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
for his
it, Kenneth, not again...
crowding around as they recognized Vivienne; their anger dissolved into
we thought
back, Vivienne, we've got
and Aaron, we'll definitely regain our
at Vivienne with a mix of excitement
his eyes shining like stars as he gazed at
surprise, Vivienne's face was stormy. "You call
eyes. The room fell into an awkward silence, and even Aaron was unsure
up. "Vivienne, everyone's just really
eyebrow. "Oh? Now you remember you're supposed to lead
fiddling with his fingers. Despite being the oldest,
how
disrespected by his teammates, overlooked by management, and dismissed by rival
and on the verge of retirement after the World Championships. Who would respect a spent force on the brink of
and earn their respect.
inferiority wash over him. "I... My skills are lacking. Naturally, they don't listen to
but he did
hold the record for the highest kills in Hawk Club. You have the highest solo-win rate. When
lump in his throat, the glory days still vivid in
"Got a big temper, I see.
Quentin being the loudest, even outside
a response,
approving? He bet his entire career on you! Before you entered this club, you were on the verge of being
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