Jaiden

Back when the teams greeted each other on the stage, a small quarrel broke out.

"C'mon, I'll take you all on, fuckers!" Stratus's captain declared boldly. Even though she was just some girl who surely didn't even deserve to be captain, she still had the nerve to look down on Taurus. That's why Jaiden couldn't stop himself. He had to respond.

"You gonna 'take us on''? Try me," Jaiden stood his ground. "I'll mop the floor with you in five seconds."

"Oh, you sure sound confident. 1v1 me. I'm Challenger in Duel." What kind of dumb argument was that?

"Duel rank means nothing," Jaiden stated matter-of-factly. "Come at me in a real match and I'll end your whole career, girl."

"Jaiden, I said enough," Raymond put his foot down. Maybe he was right. All this arguing getting childish.

"Tch, whatever," Jaiden shook his head. Why was he even still on this stage? The seniors won't let him play today and their opponent was trash tier. There was nothing interesting to see here.

"Well, if I'm not playing, may as well take a stroll or something. This game gonna be a snoozefest confirmed." Jaiden jumped off the stage. There was nothing for him here. Merely standing on the same stage as Stratus was enough to irk him. That team was a joke. A hot-headed girl as captain? Pls.

Jaiden came here today with excitement, ready to watch Taurus's first scrimmage of the year. But, against opponents like that? The result was painfully obvious at a glance. There won't be anything interesting to watch.

[I need some fresh air.] Jaiden proceeded toward the exit. Along the way, he passed by Stratus's side of the stage. There, he noticed two boys.

One was a tall blonde dude, he looked like a social beast. He was jumping around in excitement and whispering something to his pals, possibly cracking a joke or two.

The boy beside him was the total opposite, calm and stoic. He looked like the smarty-pants type.

These two were polar opposites, like a sun and a moon. Logically, there was no reason to link these two. They had particularly nothing in common.

[Then, why do they stand out?] Jaiden cocked his head. He could swear he saw these two somewhere before. But, where? When?

[Maybe I saw them play before?] Jaiden knotted his brows. Did he ever watch any of Stratus's matches? Well, he watched one. It was the Taurus vs. Stratus match from last year. It was a one-sided beating. Taurus mopped the floor with Stratus last year, as expected.

[I don't think these two played back then.] Jaiden searched his memory. He didn't remember all the players by heart, but he had a hunch these boys weren't related to that game. After all, the Stratus he watched last year was utter trash. Meanwhile, something in his mind whispered that these two guys were pretty good.

[Dunno why, but I feel like they're good.] Jaiden felt like the explanation was at the tip of his tongue, but his memory refused to cooperate. [Maybe I'd figure it out if I knew their nicknames. Well, whatever.] He proceeded toward the exit.

It didn't matter who these two were. Taurus will emerge victorious today, even without Jaiden playing or watching the match. A team run by some barbarian girl had no business winning. That fox must have swindled the boys into making her the captain. That's how girls always got what they wanted, even when they didn't possess a shred of the required skill.

[Whatever.] Jaiden opened the door and left the stadium.

"Hey, wait! Jai!" Two pairs of footsteps were on his tail. Nash and Rio followed him.

"What's up?" Jaiden turned around to wait for his pals. "You're not watching the match?"

"Heh, right back at ya," Nash cracked a laugh. "You're always the first to get all excited about watching high-level gameplay."

"Sure, I like watching some good matches," Jaiden nodded. "Emphasis on GOOD. We both know today gonna be a shitshow."

"Haha, no doubt about that," Nash laughed. "I was hoping this year Stratus will have some fighting in them. Like, last year, we mopped them pretty hard, right? So, give us a challenge or something."

"Why do you sound so proud? You didn't even play that match."

"Hey, neither did you."

"True that. It sucks being young in a big club," Jaiden smiled wryly. The three of them were freshmen last year, so there was zero chance of them getting into the first-string. They had to be on the same level as Maker, the legend himself, to even stand a chance. Such was the reality of their big club.

But, Jaiden and his pals were juniors this year. Having juniors on the first-string was uncommon in Taurus, but not unheard of. Therefore, the trio had high hopes for playing on the main team this year.

But, no such luck. It wasn't a question of skill, it was all about seniority. Bruce and his gang monopolized the first-string for themselves and didn't let anybody else in. Well, they were decent players and all.

[I don't want to sound condescending or anything,] Jaiden thought. [But, I think me and my bros are a league above these guys. Well, maybe that's just me.]

In the first place, Bruce's gang didn't exactly earn their positions rightfully. Taurus had some better seniors, but Bruce's gang pressed hard until they got what they wanted. Honestly, almost an act of terrorism.

Raymond, the captain, was currently the only one on the team who was a real beast. The guy barely talked and his presence wasn't always felt in matches, but he always got the job done. Perhaps, if he was a little more assertive, he could've made a name for himself in the region as one of the top players. Full respect for the cap.

"So, what's the plan?" Nash interrupted Jaiden's thoughts.

"I dunno," Jaiden shrugged. "Thought I'd hang out at the cafeteria. I need to cool down a little."

"Yeah, you sure made a scene back there." Nash laughed. ���All like 'Oh noes, look! They got a girl captain! Literally a witch! I'm so shook right now!'. It was a riot, haha!"

"I didn't say any of that."

"Yes you did, bro. Well, not exactly like that, but ya catch my drift. I thought you were over that shit?"

"Yeah, I'm over it," Jaiden claimed.

"Oh, yeah?" Nash snickered. "Then, why you have this look like you gonna murder somebody? Look, even Rio is scared."

"I'm not scared" Rio gave Nash a look. "It was just... unpleasant to watch."

"It was?" Jaiden blinked.

"Well," Rio hung his head. "You were acting kinda like..."

"Hmm," Jaiden wasn't sure what to make Rio's low voice. Rio could be rather blunt, especially around people he knew. So, for Rio to fall silent like this, it meant Jaiden really did something bad. "Sorry if I scared you. I did yell a little and all."

"No, it's just..." Rio considered his words carefully.

"C'mon, speak up like a man!" Nash smacked Rio on the back. In a friendly manner, of course.

"A-Ah!" Rio jumped. It didn't exactly hurt, but it almost made his heart leap out of his throat.

"Hey, what are you hitting him for?" Jaiden scolded.

"C'mon, it's just a friendly gesture," Nash shrugged and turned to Rio. "You're a man, right? So, stand up and tell this bruh over here what you really thought about his lil' stunt."

"Geh," Rio glared back at Nash, but then sighed and straightened his back. The slam was uncalled for, but maybe that shock was exactly what Rio needed to sort out his thoughts.

"You didn't scare me," Rio told Jaiden. "But, you almost looked like... a bully." He gulped as soon as he finished talking. A shudder ran through him. [D-Did I just call Jaiden a bully!? Oh no, what have I done!? I should've kept it to myself. He's so going to hate me...]

"A bully? Seriously?" Jaiden smiled awkwardly and scratched the back of his neck.

"Yeah, man," Nash added. "You looked like you were about to start a war, word."

"Hey, I didn't threaten anybody," Jaiden took a sip of the cola he bought. "Well, I guess I was kinda pissed, though."

"Heh, 'pissed' doesn't even begin to describe it," Nash said. "You were out for blood. It's been a while since I saw you like this."

"It was disgusting behavior," Rio added with a cast-down expression. His words cut Jaiden deeper than any knife.

"A-Ahaha, no, I was just..." Jaiden couldn't come up with any excuses. No matter how he tried to spin it, he totally blew a fuse back there on the stage. He made a huge scene. It was unbecoming of him.

"You still can't forget all that shit with Storm, huh," Nash nodded knowingly. "It's like they opened an old wound. Feel ya, bro."

"Heh," Jaiden cast his eyes aside. This was a topic he hasn't touched upon in a long time. He thought he buried that nonsense at the bottom of his brain, but just a little quarrel was enough to make everything resurface.

It was an unpleasant topic. It'd be great if he just forgot everything and went on as if nothing happened. But, the bubbly fellow had to keep talking.

"You totally should've gotten into StormBlitz," Nash continued. "Can't believe some basic bitch stole your spot. You ever found who it was?"

"No, I gave up on that," Jaiden looked aside. "I had a feeling I won't be able to contain myself if I see her face-to-face."

"Phew, then bullet dodged, man. I mean, you almost became a wanted serial killer, haha."

"I see," Rio nodded in understanding. "So, you planned to kill her and take back your spot

"Of course not!" Jaiden kicked Nash for suggesting that nonsense. "Yeah, I was mad as heck, but violence isn't the answer."

"Oh yeah?" Nash held out his leg. "Then what was that kick just now, you son of a biscuit!"

"Just a friendly gesture," Jaiden snickered his pal. "Anyway, yeah, that whole thing with StormBlitz sucked ass. But, you know what? I'm glad I transferred. If StormBlitz is a club that picks girls over skilled players, then I want nothing to do with it."

"Damn straight. These idiots have no idea what kinda genius slipped through their fingers."

"Heh," Jaiden smiled softly. "And besides, transferring here wasn't such a bad deal. I get to be in the same club as you guys."

"Aww, you making me blush," Nash waved his hand.

"Really, I mean it," Jaiden said. "It's thanks to you two that I'm still playing. Honestly, that rejection from Storm was quite the shock for me. I was sure I gonna pass their exam no problem, but they went ahead and picked some girl who is apparently worse than me. And, there were the two guys who are apparently better than me. Though, who knows if they really did better than me in that exam, seeing how rigged it was."

"Well, at least we know they're good players," Rio pointed out.

"Oh yeah, we saw them play last year on the second-string. They were pretty lit back there. Man, I wish we had a second-string too."

"Why don't we, really?" Nash asked.

"Because it's a hassle." Jaiden shrugged. "The school will have to book two stages host both first-string and second-string on the same day. So, they don't feel like it."

"Typical bullshit," Nash shook his head. Even though their school was nice enough to allow Taurus to recruit many members, it didn't mean the school cared much for the club. It simply treated the Classmancers club a little more like a proper club than most other schools did, that's all.

"So, anyway," Jaiden returned to the topic. "It's thanks to you two that I'm still playing. You even convinced the club to give me a late entrance exam."

"No big deal, man," Nash said. "We didn't even do much."

"Actually," Rio smiled mischievously. "The captain back then didn't like the idea. He didn't want someone who failed to get into StormBlitz. He said it made the club look 'weak' and such."

"Oh yeah, I remember that shit!" Nash cracked a laugh. "Cap legit thought you were a scrub at first."

"But, Nash argued with him," Rio smiled softly. "He even said stuff like 'Jaiden is the next Maker!' and such."

"I-I didn't say shit like that!" Nash coughed and looked aside. "Well, I did tell them Jai is good, but not THAT good. You still have a long way to go before you reach Maker's level, fam."

"So, you vouched for me," Jaidem patted Nash on the shoulder and called the waiter. "Hey, bring me and my pals some cola. My treat."

"Your treat? Noice!" Nash opened the cola bottle without reservation. "Thanks, man!"

"I should be the one saying thanks," Jaiden said. "If not for you two, I would've probably quit Mancers."

"But, it'd be such a waste," Rio said. "You're an amazing player."

"Don't worry, all that dumb stuff is in the past," Jaiden reassured. "Now, I'm in a club with you two, so there's no way I'm quitting. We gonna conquer the whole competitive scene together!"

"Hell yeah, now you're talking!" Nash brought his bottle up. The others followed and locked their bottles together. "For victory and stuff!"

"F-For victory!" Rio did his best to shout with his low voice, but it came off like a mouse squeak.

"Pft, haha!" Nash burst into laughter and spilled some cola on his shirt. "Oh, crap! Haha!" Everybody laughed.

Being right here, alongside friends, was fun. The depressing past didn't matter anymore. Jaiden somehow failed StormBlitz's exam, but maybe it's for the best. Thanks to that, he was now playing with his bros in the same club.

All Jaiden was looking for was the highest level of competition. He wanted to test his mettle against the highest caliber of players. A strong team like StormBlitz was in a great position to face the strongest opponents, but Taurus could get to that level as well. Once Jaiden, Nash, and Rio join the first-string, they'll wreck the competition in the region and go all the way to nationals! Then, they'll win nationals too! They were unstoppable together! They were the Invincible Triangle!

[Yeah, screw StormBlitz.] Jaiden concluded. [Once I run into them at the tournament, I'll make them regret favoring some scrubby girl over me. I can accept the two guys who got in, they're actually good... wait.]

Something just clicked in Jaiden's brain. It was unbelievable. He doubted his own sanity for a moment. Yet, he had a strong feeling he was right about it.

Two boys passed the te third stage of StormBlitz's exam. What were their names, again? Nah, Jaiden didn't know their names. But, their IGNs! He saw them last year!

It was in this very place, during the second-string scrimmage between StormBlitz and the Leopards. That match piqued his interest, so he went to watch it with everybody. Nash was complaining at first, saying that StormBlitz's second-string gotta be scrubs. Honestly, Jaiden thought the same. He wasn't expecting much.

But, what greeted them there was a scene beyond their wildest imagination. Both sides went hard at each other, but StormBlitz dominated that show. It was amazing! They were winning against the strongest team in the region! Well, to be precise, it was just the second-string of the strongest. But, still! These were some crazy games!

Especially, there was this one mad lad. His IGN was... Bulletz? Riflez? Something like that. Anyway, bruh was sick! His Trickshooter was godlike! Whenever he activated Trickshow, he became a raging typhoon!

"Yeah! That's my boy!" Somebody in the crowd cheered when the Trickshooter scored a kill. It was a familiar face. That guy played for StormBlitz on stage just a short while ago, then stepped down for some reason. Jaiden and crew had no idea what was the story behind it, but the guy piqued their interests.

If memory served, the guy was soaked in water for some reason. It was a small detail, but it stuck because of how random it was. Did the guy take a shower or something?

Anyway, Jaiden decided to approach the StormBlitz guy. Something has been bothering Jaiden for a while now, so he had to ask about it.

StormBlitz had a limit of 15 members, he knew that for a fact from the explanations during the entrance exam. Five members were playing for the first-string, whereas another five were on the second-string on stage. The way Jaiden understood it, StormBlitz split the 15 equally across years: five seniors, five juniors, and five freshmen.

So, one would assume that the first-string had five seniors and the second-string had five juniors. However, something peculiar happened to the second-string that day; they substituted a member.

In other words, 11 club members participated in the scrimmage that day. Therefore, at least one of them had to be a freshman. Jaiden had to know which one it was.

[Is that guy better than me? He better be.] That's all he could think about back at the time. Jaiden failed to get into StormBlitz, unlike the guy who was playing for the second-string on stage. Who was that freshman? Was he really better than Jaiden? He should be. He gotta be. But, was he, really?

"The freshman? Actually, there are two of them on stage right now."

"What?" Jaiden thought his ears were deceiving him. Two freshmen made it into the StormBlitz's second-string!? Wow! How good were these guys!?

"It's the Carry and Support duo", the StormBlitz guy explained. "They're pretty good, right? Got nothing on me, of course, but they can kick some serious ass, haha."

"The Carry and Support..." Jaiden mumbled. Impossible. That couldn't be. The Carry was that amazing Trickshooter who was putting on an otherworldly performance. And, that Support player has been playing today from the start. Meaning, he was picked for the second-string over some Junior! These guys were fire!

They were such an odd pair, too. The Carry dude was an energetic bro who moved around a lot and made noise. On the other hand, the Support was a stoic guy, sitting there all calm like a cold-blooded assassin. They made for an interesting pair.

[Wait, an energetic guy and a stoic one?] Jaiden returned to reality. It wasn't just his imagination. He DID see those two before! They were the two freshmen in that second-string scrimmage!

But wait, what the heck were they doing in Stratus? Was there some sort of foul play afoot? Or, did they transfer schools for some reason? Anyway, this was huge!

As he realized this unbelievable fact, Jaiden bolted out of the cafeteria.