The adrenaline still coursed through Tang Rou's veins as she stood with her teammates on the grand stage. The roar of the crowd, the flash of the cameras, and the weight of victory all swirled around her in a dizzying mix of emotions. They were champions—the Glory World Invitational champions. It was the pinnacle of her career so far, and the realization was only just starting to sink in.
As the team celebrated, hugging one another and shouting with joy, Tang Rou's eyes couldn't help but drift across the stage. There, standing with his team, was Shade. He hadn't removed his mask, and though his posture was calm, the air around him felt heavy with the bitterness of defeat.
She knew what he was feeling. She had been there before—on the edge of victory, only to have it snatched away at the last moment. The pain of a hard-fought loss stung in a way that few other things could. For a brief second, her heart went out to him, but that empathy was quickly replaced with resolve.
They had won, and they deserved it. The Chinese team had faced every challenge head-on, and now they stood victorious.
Ye Xiu, as ever the calm and collected leader, approached her. "You did well, Tang Rou. You faced Shade and came out on top. That's something to be proud of."
Tang Rou nodded, a smile tugging at her lips. "It wasn't easy, but we did it together. Shade's still a formidable opponent, though. He won't stay down for long."
Ye Xiu chuckled softly. "No, he won't. But that's what makes the game interesting, right? Rivals push us to be better."
His words resonated with her. The rivalry with Shade wasn't over, and in many ways, that excited her. As much as she had wanted to win, the idea of facing him again—of continuing their journey as competitors—made her blood pump. There was still more to prove, still more to strive for.
As the team made their way off the stage after receiving their trophy, the energy in the arena was electric. Fans were chanting their names, reaching out for autographs, and celebrating with them as if they were part of the victory. It was overwhelming, but in the best way possible.
Yet, in the midst of all the noise and excitement, Tang Rou's mind kept drifting back to Shade. She couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking—how he was processing the loss. She had faced him in the past, and each time he had come back stronger. Would he return again, sharper, more dangerous? She had no doubt that he would.
"Looking for someone?" Su Mucheng's voice interrupted her thoughts, a knowing smile playing on her lips as she sidled up next to Tang Rou.
Tang Rou gave a small chuckle, shaking her head. "I guess I just can't help thinking about Shade. He's such a tough opponent, and I'm sure he'll come back even stronger after this."
Su Mucheng's smile softened. "That's what makes great players, isn't it? They don't just stop after a loss. They come back, hungry for more. But you shouldn't worry about him now. We've earned this. Enjoy it."
Tang Rou smiled, appreciating the support. Su Mucheng was right. They had earned this moment, and she needed to savor it. The future could wait—right now, they were the champions.
Later that evening, the team returned to their hotel for a private celebration. It was a much-needed reprieve from the chaos of the arena, a chance to reflect on everything they had accomplished. The atmosphere in the hotel lounge was relaxed, with everyone letting their guard down after the intensity of the finals.
Zhang Jiale raised a glass, his grin wide and infectious. "To the champions of the Glory World Invitational! We showed the world what we're made of!"
A cheer went up from the group as they clinked glasses. Even Ye Xiu, who was usually more reserved, allowed himself a smile of satisfaction.
"You guys really know how to make an old man proud," Ye Xiu said, his voice carrying a hint of humor. "But don't think this means you get to relax for too long. There are always more challenges ahead."
Tang Rou laughed, feeling the weight of the tournament lift off her shoulders. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
As the night wore on, the conversation turned from the finals to future plans. There were discussions about upcoming tournaments, new strategies, and personal goals. The bond between the team had grown stronger through their trials, and now, sitting together as champions, it felt like they were more than just teammates—they were family.
But even in the warmth of the celebration, Tang Rou couldn't fully shake the lingering thoughts of Shade. He hadn't spoken to her after the match, hadn't made any gestures to acknowledge their rivalry. It was as if he had simply faded into the background, waiting for the right moment to reemerge.
Her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. She glanced down at the screen, her heart skipping a beat when she saw the notification.
Message from Shade: "You won today, but next time, I won't be holding back."
Tang Rou stared at the message, her pulse quickening. There was no malice in the words, only a promise—a promise of another battle, another test of skill. She smiled, her fingers tapping out a response.
Tang Rou: "I wouldn't expect anything less. I'll be ready."
The chat window closed, and Tang Rou set her phone aside, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. The rivalry between her and Shade wasn't over—not by a long shot. But that was exactly what she wanted. The thrill of competition, the push to become better, to rise above her limits—that's what drove her.
As the celebration continued around her, Tang Rou's mind settled into a calm determination. She had proven herself today, but she knew there would always be more challenges ahead. Shade would return, and when he did, she would be ready.
For now, though, she allowed herself to enjoy the victory. They were champions, and no one could take that away from them.
The next morning, the team gathered for their final day in Zurich before returning home. The atmosphere was lighter, more relaxed, but there was an underlying sense of anticipation for the future. Tang Rou knew that this was just the beginning. Glory was an ever-evolving game, and the journey to the top was never-ending.
As they walked through the hotel lobby, preparing to leave for the airport, Tang Rou noticed a figure standing by the entrance, leaning casually against the wall. It was Shade.
Her heart skipped a beat as she approached him, her footsteps slowing. He hadn't taken off his mask, but she could feel his eyes on her, studying her.
"You played well," Shade said, his voice calm, but there was a sharp edge to it. "Better than last time."
"So did you," Tang Rou replied, meeting his gaze. "But we'll meet again, won't we?"
Shade's lips curved into a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Count on it."
With that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the busy streets of Zurich. Tang Rou stood there for a moment, watching him go, her mind racing with thoughts of their next encounter.
She knew that the rivalry between them was far from over. It was a rivalry that would push them both to new heights, testing their limits and driving them to be the best. But for now, she was content to wait. Their paths would cross again soon enough.
As she rejoined her teammates and stepped outside into the crisp morning air, Tang Rou felt a sense of clarity wash over her. The road ahead was long, but she was ready for whatever came next.
This was only the beginning.
With the conclusion of the Glory World Invitational, Tang Rou's journey continues as she looks toward future challenges and her inevitable rematch with Shade. The chapter captures the excitement of victory, the lingering rivalry, and the anticipation of what's to come. The focus on Tang Rou's growth and her evolving perspective sets the stage for the next phase of her journey.