The echoes of cheering and laughter faded as Kaiza and his classmates stepped out of the sports center, their spirits still soaring from their recent victory. The cool evening air embraced them, a gentle reminder of the night's tranquility after the heat of competition. As they strolled down the dimly lit streets, Udo nudged Kaiza on the shoulder, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Udo: Hey, Kaiza. How did you come up with that strategy back there? It was... unexpected.
Kaiza smirked, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jacket.
Kaiza: Oh, that? Just something I've been experimenting with.
What Kaiza didn't say—what even he barely realized—was how much his rank set him apart. His strategies often caught others off guard, not because they were genius, but because they capitalized on the predictable behavior of lower-ranked players.
The Narrator: Kaiza's rank was higher than the norm, a fact he dismissed as irrelevant. In lower elo games, players often prioritized ego plays—seeking flashy kills over teamwork. They clashed relentlessly, rarely thinking ahead to the broader objectives of a match.
It was this knowledge that had informed Kaiza's decision to pick an assassin, despite the team's need for a tank. In lower elo, setups and elaborate strategies often fell apart under the chaos of constant clashes. Assassins and fighters thrived in this environment, able to dominate by exploiting the lack of coordination. Kaiza's experience had honed his ability to excel in these scenarios.
Udo: I see. Well, it's a good strat. It worked like a charm tonight.
The group soon arrived at a convenience store, its fluorescent lights spilling onto the sidewalk. They stepped inside, the scent of instant noodles and fried food wafting over them. Each grabbed their choice of snacks and settled at one of the small tables tucked into a corner of the store.
Laughter and chatter filled the air as they recounted the game's highlights. Kaiza found himself laughing along but couldn't shake the faint feeling of dissatisfaction. Something was missing.
After finishing their snacks, the group dispersed, each heading home. Kaiza trudged through the quiet streets, his mind wandering.
---
Finding MnM
When he arrived home, Kaiza tossed his bag onto the floor and flopped onto his bed. His gaze fell on his phone, and he picked it up, scrolling idly. After a moment, he paused.
Kaiza: Hmm. I should look for a net café.
Kaiza didn't own a gaming setup, and relying solely on borrowed time at friends' places was becoming less appealing. He opened a map app and searched for internet cafes near his house. To his surprise, one popped up just a few blocks away.
Kaiza: No way. It's that close? How did I never notice this before?
Excitement bubbled up in him as he grabbed his wallet and jacket. The thought of a proper gaming space, even if temporary, was too tempting to pass up.
The walk to the café was short and uneventful, the streets quiet save for the distant hum of traffic. Kaiza soon found himself standing in front of a modest building with a neon sign that read MnM Gaming Café.
Kaiza: MnM. Nice, I'm here!
Inside, Kaiza was immediately struck by the vibrant energy. The café was alive with the sound of clicking keyboards, intense chatter, and occasional bursts of laughter. Rows of sleek PCs filled the room, and the monitors glowed with vibrant colors. But what caught Kaiza's attention was the arena-like setup in the center of the café. It resembled a miniature stage, surrounded by glowing neon lights, where players were competing in a heated match of Dominion.
Kaiza: Whoa. What's that?
He turned to the staff member at the counter, a friendly-looking guy with a headset around his neck.
Staff: Oh, that? That's our stage. We use it for bet games, tournaments, and special events.
Kaiza: Wow, that's nice.
Staff: Yeah, but the requirements to play on that stage depend. High-rank players scout you first before you can enter.
Kaiza: I see. So, only the best get to play there.
Staff: Pretty much. It's kind of a rite of passage around here.
Kaiza nodded, taking it all in. The idea of proving himself in such a competitive environment ignited something within him. He glanced back at the arena, wondering what it would take to get noticed by these so-called high-rank players.
Kaiza was directed to an empty station near the back, but as he walked toward it, he noticed someone watching him from across the room. A lone figure sat near the arena, his presence commanding the attention of those around him.
Kaiza froze for a moment, locking eyes with the stranger. The intensity in the other player's gaze was undeniable.
Kaiza leaned toward the staff, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Kaiza: Hey, who's that guy by the arena?
The staff followed Kaiza's gaze and smiled knowingly.
Staff: That's Yuki. He's the strongest player at MnM.
Kaiza's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked back at Yuki. He didn't need to be told twice—this was someone who dominated the café's competitive scene.
For a brief moment, neither of them moved, their eyes meeting across the room. It wasn't hostility but a silent acknowledgment. A challenge, perhaps.