The day had finally arrived—the first match of the national championship. The anticipation had been building for weeks, and the energy in the arena was electric. Fans of both Excellent Era and Blue Rain packed the stands, waving banners, shouting chants, and wearing the colours of their favourite teams. The flashing arena lights painted a dramatic backdrop, casting an almost surreal glow over the stadium as the teams made their way to their seats.
On one side of the stage sat Excellent Era, led by the indomitable Ye Xiu. Behind him were the core players, each ready for battle: Su Mucheng, the expert marksman; Liu Hao, their fierce strategist; and their support members, all focused and poised for action. They had trained hard for this moment, their minds sharp and determined.
Across the arena sat Blue Rain, equally formidable and led by their ace, Huang Shaotian, the fast-talking, high-energy Sword Saint. Beside him sat Yu Wenzhou, the tactician who could read battles like a grandmaster plotting moves on a chessboard. Mo Fan, the young, upcoming talent with lightning reflexes, completed the core lineup. Each of them exuded confidence, their gaze fixed on the task ahead.
The teams were about to face off in three rounds, each more intense than the last. To advance to the next stage of the tournament, they needed to win two out of the three rounds.
The First Round: Blue Rain's Strike
The screen flashed, signalling the start of the match, and the cheers from the crowd erupted like thunder. The first round began in a tightly constructed map, filled with narrow passageways and small corridors perfect for close-quarters combat.
Ye Xiu's One Autumn Leaf, with his signature battle lance, led the charge, flanked by Su Mucheng's Dancing Rain, the cannon artillery expert. They advanced cautiously, waiting for the inevitable ambush from Blue Rain. And it came.
Huang Shaotian's Troubling Rain darted out of the shadows, his sword flashing as he unleashed a series of high-speed strikes known as the Blade Cascade, aiming directly at One Autumn Leaf. The combo was seamless, precise, and dangerous. But Ye Xiu countered with the Dragon Breaks the Ranks, a powerful lance thrust that clashed directly with the incoming attack. Sparks flew as the two moves collided, and the crowd roared with excitement.
But Blue Rain had planned for this. From the flank, Yu Wenzhou's Swoksaar, a master of control-type skills, launched a debilitating curse spell at Dancing Rain, slowing her movements and reducing her firepower. This allowed Mo Fan's Flowing Cloud to sneak in and launch a brutal assault, his fast dual blades cutting through the weakened defences of Excellent Era's team.
In a decisive moment, Blue Rain's precision and coordination paid off. Huang Shaotian initiated another swift combo attack, this time targeting both One Autumn Leaf and Dancing Rain simultaneously, catching Ye Xiu's team off guard. The match ended with Blue Rain seizing the victory, their synergy and fast-paced strategy overwhelming Excellent Era.
Blue Rain won the first round.
The Second Round: Excellent Era's Counterattack
The atmosphere in the arena grew even more intense as the second round prepared to start. Both teams were fully aware of what was at stake. Blue Rain needed one more win to secure their spot in the next round, while Excellent Era had no choice but to win this match to stay alive.
Before the round began, Ye Xiu and Huang Shaotian locked eyes across the stage. There was no need for words. The challenge had been accepted.
This time, the map was a wide, open field with plenty of obstacles—trees, rocks, and ruins that offered a variety of tactical opportunities. The open space would favour long-range players, which was exactly what Excellent Era needed.
As the match began, Su Mucheng's Dancing Rain immediately took control of the battlefield, launching a barrage of artillery fire from her cannon. The explosions lit up the arena, forcing Blue Rain to scatter. Meanwhile, Ye Xiu's One Autumn Leaf held the front lines, drawing attention away from his teammates while dodging the deadly swordplay of Huang Shaotian's Troubling Rain.
But Excellent Era had learned from the first round. Liu Hao, with his tactical mind, guided the team to isolate Yu Wenzhou's Swoksaar, cutting off Blue Rain's control centre. One Autumn Leaf unleashed a devastating combo, the Falling Flower Palm, launching Swoksaar into the air, where Dancing Rain delivered the final blow with a perfectly timed Laser Cannon.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Excellent Era began to dominate the battlefield. Blue Rain fought back fiercely, with Mo Fan's Flowing Cloud launching a desperate assault, but the coordination and firepower of Excellent Era were too much.
In the final moments of the round, Ye Xiu unleashed One Autumn Leaf's ultimate skill, Great Enlightenment, crushing Blue Rain's defences and securing victory for Excellent Era.
The score was now tied, with one round won by each team.
The Final Round: The Decisive Battle
The tension in the arena was palpable as both teams prepared for the third and final round. This was it—the winner of this round would advance in the tournament, while the loser would face elimination. The map for the final round was the most challenging yet: an intricate maze filled with traps, tight corners, and sudden drops. It would require a perfect balance of offence and defence to come out on top.
As the match began, both teams were cautious, knowing that one mistake could cost them everything. Ye Xiu's One Autumn Leaf moved silently through the maze, with Su Mucheng's Dancing Rain covering his back. On the other side, Huang Shaotian's Troubling Rain was as quick as ever, darting in and out of cover, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
The first major clash came when Flowing Cloud and One Autumn Leaf met in a narrow corridor. Mo Fan attacked first, his dual blades flashing in a relentless combo. But Ye Xiu, with his years of experience, countered each strike, matching the young player's speed and intensity. The two traded blows, neither willing to give an inch.
Meanwhile, Dancing Rain was locked in a fierce ranged battle with Swoksaar, each trying to outmanoeuvre the other. Cannon fire and curse spells flew across the battlefield, creating an explosive spectacle that had the crowd on their feet.
As the match reached its climax, both teams were running low on health and resources. The game was down to the wire, with each side looking for a final opening to secure victory.
In a critical moment, Ye Xiu spotted his chance. Huang Shaotian had overextended in an attempt to finish off Dancing Rain, leaving his flank exposed. With lightning speed, One Autumn Leaf rushed forward, unleashing the powerful Dragon Raises Its Head attack, slamming into Troubling Rain and sending him crashing into the maze wall.
The blow was devastating, and as Troubling Rain fell, One Autumn Leaf delivered the final strike, sealing the victory for Excellent Era.
The arena erupted in a roar of cheers and applause as Excellent Era claimed the third and final round. The match had been hard-fought, but in the end, Ye Xiu and his team emerged victorious, their skill and teamwork carrying them to triumph.
As the crowd cheered and the lights dimmed, Ye Xiu stood with his teammates, his expression calm but satisfied. They had won the battle, but the war was far from over. The national championships were just beginning, and the challenges ahead would only grow more difficult.
But for now, they celebrated. They had proven, once again, that Excellent Era was a team to be reckoned with, and Ye Xiu knew that whatever came next, they would face it together.