After hours of trial and error, it seemed the team had finally started to click. The adjustments made the day before, drawing on Kang-dae's advice, were beginning to pay off. Joon-ho noticed that Min-jae had become slightly more mindful of his teammates, pausing just a fraction longer to see if they were ready before launching into his aggressive plays. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough to create openings that the others could capitalise on.
Soo-jin's ability to anticipate Joon-ho's calls became sharper, allowing her to move in sync with his strategies, while Jin-kyong's aim remained steady, picking off targets with precise shots. Baek-hyeon, too, seemed more confident, and less prone to the mistakes that had plagued him earlier. His spells were timed better, his positioning more cautious, as if he'd found a small pocket of calm in the storm of the battlefield.
As they pushed through match after match, the team felt less like they were constantly scrambling and more like they were playing with a purpose. The synergy wasn't flawless, but it was growing, and with it came a newfound consistency in their performance. They weren't relying on luck anymore; they were making their own. By the end of the session, they could look back on their progress with a sense of accomplishment—knowing that while they still had work to do, they were finally beginning to find their rhythm.
As the final match ended, the team members began to wind down, feeling exhaustion and satisfaction. The day had been gruelling, but the progress they'd made was undeniable. Joon-ho took a moment to stretch, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from hours of intense focus and fast-paced gameplay. His teammates were similarly worn out, but there was a sense of camaraderie in the air, a shared understanding that they were on the right track.
"Not bad," Soo-jin said, wiping the sweat from her brow as she leaned back in her chair. "We're getting there."
"Yeah," Jin-kyong agreed, her voice carrying a note of cautious optimism. "But tomorrow's going to be the real test."
Baek-hyeon nodded, still catching his breath, while Min-jae seemed content, though he didn't say much. His usual arrogance had been tempered by the realization that they could only succeed if they worked together.
As they prepared to log out, Joon-ho reminded them of what lay ahead.
"Remember, the instructors will be back tomorrow. And with 50 of us still left, it means the real selection process is about to begin. Only 15 of us are going to make it to the World NexaRealm Championship."
The weight of that statement settled over the group. They had all known from the start that this was a competition, but now the stakes felt more tangible than ever. Each of them had come here to make it onto the final team, but only a few would succeed.
"Let's get some rest," Joon-ho continued. "We've done what we can today. Tomorrow, we'll see what the instructors have planned for us."
With that, they each signed off, retreating to their respective dorms to rest. The tension in the air was palpable, but so was the determination. They knew they had a long road ahead, but for now, all they could do was prepare for whatever challenges awaited them in the morning.
After logging out of NexaRealm, Joon-ho, Soo-jin, and Jin-kyong made their way to the cafeteria. The sun was setting outside, casting a warm glow through the windows, creating a cosy atmosphere that contrasted with the high-stakes tension they'd been under all day. The cafeteria was bustling with activity, filled with other students who had also just finished their training sessions, but the three of them managed to find a quiet corner to sit and unwind.
"Today was intense. But I think we're finally starting to find our rhythm," as they settled down with their trays of food, Soo-jin was the first to break the silence.
"Yeah, it wasn't easy, but it's good to see that we can work together. Even Min-jae seemed to be getting the hang of it by the end," Jin-kyong nodded, taking a bite of her dinner before responding.
"It wasn't perfect, but we're making progress. Kang-dae's advice helped. It's about finding that balance between letting Min-jae do his thing and still keeping some structure," Joon-ho leaned back in his chair, thinking back to the day's matches.
"You took on the leader role today, huh? I'm impressed," Soo-jin smirked, nudging Joon-ho playfully.
"I'm just trying to make sure we all get through this. Tomorrow's going to be a whole different challenge, though. We don't know what the instructors have planned, and with only 15 spots open, the pressure's going to be even higher," Joon-ho chuckled, shaking his head.
"It's not just about playing well anymore. It's about showing the instructors that we can handle the pressure and adapt quickly. We've seen how good the other teams are, and we can't afford to make any mistakes," Jin-kyong looked thoughtful as she poked at her food.
"Exactly," Joon-ho agreed. "Today was about learning to work together. Tomorrow, we need to prove that we can handle whatever they throw at us."
"I just hope we get some sleep tonight. It's going to be tough, but we've come this far. We can't lose focus now," Soo-jin sighed, looking around the cafeteria.
They continued their meal, discussing strategies, reflecting on their matches, and trying to predict what challenges might lie ahead. The conversation was a mix of nerves and excitement, but there was a strong sense of camaraderie between them. They knew that whatever happened next, they'd face it together. As they finished their meal and left the cafeteria, the resolve to give their best in the coming days was clear in each of their minds.
As they finished up their meal, the trio decided to take a walk around the campus to unwind a bit more. The cool evening air was refreshing, and it gave them a chance to clear their heads after the long day of training. The campus was quiet now, with most students having retreated to their dorms or common areas to rest. The three friends strolled along the pathways, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the stillness.
"It's strange, isn't it? We've been so focused on the game, on training, that it's easy to forget we're still here, at this university. It almost feels like another world," Soo-jin looked up at the sky, where the first stars were beginning to appear.
"I know what you mean. NexaRealm feels so real, like a second life. But moments like this remind me that we're still just students, trying to make our way in the world," Jin-kyong smiled softly.
"Yeah, it's easy to get lost in it all. But I think that's what makes it so exciting. We're not just playing a game—we're part of something bigger, something that could define our futures," Joon-ho nodded in agreement, his hands in his pockets as he walked.
They continued walking in companionable silence for a while, each lost in their thoughts. Eventually, they found themselves near the university's main fountain, its waters illuminated by soft lights. The gentle sound of the water cascading was calming, and they decided to sit down on a nearby bench.
"So," Soo-jin began, breaking the silence once more. "What do you think will happen tomorrow? We've trained, we've prepared, but do you think it'll be enough?"
"It's hard to say. The instructors have seen us in action, but they've also seen everyone else. We've done everything we can to make ourselves stand out, but it's not just about individual performance anymore. It's about proving we can work as a team, adapt to new situations, and handle pressure," Joon-ho leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
"And let's not forget the wildcard in all of this—Min-jae. If he can get on the same page as us, we have a solid chance. But if he keeps going off on his own, it could be our downfall," Jin-kyong added.
"I've been thinking about that too. Maybe we should talk to him again tomorrow before the instructors arrive. See if we can find a way to get through to him," Soo-jin sighed, running a hand through her hair.
"It's worth a try," Joon-ho agreed. "He's a strong player, but if he can't work with us, we're going to struggle. We need to make sure we're all on the same page before we go into whatever challenges they've got lined up."
They sat in silence for a few more moments, the weight of the upcoming day settling over them. But despite the uncertainty, there was also a sense of determination between them. They had worked too hard to let anything stand in their way now.
Eventually, they decided it was time to head back to their dorms. They stood up, stretching and shaking off the lingering tension from the day. As they walked back, the conversation turned to lighter topics—funny moments from their training, memories from their early days at the university, and plans for what they might do after the tournament was over.