Learning the Fray
With both teams, Aerial and Bionocular, having taken the stage, they began to adorn their Realms, the EEG-like devices necessary to play NexaRealm. As each player donned their gear, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the hall. The large screen above the stage flickered to life, showing the virtual avatars of the players as they logged into the game.
As all players were transported into a blank room within NexaRealm, the screen displayed this to the eager spectators. This procedural blank room was the same one Joon-ho had seen yesterday with Team Fire. It was part of the game's protocol, a neutral starting point before the real action began.
Soo-min's authoritative voice filled the hall, drawing everyone's attention.
"Welcome back, everyone! As we prepare for the second round of matches, let me remind you of the format. This is a best-of-three series with randomized game modes and maps, a new format the World NexaRealm Championship is testing out."
[Randomizing map selection now. Please standby.]
The game system's voice then echoed in the virtual room, announcing the commencement of the randomization process for the maps. On the screen, a wheel appeared in the virtual sky, cycling through a list of available terrains. The wheel spun rapidly, the names of different maps flashing by in a blur.
Finally, the wheel slowed down and landed on a map called "Frostbite Gorge."
[Map acquired: Frostbite Gorge. Teleporting both teams to starting positions.]
Frostbite Gorge was a treacherous, icy canyon filled with narrow pathways and hidden ice caves. The terrain was harsh, with slippery ice patches that could hinder movement and gusts of freezing wind that reduced visibility. The central area of the gorge was a large, frozen lake, surrounded by jagged cliffs. This map demanded both strategic positioning and careful navigation to avoid falling into traps.
"Frostbite Gorge! A map is known for its challenging terrain and demanding navigation. Players will need to be on their toes to avoid the hazards and use the environment to their advantage," Soo-min's voice broke through the visual spectacle.
[Gamemode selection initiated. Please standby for available options.]
The game system then announced the randomization of the game mode. Once again, a wheel appeared in the virtual sky, this time displaying various game modes. The wheel spun, showcasing different modes like "Capture the Flag," "King of the Hill," and "Search and Destroy."
The wheel finally stopped on "Artefact Hunt."
[Artefact Hunt.]
"Artefact Hunt!" Soo-min exclaimed. "In this game mode, both teams will compete to find and secure ancient artefacts scattered across the map. The first team to collect the required number of artefacts and return them to their base wins. This mode requires keen exploration skills and strategic planning."
With the game mode and map now set, the stage was ready for the clash between Aerial and Bionocular. The tension in the hall was palpable as the players prepared for the battle ahead. Joon-ho watched intently, knowing that what he learned from this match could be crucial for Team Fire's future encounters.
As the countdown to the match began, Joon-ho felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. He needed to absorb every detail of this game—how Aerial moved, how they communicated, how they exploited the terrain. Every bit of information could give Team Fire an edge in the tournament. He settled into his seat, ready to take in everything that unfolded on the screen.
The match was about to begin, and Joon-ho knew that this was a pivotal moment not just for Aerial and Bionocular, but also for his own team's journey in the NexaRealm Championship.
[Beginning match in 3... 2... 1. Commence Artefact Hunt.]
With the game mode and map now set, the stage was ready for the clash between Aerial and Bionocular. The tension in the hall was palpable as the players prepared for the battle ahead. Joon-ho watched intently, knowing that what he learned from this match could be crucial for Team Fire's future encounters.
As the match began with a blast, Soo-min took the opportunity to explain more about Artefact Hunt.
"For those unfamiliar with Artefact Hunt, let me give you a quick rundown. The game will last for 30 minutes. Both teams will be searching for seven artefacts scattered across the map. The first team to bring back five artefacts to their base will win. There are no permanent deaths; eliminations come with a respawn, ensuring continuous action throughout the match."
On the screen, the spectators could see both teams spreading out, each player moving with precision and strategy. The icy terrain of Frostbite Gorge made movement tricky, and already, the players were showing their expertise in navigating the slippery surfaces and using the environment to their advantage.
Joon-ho observed Chin-hwa and In-su closely. Chin-hwa's movements were calculated and efficient, his focus sharp as he led his team through the gorge. In-su, on the other hand, moved with an air of confidence, ready to unleash his powerful spells at a moment's notice.
The early moments of the match were filled with strategic positioning as both teams sought to locate and secure the artefacts. Clashes were inevitable, but this is not the time yet. It was clear that this match would be intense, with both teams giving their all.
Joon-ho's eyes flicked back and forth, absorbing every detail. He needed to understand how Aerial operated, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they coordinated as a team. This knowledge would be crucial for Team Fire if they were to face Aerial in the finals.
As the match progressed, Joon-ho's tension gave way to determination. He was here for a reason, and he wouldn't let his team down. Soo-min took the opportunity to highlight the players of each team to the spectators.
"Let's take a closer look at the teams, starting with Bionocular," Soo-min announced. "Bionocular's composition is quite unique. They have two Marksmen, two Assassins, and one Mage. This team is heavily focused on offence, lacking a Tank to absorb damage or a Fighter for balanced play."
The screen displayed the players of Bionocular, each one introduced with their avatar and a brief description.
"Bionocular's Marksmen are sharpshooters, specializing in long-range attacks. Their Assassins are quick and deadly, able to eliminate targets swiftly. The Mage provides powerful spells to control the battlefield. Despite their unusual composition, they have made it to the round of 8, proving their effectiveness."
Soo-min continued.
"This offensive strategy can either bring them great success or put them in significant trouble, depending on their coordination and execution."
The camera then shifted to Aerial, drawing an even greater wave of cheers from the spectators, especially from the fangirls brandishing banners with Chin-hwa and In-su's names and faces.
"Now, let's look at Aerial," Soo-min said, her voice tinged with excitement. "Aerial's composition is even more unconventional. They have one Marksman, one Mage and what makes their team truly remarkable is the inclusion of three Assassins."
The screen zoomed in on each member of Aerial, highlighting their roles and skills.
"This composition is highly aggressive, with no Fighters to balance the team and no Tanks to absorb damage. Aerial's strategy screams 'kill.' Their Assassins will likely focus on quick eliminations, creating chaos and disruption for Bionocular."
Soo-min added.
"While Bionocular's composition is peculiar, Aerial's is almost unthinkable. No other team has dared to go this far with an all-out offensive strategy. This match is sure to be a high-octane display of skill and coordination."
As the introductions concluded, the atmosphere in the hall grew even more intense. Spectators were on the edge of their seats, eager to see how these unconventional team compositions would clash on the treacherous terrain of Frostbite Gorge.
Joon-ho, still focused, absorbed the details of each player. He knew that understanding the strengths and weaknesses of both teams would be crucial for Team Fire's future matches. Aerial's aggressive lineup, with its emphasis on swift and deadly attacks, was especially concerning. Chin-hwa's precision as a Marksman and In-su's spell-casting prowess were formidable on their own, but combined with three Assassins, they formed a lethal threat.
The big screen displayed the teams' avatars taking their positions on the map. The icy landscape of Frostbite Gorge shimmered under the virtual sun, its frozen paths and hidden caves providing ample opportunities for ambushes and strategic plays.
"Now with the match already on the way, keep an eye on how Bionocular and Aerial utilize their compositions. Will Bionocular's offensive strategy outmanoeuvre Aerial's aggressive approach? Or will Aerial's relentless assault prove too much to handle?" Soo-min's voice filled the hall once more.
With the stage set and the stakes high, the match was poised to be an exhilarating contest of strategy, skill, and raw power. Joon-ho's gaze remained fixed on the screen, his mind racing with possibilities and strategies. This was more than just a game; it was a battlefield where every decision could mean the difference between victory and defeat.