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.

Percival

solo kill on Aaron in game three? You neglected the high ground, focused solely on beating Aaron, and ignored the rest.

left

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

get the best of him and disrupted

terms of teamwork alone, even if Hawk had won, it would not have been

the

Kenneth had never seen Percival

Meanwhile, on the rooftop.

touched the medal around his neck, his face devoid of

Vivienne understood.

was at the prime age for an

this

retirement was not just because his

factor was the pressure

out on a lot of professional training in his youth

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

a tear before looking up again, his face stoic

choice, don't regret it. Life's full of crossroads,

nodded firmly at

Aaron was smart enough to know that even if he continued in E-sports, there would come a day to retire. By

could not allow the Miller family to look down on him. For his mother's sake,

her hand, saying, "Go say

aren't you celebrating

walked away, she waved her hand

Vivienne's retreating figure, the light

From now on, I won't let myself

car rolled out at the Centurial

the