"Hmm…"
Red took a moment to collect his thoughts. He observed the reactions of the players around him, noticing the subtle eye rolls being thrown in his direction.
It was already obvious that they did not like his presence in the room at all.
Initially, Red had thought that the problem of the players came from their lack of skills. However, as he looked through it, it seemed more of an attitude problem.
It was probably an underlying issue that hasn't been resolved and pointed out until now.
"I think the players can play well…" Red breathed out. "However, their attitudes aren't the best. It affects the way they play in the game and their communication."
Throughout his journey in the Esports scene, Red learned a lot after being through different situations. One of those was everyone could improve their skills in gaming any time.
It was just a matter of factors that needed to be addressed first before one could do that.
Attitude, among all the numerous factors, was the most crucial one.
"Can you elaborate on your answer?" Ken's curiosity piqued as he listened to Red's response.
Ken had expected Red to critique the team's gameplay. To point out specific errors or strategic mistakes. However, Red's observations went beyond those of a normal viewer.
"Attitude in the game doesn't only mean that you should always be kind and nice. Of course, there'll be times when we'll be frustrated over things."
"It meant your ability to deal and communicate with your teammates in certain situations. It's being mindful of your decisions and thinking about how it can affect your team overall."
Red's gaze met Ken and the players'.
"For example," Red began, his voice steady and confident, "before making a decision in the game, you need to assess whether the risk you're taking is worth it or not."
Red paused for a while, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.
"Will your teammates be able to trade your death for something beneficial for your team? And if they weren't able to trade you, what would be your next decision? How will you deal with it?"
Red posed a question that he hoped would have made the members of the team realize what they had done wrong.
"If you're the person, are you going to sulk for the whole round and blame your teammates? Or are you going to think of something new that might help your team?" Red's gaze tuned to Hubert, who had been eyeing him for a while now.
"And if you're the teammates, what will you do? Are you going to blame the person for dying? or console him and say it's fine and you can still do it?"
Red felt like as if he was giving a lecture in front. It somehow reminded him of the time when he was still the leader of Blazing Faze.
'What a good old times,' Red remembered the way they communicate back then
Red wanted the members to be open to each other. They would hold a weekly meeting at their bootcamp to talk about their progress in the game and discuss what they have done so far.
"That was… that was such a good point!" Ken's eyes widened as he exclaimed out loud.
Ken was speechless. For nearly two years of being a coach, he believed that relentless practice and consistent gameplay were the only factors needed to improve and be the best in the game,
That was why disappointment struck them when they were eliminated at the very start of the previous tournament.
The players of the team also felt a sense of realization with what Red said.
Red's words didn't only point out that they lack a lot of things, it also made them realize how bad their teamwork and connection were.
However, with their high ego, the players refused to verbally acknowledge it. Acknowledging it meant that they will also admit that they lack a lot as a team and in the game.
However, it was different for Hubert.
Hubert abruptly stood up. His forceful action created a loud sound. With his sudden movement, the gaming chair rolled backward.
"Are you pointing me out?" Hubert's thunderous voice echoed in the room.
With what Red said, it seemed like he was referring to how he acted earlier in the game.
"Am I saying a name here?" Red calmly argued back.
"It's obvious that you're pointing me out! And these idiots are even believing your words. Just admit that Ken was not a good coach and leave."
Hubert's intense glare met Red's eyes. He was already frustrated by their performance in the game, and now, a guy, whom they didn't know was scolding them.
Hubert refused to admit that it was his team that was wrong. He knew that his leadership in the game was already on the top. In his eyes, all those things were unnecessary already.
It was just because his teammates couldn't keep up with him that was why they kept on losing.
Red stared at Hubert, disappointment was written in his eyes.
Red didn't know how Hubert became the leader of this team with his attitude.
He was trying to give them sincere advice, but it seemed like Hubert took his words the other way.
Red shrugged his shoulders. "If that's what you think you are, then I can't help it." He answered as his patients were already wearing thin.
He stared at Hubert right through his eyes. "I'm so disappointed that this team has good a good coach and players but a shit of a leader."
Red flashed a smile when he saw that his answer left Hubert and the rest of the players to be temporarily speechless.
"That's all, Coach. I will go now since I still have a lot of work to do."
Facing Ken, Red excused himself. He realized that he had been in the room longer than he intended.
"Ohh…" Ken immediately nodded. "Okay…S-Sure, sure. " Ken, in a state of shock, panicked and said any random words.
' Why is that kinda satisfying'
Red glanced at the players. He saw admiration in the eyes of some of them as they stared at him.
Red deeply sighed and scratched the back of his head. He turned back and walked towards the door. Just as he was about to twist the doorknob, something hit the back of Red's head.
It wasn't painful, but enough to make him stop.
"Tsk. What a cowardly person. If you want to fight with me, then fight me. Why are you using your baseless words here? You're giving advice when you're just a mere worker in the company. I bet you didn't even play this game."
The atmosphere in the room tensed, with everyone hushing in silence by Hubert's sudden confrontation.
Hubert picked out a paper on the side once again. He crumpled it up in between his palms and threw it in Red's direction.
Red froze on the spot as he felt another thing hitting his back. His fist clenched. He, suppressing the surge of anger boiling within him, took a deep breath.
When Red turned back, he stared at Hubert.
Red was calm, but you could feel the intensity of his gaze.
Red flashed a smile. A big one.
Saying nonsense words, he could accept that.
However, throwing something at him?
Unacceptable.