The sky was overcast the next morning, with heavy clouds hovering over Zurich like a grey curtain. Inside the massive arena, the mood was anything but dull. Lights flashed, cheers echoed through the hall, and the anticipation was thick in the air as thousands of fans packed the stands. The World Invitational had officially begun.
Ye Xiu stood at the edge of the stage, eyes scanning the crowd. The magnitude of the event was undeniable. Banners waved in support of different teams from across the globe—China, South Korea, the USA, Europe—each side determined to see their champions claim glory. The world's best Glory players had gathered, and the energy was electric.
Behind him, the Chinese team sat in their preparation area, quietly going over last-minute strategies. Huang Shaotian was talking—no surprise there—but for once, even he was a little subdued. The weight of the tournament was finally settling on everyone.
Ye Xiu turned to his team, eyes sharp but calm. "We've trained hard, and we know what we're up against. This won't be easy. But remember, we're not here to play safe. We're here to win."
Sun Xiang glanced up, his jaw clenched in determination. "We won't lose."
Ye Xiu gave him a small nod. "That's the spirit."
Their first match of the tournament was against the North American team, a matchup that had everyone buzzing. The Americans were known for their unpredictable playstyle—aggressive, often unorthodox, and prone to taking massive risks. But those risks had paid off before, making them one of the most dangerous teams in the competition.
The announcement came over the loudspeakers, echoing through the arena.
"Match One: China versus North America!"
The crowd erupted in cheers as both teams made their way onto the stage. The atmosphere was intense, with fans chanting and waving flags. On the massive screen above the stage, the faces of the players were displayed, each one looking focused and ready.
As they took their seats at their computers, Ye Xiu could feel the adrenaline coursing through him. This was the moment they had all been waiting for. Months of preparation, countless hours of training—it all came down to this.
The match began with a typical opening strategy: both teams scouting each other, testing defenses, and looking for weaknesses. The American team played fast and loose, true to their reputation, launching an early attack that forced the Chinese team to defend sooner than expected.
"They're not wasting any time," Tang Rou muttered, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she maneuvered her character into position.
Ye Xiu grinned. "Let them come. They'll overextend soon enough."
And they did. After an initial flurry of attacks, the Americans pushed too far, trying to force a quick victory. Ye Xiu, always the tactician, saw the opportunity. He issued rapid commands to his team, pulling back strategically to lure the Americans in deeper.
"Now," he said calmly.
Huang Shaotian, already anticipating the play, launched a lightning-fast counterattack. His character sliced through the American front line with a flurry of sword strikes, throwing their formation into chaos. Qiao Yifan followed up with well-timed support skills, trapping two of the American players in a corner of the map.
Suddenly, the Chinese team had the upper hand.
"Nice one!" Chen Guo shouted from the sidelines, fists clenched in excitement as the crowd roared.
But the Americans weren't finished yet. Alex, their captain, adjusted his team's strategy on the fly, pulling back to regroup. He'd seen the trap and was now playing more cautiously, focusing on defense. The shift in tactics slowed the pace of the game, forcing both teams into a tense stalemate as they searched for the next opening.
Ye Xiu's mind raced. He knew Alex was smart, and the American team was full of surprises. They were holding back, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. But he wouldn't give them the chance.
"Push them," Ye Xiu said quietly, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the battlefield. "They're playing defensive, but we can force them out of their shell."
Sun Xiang's character charged forward, spearheading the assault with Tang Rou close behind. The Chinese team pressed hard, relentlessly attacking the American defenses. For a few moments, it seemed as if the Americans might crack under the pressure.
Then, the Americans countered with an unexpected move.
Alex's character launched a devastating AoE attack, catching two Chinese players off-guard. In a flash, the tide turned again, and suddenly, the Chinese team was on the back foot.
The crowd gasped as the Americans surged forward, capitalizing on the momentum. For the first time in the match, the Chinese team looked vulnerable.
Huang Shaotian, who had been quiet for once, broke the silence. "Ye Xiu, you've got a plan, right?"
Ye Xiu didn't answer immediately. His mind was already several steps ahead, analyzing the situation. The Americans had shown their hand, and while their counterattack had been effective, it wasn't enough to break the Chinese team's spirit.
"We're not done yet," Ye Xiu said, his voice steady. "Regroup and hit them where it hurts."
With precise coordination, the Chinese team pulled back to recover, then quickly shifted gears. Ye Xiu had spotted a gap in the American defense—one they hadn't realized they'd left open. With a few quick commands, he orchestrated a flanking maneuver that caught the Americans completely off guard.
Sun Xiang, who had been eager to prove himself, executed the final blow, cutting down Alex's character and sealing the victory for China.
The arena erupted into deafening cheers as the screen flashed Victory in bold letters. The Chinese team leaned back in their chairs, the tension finally releasing as the match ended.
Huang Shaotian let out a laugh. "Did you see their faces? Priceless!"
Ye Xiu smiled, though it was a tired smile. The match had been intense, and this was only the beginning. The World Invitational had just started, and the road to the championship would only get harder from here.
As they stood to leave the stage, the American team approached. Alex offered a handshake, his expression a mix of respect and determination. "Good game," he said, though there was a fire in his eyes. "We'll meet again."
Ye Xiu shook his hand, nodding. "Looking forward to it."
The Chinese team made their way backstage, the adrenaline still buzzing in their veins. They had won the first battle, but there were many more to come. Each match would be a test of their skill, endurance, and willpower.
As they gathered in their prep room, Chen Guo beamed at them, clearly proud. "That was amazing! But you're right, this is just the start."
Ye Xiu sat down, his mind already racing ahead to the next match. The competition was fierce, and the stakes were high. But if there was one thing he knew for sure, it was that his team was ready for whatever came next.
The World Invitational had begun, and they were here to win.