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
for his hot temper, slammed his headset
it, Kenneth, not
up, crowding around as they recognized
thought
goodness, with you back, Vivienne, we've got a
and Aaron, we'll definitely regain our
with a mix of excitement and
was moved, his eyes shining like stars as he gazed
to their surprise, Vivienne's face was stormy. "You call yourselves
into an
"Vivienne, everyone's just really excited
an eyebrow. "Oh? Now you remember you're supposed
with his fingers. Despite being the oldest, he seemed small under
knew all too well how he
by his
retirement after the World Championships. Who would
supposed to set the example and earn their
felt a wave of inferiority wash over him. "I... My skills are lacking.
but he did not dare with
are lacking? You hold the record for the highest kills in Hawk Club. You have the highest solo-win rate. When you were racking up
throat, the glory days still vivid in
turned her gaze to Quentin. "Got a big temper, I see. Think you
loudest, even outside
Quentin mumbled a response, clearly not ready
signed you despite the club's higher-ups not approving? He bet his entire career
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