The grandeur of the Glory International Gaming Summit was unlike anything Ye Xiu and his team had ever experienced. As the doors to the grand hall of the event centre opened, the players of Excellent Era walked in, greeted by flashing lights, banners, and massive screens showcasing highlights from previous Glory tournaments. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as teams from around the world entered the room, their jackets emblazoned with logos of their sponsors.
"This is… something," Liu Hao muttered, his eyes scanning the crowded space. "All these teams in one place. You think they're planning something big?"
Ye Xiu smiled faintly, his sharp eyes catching sight of the banners that lined the hall, each featuring names of prominent gaming corporations: Tian Ji Corporation, Conquering Cloud, Excellent Era's sponsor, Xing Xin, and several others. These corporations had deep pockets, hiring the most talented players to compete under their banners and claim glory in both national and international competitions. It was the dream of many aspiring gamers to be scouted by these powerful companies.
But this wasn't just a dream anymore. This was their reality.
The summit was hosted by the Alliance eSports Federation, a governing body for professional gaming competitions worldwide. They held the power to organize international tournaments, bringing players from different nations together to compete at the highest level. The event was packed with professional players, coaches, sponsors, and journalists eager to catch a glimpse of the best in the business.
As Ye Xiu and his team settled into their seats, he noticed several familiar faces across the room. The top teams were all here, making the air thick with rivalry and anticipation.
From China, Blue Rain—led by the ever-chatty Huang Shaotian—was seated a few rows away, their eyes already scanning the competition. Not far behind them sat Tiny Herb, with their star player, Wang Jiexi, whose unpredictable playstyle had always been a challenge for Ye Xiu. Further down, the members of Tyranny exuded a menacing presence, with their captain, Han Wenqing, watching the room like a hawk. Samsara, the reigning international champions, entered with the kind of calm confidence that only years of dominance could bring, led by their two-time MVP, Zhou Zekai.
Across the hall, teams from Europe, Korea, and North America had also arrived—each boasting their gaming legends. The air was thick with the presence of the best players in the world. This wasn't just a casual seminar. It was a showcase of power.
"This is going to be interesting," Su Mucheng whispered, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "All of the major players are here. I wonder what they're planning."
Ye Xiu nodded. "Whatever it is, it's not just about this year's national championship."
Before they could speculate further, the lights dimmed, and the massive screens lit up with the logo of the Alliance eSports Federation. The room fell silent as a well-dressed announcer took the stage, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
"Welcome, esteemed players, sponsors, and industry professionals, to the Glory International Gaming Summit," the announcer began. "This year marks a pivotal moment in Glory's history, and we are honoured to have the best players from all over the world gathered here today. But we're not just here to celebrate your achievements. We're here to take Glory to the next level."
A murmur rippled through the crowd as players exchanged glances.
The announcer smiled, clearly relishing the tension in the room. "Today, we're proud to announce the revival of a legendary event—the Glory World Invitational!"
Gasps filled the room as the screens behind the announcer flashed images of past tournaments, where teams from all over the globe competed for ultimate glory. The World Invitational was the most prestigious and difficult tournament in the history of Glory, and it hadn't been held for years. Now, it was back.
"The Glory World Invitational will bring together the top teams from every corner of the globe, with one goal: to prove who is truly the best in the world," the announcer continued. "This is not just another championship. It is a battle for supremacy, a test of skill, strategy, and teamwork. Only the best of the best will compete."
Ye Xiu's pulse quickened. The World Invitational had been a dream of his ever since he first joined Excellent Era. Winning a national championship was one thing, but being crowned the best in the world was the pinnacle of a player's career. And now, that chance was within their reach.
As the announcer continued, Liu Hao leaned over, whispering with uncharacteristic seriousness, "This is it, isn't it? The chance we've been waiting for."
Ye Xiu nodded, his eyes fixed on the stage. "This is it."
"The selection process for the World Invitational will be rigorous," the announcer added. "The top teams from each region will compete in their national championships, and only the strongest will advance to the global stage. The Alliance eSports Federation will be monitoring every match, every player, to ensure that only the finest talents make it through."
The room buzzed with excitement and anxiety. The stakes were higher than ever before.
As the event continued, representatives from various sponsoring corporations, including Xing Xin, Tian Ji Corporation, and Conquering Cloud, made their pitches, talking about the future of eSports and the opportunities that awaited the players who made it to the top. The World Invitational wasn't just about winning a title; it was about career-defining opportunities. Contracts, endorsements, and fame beyond anything they had known before were on the line.
But amidst the excitement, there was also tension. The rivalries between teams were palpable. As Ye Xiu and his team made their way to the networking portion of the event, they couldn't help but notice the glares and sidelong looks from other teams. Particularly from Tyranny.
Han Wenqing, Tyranny's captain, locked eyes with Ye Xiu across the room. There was no need for words. Their rivalry had been forged in countless matches over the years, and it would only intensify with the announcement of the World Invitational.
"You ready for this, Ye Xiu?" Han Wenqing's voice was calm but edged with the challenge as he approached. "Because I'm not planning on losing. Not to you."
Ye Xiu smiled his usual cool demeanour in place. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
As Tyranny walked away, Su Mucheng leaned closer to Ye Xiu, her voice low. "It's going to be a bloodbath, isn't it?"
"Of course," Ye Xiu replied. "But that's what makes it fun."
The evening wore on, and as the Excellent Era team mingled with their fellow competitors, it was clear that the World Invitational was already casting a long shadow. Teams like Blue Rain, Tiny Herb, Samsara, and Tyranny were all preparing for war, each determined to claim the title of world champion.
As the seminar came to a close, Ye Xiu stood with his team, staring out at the sea of players, knowing that the battle ahead would be like nothing they had faced before. The World Invitational wasn't just another tournament. It was the culmination of everything they had worked for.
And Ye Xiu, the leader of the Excellent Era, was ready to prove once again that he and his team were the best in the world.