As I logged out of the ga and returned to the real world following our match against team Variable, I was greeted by the loud noise of the crowd. The atmosphere buzzed with a fusion of astonishnt and exhilaration, exuding a thrilling air of celebration.
As the caster announced our victory, the deafening roar of the crowd reverberated even louder throughout the stadium, followed by a chaotic symphony of cheers. Stepping out of the VR pod and standing upright, I was suddenly attacked by a blonde assailant.
“You did it again, Kat! I never doubted you for a second! I knew you would win!” the culprit proudly proclaid as she tackled in her embrace.
I nearly found myself caught off guard by the sudden tackle, but fortunately, I was ready this ti. I managed to stand my ground securely, averting any risk of falling.
Seriously! Would you please stop tackling every ti we win a hard-fought ga?
I almost blurted a complaint, but seeing her this happy made hold my tongue.
“I didn't think you'd actually win against her?! I thought you were just going to stall for ti! You really are amazing!” Renz, who just ca out of his own VR pod, butted in.
“I didn't think I would win too; it was simply luck, pure luck," I responded after catching my breath from Liz’s death embrace.
"There you go again. There's a limit to being humble, you know. Accept the praise for what it is since you really did carry us in that ga!" Liz nudged playfully while releasing from her hug.
She seems genuinely delighted about our victory. Winning must be even more satisfying for her, especially when it cos as a surprise. I suppose all my teammates must have believed our chances were extrely slim, but we managed to stage a remarkably stunning upset. I can clearly imagine the mix of emotions of relief and joy they are experiencing at this mont since I’m kind of feeling it, too, to be perfectly honest. Still, I did not lie, though; I was lucky I managed to win against Lua.
“No, I'm telling the truth. I was lucky she gave a handicap. It also helps that my gamble paid off, or I would have lost,” I insisted.
"...Are you referring to what you ntioned about a gamble in exploiting her weakness?" Chu, who had been observing our conversation, couldn't conceal his curiosity and suddenly asked.
I nodded. “Yeah, she was not used to fighting opponents who moved at buffed speed. If she had encountered more proficient haste users or engaged in nurous sparring sessions against players who excel in haste, I'm unsure if I would have erged victorious."
“I see! So you pulled the stunt you did on Jarde, but this ti against an opponent who is a lot of tis stronger than him,” Renz summarized.
“In addition to that, I also morized her attack patterns when she fought Aria, so there is that, too,” I explained.
“You say as if that is an easy thing to do. You really are amazing…” Liz said in awe.
Feeling bashful amidst the complints, I attempted to shift the focus of the subject. "Ahem! A-anyway, we made it to the finals, so things worked out this ti! But, from now on, our chance of winning the championship hinges on your performance. So, I'll entrust the rest to you guys tomorrow."
"Huh? What do you an? It sounds like you won't be playing anymore," Renz questioned.
“No. I simply believe that my strategy wouldn't be as effective anymore. The opponents most likely have devised counterasures after witnessing the play. Therefore, the outco of the finals will heavily rely on all of you since I'm uncertain if I could execute it again without facing counterplays,” I explained my reasoning.
“I see. That makes sense,” Liz murmured.
To be perfectly honest, the tactic I employed is extrely challenging to counter, so I doubt our opponents would have imdiate counterasures prepared. However, I must rember that this tournant isn't centered around ; it's about showcasing my teammates' skills and helping them shine for the future they aspire to achieve. Hence, it is crucial for them to develop self-confidence in their own skill and not overly depend on throughout this tournant, as it could potentially have negative consequences in the future.
Besides, I've had my fill of opponents. I'm glad I got to fight soone like Lua in my last tournant. And if we face off again in the grand finals, I’d gladly give her another ga, which is a match that I’m sure she is looking forward to.
Suddenly, the door to our transparent booth swung open, unveiling Gilligan, the captain of the opposing team, presumably present to display sportsmanship and congratulate us on our victory.
"Congratulations on your well-deserved win. Your team clearly outperford us in terms of tactics and skills,” as if proving my assumptions. He congratulated us with a heartfelt gesture.
“Of course, our team is the strongest team in this tournant, after all!” Clarence declared.
Didn't you just say just a little while ago that we didn't have any chance at winning against them?! Why the sudden shift in attitude?!
For the first ti in our conversation, he smiled. “Sohow, I don’t doubt the truth in your words.”
He then turned his gaze towards , appraising intently.
“At first, I thought Lua threw the ga on purpose, but she told about what happened in your duel. My wariness of you was justified, though it appears my caution fell short. I might regret not asking now, considering the nurous offers you're likely to receive. Will you consider joining the professional team I'm assembling for the upcoming AC season?” he proposed.
Sensing my surprise, he continued, "I do not an to boast, but funding is not an issue for . I am confident that you won't regret being part of my team," he stated in a businesslike tone.
Oh, is he subtly hinting at offering any salary I desire? It's a tempting proposition, but I've already made up my mind that this will be my final tournant. I am resolute enough and not easily swayed once my decision is made since I’m stubborn like that. The dilemma now lies in how to decline his offer tactfully.
“But aren't you already a four-man team?" I probed to find a valid reason.
"I intend to take on the role of their manager and coach instead," he expressed, gazing affectionately at his teammates, who were now approaching our booth. "Moreover, I believe that with both you and Lua on the sa team, winning the AC Cup would be more than just a pipe dream."
“Hey now, are you seriously trying to recruit our teammate right in front of us? If she decided to go pro, she would be part of our team," Clarence finally spoke up, unable to contain himself.
I let out a huge sigh at his attempt to shield from poachers.
“I appreciate the offer, but I have no intentions of pursuing a professional career,” I disclosed my answer to Gilligan.
“Y-you don't? That's news to ?!” Clarence exclaid, failing to conceal his shock.
"I did ntion it to Liz before..." I innocently pointed out.
"Liz? Why didn't you say anything to ?!" Clarence exclaid.
"Hehe, well, you never inquired? Plus, it wasn't really relevant until now," Liz made a reasonable point.
“Urk, t-that's a fair point!” Clarence conceded.
He gazed at with regretful eyes. "It's a missed opportunity! I believe you would excel in the professional scene," Clarence remarked.
"...Although I do think you'd be an exceptional professional player, I understand and respect your decision. I'll keep my offer open for the ti being," Gill stated with respect.
I nodded at him in appreciation.
“But do keep in mind my offer if you ever change your mind," he continued.
“I'll… keep that in mind.”
From the corner of my eyes, I caught a glimpse of Lua and the rest of her teammates entering our booth. Fortissimo approached Chu, congratulating him and expressing his input about Chu’s remarkable parries, while HaeYun supported Lua in walking towards .
I guess the background noise and cheers of the crowd disrupted her senses, so much so that she needed soone to support her. It’s a bit off-putting seeing her this vulnerable since I’m used to seeing Lua always walking with reassured confidence, even with her disability at play.
As they drew closer, Lua gestured for HaeYun to allow her to walk unassisted. Her teammate complied and proceeded to congratulate Liz on our victory.
As Lua neared , she suddenly and unexpectedly tripped onto nothing, forcing to instinctively catch her and allow her to lean on my shoulder for support.
"Oops, I slipped~ How clumsy of ," she said in a playful tone.
"I'm quite certain you did that intentionally..." I chided.
"Oh, co on, I do make mistakes sotis," she pouted.
“Sohow, I find that hard to believe,” I deadpanned.
Observing my skepticism, she continued.
"Regardless, that was an excellent fight! It was the most thrilling one I've had~, and I'm eagerly anticipating our rematch tomorrow," she remarked in a lodious voice.
I sighed at her unwavering confidence. “You sound as though victory is already guaranteed for you in your lower bracket matches tomorrow..."
“Of course~ I told you before, I never lose,“ she proclaid.
"...Yet, you just did to monts ago," I remarked dryly.
In response to my friendly banter, she leaned her head even closer to mine.
"And I'm glad that you were the one who took my first..." she whispered in a suggestive tone.
Would you please stop saying things like that, which could easily be misunderstood?! We are being stread, for Pete's sake! It's a good thing her words were most likely swept away by the crowd's cheer.
"Besides~ you're the only one who could satisfy after experiencing such an exhilarating match. I can't let this chance to fight you again slip by , so I'd be even more motivated to reach the finals with you as the goal," she added.
"You don't have to go to such lengths just to face . We can always spar from ti to ti," I countered.
Engaging in sparring matches with soone as skilled as Lua is genuinely enjoyable. I wouldn't mind having a few more bouts with her.
"I don't view battles without stakes as real ones. It's only when there's a lot on the line that it truly ignites your passion and thirst for combat and can a fight be deed a genuine one," she stated as if it were an indisputable fact.
I see. Does that an she doesn't consider losing to sparring or practice matches to be considered a loss? Isn't that cheating? Well, I suppose everyone has their own perspective on this matter.
Suddenly, a staff mber entered our booth, putting a halt in our conversation.
“Excuse , Team Paradigm. Please prepare for the winner's interview,” the staff announced, putting an end to our discussion.
Another interview, huh? Well, it's not my concern. I'll leave it to Liz like last ti. I'm confident she'll handle it with grace.
As if recalling sothing, the staff mber turned to abruptly.
“Also, this ti, the panel mbers specifically requested your presence for the interview, Miss Katyuusha.”
Like a dear caught in the headlights, I suddenly froze upon hearing those words.
Lua, still leaning on for support, noticed my reaction. Being Lua, she wouldn't miss the chance to annoy yet again.
"Oh dear~ it seems you have another battle on your hands," she teased.
I sighed. I just hope they don’t ask too many hard questions.
---------------------------------
Ariadne's PoV
I observed as both teams exchanged handshakes. My gaze shifted to Katherine. She is truly remarkable for swiftly identifying Lua's vulnerability and devising a counterstrategy with limited preparation ti. That has been her greatest strength, aside from her inhuman reflexes, of course.
She also kept her promise to show Lua’s weakness. Knowing Lua is not experienced in fighting speed-buffed players gives us a fighting chance and a plan for what to do for our rematch. A glimr of hope paved by my ntor’s efforts.
"Did you know that the team Paradigm possessed such a formidable trump card?" Seer interjected, interrupting my thoughts.
"...No. While I was aware of Katherine’s natural talent, I was genuinely surprised by the extent of her abilities and technique," I replied smoothly, withholding the truth.
As much as I loathe lying to my teammate, I did promise to keep her real account a secret after all. It's the best I could do for her after she fulfilled her promise and showed us this glimr of a fighting chance against Lua.
"I... see," Seer said while seemingly pondering on sothing.
If he harbors suspicions, it could pose a problem, considering Seer's exceptional intelligence and keen intuition. Given his deductive abilities, he could easily uncover the truth about Katherine if he devoted his attention to it.
“But I do know is that we have a chance against Lua now. If we center our play around protecting Lucy and letting her haste , I believe I could also win against her,” I tried to change the subject to prevent further inquiries.
“That's true, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. We have to win against Sakura eSports first. Judging by their improving tactics and plays, it will be a hard fight for us.
I nodded in agreent.
"And, call it intuition, but I have a feeling that our match against Hana's team is going to be a tough one," Seer expressed, failing to hide his apprehension.
"That… is a bit concerning coming from you. Still, regardless of the obstacles we may face, we must push forward," I declared with resolve.
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