It had been five years since the release of DOMINION, a MOBA game that swept the world like a storm. With its complex mechanics, deep strategy, and competitive nature, it became more than just entertainment-it was a culture. Professional players became household names, earning millions in sponsorships and tournament winnings. Gaming cafes were packed every day, buzzing with the sounds of furious clicking and shouting as players battled for supremacy.
Among the chaos of professional leagues and casual gaming, one man stood out above all others-Yong, a legend in DOMINION. With his unbroken win streak and godlike skills, he was revered by fans and feared by opponents. Videos of his gameplay were studied, and his name was synonymous with perfection.
For Kaiza, an eight-year-old with bright eyes and a heart full of dreams, his uncle Yong wasn't just a player; he was a hero. Watching him play at the local gaming café was mesmerizing. The crowd gathered behind Yong, holding their breath as he dismantled his opponents with precision and skill. Kaiza's gaze was locked on him, his awe growing with every calculated move.
"When will I be like him?" Kaiza whispered to himself, gripping the straps of his backpack.
After one particularly intense game, Kaiza mustered the courage to speak.
Kaiza: "Uncle Yong, can you teach me how to play DOMINION?"
Yong leaned back in his chair, smirking as he swiveled to face his nephew.
Yong: "You want to play, huh? Well, it's not an easy game, kid. But sure, I'll teach you the basics."
The Basics
Kaiza eagerly pulled up a chair, his small hands trembling with excitement as Yong began his tutorial.
Yong: "All right, pay attention, kid. Right-click to move your character. A is for attack, S is for stop. Hotkeys let you cast your skills faster. Got it?"
Kaiza furrowed his brow, nodding.
Kaiza: "That's it? Sounds easy!"
Yong: "Easy, huh? We'll see about that."
Kaiza booted up the game, picking his first character-a beginner-friendly marksman. As the match started, Kaiza's eyes lit up. Moving his character across the battlefield, firing arrows at creeps, and buying his first items filled him with joy. The world of DOMINION was vast and full of possibilities, and he was diving headfirst into it.
But the café wasn't just a place for learning. It was a battleground where egos clashed, and for every eager beginner, there were players waiting to ridicule them.
The First Match
Kaiza joined his first match against other kids in the café. His hands shook with excitement as he scored his first kill, but the joy was short-lived.
Leo: "Ugh, you're so bad!" sneered one of the kids, a boy named Leo, known for his arrogance. "This game isn't for noobs like you."
Kaiza ignored him, focusing on his game. But the jeers kept coming.
Leo: "Man, I thought you'd be good since your uncle's Yong! Guess I was wrong," Leo said, laughing with his friend.
Friend: "Yeah," his friend chimed in. "Black sheep of the family, huh? Hahaha!"
Kaiza's grip on the mouse tightened. His heart raced, but he didn't let their words break him. Instead, he fired back.
Kaiza: "I've only been playing for a day, and my score's 2/4/1," Kaiza said, glaring at Leo. "You've been playing for a year, and you're still stuck in Bronze? How bad can you be?"
The café erupted in laughter as Leo's face turned red.
Leo: "You little-" Leo stammered, but before he could finish, Kaiza's character ambushed him in the jungle.
The Comeback
Kaiza had been watching the map carefully, noticing Leo wandering alone in the jungle. With precise timing, he unleashed his skills. First, he used his ultimate ability, a volley of arrows that slowed Leo's character. Then, he followed up with a flurry of basic attacks, whittling down Leo's health.
Kaiza: "Boom!" Kaiza shouted as the screen displayed 'Enemy Slain'.
His score updated: 3/4/1.
Kaiza: "Know your place, scrub."
The café roared with laughter and applause. Even Yong, who had been quietly observing, couldn't hold back his laughter.
Yong: "This kid's got potential," Yong said, ruffling Kaiza's hair. "But don't get cocky. You've got a long way to go before you can even think about beating me."
Kaiza looked up at his uncle, his eyes blazing with determination.
Kaiza: "I'll get there, Uncle. I'll beat you one day and take your title as the strongest."
Yong smirked.
Yong: "We'll see, kid. We'll see."
The Fire Within
From that day, Kaiza's life revolved around DOMINION. He practiced tirelessly, replaying matches, analyzing his mistakes, and studying players. Every victory fueled his confidence, while every defeat taught him a valuable lesson.
Though the path was tough and filled with ridicule, Kaiza never wavered. His goal was clear: to defeat his uncle and claim the title of the strongest player in DOMINION.