6 Chapter 6

Ye Xiu had said it was just for training, to get some practice playing against current pro players. As Autumn Tree and Fiery Blaze loaded into the map, Su Muqiu felt himself growing excited. This was what he had been supposed to be doing for the past ten years, what had all been taken away from his with one small mistake. It had been raining, he'd been hurrying home, and forgot to check the light before he ran across the street. He hadn't seen any cars coming. And then…

The characters finished loading, pulling him out of his reverie. As the match started, he fired at Fiery Blaze, testing the waters. Fiery Blaze easily dodged at this distance, and hopped on his broom to close some of the distance. Autumn Tree jumped back, pulling away to use his range advantage to gain a lead in health. Fiery Blaze dodged and closed in, throwing out some of his mid-ranged attacks when he could. They went back and forth like this for a few minutes, and Su Muqiu was good, Wang Jiexi had more experience and ultimately got the upper hand.

"You play well," Wang Jiexi said after the match. "Ever thought about playing for a pro team?"

"Um, yeah, actually," Muqiu said hesitantly. It was true, though, technically. He had thought about joining Excellent Era. Even signed on, before his life was interrupted.

"Well, would you like to take a look at Tiny Herb's training camp? We probably have better facilities than wherever you are now, and with your skill, you'd be almost guaranteed a spot on the team with a little more practice," Wang Jiexi explained.

That's what he thought he'd been getting at. "No thanks, I've got plans at the moment. I'll think about it later if those change, though," he refused politely.

"A pity, but alright," he said, then left to fight Ye Xiu.

Their match was beautiful, Ye Xiu managing to tie it perfectly. Probably to not discourage the other team too much.

~

Lord Grim: Desolate land record tonight?

Autumn Tree: Ok, which guild?

Lord Grim: Full Moon Guild

Autumn Tree: ?

Autumn Tree: What are they giving us?

Lord Grim: Scarlet Moon equips for Soft Mist. We already have all the materials we need for this level from Tiny Herb.

Autumn Tree: True.

Autumn Tree: Wait, I though you didn't need me for this one?

Lord Grim: The guild leader is… really kind of a noob… [sweating] Can you be ready if he can't adjust for the record?

Autumn Tree: Really? Ok, I'll be there in a few minutes

~

"You better actually try on the boss this time," Tang Rou said as they neared the final boss.

"Of course. We are trying to set a record after all," Ye Xiu replied.

"This guy hasn't even been going all out this whole time we've been playing," Tang Rou added to Su Muqiu.

"Yeah, I know, he's lazy—" Su Muqiu started.

"Efficient," Ye Xiu interrupted. "Playing unspecialized at that level takes a lot of energy."

"Yeah, yeah. You're not that old. Else you should give Lord Grim to me, cause you'd stand no chance in the pro league."

~

Autumn Tree: A group of players just tried to PK me. Probably guild opens from the level.

Autumn Tree: …?