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

trap knowingly? Why 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 these past few days been

questions left Kenneth

the moment the match ended, he knew that they lost mainly because

him and

if Hawk had won, it would not have been

Aaron just wound up the captain. He's not usually

is wrong, there are no excuses!" Percival bellowed, smashing the marble side table with a slap of his hand. Kenneth had never seen Percival this

Meanwhile, on the rooftop.

the medal around his neck,

Vivienne understood.

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

this moment to

retirement was not just because his old teammates

the pressure from the

out on a lot of professional training in his youth and now had to catch up

passion, my irreplaceable glory, my very own triumph. How could I not regret letting it

his head, wiping away a tear before looking up again, his face stoic

"If you've made your choice, don't regret it. Life's full of crossroads,

firmly

did not say more. 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 for him in the Miller family. He was not doing it

on him. For his mother's sake, he had to stand

saying, "Go say goodbye to the team

you celebrating with

away, she waved her hand dismissively,

watched Vivienne's retreating figure, the light in his eyes

now on, I won't

out

the