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.
a loud bang, Vivienne kicked
in their seats. Quentin, known for his hot temper, slammed his headset
Kenneth, not again...
crowding around as they recognized
thought you
goodness, with you back, Vivienne, we've
Vivienne and Aaron, we'll
Vivienne with a mix of excitement and
too, was moved, his eyes shining like stars as he gazed at
surprise, Vivienne's face was stormy. "You call yourselves pro gamers with this
room fell into an awkward silence, and even
spoke up. "Vivienne, everyone's just really
you remember you're supposed to lead this
down, fiddling with his fingers. Despite being the oldest, he seemed small under
how he had
disrespected by his teammates, overlooked by management, and
Who would respect a spent force on the
pulled up a chair. "Bennett, you're the captain. You're supposed to set the example and earn their respect. But all you do is play
of inferiority wash over him. "I...
Bennett, but he did
skills are lacking? You hold the record for the highest kills in Hawk Club. You have the highest solo-win rate. When you
in his throat, the glory days still vivid in his mind,
to Quentin. "Got a big temper, I see. Think you
loudest, even outside the
Quentin mumbled a response, clearly not ready to
signed you despite the club's higher-ups not approving? He bet his entire career on you! Before
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