The sun dipped behind the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps as the Chinese Glory team's plane touched down at Zurich Airport. The World Invitational was finally here. For the past few months, every member of the team had been focused on one goal: proving their dominance on the international stage.
Ye Xiu stepped off the plane, his eyes sweeping across the horizon, where the majestic Alps loomed in the distance. This wasn't his first time competing at such a high level, but something about this tournament felt different. Glory had grown from a local phenomenon to a worldwide spectacle, and the World Invitational was now the ultimate proving ground for the best of the best.
"This is it, huh?" Huang Shaotian, known for his incessant chatter, stood beside him, looking oddly serious for a change. "The world's best, all in one place. Makes my hands itch."
Ye Xiu smirked. "You'll need more than itchy hands to win this. The teams here are no joke."
Behind them, the rest of the Chinese team exited the plane, their faces a mix of anticipation and fatigue. Sun Xiang, the current captain of Team Excellent Era, tightened his grip on his duffel bag, eyes narrowed as he glanced at Ye Xiu. He still hadn't fully accepted that Ye Xiu, once his predecessor and now a teammate again, was back in the limelight. Yet, the World Invitational wasn't the place for personal grudges. The stakes were far too high.
The team gathered their bags and moved as a unit toward the exit, where a sleek black bus emblazoned with the World Invitational logo waited. Switzerland greeted them with cool, crisp air and the distant hum of international chatter. Players from various countries flooded the airport, their jerseys a kaleidoscope of colors representing the elite of Glory's esports scene.
"Look, that's the South Korean team," Tang Rou pointed out, her sharp eyes catching sight of their greatest rivals. They moved with precision, their captain, Kang Minjae, leading the pack with an air of unshakable confidence.
"Yeah, and there's the Americans," Chen Guo muttered, spotting the North American team laughing among themselves. They had a reputation for being unpredictable, favoring aggressive, unorthodox strategies that often threw opponents off balance.
Ye Xiu's eyes scanned the crowds. Teams from all over the world—Europe, Japan, Brazil, Russia—each one was here for the same reason: to claim the title of world champion. But this wasn't just a tournament about skill; it was about pride. National pride, team pride, and, for Ye Xiu, personal pride.
The bus ride to their hotel was quiet, a rare occurrence for such a lively group. Each player was locked in their own thoughts, preparing for the battles ahead. The city of Zurich rolled past their windows, a blend of modern architecture and old-world charm. In the distance, the Alps stood like ancient sentinels, watching over them.
Ye Xiu leaned back in his seat, his mind already racing with strategies and counter-strategies. He'd faced most of these teams before in one way or another, but this tournament wasn't just about individual matchups. It was about endurance, teamwork, and adapting to whatever surprises the other teams would throw their way.
"We'll need to adapt fast," he said aloud, breaking the silence. "The South Koreans are as disciplined as ever, and the Americans… well, they're wild cards. Stay sharp."
Sun Xiang snorted. "We know the drill. We didn't come all this way to lose."
Huang Shaotian grinned. "Yeah, let's crush them all! I can't wait to see their faces when they realize they're up against the best!"
As the bus pulled into the hotel, the weight of the upcoming tournament settled over them. This was more than just another competition. It was a defining moment, not only for the team but for the entire Chinese Glory scene. With the whole world watching, they couldn't afford to falter.
Ye Xiu stood as the bus came to a stop. "Rest up tonight. Tomorrow, we train. And after that, we win."
The team filed out of the bus, each member determined to give everything they had. Glory wasn't just a game—it was their life. And in Switzerland, they would either cement their legacy or fall to the next generation of rising stars.
As Ye Xiu stepped off the bus and gazed up at the towering Alps, he felt the familiar surge of excitement. The world's best had gathered, and he was ready for the challenge.
Tomorrow, the battle for glory would begin.