At the hotel, Aaron's E-sports team was immersed in last-minute training before the big showdown.
Every face bore the same grim expression as if they were each carrying the weight of a debt of millions.
"We're team fighting! You blind?"
"You're the one to talk! Baron got stolen!"
"Shut up, you two feeders! We're underfarmed. Stop rushing into fights!"
"Can we all just focus, please? The tournament's the day after tomorrow!"
The last to speak was Bennett, the team's good-natured captain. He had not seen Vivienne at the club's meeting the other day.
"Shut up!" The three of them rounded on Bennett in unison.
Although Bennett was the captain, his authority paled in comparison to the team's youngest member, Aaron. His seniority was the only reason he held the title. He sighed. The team's recent losing streak had morale at rock bottom, and Kenneth's taunts had only added insult to injury.
He was relieved Aaron was not there; else, fists might have flown.
Aaron could not find humor in the quarrels inside.
These clashes were common, and their seven-game losing streak, a stark reversal from their previous seven-win streak, was a tough pill for anyone to swallow.
With Aaron around, they managed to keep it together, but in his absence, tempers flared even hotter.
Vivienne frowned. She remembered when this team was a united force set on claiming the championship. Now, it was a stark contrast.
"Vivienne..." Aaron bowed his head, too ashamed to look Vivienne in the eye.
Vivienne kicked the
seats. Quentin, known for his hot temper, slammed his headset
it, Kenneth, not again... Holy
stood up, crowding around as they recognized Vivienne; their
we thought
back, Vivienne,
we'll definitely regain
with a
was moved, his eyes shining
face was stormy. "You call yourselves pro
smiles faded, and hope dimmed in their eyes. The room fell into an awkward silence, and even Aaron was unsure what to say
Bennett spoke up. "Vivienne, everyone's just really excited to see
"Oh? Now you remember you're supposed to lead this
voice faded as he looked down, fiddling with his fingers. Despite being the
all too well how
disrespected by his teammates, overlooked by management,
the verge of retirement after the World Championships. Who would respect a spent force on the brink of hanging up his
to set the example and earn their respect. But all you do is play peacemaker. How can anyone
him. "I... My skills are
hesitated, wanting to defend Bennett, but he did not
the record for the highest kills in Hawk Club. You have the highest solo-win rate. When you were racking up championships, these kids were still in diapers. And now you're telling me you're not up to
lump in his throat, the glory days still vivid in
a big temper, I see.
hear Quentin being the loudest,
a response,
do know that!" Vivienne reprimanded, "Have you forgotten how Bennett signed you despite the club's higher-ups not approving? He bet his entire career on you! Before you entered this club, you were on the verge
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