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
seats. Quentin, known for his
Kenneth, not again... Holy smokes,
around as they recognized Vivienne;
we thought you
you back, Vivienne, we've
and Aaron, we'll definitely regain our
at Vivienne with a mix of
eyes shining like stars as he gazed at
to their surprise, Vivienne's 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
"Vivienne, everyone's
raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Now you remember you're
down, fiddling with his fingers. Despite being the oldest, he seemed small
knew all too well how
disrespected by his teammates, overlooked by
twenty-six and on the verge of retirement after the World Championships. Who would respect a spent force on the
and earn their respect. But all you
wash over him. "I... My skills are lacking. Naturally, they don't
to defend Bennett, but he did not dare with
solo-win rate. When you were racking up championships, these kids
in his throat, the glory days still vivid in his
turned her gaze to Quentin. "Got a big temper, I see. Think you can do
hear Quentin being the loudest, even outside
Quentin mumbled a response, clearly
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
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