For the last time, both teams entered the arena, their nerves taut with anticipation. The final round was here, and everything they had trained for led to this moment. Each player adorned themselves with their Realm devices, and the familiar sensation of NexaRealm's virtual world enveloped them once more. The blank starting room, a place of promise and anxiety, greeted them with its standard black and grey hues.
The system's voice echoed through the room, cool and impartial.
[Welcome, Champions. Prepare for the final round.]
As the routine went, the roulette wheel descended, glowing and spinning, as the map and game mode selection began. The entire room seemed to hold its breath, the tension palpable.
As the roulette slowed, the chosen map was revealed.
[Map Selection: Ethereal Peaks.]
The room's appearance began to shift, morphing into a breathtaking mountainous landscape. Towering peaks covered in snow and mist stretched as far as the eye could see, connected by narrow, treacherous pathways and ancient stone bridges: cascading waterfalls and deep chasms added to the perilous beauty of the environment.
The sky was a twilight blue, dotted with stars that seemed almost within reach. Ethereal Peaks was known for its challenging terrain and limited visibility, making strategy and careful navigation paramount. No plains, just straight-up old big rocky, solid mountain format.
The roulette continued its spin, selecting the game mode.
[Game Mode: Blitz.]
Dong-yul's voice came over the intercom, filled with excitement as he accepted that a new game mode was being played now.
"Again and again, we are seeing some new game modes all around! Ethereal Peaks and Blitz! This final round will test the teams' coordination, strategy, and adaptability. A fitting challenge for our grand finale."
"I'm starting to love this new setup, Dong-yul. Blitz is a high-stakes game mode where one team must defend a time-ticking beacon in the centre of the map, while the other team attempts to destroy it. With no resurrection, each player's life is precious. The defending team spawns closer to the beacon, giving them a slight advantage to set up defences," Soo-min added.
The system voice returned.
[In the final round, Team Fire will be defending the beacon, and Aerial will be attacking.]
As the teams were teleported to their starting positions, the map came alive around them. Team Fire materialized on one side of the mountain range, their starting area marked by a dilapidated stone fortress. Team Aerial appeared on the opposite side, among ancient, crumbling ruins that hinted at long-forgotten battles.
Chin-hwa scanned their surroundings, his eyes narrowing as he took in the landscape.
"Stay close and move fast. We need to reach that beacon before they fortify their defences."
"Remember, it's not just about speed. We need to outthink them at every turn. Use the terrain to our advantage," In-su nodded, his usual calm demeanour masking the intensity he felt.
On the other side, Kang-dae was rallying his team.
"Stick to the plan. We control the paths, we control the beacon. Use the terrain for ambushes and stay alert."
"Let's focus on securing the high ground. It gives us a vantage point and makes it easier to defend the beacon," Soo-jin, with her analytical mind, was already mapping out potential strategies.
As the countdown to the match started echoed through the peaks, both teams steeled themselves for the final confrontation. The stakes had never been higher, and each player was acutely aware of the significance of this battle. The crowd's roar from the virtual stands was a distant but motivating hum, pushing them to give their all.
Dong-yul spoke, flipping through his notes.
"In previous Blitz matches, we've seen a variety of strategies. Defenders often focus on creating choke points and using the terrain to their advantage, while attackers need to be quick and coordinated to break through the defences."
"With Aerial's composition of 1 Mage, 1 Marksman, and 3 Assassins, they have a highly aggressive setup. They can deal a lot of damage quickly, but they'll need to be careful not to get picked off one by one. Team Fire, with their balanced team of 1 Mage, 1 Marksman, 1 Tank, and 2 Fighters, has the potential to hold their ground effectively, using their Tank and Fighters to create barriers and protect the beacon," Soo-min nodded, adding.
"The key for Aerial will be to use their speed and aggression to disrupt Team Fire's defences before they can fully set up. On the other hand, Team Fire will need to rely on their coordination and the defensive strength of their Tank to fend off the oncoming assault," Dong-yul continued.
As the final countdown reached zero, the match began. Team Aerial, filled with determination, sprinted towards the centre, their eyes set on the beacon. Team Fire moved swiftly to fortify their defences, setting up strategic positions around the beacon and preparing for the inevitable clash.
The battle for the championship was about to commence, and both teams were ready to give it their all.
Meanwhile, in the stadium, the atmosphere was electric. Spectators filled the stands, their roars and cheers creating a cacophony of excitement. Hopes and dreams were riding on this final match, and the energy was palpable. Fans of both teams were on the edge of their seats, their eyes glued to the screens displaying the action in real time.
In the middle of this throng sat Joon-ho, alongside his friends Hyun-ae and Kyu. They were ardent supporters of Team Fire, and their anticipation mirrored the intensity of the players on the field. Joon-ho's heart pounded as he watched the screen, his mind racing with thoughts of the strategies and moves his friends would employ.
Hyun-ae, usually calm and composed, couldn't help but fidget in her seat.
"I can't believe it all comes down to this," she said, her voice barely audible over the din of the crowd.
Kyu nodded, his eyes never leaving the screen. As the silent man he is, he still does share their sentiment. The three of them knew that their friends worked so hard for this. So they hope Team Fire can keep their cool and play to their strengths.
Joon-ho clenched his fists, silently urging his friends on. He knew how much this meant to them, how much they had sacrificed to reach this point. The prize of NCK points was no longer the focus; it was about pride, about proving themselves as the best in NexaCorp Korea University.
The commentators' voices continued to fill the stadium, analyzing the unfolding match.
"Look at the way Aerial is moving," Dong-yul said. "They're using their speed to try and outmanoeuvre Team Fire. But Team Fire is holding their ground, creating a solid defensive perimeter around the beacon."
"This is a classic battle of offence versus defence. Aerial's menacing composition gives them an edge in dealing damage quickly, but Team Fire's balanced setup means they can absorb a lot of that damage and respond with controlled counterattacks," Soo-min added,
The crowd's cheers rose and fell with each skirmish, each strategic move. It was a tight match, and every second counted. Fans of Aerial cheered loudly as their team pushed forward, while supporters of Team Fire urged their team to hold strong.
As the match progressed, the tension only increased. Both teams were playing at their best, showcasing their skills and determination. For the spectators, it was a thrilling display of esports at its finest, a testament to the dedication and talent of these young players.
Joon-ho glanced at Hyun-ae and Kyu, both of whom were equally engrossed in the match. They exchanged a brief nod, a silent agreement that no matter the outcome, they were proud of their friends and their incredible journey to this point.
The intensity in the arena was palpable, each moment a crescendo of excitement and anticipation. The spectators were a sea of colour and noise, their banners waving and voices creating a symphony of encouragement and anxiety.
The roar of the crowd ebbed and flowed with the tide of the battle on the screens, every tactical move, every daring assault, sending waves of emotion through the stands. Parents, friends, and fans from across the university had gathered, united in their support and their desire to see their champions emerge victorious.
In the heart of this fervent crowd, Joon-ho felt the collective energy surge through him. It was more than just a game; it was a culmination of dreams and hard work, a battle of wills that transcended the virtual and touched the very essence of their identities.
He glanced at Hyun-ae, whose eyes were wide with anticipation, her usually calm demeanour replaced by an intense focus. Kyu, too, was caught in the moment, his quiet determination mirroring the resolve of their friends on Team Fire. They could feel the pressure, the weight of the final round bearing down on them, and yet, within that pressure, there was also a sense of unity and purpose. They were all in this together, riding the wave of excitement towards the final, decisive moments of the match.