "We don't make big batches in the morning because most athletes don't eat breakfast. So, we prepare the biggest batch at lunch."

"Lunch," Kai muttered. "That is noted."

"But you have to come fast," she said. "The German team may take half of them, but the other half is fought for by all the other athletes."

"I know," Kai whispered. "That's what makes this so difficult."

"Anyway, I'll try saving a piece for you," she said, causing Kai's eyebrows to raise in pleasant surprise.

"You can do that?" he asked.

"Yes," she said. "I actually watched your game and became a big fan. Come by during lunch. I'll give you a piece."

"Perhaps, can you make that three?"