Vol.2 Chapter 40 - Tactical (Patreon)

Ariadne, Yuusha’s Protege, Triumph in the u-20 Champion's Brawl 1v1 Tournament

Following in the Footsteps of the Legend and Leading the Way in Champions of Andartha

In the enthralling world of the virtual reality e-sports game Champions of Andartha, a new star has emerged. Aria Reed, known in-game as Ariadne, has made her mark on the competitive scene, showcasing unparalleled skill and unwavering determination. As the protege of Yuusha, the celebrated winner of the first inaugural Andartha Cup (AC) tournament, Aria continues to forge her path, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. Leading the next generation of Paragon, she recently clinched victory in the prestigious Champion's Brawl 1v1 tournament, solidifying her role as a rising star in CoA.

Aria Reed's path in CoA was not paved with ease. It began alongside her retired mentor, Yuusha, the revered winner of the first AC tournament. Under her guidance, Aria honed her skills and nurtured a passion for virtual battlegrounds. Learning from the best, she absorbed valuable insights into the intricacies of the game, elevating her gameplay and strategic thinking. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication in the face of challenges.

Aria's ascent reached an awe-inspiring peak in the recently concluded Champion's Brawl 1v1 tournament. Competing against some of the most skilled players in CoA, Aria showcased her exceptional talent by maneuvering through the ranks with unwavering determination. Her strategic acumen, adaptability, lightning-fast reflexes, and dodging skills, coupled with her unique weapon skill that can shift her weapon to suit her needs, set her apart from the competition, delivering a series of thrilling victories that left the audience in awe.

In the grand finale, Aria faced off against the renowned player Arthur, leader of a famous guild known as ‘The Round Table, with a dominating performance. Her strategic approach and ability to read her opponents' moves allowed her to seize crucial opportunities in a nail-biting finish. With a display of unprecedented skill, she emerged victorious, claiming the prestigious title in the Champion's Brawl 1v1 tournament. This triumph, a testament to her rising star status in the CoA e-sports scene, is a moment of pride and excitement for all her fans.

Aria's meteoric rise has had a profound impact on the CoA community. Her talent, dedication, and leadership have not only inspired her teammates and rivals but have also captured the hearts of fans worldwide, especially enthusiasts of the retired player Yuusha. She serves as a beacon of hope and a symbol of perseverance for aspiring players and enthusiasts.

Ariadne's journey reminds us that determination, hard work, and perseverance are the cornerstones of success. With each victory, she continues to carve her path in the virtual realm, leaving a lasting impression on the CoA world. You can see more of her in action in the main team tournament this upcoming weekend.

Comments:

SarahH89: Wow, I’ve been a fan of hers since I learned she is Yuusha’s protégé! I’m glad to be one of her first followers!

GamingGeek21: Ariadne’s victory in the Champion's Brawl tournament has me absolutely thrilled. That was an absolutely intense final match.

Rosa4Life: I've been following her progress for a while now, and I couldn't be prouder of her triumph in the Champion's Brawl.

BenAddict23: There's something special about her gameplay that captivates me every time I watch her in action.

TeamParagonForever: That is to be expected. She is Yuusha's protégé after all!  

Eduardo141: Congrats on your well-deserved win!

SimpGamingxoxo: I have so much respect for her after that dominating run, so much so that I became a simp for her! I wish her luck in the main tournament!

It's evident that they're emphasizing the fact that she is Yuusha's protégé. I can understand their drive to attract more clicks and views, considering Yuusha's status as one of the renowned figures in the CoA community.

This attention can work to their advantage, as it is likely only a matter of time before this news goes viral. This increased visibility will undoubtedly attract more future offers for her and her team, partly thanks to the added influence of the previous Paragon members, especially Zetta and Yuusha.

Yuusha, huh? I do not know why she suddenly left us, but would she return to the game if that girl knew she was this well-received even more now? Hmm... My guess is that considering how introverted she is, she would at least make another account if she decided to play the game again.

Well, if she did, I'm sure I would be the one she adds to her friend list first. I'm the one she’s closest to our team, after all, since we used to theory craft all day when we were still practicing for the AC tournament.

I smiled in nostalgia. Those were some good times. Back then, almost everybody was lost and still didn't have a good grasp of how to play CoA, which was only garnering popularity. For people like us, theory crafting was like finding an island in the middle of the sea of endless possibilities.

Ting*

The ringing of the bell in the door captured my attention, signaling the arrival of a newcomer to the coffee shop. The individual I was scheduled to meet has just arrived.

I set aside my phone, saving it for browsing later. At this moment, my priority lies in making a strong initial impression if I am to successfully recruit the newly arrived girl.

As she carefully surveyed her surroundings, our eyes met at that moment. What’s odd is that I saw a hint of a smile lurking beneath her expression, although I couldn't be sure if it was just my imagination since she was a bit far away. Upon spotting me, she made her way towards my table.

"I apologize for the slight delay in coming here. I encountered some unexpected delays," she expressed a bit of remorse.

“No worries, please have a seat, Ms. Katherine,” I reassured while giving her a friendly smile.

"Why did you choose this location for our meeting? Couldn't we have a regular conversation about it?" she inquired further.

"While that is an option, I prefer to make it a bit more formal as I have a proposal that I would like to put forth," I replied smoothly.

She looked at me with a curious gaze. “…Fine,”

I gestured for a waiter to come over. "Order anything you like; it's my treat."

"No, it's alright. I can pay for it myself,” she replied firmly,

She seems to possess a strong sense of pride and is not inclined to accept favors or debts easily. Individuals with this kind of personality often strive for fairness and justice and are driven to repay their benefactors. It was precisely this type of character that I admired and wished to collaborate with.

"...Alright," I conceded, acknowledging her wish.

As the waiter I called arrived, he greeted us with a warm smile. "Good afternoon! May I both take your order?”

Returning the smile, we exchanged pleasantries. The waiter graciously handed us the menus, ensuring we had ample time to peruse the array of tantalizing options.

After a few moments of browsing, we signaled to the waiter, ready to share our choices. I ordered my preferred espresso blend while she ordered a cappuccino with a slice of chocolate cake. She seems to have a sweet tooth, which is common among girls her age.

"Doesn't it get hot wearing that outfit?" she asked after the waiter left to prepare our orders.

I understand why she would raise that question, given that I'm currently in my usual disguise. Honestly, I've grown accustomed to wearing these types of clothes when attending major esports events.

"Let me share a little insight with you, especially since I think you will make it big in the professional scene someday. Being as famous as myself can be quite challenging, particularly with numerous fans constantly seeking autographs. It can be a bit too much sometimes, so this is necessary," I said with a conspiratorial tone.

E-sports have been a growing phenomenon for quite some time now, particularly with the advent of VR technology, which allows players to immerse themselves in fantastical virtual realities. VR games have become immensely popular in a world where everyone seeks an escape from their mundane lives. Furthermore, CoA has emerged as the dominant force in the world of esports. Therefore, achieving fame within this game inevitably results in being bombarded with relentless attention from fans.

Her intense gaze fell upon me as she questioned, "Isn't it your responsibility, at the very least, to engage with your fans who support and cheer for your games?"

"Y-yes, I suppose so," I replied, feeling somewhat taken aback by her unfiltered response.

Why do I feel like I’m getting judged by this girl?

As we continued our conversation, we delved into various topics, primarily focusing on the recent 1v1 tournament. Strangely enough, I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but an undeniable sense of ease surrounded me whenever I was in her presence. This feeling of calmness had been present since our very first meeting, like talking to an old friend.

With our orders served, we began enjoying our drinks, with her taking a bite of her cake every now and then. It was a sight to behold since she seemed to enjoy it more than I would expect judging by her image, which unexpectedly made me pleasantly content watching her eat. After some time, I felt that the moment was right to shift the conversation back to the main reason for our meeting.

"Ahem, let's return to the topic at hand," I paused briefly, creating a dramatic atmosphere for what I was about to say. "The reason I contacted you today was to offer you a position on the team I am in the process of assembling."

"...I see," she responded, appearing somewhat uncertain about how to react to my proposal.

As I observed her reaction, I couldn't help but feel a sense of surprise. Upon receiving such an offer, I had anticipated her to display more enthusiasm or excitement. It is not uncommon for any player to eagerly embrace an opportunity like this. Am I missing something? She is pretty hard to read, and I can't get a good grasp of her emotions at all.

"Besides that, your survivability is also nothing to scoff at. I've analyzed your games, and even though your team is battling players below your level of skills, you still easily survived any attempts at you without even taking a single point of damage. It is rare for support to have that much survivability," I continued, wanting to get more reaction from her.

A pause filled the air, and the silence seemed to grow a bit unsettling as I awaited her response. She took a sip of her coffee before finally speaking up.

"I... actually have no interest in pursuing a professional esports career," she admitted.

Her revelation left me in shock. Considering her exceptional skills and in-depth knowledge of the game, I believe that she has the potential to achieve great success in the industry. However, it became apparent that everyone has their own preferences and aspirations.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I inquired, "May I ask why you decided to participate in the tournament?"

She took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding, her tone solemn, "Initially, it was more of a spontaneous decision... to repay a debt owed to a friend. But as time went on, it evolved into something more. It became a driving force for me to witness the growth of my teammates. I wanted to support them and see how far they could take their skills and reach new heights."

Her selfless response left me in awe, and I couldn't help but express my admiration. "I must say, you are remarkably mature for your age," I praised her genuinely.

Her smile in response to my praise was a welcomed sight. It was the most noticeable reaction I had received from her since we began discussing the esports agenda.

"Thanks," she replied modestly. "I always strive to be," she added.

"Let me tell you now that I anticipate numerous offers coming your way after this tournament. If, by any chance, you reconsider your stance on going pro, I would be grateful if you allowed me to present the first offer for the contract," I said shamelessly, eager to poach the person before me before anyone could have the chance to.

"Don't worry. Your team is at the top of the list of those I would consider joining," she reassured.

I smiled warmly in response and replied, "I'll be counting on that."

"If that's all, I should be on my way now," she said as she savored the last bite of her cake.

"What's the rush? We could chat a bit longer about the tournament and the game," I said, not wanting to part ways yet.

"I need to practice with my team for the main tournament. Not everyone has as much free time as you," she admonished.

Taken aback by her straightforwardness, I stammered, "Y-you're quite blunt, aren't you?"

"Only with people like you," she replied, her tone carrying a touch of amusement.

Her remark made me pause, and I pondered its deeper meaning. What did she mean by "people like me"? My intuition told me there was more to it, but I couldn't grasp the whole picture.

Returning her smile, I said sincerely, "...Alright, I look forward to witnessing your performance on the main stage."

She nodded appreciatively, leaving a bill to pay for her own order and a generous tip on the table before standing up from her chair and making her exit.