As Polina watched Ecatarina's impressive and victorious performance, a rush of thoughts and emotions flooded her mind. She couldn't help but admit to herself, in a soft whisper, "Ecatarina... she's getting stronger every day."
Ecatarina wasn't just a fellow competitor to Polina; she was a rival, a formidable opponent who had influenced their past encounters and would undoubtedly impact their future clashes.
In the old days, before the virtual world called Miracle of Domain existed, Polina would sometimes emerge victorious in their hard-fought matches, showcasing her own skill and determination.
But the present reality taunted Polina with a puzzling problem that weighed heavily on her.
Despite her relentless training and unwavering dedication, she found herself stuck at her current level of ability while Ecatarina soared to greater heights.
The gap between them grew wider with each passing moment, leaving Polina feeling desolate and hopeless.
The undeniable and bitter truth of their diverging paths became evident when Polina suffered defeat at Ecatarina's hands within the very game they both competed in.
"What did I do wrong?
"Where did I make a mistake?"
Polina's voice trembled with frustration and longing, as she cried out to the unforgiving universe.
"What do I need to do to keep up with her?
"Or perhaps, how can I reclaim my past glories, the victories that used to be mine?"
These questions echoed within Polina's mind, while a deep sense of hopelessness started to overshadow her spirit.
In the bustling crowd near the Vovovich Carousel Cafe, Polina, with a determined fire in her eyes, was momentarily startled by an unexpected voice that cut through the noise like a sharp blade.
"Oh, this is real, everything in this world is real, and this disappointing match is all so real," the voice boomed with a mix of amusement and condescension, its sound piercing through the commotion.
"You my comrade, easily defeated by a delicate and beautiful lady comradette.
"Your styles were a perfect counter against her but sigh…
"If only you had sharpened your skills and cleared your mind of distractions, you wouldn't have suffered such an embarrassing loss.
"Ehrrmm!!
"No, my comrade, you could have emerged triumphant with your unique style against hers," The words hung in the air, carrying a hint of scorn and an unsolicited offering of advice.
Caught by surprise, Polina quickly turned her head, and then she saw a confident, almost arrogant-looking man among a small group of onlookers.
She noticed everyone was looking at him like he was crazy, and she noticed he was the one who laughed maniacally earlier.
Now, he spoke with certainty, dissecting the situation and sharing what he would have done differently.
"If it were me," he said, "I would have targeted her temple to throw her off balance. I would have applied more pressure until she couldn't handle it anymore.
"Still, congratulations to her…
"Even though the lady Silver_Ecatarina comradette won, her skills still need improvement…
"A lot of improvement…"
In a moment that felt like it lasted forever, Maxim Romanov, his name echoing in the air, spoke with determination once again, undeterred by the disapproval from the crowd.
His words carried a sense of grandeur and ambition, reaching everyone around him.
"But no need to be worried about all your meager skills, my comrades," he declared confidently, while beating his chest like a gorilla.
"I, Maxim Romanov, am here to bring hope and create change. I will guide you on a transformative journey, making each of you better individuals, shaping a new path for humanity and becoming the cradle of a new era."
However, the people gathered around Maxim looked skeptical and exchanged doubtful glances.
Their faces showed a mix of disbelief and disdain, and hushed conversations filled the background.
"Is he crazy?" someone whispered, casting a wary look at Maxim.
"Should we call the authorities?" another person suggested cautiously, expressing genuine concern.
"There's something unsettling about him," muttered someone else, their words tinged with unease and caution.
"Mom, I'm scared…"
"Let's go, this guy seems out of his mind…"
But despite the disapproving looks and doubtful whispers from those around him, Maxim Romanov remained determined and confident, with a smile on his face.
He didn't see these people as strangers; they were his companions, fellow travelers on a journey towards greatness— for short, comrades!
Their skepticism and lack of understanding didn't discourage him.
Deep down, he believed that one day they would recognize the truth in his words and he would lead them to a future beyond their imaginations.
With a purposeful stride, Maxim left the busy streets and headed towards the Vovovich Carousel Cafe.
As he entered, Svetlana and her group looked at him with curiosity.
"What's wrong with him today?"
One of Svetlana's friends asked, but Svetlana, although finding it weird too, just shook her head.
Soon, their attention was drawn to Polina, whose beauty seemed to light up the room, and they eagerly wanted to capture her essence in a photograph. But Maxim paid no attention to their fascination.
He remained focused and determined.
Meanwhile, Polina stood there, feeling a whirlwind of emotions after Maxim's departure.
If anyone could understand the mysterious words he had spoken, it was her.
As an experienced martial artist, she had a keen perception that allowed her to grasp the hidden meaning behind his cryptic message.
In that brief moment, Maxim had conveyed Ecatarina's vulnerability to Polina with just a glance. His eyes spoke volumes without the need for words.
"I could do that…"
She mumbled, thinking of herself in the position of the last enemy of Ecatarina earlier in the monitor, and with his words, she is confident she could do it against Ecatarina.
It was as if he had opened a door, revealing a path for Polina to explore—a journey that promised to bring revelation and self-discovery.
The question lingered in Polina's mind, echoing insistently, demanding answers that felt just out of reach.
Who was this mysterious person who had crossed her path?
She strained her eyes, scanning her surroundings, desperately trying to catch a glimpse of the elusive stranger who had captured her thoughts.
"Where did he go?"
She wondered, her voice barely audible, carried away by the whispering wind.
Maxim's skill in exposing Ecatarina's weaknesses demonstrated his expertise and ability.
Polina believed in the existence of such skilled individuals because her late grandfather was one of them, a master in his own right.
To even encounter someone like Maxim or her grandfather, Polina knew she had to improve her own abilities.
So, she worked tirelessly, pushing herself beyond her limits both physically and mentally, with the determination to achieve her ultimate goal.
"I need to meet him…."
Meanwhile, as Maxim entered the bustling gaming area, he saw a vast space filled with gaming pods.
The room was futuristic, with sleek pods spread out, creating an impressive maze of technology and imagination.
Each pod housed a player, their faces illuminated by screens as they effortlessly controlled their games with nimble fingers. The room buzzed with excitement, a blend of sounds harmonizing together—clicks, clacks, murmurs, laughter, and intense concentration.
Neon lights above flickered, casting vibrant colors that bathed the room in a surreal glow.
Maxim's heart raced as he ventured further into the sea of pods, fully immersed in the sights, sounds, and palpable excitement around him.
The anticipation coursed through his veins, synchronizing with the energetic atmosphere.
Eventually, he found the pod he had chosen, its sleek design calling to him like a gateway to another world.
With anticipation building, he settled into the comfortable seat, feeling the electricity in the air.
It was time to explore the limitless possibilities of the virtual realm, embarking on an adventure that would transcend his own reality. But as he sat there, focused and resolute, a realization washed over him—he had a greater purpose in this place.
As Maxim grasped the mysterious object, a surge of recognition flowed through him.
It was a key— a key to unlock the essence of the Domain of Miracles.
The electric shock he experienced was a small price to pay for the power and potential within his reach.
His mind raced, recalling the legends and whispers surrounding the Domain of Miracles.
This virtual realm was no ordinary place—it had the ability to reshape reality itself.
It was said that those who possessed the key could manipulate existence, transcending the limitations of the physical world.
Maxim didn't embark on this journey just for himself.
He had a big vision in mind.
He believed that the Domain of Miracles had the power to bring enlightenment and progress to humanity.
He saw it as an opportunity to change a world that had been scarred by conflict and suffering, and create a brighter future.
With the key tightly held in his hand, Maxim's determination showed in his face.
"Here I go...
"HURAAH!"