Vol.2 Chapter 28 (Patreon)

Clarissa’s PoV

As I was currently waiting for the event to officially start, I surveyed my entire surroundings.

The venue was a hive of activity, buzzing with the energy and excitement of hundreds of participants and spectators. Despite the crowd, the space never felt cramped or confined, thanks to the thoughtful design and layout of the venue.

High ceilings towered overhead, adding to the sense of spaciousness. Many aesthetic lights with proper ventilation and airflow keep the whole place comfortable even with this many people. The venue was a perfect blend of modern architecture and cutting-edge technology, designed to provide an immersive e-sports experience.

In the center of the venue, a massive stage was set up, complete with state-of-the-art VR gaming equipment and large screens for spectators to watch the action. The stage was surrounded by rows of comfortable seating, providing ample space for spectators to settle in and enjoy the matches.

Around the perimeter of the venue, various booths and stations were set up, offering everything from gaming merchandise to food and beverages. Despite the number of people, movement around the venue was easy, with wide aisles and clear signage directing the flow of traffic. Even though it is already my second day here, I can’t seem to get used to the novelty of the place.

"Hello folks, good morning! Raze here! I'm with my co-panelist Landslide to bring you the best analysis of the games we have in store for you today!" An energetic voice resounded throughout the venue, bringing me out of my survey of the large place.

On the large screen in the middle of the entire stadium, one of the panel members who introduced himself as Raze was featured on display along with his partner. I’m not alone as most of the audience also seemed to notice the official start of the event. An instant cheer with a deafening roar coupled with a round of applause rang out through the venue at the panelist’s voice which sent a shiver down my spine, causing my skin hair to stand out.

I’ve already experienced this contagious excitement on the first day, but seeing as my brother’s team is the one who will play today, I’m excited more than ever.

"That is right guys! On top of that, we also have a special guest here as our expert panelist! Please give it up for Mr. Bogdan Călugăru, better known in-game as Vlad with the moniker of ‘The Impaler’!" one of the panelists, Mr. Landslide exclaimed.

Another round of applause filled the air as the moderator introduced the e-sports expert coupled with a more deafening roar from the audience this time.

The expert panelist, Mr. Bogdan, a tall, athletic man with an imposing presence, gave the audience a polite wave and a small smile, before taking his seat next to the other panelists on the raised dais.

"It is an honor for one of the strongest players in the first Andartha Cup to join us here, no? And we have him all for ourselves, right guys!!" the panelist named Mr. Raze said excitedly.

"It is good to be here," Mr. Bogdan replied calmly, giving both his co-panelist a serene smile.

"Indeed! And without further ado, let us get the show on the road, shall we?" the panelist, Mr. Landslide, said before the crowd cheered once again, eager for the games to begin.

With that, the lights dimmed, and the screens around the venue lit up with the first game on the schedule.

The bracket of the game was featured in the match. Seeing Novo and my brother’s team name in the bracket for all to see made me even more excited with a hint of nervousness for the upcoming matches.

“As you can see folks, the first match for the day will be Paradigm vs Sakura e-sports! Keep in mind that the arrangement was random for the 1v1 tournament. However, the standings for the 1v1 matches will determine the main tournament's progression and who will fall into the lower bracket. Therefore, winning the matches in the 1v1 stage remains crucial. Also, the winner of the one-versus-one tournament will also receive a cash prize of a whopping 50,000$!” Mr. Raze exclaimed excitedly.

“That is right Raze. Therefore, I highly doubt the participants will not take the matches seriously with that much money on the line! Regarding the first match, what are your thoughts on this, Mr. Bogdan?” Mr. Landslide queried their guest guest.

Mr. Bogdan pondered for a bit before answering, "While the team Paradigm may seem like an underdog in this match, I think they stand a chance against Sakura.”

Hearing his words instantly brought me much joy and hope. I knew someone would see how great a team my brother has. All the more coming from an expert such as Mr. Bogdan.

“Oh, might you explain why this is so? I want to hear firsthand your thoughts on this,” Mr. Landslide expressed his genuine curiosity, asking for an explanation of the reasoning behind the advantage Paradigm holds in the matchup.

"I'm also interested in understanding the reason, especially since the odds for the match are 87%-13%, according to both the fans and the AI algorithm combined. This overwhelmingly favors the Sakura e-sports team," Mr. Raze added, echoing the sentiment.

Mr. Bogdan seemed to compose himself before responding “…While team Sakura will surely send their ace, Hana as a representative for the fight, the Paradigm has three talented players to choose from that they could send in one-on-one. The Paradigm team holds an advantage in terms of a favorable matchup due to their unpredictability and the wider range of options they possess. The outcome of the match will now hinge on whether Paradigm can effectively utilize this advantage or not.”

"I see, that could indeed be an advantage. Well articulated, Mr. Bogdan! An expert's perspective is truly enlightening. We can only anticipate how events will unfold. But speaking of team Sakura, their star player has arrived!"

The attention of the crowd shifted towards the entrance, where a stunning lady of unmistakable Asian heritage made her appearance. As she approached their side of the VR pod, the audience erupted into a thunderous cheer. It was evident that she was highly regarded and well-liked by the people in attendance, as favorable comments filled the air around me.

“Isn’t that Murasame’s sister?!”

“Yes, she is! I heard that she learned specifically from her sister how to play the game.”

“So that is why the odds of the bets are extremely skewed towards them! There is no way Murasame’s sister will lose to some random nobodies!”

Even though I’m sure they didn’t mean it, my heart still sank at their unintended insults. As I was thinking if I should say something to them, another applause, much more subdued this time compared to the last, resounded in the venue.

Looking at the large opening on the other side opposite the enemy team, I saw a very familiar face come out, making me forget what I was doing and instantly stand up to cheer as loud as I possibly could.

It was my brother, walking towards the main stage with his usual confident attitude as he made his way towards the VR pod. This can only mean that my brother was the Paradigm team’s representative.

“Brother! You can do it! DO YOUR BEST!” I screamed at the top of my lungs which was lost alongside the other cheers from the large crowd.

----------------------

Tactical’s PoV

From where I stood, I had a clear view of the expansive main stage of the e-sports stadium. It stood as a radiant symbol of light and energy, standing out amidst the sea of spectators. Despite the distance, I could sense the electrifying atmosphere emanating from the main stage. The anticipation in the air was tangible, and the energy was contagious, fueled by the passionate CoA fans in attendance. It was a captivating spectacle, a testament to the grandeur and importance of the event, even though it is not a pro tournament.

My eyes were instantly drawn to the representative of Paradigm’s team as he made his appearance, which received moderate applause from the fans. It can’t be helped though, from my little research of the participants, I found out that their team has the fewest fanbase of all the teams. The representative, whom I had just learned was named Clarence, exuded confidence in his stride and wore a determined expression, clearly aware of the significance of his role in the upcoming match.

"Looks like we now have the confirmation on Paradigm's representative, ladies and gentlemen! They have chosen Mr. Clarence, their spear user! What are your thoughts on this, Mr. Bogdan?" Raze asked.

"It appears to me that their team is relying on the inherent advantage of spears over katanas," Bogdan replied succinctly.

"Oh, ho! We all know that you are the expert when it comes to spears. Could you please elaborate on that thought, Mr. Bogdan?" Raze inquired, eager to hear more.

“What I meant by it is that spear users have three major advantages when it comes to pure melee weapons like katanas and the like. First of all, spears, with their long shafts and extended reach, provided a significant advantage over katanas. The extra length allows spear users to keep their opponents at a distance, effectively neutralizing the katana's close-quarters advantage. This is particularly advantageous in open-field battles or when facing multiple opponents,” Bogdan paused for a couple of seconds, gathering his thoughts before continuing his explanation.

“Their second advantage is that spears offered a greater range of attack options compared to katanas. They could be thrust, swung, or used for sweeping attacks, providing a wider range of offensive techniques. This versatility allowed spear users to adapt to different combat scenarios and engage opponents from various angles. And lastly, the length of spears also provided a defensive advantage. By keeping opponents at a distance, spear users had more time to react and defend against incoming attacks. They could parry or deflect strikes with the shaft of the spear, minimizing the risk of being disarmed or injured, especially if the user has a good stance and technique,” Bogdan meticulously explained his insightful perspective of the match.

“Oh, did you hear that, folks? Spear users rejoice! Looks like you guys are lucky in choosing your weapons!”

Upon hearing Landslide's statement, the entire crowd erupted in cheers. It seems that many in the audience were either already using spears or contemplating a shift in their specialization based on the information they had just received. The impact of Bogdan's words resonated strongly with the spectators, making me fear how well respected and persuasive he really is up till today.

"Ahem," Bogdan interjected, capturing the attention of the jubilant fans. "Despite my previous statement, I must admit that I have a somewhat biased opinion, being a spear user myself. Katanas are still exceptional weapons. In the hands of a skilled individual, a katana can be highly effective due to its speed, precision, and DPS. It also remains a formidable weapon in one-on-one combat or in confined spaces where the reach of a spear is limited. Ultimately, the effectiveness of a weapon depends on the skill, training, and tactics employed by the wielder, and I highly doubt Ms. Hana is anything but a seasoned katana user, probably even the best there is in this entire stadium full of CoA players,” Bogdan quickly countered his previous statement, ensuring that his words would not shift the meta or create any misconceptions.

Honestly, I am reminded of how glad I am that he retired after just the first AC. I would surely loathe to fight him again if he were still active with his game knowledge and insane skills.

“Oh! It seems like the final preparations are complete and both the participants are already in the in-game lobby, ready for the game to start!”

“That is right, Raze, but I’m sure that the participants are not the only ones ready for some action, isn’t that right, guys!?” Landslide raised his voice, igniting the crowd with his enthusiasm.

“YEAAAAHHH!!!” a deafening roar erupted from the audience, proving that his efforts weren’t for naught.

“Let us now go to our casters for the game! DJ Riot and ParaTrooper for in-game commentary of the match!”

The screen then quickly shifted towards two people I’m very familiar with who even interviewed me a couple of times.

"That's right, Raze! We're back with your favorite casters, DJ Riot," Riot exclaimed with his trademark exuberant personality.

"And I'm ParaTrooper, here to provide you with live commentary of this thrilling match!" ParaTrooper seamlessly continued, showcasing his well-practiced delivery.

"You have a wealth of expertise compared to the two of us, and I consider myself a lower-tier player. With that in mind, I'd like to hear your thoughts, ParaTrooper. What do you make of this situation?"

"Well, without any bias, I believe Hana holds a significant advantage in terms of skills for this match. Among all the participants in this 1v1 tournament, she is the clear fan favorite, even receiving more votes than Blitz!"

"Why do you think that is?"

"The reason behind her popularity is twofold. Firstly, she has received training directly from her sister, who is highly skilled and respected in the game. Secondly, Hana wields the same weapon as her sister, which means she has the potential to execute the renowned "Falling Rain Blossom” weapon skill that Murasame is famous for. This gives her a substantial and almost insurmountable advantage, particularly in a 1v1 match where she only needs to face a single opponent and utilize her weapon skill effectively!"

“Oh, that does seem too scary to fight against,” he shivered enunciating his words with the appropriate action.

Hmm, I highly doubt it is as straightforward as it seems. Seer is not easily impressed by the tactics of other strategists. From what Seer has shared with me and based on what little I have gathered; I believe this Novo has another reason behind this particular matchup. Assuming she is the one making the decisions for their team, that is.

Still, it is too early to say. I have not yet seen Murasame’s sister play, and if all the talks about her hold even a semblance of truth, then she is indeed unbeatable in this 1v1 tournament.

“We almost forgot to mention that the whole stadium’s cheers will be heard by the participants in our new tournament feature that will be implemented in the one-on-one tournament! Of course, it only applies to the cheers, not the caster’s analysis, as it would be too unfair. Therefore, LA fans, make some noise!”

Another eruption of cheers resounded in the arena, making my ears hurt. These guys sure are good at their jobs, huh?

“Now that everything is ready. Let the first match begin!” Both of them declared in unison.

As the casters said the word, the screen turned to the VR arena where the participants would battle. It resembles a Roman colosseum, making the ambiance much more spartan. Surrounding the arena, rows upon rows of virtual spectators filled the stands, their cheers and applause echoing through the virtual space. The crowd's excitement was palpable, their energy fueling the atmosphere and adding to the intensity of the battles.

The lighting within the arena was carefully crafted to enhance the dramatic effect. Soft beams of sunlight streamed through the openings in the stone walls, casting long shadows across the arena floor. The interplay of light and shadow added depth and dimension to the virtual environment, creating a visually stunning spectacle.

The view before me left me pleasantly surprised. It was evident that no expenses were spared in the creation and construction of the custom arena. The attention to detail and craftsmanship was remarkable, showcasing the dedication and commitment put into making it a truly exceptional venue for the matches.

On both sides, the participants teleported inside the arena. They locked eyes, each displaying a look of both cautiousness and determination.

The staring contest continued, drawing out the anticipation that filled the entire stadium. The atmosphere was thick with excitement, as the crowd eagerly awaited the moment when the countdown finally began.

Then it finally happened at last.

3…

2…

1…

Match Start!

Renz

HP: 100%

Yatsufusa

HP: 100%

As the timer signaled the start of the match, Murasame's sister wasted no time and swiftly made her first move to close in the gap. Her quick dash was undeniably impressive. However, what truly stood out was the immediate change in stance by the boy. The transition was incredibly smooth, highlighting the immense dedication and hard work he had put into his practice. It was a testament to his commitment and the countless hours he had invested in honing his skills.

His stance was familiar, and it was also quite deadly as he countered Murasame’s sister with a quick, precise attack that should have been almost impossible in his skill bracket.

The attack landed successfully, striking the girl's body and forcing her to recoil and abandon her charge. Instantly, she backed off, while the boy wisely chose not to pursue. It was a smart move on his part, as he should always leverage the advantage of his superior reach in the battle.

Yatsufusa

HP: 85%

The entire stadium went silent. No one expected that the first one to land the hit was the boy.

"Wow! It appears that Renz is the one who drew first blood against Yatsufusa, ladies and gentlemen! Who could have anticipated this outcome?! It seems like we have a nail-biter fight here!" the caster exclaimed.

The crowd's cheers reached a crescendo, and it was no surprise. After all, nobody wants to witness a one-sided match where the outcome is already predetermined. Based on all the information available, it seemed that everyone believed Murasame's sister would emerge as the clear victor. However, the unpredictability of the outcome added an extra layer of excitement and made the match even more enticing to watch.

Not only that, it seems that the pressure is now on the girl. It's understandable considering the influence of her sibling and the expectations from the crowd. I can only imagine the immense pressure she must be feeling. On the other hand, the boy, being the underdog, has nothing left to lose and can play without restraint. Making the psychological advantage so much skewed in favor of the boy even though he might be outmatched in terms of skills.

It seems like this match will be more interesting than I initially thought it would be.