“Oof” I made an uncharacteristic sound as I propelled myself toward the luxurious hotel bed.
Well, considering the events that happened earlier, I think I deserve this much at least. After a long and exhilarating day at the tournant, I finally found a mont to unwind and reflect on the events that had transpired.
Being in an extrely good mood and also eager to catch up with the current news in the CoA community, I pulled out my phone and opened my social dia apps, craving the connection and updates that awaited . Looking at my phone screen, I switched to a sitting position to better read the comnts.
As I scrolled through my feed, a wave of excitent washed over as I saw nurous posts and photos from fans and audience who had attended the tournant. Most of them uttered words of congratulations for a job well done.
Ray isterdem: That was one of the best tournant runs I’ve seen so far.
Julia Cruz: What an absolutely thrilling final match it was! I leaped out of my seat multiple tis while watching the last fight!
Loyd Sky: Congratulations on the win!
Crystelle Clear: Armsmaster Ariadne, that sounds like a good moniker.
Bonnie Ackerman: She really is Yuusha’s protégé huh?
“Hehe,” a giggle escaped my lips from reading the last comnt.
I did well to et your expectations, right Katherine? Still, the battle has just begun, the main tournant is what really matters. And I hope we can both fight without reservations in the grand stage that lies ahead.
As I continued scrolling through my social dia feed, a particular post caught my eye for having insanely high views, likes, and shares. It was an interview snippet of from earlier in the day right after the finals. Intrigued, I clicked on the video, eager to relive the monts captured on cara from a viewer's perspective.
Taping on the video, I was greeted by the presence of the familiar tournant interviewer who had previously introduced to the audience. In the clip, he was in the process of introducing to the spectators and viewers.
“Her journey to this mont has been nothing short of extraordinary. Throughout the tournant, she showcased an unparalleled level of skill, leaving everyone in awe! Most of all, in the final match where she truly shone, delivering a performance that I’m sure will be etched in the minds of everyone who witnessed it firsthand! With her lightning-fast reflexes and incredible dodging skills, she dominated all competitors, outmaneuvering her adversaries with precision and finesse. Her decision-making in high-pressure situations was nothing short of masterful, allowing her to thrive when the stakes were at their highest,” the interviewer exaggeratedly hyped, leading to the introduction.
Relieving the grand introduction almost made cringe for the second ti. They sure do like to overhype their audience.
“Now, ladies and gentlen, the mont you've been waiting for. Let us welco The undisputed champion of the Champion's Brawl one vs one tournant, Yuusha's protégé and Captain of the Paragons team, Ariadne!" the interviewer continued.
As the video played, capturing my own presence on the screen, I saw myself walking confidently towards the stage, greeted by a resounding cheer from the crowd. However, I couldn't help but notice a hint of daze and distraction in my expression. It seed that the overwhelming surge of emotions from the victory had montarily left stunned and unfocused. The exhilaration of the last match’s outco undoubtedly contributed to the ‘winner's high’ I was experiencing at that very mont.
“Congratulations on your incredible victory in the Champion's Brawl 1v1 tournant! How does it feel to be crowned the champion of the one vs one under 20 competition?” the interviewer, whose na I ca to know as Joshua, finally started to do his job.
“Thank you. It feels wonderful,” the ‘’ from earlier replied curtly.
Looking back, I realized that I may have appeared slightly aloof, like an honor student you would typically see in class. It’s probably because I was simply overwheld by a sense of euphoria because of my almost near loss.
Reflecting on the last match, my desire to end the ga faster could have potentially cost the ga. If it hadn't been for my instinctive decision to shift my weapon into a shield, I would have likely lost due to my own greed to swiftly end the match. I’m sure it was because of the countless hours of practice and honing my skills that I was able to use my weapon skill as an extension of myself. Without this level of mastery, I am certain that I would not have erged victorious in the finals. It seems that I still have a lot more to improve. I just hope this victory does not go to my head.
In hindsight, my opponent honestly deserves my respect. He took a beating to catch off guard at the very last mont. He played to win for his teammates and guild and did not cut any corners. Even though he lost, his determination is praiseworthy at the very least.
"I see, I see. You demonstrated exceptional skill and strategic prowess throughout the tournant. Could you share so insights into your preparation leading up to the competition?" inquired the interviewer.
"Maintaining high levels of chanical skill requires constant practice and unwavering dedication," I responded instinctively, taking notes from my countess speech as the Paragon’s Vice Guild Leader. "In the weeks leading up to the tournant, I dedicated countless hours to honing my reflexes and mastering the intricate chanics of the ga. I engaged in regular training sessions, diligently worked on movent drills, and carefully analyzed my own gaplay to identify areas for improvent. Additionally, sparring with strong teammates from Team Paradigm proved invaluable in sharpening my skills."
"Oh, so you have a good relationship with Team Paradigm?" the interviewer inquired with a little more interest this ti.
"Yes, absolutely. We share a strong camaraderie, and I have no doubt that they will also deliver an impressive performance in the main tournant," I replied confidently.
"Well, that's sothing to look forward to. I'm certain the viewers are eagerly anticipating their matches as well," the interviewer concluded, echoing the excitent held by the audience.
“Lastly, after this great showing of your skills, I’m sure you gained many fans. What ssage do you have for aspiring players who look up to you?” the interviewer asked curiously.
“Believe in yourself and don’t lose sight of what you strive for," I replied, delivering the familiar words in a practiced manner. "Reaching the skill level of the participants in this tournant requires hard work, resilience, and a deep passion for the ga. Embrace the challenges, view them as opportunities for growth, and constantly strive for developnt. With dedication to hone your skills and unwavering determination, I’m sure any of you can surpass .”
As I spoke, I realized that these encouraging words had beco sowhat automatic, as I often shared similar ssages with my guild mates being their Vice-Leader to encourage their growth. While I may have recited them instinctively, the sentint behind those words remained sincere and genuine.
"What an inspiring ssage! Thank you, Ariadne, for your ti, and once again, congratulations on your extraordinary victory. Any last thing you want to say to your fans and those who supported you?" the interviewer finally asked.
“I want to give my gratitude to them for their support. Also... if you are watching right now… I hope you know that I reached this far, all because of you… so thanks for everything you taught ,” I saw my past self’s cheeks reddening as she said those words before the clip ended.
As I listened to those sa words being spoken once more, I felt a tingling warmth in my cheeks, causing them to redden once again. However, I reassured myself that there was no need for embarrassnt. I spoke from the heart, expressing what was genuinely on my mind during the interview. I have no regrets about my words, as they reflected my true feelings and appreciation for her.
Suddenly, a knock on my door brought to the present. Startled by the unexpected sound, I quickly composed myself, taking a mont to collect my thoughts. Steadying my breathing, I approached the door with the intent to check on the identity of the visitor.
Opening the door, I saw Lucy and Seer, their friendly smiles greeting warmly.
“Sorry, did we disturb your rest?” Seer politely asked.
“No, it's fine, co on in,” a genuine smile spread across my face as I welcod them inside. Closing the door behind them, I gestured to the inviting seating area, inviting them to make themselves comfortable.
"Hehe, if you're in need of rest, don't worry about us. Take your ti and recharge. You absolutely deserve it after delivering such an outstanding performance! And rember, even when you achieve great success as a pro, don't forget about your best friend here, okay?" Lucy said with a lighthearted tone.
“What are you talking about, you're joining in tackling the pro scene. We are a team, after all,” I stated, giving her a smirk.
“Ehhh? I don't think I'm good enough to be teammates with 'The Armsmaster’,” Lucy teased.
I let out a heavy sigh, realizing the effect that monikers can have and how they tend to stick within a community. Based on my previous experiences on social dia, I observed that the CoA community has a tendency to continually repeat and reinforce the moniker they have assigned to . This repetition serves to solidify the association between the moniker and my identity, making it more likely to endure and beco firmly established in people's perceptions.
I must admit, I had hoped for a moniker that would highlight my own dodging skills, much like the one Katherine possesses… but I guess beggars can’t be choosers. It’s just a moniker anyway so it won’t affect my gaplay, not one bit.
“Why are you both here though? Is there anything you guys need?” I asked, intent on changing the subject.
“Yes, the staff has inford us that they require our decision on choosing our opponent for the main tournant. They need our input promptly in order to finalize the bracket today and make the official announcent tomorrow,” Seer revealed their agenda.
“…I see, what are the options again?” I inquired Seer.
I was so focused on the fights earlier that I almost forgot that was part of the reward for the one-on-one tournant. That reminds , I want to split the cash prize evenly for the whole team since I also owe it to their help that I won the competition.
“For the upcoming upper bracket match, we have two options to consider: either facing off against the Paradigm team or the Variables team. Unfortunately, the Round Table team is not included in our choices since Arthur has made it to the finals. His team, the Round Table, will battle against the team that we do not select from the other two upper-bracket participants,” Seer explained helpfully.
“Yeah, all of us already decided to go up against Paradigm since Gilligan’s team seems to be the stronger of the two with so of their players established national achievents in their respective martial arts. We also have a grasp on their gaplay since we already faced them in our scrims. We wanted to ask for your opinion before we make a decision, so that is why we are here,” Lucy added.
“No, do not choose Paradigm as our first opponent,” I said firmly.
My statent made both of them look at with curiosity. Seer, probably getting the wrong idea of why I did not want to fight Katherine’s team, tried to convince otherwise.
“I know you are close to them… but this is a competition, we will face them sooner or later. The best bet we have is to face them now since Gilligan’s team would be a lot more troubleso than theirs and we are betting on Arthur’s team to send them to the lower bracket… if they get lucky. And even if they do not win, we at least will be letting the top two strongest teams in the tournant have a go at each other’s throats and eliminate a future potential problem for us. I hope you won't let your closeness to Paradigm’s team mbers and your emotions cloud your judgnt,” Seer admonished.
He has a point. But considering he doesn’t have the sa information as I do, it would be unfair to fault him for arriving at that particular conclusion.
“…You misunderstand. I want to choose Gilligan’s team because they would be the easier option to fight against compared to Katherine’s team,” I stated as a matter of fact.
My reply clearly shocked both of my teammates.
“…Is it because of that girl? Novo?” Lucy inquired carefully.
I pondered for a while, thinking of what little I could reveal while not compromising my promise to keep her identity to myself. “…Yes. I’m positive she will be our greatest adversary coming to the main tournant. Trust when I say that she was holding back in their scrim match against our team.”
A sense of solemnity filled the room, casting a somber atmosphere over the discussion. Ti seed to pass slowly before Seer finally broke the silence.
"I understand you hold her in high regard, but rest assured, I have taken preemptive asures to counter her abilities, no matter how skilled she may be," Seer reassured, attempting to alleviate any concerns.
“…Please trust on this, she has more than enough counterasures against us than we have on her,” I countered.
She was once our guildmate after all and a mber of the original Paragons, a team that our movents and strategies are based on. If there is anyone that can counter us, it is the one who had a hand in making them in the first place.
He fixed his gaze upon , searching for any indication of falsehood. After a mont of scrutiny, he sighed and finally relented. "...Alright, I will place my trust in your judgnt."
"But… assuming we both win our matches, we will eventually face each other in the upper bracket finals… you can beat her… right?” Lucy asked hopefully.
I stayed silent. Contemplating what to say. Can I really? Do I have a chance against her as I am now?
“A-aria…?” Lucy said, becoming more nervous by the second due to my lack of response.
“I hope so.”
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