Vol.2 Chapter 45

Vol.2 Chapter 45

Elizabeth’s PoV

The bedsheets, even though they were high-end, felt uncomfortable against my skin, no matter how much I shifted and tossed. My mind was a whirlwind of anxieties, each one more insistent than the last. I'd never been in a tournament this big before, and the pressure was a little bit suffocating.

"I can't sleep," I muttered, my voice barely a whisper.

The room was silent, save for the faint hum of the air conditioner. I rolled over, trying to find a comfortable position, but nothing felt right. I opened my eyes, squinting at the unfamiliar surroundings. The room was bathed in soft, golden light filtering through the sheer curtains.

Right, I almost forgot I'm not in my own room. Even with the luxurious bedding and mattress, it's just not the same as my cozy space. And with tomorrow's tournament making me more and more nervous, falling asleep is becoming a challenge.

I let out a defeated sigh.

I know we have a big day ahead, but I can't seem to calm my nerves. It's not entirely my fault, though. This is my very first tournament. I'm sure if it weren't for Kat by my side, offering moral and emotional support, I would have succumbed to my nerves long ago. I'm so thankful I recruited her for our team; it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Speaking of, I wonder if Kat's already asleep. She's been working so hard for the team, analyzing replays, creating counter-plays, and staying up late. Even though she told me not to worry because she's used to it, I can't help but worry that she might get sick during the tournament if she keeps pushing herself like this. Wait, did I just jinx it? I really hope not because I don't know what our team would do without her.

We all rely on her so much that she seems more like our captain than I do to my teammates. Renz and Chu also seem to hold her in high regard in the way they interact with her. Of course, me included, since I owe it to her that we even made it this far.

She's incredibly dependable, and having her as my partner is the best possible situation I could hope for in my first tournament. It's almost as if this isn't her first tournament, the way she's handling the pressure. Her skills are no surprise; while this is her first time playing CoA, I'm sure many have recruited her in the past games she's played with how composed and meticulous she is as our strategist.

Well, I guess I should do my best to act like a dependable captain, so I don't add any extra burdens to her.

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Lua’s PoV

Before me, the sounds, scents, and textures paint a vivid picture of the vibrant urban landscape. I hear the distant hum of traffic, the rhythmic footsteps of pedestrians, and the occasional siren wailing in the distance. The cacophony of voices blends together, a chorus of conversations and laughter that reverberates through the night.

While the world is veiled in darkness, my other senses come alive. I can almost feel the coolness of the moonbeams on my skin and hear the hushed murmur of people returning home. The city takes on a different character at night, with a slower pace and a more intimate feel.

As I reach out, my hands brush against the cool metal railing of the rooftop, grounding me in the physical space. I can feel the gentle breeze against my skin, its touch whispering secrets of the city.

Though I cannot see the city lights, I imagine their brilliance and vibrancy. I envision the buildings illuminated in a myriad of colors, casting a glow that paints the night sky. The twinkling lights of street lamps and neon signs create a sense of energy and movement.

In my mind's eye, I visualize the cityscape stretching out before me, a tapestry of architectural marvels and bustling streets. I imagine the towering skyscrapers reaching toward the heavens, their shapes and silhouettes etched against the night sky.

Still, it does not deter me from the truth that I cannot see any of these sights.

"Thanks..." she replied softly.

“That’s not for free, though,” I rebuked her gratitude.

“And what do you even hope in return?” she said, seemingly exasperated.

"Hmm... How about a hug to keep me warm?" I playfully teased, knowing well how she would react.

"W-what?! Not a chance!" she exclaimed, clearly taken aback by the suggestion.

I couldn't help but smile, finding joy in teasing her. "Boo, what a spoilsport," I pouted in response.

She scoffed and retorted, "Hmph, just don't propose something so outrageous out of nowhere."

Our lighthearted banter continued, creating a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere on the rooftop. Once again, silence enveloped us as we basked in the tranquil ambiance of the rooftop under the moonlight. However, something I had heard from Gil came to mind after a while, resulting in me breaking the comfortable silence.

"...I heard that your team and our opponents for tomorrow, the Paragons, have a friendly relationship," I inquired, seeking confirmation.

"If you're trying to gather information, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. I prefer to keep such matters to myself," she replied, maintaining her guarded stance.

"It's not about that," I reassured her. "Besides, if I wanted to learn more about them, I would turn to Gil for information."

A hint of curiosity crept into her voice as she asked, "Then why are you asking?"

I paused for a moment before responding with a playful tone, "I simply wanted to know, in this upcoming match, who would you be cheering for, me or them?"

"...Them, of course. Why would I even cheer for you?" she replied bluntly.

"You’re so mean,” I sniffed, feigning a cry.

"As if. You won't fool me with that kind of acting," she retorted, seemingly familiar with my playful antics.

"Well, I guess acting is not my strong suit... But I guess in the end, it doesn't really matter. Regardless of which team you cheer for, the fact remains that they don't stand a chance against us," I gave my honest thoughts.

"And what makes you so sure of that?" she tried to probe further.

"Because I never lose," I confidently stated.

“...One player on their team, Aria, is incredibly skilled, though. She is even the 1v1 champion. She might be stronger than you think.”

I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy upon hearing her words—that there might finally be someone capable of matching me, a rival who could aid in my personal growth and push me to my limits.

"If she is as strong as everyone says she is, then I’m looking forward to fighting her more and more," I responded, conveying my anticipation for what lay ahead.

I hope that Aria girl doesn’t fall short of my expectations.