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 furious

trap knowingly? Why go for a solo kill on Aaron in game three? You neglected the high ground,

left

ended, he knew that they

his temper get the best of him and disrupted the team's synergy,

he lost sight of everything else. Otherwise, in terms of teamwork alone, even if Hawk had won, it would not have been such an easy victory. Kenneth was chastised into silence while the rest of Team Snake members tried to

wound up the captain.

no 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

Meanwhile, on the rooftop.

touched the medal around his neck, his face devoid

Vivienne understood.

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

chose this

reason for his retirement was not just because his old teammates were moving

was the pressure

a lot of professional training in his youth and now

not? It's my passion, my irreplaceable glory, my very

bowed his head, wiping away a tear before looking up again, his

it. Life's full of crossroads,

firmly at

Aaron was smart enough to know that even if he continued in E-sports, there would come a day to retire. By then, there might be no place

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

"Go say goodbye

aren't you celebrating with

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

watched Vivienne's retreating figure, the light

From now on, I

out at the Centurial

the back,