Club Members
"Yo, Ryo!" Fajar entered Ryo's classroom after their teacher left, "You've finished with the lessons, right? Come on, let's go to the club room. I'll introduce you to the other members."
"Yeah, just finished. Let's go."
Ryo and Fajar walked eagerly towards the club room.
"Wow, there really is a club room." They arrived in front of the Nebula WAR club room, and Ryo was surprised. Initially, he didn't expect there to be a gaming club, let alone one with the club's name prominently displayed on the door.
Fajar just smiled proudly while opening the club room door. "It's too early to be surprised."
As the door opened, the room was filled with the sounds of laughter and lively discussions of club members busy playing games or discussing game strategies. Not only that, there were ten VR tubes and a large screen seemingly used for reviewing matches.
"Chairman, you finally came." A woman welcomed Fajar as the door opened.
"Haha, sorry, sorry." Fajar smiled broadly, acknowledging his lateness, but he also brought what they needed, so he laughed.
"By the way, who is this, Chairman?" shouted one of the members, a man with glasses and a small frame that seemed easily teased.
"Oh, right, let me introduce you. This is our newest member and highly recommended to fill the last role." Fajar proudly introduced Ryo. "Yes, even though he's only going to play Nebula War today, I'm sure he's suitable for the remaining role..."
Fajar praised Ryo, patting his shoulder as if showing off that he had found a gem. "Ryo, introduce yourself."
"Ha... Alright." Ryo felt a bit awkward, finding it difficult to meet new people. However, when Ryo saw the warmth and acceptance from the others, he felt at ease. "My name is Ryo Suhendra, an 11th-grade student in the Social Science class. Nice to meet you, everyone."
"Nice to meet you, Ryo. I'm Dinda, I'm the Support in this team," greeted Dinda, the woman who had welcomed Fajar earlier.
"I'm Andi, I'm the Offlaner, and I'll definitely be the best Offlaner," added Andi, the small bespectacled man who surprised Ryo with his big ambitions despite his small stature.
"Nyam... I'm Bonbon... I'm the midlaner, nice to meet you... Nyam..."
"Bonbon, I've told you many times, don't eat in the club room!" Fajar started a small argument with Bonbon, taking his food and pinching Bonbon's large stomach. Although he was angry, it looked more like a joke.
A unique team. That's what crossed Ryo's mind as he saw them all gathering and joking together. However, something puzzled him. "What are Support, Offlaner, and Midlaner, actually?"
"So you don't know? I thought you already studied it."
"Hehe... I just watched some gameplay and got interested in piloting the spacecraft, so I didn't focus on the game itself."
"That's so like you. I should have understood this sooner."
Fajar explained in detail to Ryo. In Nebula Wars, everyone is divided based on different positions and roles: Midlaner, Offlaner, Support, Carry, and Explorer.
Midlaner is a controller, managing the central area of the nebula.
Carry, as the name suggests, is a 'Carrier.' Their task is to carry the game to the end and provide good damage, staying in the enemy's teleport area to pressure them.
Support provides support to teammates, focusing more on supporting the main damage dealer (Carry).
Explorer explores the outer parts of the map to control mine posts and capture crystals in star systems.
Offlaner is at the teleport area, tasked with helping the Explorer and protecting the teleport area.
"Do you understand now?"
"Ah, now I get it! So, each position has its own role and responsibilities. It makes this game even more interesting!" Ryo realized the complexity of strategy and teamwork behind the Nebula WAR game. However, Ryo was curious about his role, "So, what is my role?"
"Of course, Explorer. You're perfect for it!" Fajar gave him a thumbs up and laughed heartily.
"Chairman, are you sure he can handle it?" Dinda asked. Being an Explorer may sound ordinary, almost like a second Support, but in reality, it's not that simple. "You know it yourself, Chairman, an Explorer needs excellent control because they have to quickly seize the gold mine and star system, and the path to that area requires a player with great skills because you can't slow down your speed."
Dinda didn't mean to underestimate Fajar as the team leader because Fajar was the most skilled and great with his strategies. However, the Explorer role is acknowledged as the most challenging for pro players. "Is he here to complement the members so that the official club can be established, or is he really that good?" Dinda had to question this in her heart for the team's success.
Fajar fell silent, looking contemplative as he turned his gaze to the floor and walked slowly toward Dinda.
Pluk...
Fajar's hand was now on Dinda's shoulder; he seemed lost in thought, and his facial expression was not visible.
"Umm... Chairman, I didn't mean to question your decision, but..."
"Haha... what are you worried about, Dinda... It's precisely because of that, he's the most suitable for this task." Fajar laughed again, his face becoming more irritating, making Dinda want to slap him, but she had to restrain herself.
"Suitable? What do you mean, Chairman? Are you sure he can handle this role?" Dinda asked again, as she was serious about building this team. Her goal was to become champions at least once at the national high school level.
"Let's ask him directly." Fajar glanced at Ryo, "How about it, Ryo? Can you handle this task?"
Ryo hesitated for a moment. Honestly, he still didn't fully understand, but based on their conversation, Ryo was supposed to be what he paid attention to last night. A player with beautiful gameplay, great speed, navigating obstacles, being the fastest to capture mines, and deceiving enemies with attractive moves.
"I want... I want that role!" Those words came out of his mouth without him realizing. If asked if he could or not, he wasn't sure. But if asked if he wanted to, of course, the answer was a definite yes. "However, give me time to learn this. I'm sure I can do it!"
"This is Ryo, nice to meet you, friends. This is Ryo's true nature." Fajar laughed again, extremely proud to have an ambitious friend, and Ryo's talent was perfect for this task, according to Fajar.
"Okay, I won't doubt you, but try to adapt to us in one month because there will be regional qualifications for the school tournament in a few months." Dinda had to acknowledge Ryo's determination and willingness and opened her heart a bit, hoping for a bit of success.
Sob...Sob...
"Great... you're amazing, Ryo... you're like the main character in shounen manga, full of ambition and determination." Tears flowed from Andi's glasses, feeling that Ryo was a perfect fit for him. "Come on, Ryo, let's show the world our abilities, you as the best Explorer, and me as the best Offlaner..."
"You're truly amazing, Ryo, you deserve my snacks." Bonbon rummaged through his pocket and took snacks out. "This one's for you, Ryo."
"This..." Ryo took it and smiled with emotion; he could feel the warmth from his friends. He felt accepted and needed. "I will definitely give my best." That's what Ryo thought; he didn't want to betray his friends who wanted to accept him.
"But, Chairman, can Ryo master the Explorer role in a short time? It's not an easy role, and we have regional qualifications, even though it's still quite a while, but we can't relax because our opponents are strong, especially Bumi Sari High School; they managed to become the runners-up in the provincial selection yesterday," Dinda whispered to Fajar, expressing her concern. She didn't expect much this year, but she hoped to get the best results that could at least reach the provincial level this year.
"I believe Ryo has great potential, and he will become our Ace. Let's trust him first." Fajar looked at Ryo with a serious gaze and a wide smile. These words were spoken seriously, and even Dinda, who was still a bit worried, began to truly believe and try to trust.
Clap...Clap...
Fajar clapped his hands, trying to get attention. Now it's time to be serious. "Okay, introductions are done. Let's help Ryo learn it directly by playing some games together."
"But I don't have an account yet. Do I need to create a new account?"
"Don't worry, we've prepared some accounts beforehand for newcomers." Fajar pressed his smartwatch, and a blue hologram screen appeared around his smartwatch. "I've sent the account data to your smartwatch! Let's log in. You can choose any tube because we have many here."
They all prepared and entered their chosen tubes, including Ryo.
Ryo pressed the button on his VR tube, and the screen that previously said "OFF" now said "ON," then the door opened automatically.
Ryo immediately entered the tube and closed it.
Brakk...
When the door closed, the tube glowed briefly from the outside, providing a stunning visualization. Meanwhile, inside, Ryo was displayed with a holographic system.
Ryo pressed the "Start" button on the system, and several installed applications were displayed.
[Please choose the game you want to play]
Ryo immediately chose Nebula War, [Please enter your username and password]
Ryo entered the username and password based on the data Fajar provided earlier, then pressed "Log In." It only took a few seconds after pressing the button for Ryo to fall into a state similar to sleep. And in an instant, he realized that he had arrived in a very different place.
[Welcome to Nebula Wars, SpeedX, Honorable]
"This is amazing!" Those were the only words that could come out of his mouth; Ryo was enchanted by the sight before him.
The view of outer space, with many players flying spacecraft in a star-filled sky and beautiful nebulae. Truly a unique and eye-catching sight.
"Let's do our best!" Ryo became even more satisfied and amazed by what was happening; he couldn't hide his excitement.