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.
bang, Vivienne kicked the
known for his hot temper, slammed his headset onto
it, Kenneth, not again... Holy smokes,
as they recognized Vivienne;
thought you weren't
back, Vivienne, we've got a
and Aaron, we'll
with a mix of excitement
moved, his eyes shining like stars as he gazed
to their surprise, Vivienne's face was stormy. "You call yourselves
in their eyes. The room fell into an awkward silence, and even Aaron was unsure what
spoke up. "Vivienne, everyone's just really excited to see
an eyebrow. "Oh? Now you remember you're supposed to lead
fiddling with his fingers.
too well how he had failed as a
his teammates, overlooked by
twenty-six and on the verge of retirement after the World Championships. Who would respect a spent force on the brink of hanging up his mouse and
You're supposed to set the example and earn their respect. But all you do
over him. "I... My skills are lacking. Naturally,
Bennett, but he did
have the highest solo-win rate. When you were racking
his throat, the glory days
to Quentin. "Got a big temper, I see. Think you can
loudest, even
Quentin mumbled a response, clearly not ready
not approving? He bet his entire career on you! Before you entered this club, you were on the verge of being fired from
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