The Million-Dollar Heart

The world champion announced his retirement the moment he lifted the trophy, sending shock waves through the competitive gaming community. Aaron's retirement news hit the trending lists instantly, outshining even Hawk's victory celebration in terms of online explosion.

Yet, the person who took it the hardest was Kenneth.

"Dammit, he wins, and then he quits? How is that any different from those jerks who ghost you after a one-night stand!" Kenneth raged.

Callum tried to reason. "Dude, that... Might not be the best analogy."

Kenneth shot him a glare that could scorch the earth. "Well then, genius, you tell me how to put it!"

The room fell silent, fearing Kenneth's wrath. Seething, Kenneth grabbed his phone and called Aaron, unleashing a tirade that lasted a solid ten minutes without repeating a single insult. Aaron, however, said nothing, hanging up the phone as soon as Kenneth took a breath.

Kenneth stared at his phone, the tone droning in his ear, his face so dark that even the devil would steer clear.

Callum instinctively scooted back.

They all knew Kenneth was at his most terrifying, not when he was shouting but silent like this.

Kenneth's grip on his phone whitened his knuckles.

Suddenly, with a loud crash, Kenneth slammed his phone to the ground and spun around, intent on confronting Aaron.

But standing behind him, more menacing than Hades himself, was Percival.

"Bro," Kenneth immediately lowered his head, "I screwed up, punish me whatever way you want."

Percival sat down, his long legs crossed, leaning back casually on the couch. He looked up and asked, "What did you do wrong?"

"I embarrassed you."

Percival's eyes flashed coldly. "You still don't realize what you did wrong, and you have the nerve to settle scores with Aaron?"

Kenneth flinched as if struck.

knew Percival was

go for a solo kill on Aaron in game three? You neglected the high ground, focused solely on beating Aaron, and ignored the rest. Have all my words

questions left

the match ended, he knew that they lost mainly because

the best of him and disrupted the team's synergy, allowing Hawk to find a

was so provoked by Aaron that he lost sight of everything else. Otherwise, in terms of teamwork alone, even if Hawk

Aaron just wound up the captain.

excuses!" Percival bellowed, smashing the marble side table with a slap of his hand. Kenneth had never seen Percival this angry before and had a feeling that it was not

Meanwhile, on the rooftop.

the medal around his neck, his face devoid

Vivienne understood.

the prime age for an E-sports player, the pinnacle

this moment to

his retirement was not just because his old teammates were moving

factor was the pressure

to the Miller family, he had missed out on a lot of professional training in his youth and now had to catch up quickly in order

bitter laugh. "Regret? How could I not? It's my passion, my irreplaceable glory, my very own triumph. How could I

a tear before

your choice, don't regret it.

firmly

come a day to retire.

family to look down on him. For his mother's sake,

withdrew her hand, saying, "Go say goodbye

you celebrating

walked away, she waved her hand dismissively, "No, I've got

figure, the

regretted it once. From now on, I

out

sat in the back, her mood