SWalker and Last Coin were on their way to the restaurant.
Jake told them to come as everyone else from their team was there.
It was time to bond together and talk about each other's skills and weaknesses.
"I'm curious who the remaining teammates are," Last Coin said.
SWalker nodded. "We may get surprised again since he's invited that outlaw woman to our team."
The rendezvous spot was Jake's favorite restaurant, where he was familiar with everyone, including the chef and even the boss.
Just two days ago, he had a party with his friends and now invited another group of players who were willing to spend a lot on food and drinks.
He was more than welcome here!
SWalker and Last Coin mentioned Jake's nickname and were guided upstairs to the private room.
Upon opening the door, a scene none of them were prepared for unfolded.
In the right corner, El Boss Queen was tucked in. She sat with her arms crossed. Her eyes were plastered to the window beside her as she refused to look across her.
Her cheeks were reddened.
Peace's attitude clearly described what was happening in this private room.
She sat straight with her face in her hands, looking at the man perched before her through her fingers. She was flushed from head to neck, and her eyes twinkled with stars.
Beside her, trembling, Shaw sat with his clenched hands resting on his thighs. Faint growls were escaping from him as various thoughts ran across his head.
He muttered, "I'm meant to be a dragon slayer."
The party was in such a dense mood because of Damien Twice. He was more popular than Jake had thought.
He sat with his helmet off in the middle of the left sofa. The second he exposed his face, the storm began.
Peace squealed and covered her face.
She sank into her seat, and her voice hitched, "—he called me beautiful..."
Damien looked at his sister and said, "My dear sister will do anything to help me achieve that goal. But what about the rest? Why do you want to become an esports player?"
Jake raised his hand, recognizing that everyone else wasn't as comfortable around Damien as he was.
He said, "I want to become an esports player to get fame and turn this game into a job. Because of my play style, I have many limited routes. I see a lot of incentives in this path. It should open many more options for a future me who wants to focus on archery."
Damien chuckled, "That's my dark horse!"
Shaw slammed his fists on the table.
He stood up and said, "I'll become stronger and earn so much through this esports fame that I will become a dragon slayer of the low levels! You're my first target, Damien Twice! I'll become so much damn stronger and more handsome than you that you will pale when standing beside me!"
Prince whistled. "Ah, my artistic senses are tingling so much! You! I like you! That's the rivalry I want to get on board with! It's stirred by your love and jealousy!" He looked at I Come In Peace with a provoking glare, "I hope you aren't just a cute mantis."
Shaw felt his blood boiling.
This man saw through his current character.
He sneered. "You want to take this outside?"
SWalker butted in, "Hold this spar for later, you two." He said his resolution, "I'm participating in the esports scene because that's what I want to do. I want to step on my path, not the one prepared by my parents. There's a lot to prove, but I swear to do everything and more to win this tournament."
Last Coin was mentioned in the conversation as everyone's eyes landed on him, bar El Boss Queen.
He weakly said, "I want to overcome my fears... I was told that gaming is the only thing I'm good at, so I want to become better at everything related to it."
"Sounds like a main character arc! Lovely!" Damien Twice responded to Last Coin's declaration in his way, making him blush. Last Coin felt more welcomed.
He turned to the oddball of the team. "What about you, a shy soul?"
"I am—" El Boss Queen sharply retorted and turned her head to the side, only to hitch as Damien's eyes reflected her face. She grew so red that she couldn't maintain her usual composure.
She whispered, "I'm doing this to become stronger, too."
Shaw harrumphed, "Don't you just want to fight Archer?"