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.
loud bang, Vivienne kicked the door
jumped in their seats. Quentin, known for his hot temper, slammed his headset
not again...
around as they recognized Vivienne; their anger dissolved
thought you
Vivienne, we've
we'll definitely regain our
at Vivienne with a mix of excitement
was moved, his eyes shining like stars as
Vivienne's face was stormy. "You call yourselves pro gamers with
fell into an awkward silence,
up. "Vivienne, everyone's just really
Now you remember you're supposed to lead
fiddling with his fingers. Despite being the
all too well how he had failed
he do if he was disrespected by his teammates, overlooked by management, and dismissed
the World Championships. Who would respect a spent force on
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 peacemaker. How can
inferiority wash over him. "I... My skills are lacking. Naturally, they don't
but he did
lacking? You hold the record for the highest kills in Hawk Club. You have the highest solo-win rate. When you were
his throat, the glory days still vivid in his
Quentin. "Got a big temper, I see. Think you can do
hear Quentin being the loudest, even
good enough..." Quentin mumbled a response, clearly not
higher-ups not approving? He bet his entire career on you! Before you
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