Team Fire's members, Kang-dae, Hana, Soo-jin, Jin-kyong, Sang-hee, and their friends Joon-ho, Hyun-ae, and Kyu, were gathered in the bustling shopping area of NexaCorp Korea University. This space had been designed to provide students with all the amenities they needed within the university grounds, a necessity given the no-leaving-campus rule. Today, the group was inside a popular fast food joint known for its delicious fried chicken paired with fizzy drinks.
It was Sunday, the last day of the study week. Tomorrow, lessons would resume, and the usual routines of university life would take over. But tonight, they were here to celebrate their remarkable achievement: securing second place in the Weekly Tournament. It was a significant milestone for Team Fire, and they intended to enjoy every moment of their well-deserved celebration.
The aroma of fried chicken filled the air as they settled into their seats, plates piled high with crispy wings, drumsticks, and thighs, accompanied by bottles of fizzy soda.
"This place never disappoints," Soo-jin said, biting into a drumstick. "Perfect way to end the week."
"We earned this. Second place isn't first, but it's a huge accomplishment. Especially considering the competition," Hana nodded, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
"To us! And to many more victories to come," Jin-kyong raised her soda bottle.
They clinked their bottles together, the sound of their laughter mixing with the chatter of other students in the joint.
"We wouldn't be here without each other's support. And Joon-ho's strategies have been a game-changer for us," Kang-dae, always the thoughtful one, took a moment to reflect.
"You guys did all the hard work. I just helped guide you. Watching you all grow as a team has been amazing," Joon-ho, usually reserved, smiled modestly.
"And don't forget Kyu's moral support. He's been our number one fan," Hyun-ae, ever the cheerleader, added,
Kyu, grinning, can't believe that he was being teased despite them knowing how he never talks at all in most situations. Just to remind you, he is not mute so never, ever think about it.
"This is just the beginning. We have so much potential. Today's second place can be tomorrow's first place," Sang-hee, who had been quietly enjoying his meal, finally spoke up.
"Absolutely," Hana agreed. "We have the skills, the teamwork, and the determination. We just need to keep pushing forward."
As they continued to eat and chat, the conversation shifted to their performances during the tournament.
"Kang-dae, your tanking was phenomenal," Soo-jin said. "You held the line like a pro."
"Thanks, but it was all of us working together. Hana's aggressive play was incredible, and Jin-kyong's sniping kept the pressure on Aerial," Kang-dae chuckled.
"Well, someone had to keep Chin-hwa in check. I'm just glad I got that shot in," Jin-kyong, always competitive, smiled.
"And let's not forget Sang-hee's spellcasting. You were like a force of nature out there," Hana leaned back in her chair, satisfied.
"I did what I could. It was a team effort," Sang-hee shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips.
Their conversation continued, full of laughter, teasing, and mutual encouragement. They talked about their favourite moments from the tournament, strategies that had worked, and things they could improve on for the next one. The camaraderie among them was palpable, a testament to the strong bond they had formed.
As the night wore on, their thoughts began to turn towards the future. They discussed their plans for the upcoming semester, balancing their studies with their training, and their goals for the next tournament.
"We've set the bar high," Kang-dae said. "But we can go higher. We will go higher."
"And with each match, we'll learn more, get stronger, and become an even more formidable team," Joon-ho, ever the strategist, added.
"To Team Fire! To friendship, hard work, and future victories!" Hyun-ae raised her soda bottle once more.
They clinked their bottles again, the sound ringing out like a promise. As they finished their meal and prepared to leave, there was a sense of renewed purpose and determination among them. The road ahead would be challenging, but they were ready to face it together.
The study week was ending, and the new semester loomed on the horizon. Life at NexaCorp Korea University would continue as usual, but for Team Fire, every day was another step on their journey. They were not just students or gamers; they were a team with a shared dream, and they would stop at nothing to achieve it.
As they walked out of the fast food joint, the night air filled with their excited chatter and laughter, one thing was clear: the journey to becoming the Korean representative on the world stage had only just begun. And they were ready for whatever came next.
Once they finished their meal and prepared to leave, Joon-ho suddenly felt his stomach rumble. He winced slightly, trying to hide his discomfort.
"Hey, I need to hit the restroom," he said, standing up. "You guys can head back first."
The gang wanted to wait, but Joon-ho insisted.
"We've talked about everything already. Plus, we have classes tomorrow. We should get a proper rest, no more sleeping late."
They reluctantly agreed, wishing him well. As Joon-ho walked towards the restroom, he heard footsteps following him. Without needing to turn around, he voiced out.
"Soo-jin, do you also need to go to the toilet?"
"Yeah," Soo-jin replied simply.
The two of them headed to the restroom together. After a while, they both emerged. Soo-jin was already waiting when Joon-ho finished his business. As he joined her, he took a moment to appreciate their surroundings.
They had grown up together, attended the same schools, and now they were at the same university. Joon-ho had joined NexaCorp Korea University with a personal mission: to protect Soo-jin from the potential threats posed by the university director, Hye-su, under a personal agreement.
"What's on your mind?" Joon-ho asked, his voice gentle.
Despite her outgoing, joyful demeanour, Joon-ho was the only one who knew the real Soo-jin. He had noticed that her bright laughter and cheerful attitude during their celebration had been a façade.
Before she could answer, Joon-ho stepped forward and enveloped her in a hug. Soo-jin's facade cracked, and she burst into tears, burying her face into his chest.
"I'm bad at the game," she sobbed. "Everyone else did so well, and I... I let the artefact get stolen in the first game. I died too quickly in the third. They praised everyone but me."
Her words were slurred with emotion, and Joon-ho was reminded of their younger days. When NexaRealm first launched, they had both been enthusiastic players. Soo-jin had always been emotional, often calling herself bad at the game and crying when things didn't go her way. Joon-ho had always been there to comfort her, and she had promised him that one day she would become the best. Today, she had aimed to prove herself, but her emotions had gotten the better of her.
"You performed perfectly," Joon-ho reassured her. "If it wasn't for you saving Hana in the first game, we might have lost early. And your death in the third game was just unlucky. Things don't always go as planned."
He gently lifted her face and wiped her tears.
"Don't cry anymore. You won second place, what more can you ask? You, as an unranked participant. You, against the second and third best of Korea. You! That is a huge achievement, Soo-jin. People are noticing you now. You are no longer weak. I'm so proud of you."
Hearing his comforting words, Soo-jin cried even harder, her emotions overflowing. They stayed like that for a moment, Joon-ho holding her tightly, providing the comfort and reassurance she desperately needed.
Eventually, Soo-jin's sobs quieted, and she pulled back slightly, looking up at Joon-ho with red-rimmed eyes.
"Thank you, Joon-ho. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You'll never have to find out," he replied with a small smile. "I'll always be here for you."
They walked back to their dorms together, side by side, the bond between them stronger than ever. As they parted ways for the night, both felt a renewed sense of determination. The Weekly Tournament had ended, and the study week was drawing to a close. Tomorrow, lessons would resume, and life at NexaCorp Korea University would continue as usual. But for Joon-ho and Soo-jin, tonight's conversation had solidified their resolve to face whatever challenges lay ahead, together.
The road to becoming Korea's representative on the world stage was still ahead, and while the journey might be long and arduous, they knew they had each other to rely on. With friends like theirs and the strength of their bond, they felt ready to take on anything the future might bring.
As they parted ways for the night, both felt a renewed sense of determination. The Weekly Tournament had ended, and the study week was drawing to a close. Tomorrow, lessons would resume, and life at NexaCorp Korea University would continue as usual.
But for Joon-ho and Soo-jin, tonight's conversation had solidified their resolve to face whatever challenges lay ahead, together. The road to becoming Korea's representative on the world stage was still ahead, and while the journey might be long and arduous, they knew they had each other to rely on. With friends like theirs and the strength of their bond, they felt ready to take on anything the future might bring.