The sun was setting behind the snow-capped Alps, casting a golden glow over the city of Zurich. The streets were quiet, the city seemingly unfazed by the global storm about to hit it—the first-ever Glory World Invitational. But inside the training center of the Chinese national team, the atmosphere was anything but calm.
Ye Xiu, known as the "God of Glory," sat at the center of the room, his fingers flying across the keyboard with practiced ease. His gaze never left the screen, where his character moved with precision and fluidity. A small crowd had gathered around him—his teammates, each holding their breath as they watched his every move. The silence was thick, but it wasn't from tension. It was from pure admiration.
"Unbelievable…" Tang Rou muttered, her eyes wide as Ye Xiu executed a flawless combo, completely dismantling the enemy team's formation.
"It's like he's not even human," said Bao Rongxing, shaking his head in disbelief.
Ye Xiu didn't break focus for a second. His character leaped across the battlefield, dodging attacks with millisecond timing, delivering devastating blows, and outplaying the opposing team at every turn. Finally, with a flick of his wrist, he landed the final strike, ending the match with a decisive victory.
The screen flashed: Victory.
Ye Xiu leaned back in his chair, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "Not bad," he said casually, as if it had been nothing.
The room erupted in cheers. Even Su Mucheng, who had seen Ye Xiu at his best countless times, couldn't hide her smile.
"That was insane," she said, handing him a bottle of water. "I don't think I've ever seen you this sharp."
Ye Xiu took the bottle, twisting the cap off with a nonchalant shrug. "Just warming up. The real challenge hasn't even started yet."
The real challenge. Everyone in the room knew what he meant. The Glory World Invitational was just days away, and the Chinese national team was under immense pressure. As the reigning champions of the domestic Glory league, the world had its eyes on them. But this wasn't just about domestic pride anymore. This was the global stage, and the competition was fiercer than anything they had faced before.
Tang Rou stepped forward, her face set in determination. "I'm ready for the real challenge," she said firmly. "We've been training non-stop, and I know we can take this."
Ye Xiu glanced at her, his expression unreadable. Tang Rou had come a long way since her rookie days. Her raw talent had been undeniable from the start, but now, after months of relentless training, she had honed that talent into something formidable. Still, there was a difference between being good and being the best in the world.
"You're ready," Ye Xiu agreed, "but being ready isn't enough. In the World Invitational, every player we face will be a master in their own right. It's not just about skill—it's about strategy, endurance, and nerves of steel. One mistake can cost us everything."
His words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the stakes they were playing for. The World Invitational wasn't just another tournament. It was the ultimate test, where even the smallest miscalculation could lead to defeat.
Just then, the door to the training room swung open, and in walked Chen Guo, the team's manager. Her usual fiery energy was tempered by a clear sense of urgency.
"Alright, everyone, listen up!" she said, her voice cutting through the room. "I just got word from the organizers. We'll be facing the European champions in the first match of the group stage."
A murmur went through the room. The European champions were known for their aggressive playstyle and brutal efficiency. They were the top-ranked team in their region, with several veteran players who had dominated the European scene for years.
Ye Xiu nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Good. I've been wanting to test their mettle."
Chen Guo raised an eyebrow. "Test their mettle? Ye Xiu, this is the first match. We can't afford to be careless."
"I'm not being careless," Ye Xiu replied calmly. "I've watched their footage. They're strong, but they're predictable. If we play our cards right, we can use their aggression against them."
Tang Rou stepped forward again, her fists clenched at her sides. "Then let's do it. I'm ready to take them on."
Ye Xiu glanced at her, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You're always ready for a fight, Tang Rou. But remember, this isn't about showing off. It's about winning."
Tang Rou flushed slightly but nodded. "I know. I'm just… excited."
Ye Xiu's smile widened. "Good. Keep that excitement, but channel it. We'll need all the firepower we can get."
The team broke off into smaller groups, each member going to their designated practice stations. Tang Rou immediately sat down, her fingers already on the keyboard, determination blazing in her eyes.
Across the room, Su Mucheng sat down beside Ye Xiu, her expression softening as she glanced over at him. "You know, we've been through a lot together, but this… this feels different, doesn't it?"
Ye Xiu didn't respond immediately. His eyes were focused on the screen, where the European champions' match footage was playing on a loop. He had memorized every move, every strategy, and every potential weakness.
"Yeah," he said finally. "This is different. The stakes are higher. The pressure is heavier. But we're not alone in this. We've got a strong team, and we've prepared for this."
Su Mucheng smiled. "You always know how to keep things in perspective."
Ye Xiu chuckled softly. "Well, someone has to."
But as the team continued their preparations, a subtle tension lingered in the air. The World Invitational was more than just a tournament—it was a statement. The Chinese national team wasn't just competing for themselves; they were representing an entire country. Their victories would be celebrated, but their losses would be scrutinized by millions.
And then there were the opponents. The European champions were just the beginning. Beyond them loomed the Americans, the Koreans, and other powerful teams from around the world, each with their own set of skills and tactics. If China wanted to claim victory, they would need to be flawless.
Hours passed, and the room remained filled with the soft clatter of keyboards and the occasional murmur of strategy discussion. It wasn't until well past midnight that Chen Guo finally called for a break.
"Alright, everyone, that's enough for today. Get some rest. We've got a big day tomorrow."
The players began to stand and stretch, their faces a mix of exhaustion and focus. Tang Rou was the last to leave her station, her eyes lingering on the screen for a moment longer before she finally stood.
As the team filed out of the training room, Ye Xiu lingered behind, his gaze still fixed on the footage playing in front of him. Su Mucheng noticed and paused at the door.
"Ye Xiu, are you coming?"
Ye Xiu glanced at her, his usual smile returning to his face. "Yeah, just a second. Go on ahead."
Su Mucheng hesitated for a moment, then nodded and left the room.
Once he was alone, Ye Xiu leaned back in his chair and let out a long breath. His fingers drummed lightly on the armrest as he stared at the screen, his mind already racing with strategies and counter-strategies.
The World Invitational was unlike anything he had faced before. The players were stronger, the competition fiercer, and the stakes higher. But Ye Xiu had been here before—standing on the precipice of greatness, with the weight of the world on his shoulders.
And once again, he was ready to prove why he was called the "God of Glory."
With a final glance at the screen, he stood up, grabbed his jacket, and headed for the door. The road to the summit was long, but he had always been the one who thrived under pressure. This time would be no different.
The battle for the world's greatest title was just beginning.
And Ye Xiu had every intention of claiming it.
This opening chapter dives straight into the action, showcasing the intensity of the preparations for the Glory World Invitational. The stakes are set high, and the characters' determination and growth are already at the forefront, pulling readers into the story with anticipation for the upcoming battles.