In her line of sight, Rebecca spotted Daniel. The dim lighting posed a challenge for her to discern whether the individual seated across from her was Daniel or David—until he spoke. "How ... how did you end up here?" Rebecca stared at Daniel for a moment before snapping out of her daze. She then shifted her attention to Caleb, seated on her other side, and discreetly pinched herself to confirm she wasn't in a dream. After that, she turned back to Daniel with a look of confusion. Daniel wore a faint smile and asked, "Does my presence surprise you?" Rebecca nodded. "Yes, a bit." She shifted her gaze to assess Daniel's attire and chuckled. "It's quite unexpected to see someone as accomplished as you embracing youth culture. I didn't see that coming." Daniel's gaze shifted slightly toward Caleb as he remarked, "Speaking of accomplishments, Mr. Crawford Junior should be even more accomplished. When I was his age, I was still at odds with my family." A hint of desolation passed
Upon hearing this, Daniel looked at Rebecca with genuine surprise. After a moment of contemplation, he couldn't help but ask, "If I'm not mistaken, isn't Mr. Crawford Junior's team supposed to be on the other side? And when you mention 'SUN,' are you referring to that ... female player?" "Yes." Rebecca nodded while keeping her gaze fixed on the close-up shot of SUN on the big screen until the director reluctantly switched to the next player. Only then did she shift her gaze and explain to the puzzled Daniel, "Even though SUN belongs to the Flashfocus Esports Club, it's hard not to admire someone like her. While I'm leaning towards Alex's team winning, it doesn't prevent me from hoping that SUN puts on a stellar performance." In a match, the display of both sides showcasing their best form and employing top-tier strategy was what made the game thrilling. Matches where one side made mistakes and lost, like the first one, were both surprising and disheartening. Even if the opp
Alex refrained from expressing any opinions on the matter. It was natural for everyone to feel uneasy after a loss. Recalling his past experiences when some of the younger members weren't part of the team, he had weathered even more tense atmospheres. Consequently, he had little to add to the current situation. If he were to harbor any dissatisfaction with the first round, it likely stemmed from the sheer foolishness of the mistake made. In the presence of voice chat and teammates assisting with critical points, being outplayed by the opponent's hero didn't match the experience of a seasoned player on the competitive stage. However, the outcome was decided, and there was no point in berating anyone. Moreover, with more rounds ahead, they couldn't afford to sulk or be angry. Instead, they should swiftly delve into strategic discussions and aim to devise a plan to reclaim the score. As the players gathered to discuss strategies, the tense atmosphere gradually eased. Their e
As the earlier guest pointed out, this match undeniably showcased a high level of strategic targeting. Flashfocus's players displayed a noticeable proficiency. They executed moves in ranked matches that were seldom seen. However, despite their impressive skills, the current momentum seemed to be favoring CalX. It could confidently be asserted that, as long as CalX's players avoided mistakes, victory in this round seemed well within their grasp. Moreover, with their teammates securing a draw in the first half, all CalX needed was to gain a slight lead in this round to secure an overall advantage. Even if the lead was somewhat narrow, considering the overall outcome of the match, they could be considered relatively even. If they continued to maintain this momentum, victory was not out of reach. The spirits of CalX's players soared at the prospect of victory, and their maneuvers became increasingly steady. With AlmightyAlex guiding them, as long as they maintained consistenc
In CalX’s preparation room, the atmosphere was anything but pleasant. It could be said that it was even more stifling than the previous round they lost. After all, the score was even worse this round. Despite having a lineup advantage, they ended up letting the opposing team secure a substantial lead, which resulted in a disheartening 5:0 score that left everyone with downcast expressions. No one spoke around the meeting table. Losing two rounds in a row, especially with such a result, left everyone feeling defeated. Some players were unwilling to speak, while others simply didn't feel like talking. As for the culprit, he probably felt too ashamed to utter a word. Alex didn't express any opinions on the match. For him, it was about moving on from the past and focusing on the next one. It was akin to final exams, where one would study for a subject only to forget it after the test. Wholeheartedly preparing for the upcoming match was the crucial focus. Therefore, he cal
Hearing that, Alex remained silent.He tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table. It was a sign of his extreme impatience. Those who knew him well were familiar with it.After Simon spoke, another silence fell in the preparation room.After a while, the kind-hearted Terry said, "Captain, why not give Simon another chance? It's a best-of-five game. We still have a chance."Alex still didn't respond. But his finger, which had been tapping on the table, paused briefly at Terry's words. Then it resumed its rhythmic tapping.The other team members didn't speak up, and they did not refute Terry's suggestion either.In a sense, although Simon's actions were outrageous, at this critical moment, there was no suitable substitute to replace him.After all, even during the playoffs' training matches, it was these four members. Substitutes rarely got a chance to play.In the regular season, substitutions were only made during entertainment matches for training purposes.Currently, with
"Captain, if I remember correctly, you were the one who said that after finishing one game, forget about it and focus wholeheartedly on the next one. But now you want me to analyze the previous rounds. Isn't that too much?" Simon retorted stubbornly.He didn't mind being replaced. After all, with Alexia, who hadn't played many matches, the outcome of the game was uncertain. Maybe they would even lose faster.By then, he could play the victim card again and claim that they lost the third round because Alex didn't let him play. He might even manage to whitewash the losses in the first two rounds.After all, Simon's stats were there. His regular season performance couldn't be denied because of these two rounds.Once this season ended, he planned to apply for a transfer. He could probably fetch a good price.The only uncertainty was whether Alex would beg him to stay. After all, Simon was a big shot in the club.Without him, they would have to rely on those young kids who had just co
Unfortunately, what awaited Simon was completely different from what he had imagined.First came a scoff, followed by the disdainful voice of the young players."What's with the fragile ego? Isn't AlmightyAlex right? He funds this club. He pays our salaries, buys us a villa for training, and even covers meals."When we signed contracts with CalX, weren't we essentially working for the club to win championships? You're already in your twenties. How can you not understand this? What an—"The young player swallowed the curse.After all, they were teammates, and using a curse might not be the most polite choice.Moreover, Simon was a senior member of the team. If others heard him being called an idiot, it wouldn't be nice.So, the young player kept the last word to himself.Simon's face turned sour. "Aren't you here to win the championship?"The young players didn't deny it. They nodded and said, "Yes, we're here for the championships, but we also have to be aware of the situation