Kaiza's Message to MM
Kaiza stared at his phone, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. After the heated cafeteria encounter with Jesse, he knew this match wasn't something his team could take lightly. Finally, he typed into the group chat.
Kaiza: Guys, big news. Jesse's crew wants a rematch, high stakes. It's happening next month. You in?
The chat remained silent for a moment before the notifications flooded in.
Ran: Bad timing, rookie. Our team tournament's happening the same week.
Pulse: Yeah, we're booked solid. Sorry, Kaiza.
Yuki: Wish we could, but we'll be cheering you on from the sidelines.
Lin: Let us know the results, though.
Kaiza felt his chest tighten. MM had been his ace in the hole, but now it seemed like he'd be facing this challenge without them. Then, another message popped up.
Allison: I'll join.
Kaiza: Wait, really?
Allison: Yeah, but don't get your hopes up. I'm just a rookie, but I can hold my own.
Yuki: Plus, we can run scrims. If we can't play in the match, the least we can do is help you train.
Pulse: Smart idea. We'll coach you guys.
Yuki: We'll set up custom games and teach you everything we can.
Kaiza felt a spark of hope ignite.
Kaiza: Thanks, everyone. Let's make this count.
Kaiza invited Udo and Bry to MM's cafe for their first training session. The place was legendary among local gamers, with rows of high-end PCs, neon lighting that glowed in vibrant hues, and a massive wall dedicated to MM's achievements. Framed screenshots of epic plays and trophies lined the shelves, giving the cafe an almost sacred feel.
As they entered, Udo and Bry froze, their eyes widening as they took in the surroundings.
Bry: Dude… this place is insane.
Udo: So this is where the magic happens.
Kaiza smirked.
Kaiza: You haven't even seen the best part yet.
When MM's usernames appeared on the lobby screen, both Udo and Bry were stunned into silence.
Bry: No way… it's really them.
Udo: Pulse, Yuki, Ran… They're actually here.
The MM members' avatars loaded into the custom game, their rare skins and high-level banners radiating prestige. Even their in-game movements seemed calculated and intimidating.
Udo: I can't believe this is happening. They're coaching us… because you're friends with them!
Bry nodded, his gaze glued to the screen.
Bry: Kaiza, you're crazy. These guys are untouchable.
Midnight Marauders wasn't just a skilled team—they were legends in the local gaming scene, their name synonymous with dominance. To be coached by them was an honor few could dream of.
Kaiza grinned, taking a seat at his station.
Kaiza: Well, I told you I'm not just a casual. Let's get to work.
Training Begins – MM's Guidance
The first custom game began, with MM spectating and Allison joining Kaiza's team.
Pulse: Alright, rookies. First lesson—mechanics. Let's start with positioning.
Yuki: Do you know what happens when you cast abilities in the grass?
Bry: Uh… you're harder to see?
Pulse: Not just harder—completely invisible. If you're hiding in the grass and use a skill, the enemy won't see the animation. Use it for ambushes.
The team practiced ambushes, with Udo hiding in the grass and perfectly timing his stuns to catch Bry off guard.
Yuki: Now let's talk about terrain. If you're on high ground, most of your enemy's attacks will miss. Use hills to your advantage in skirmishes.
Kaiza tried this tactic during the scrim, baiting Allison's character into a choke point. When Allison missed his skill shots, the MM rookie grumbled.
Allison: Alright, I'll give you that one.
The team was learning quickly, and MM's guidance was making them feel unstoppable.
Day-by-Day Progression
Week 1 – Basics and Rotations
MM introduced them to rotations: moving between lanes to apply pressure.
Pulse: Rotations win games. If you're just farming in your lane, you're wasting potential.
Bry struggled to leave his lane at first, but after a few matches, he began to understand when to push and when to roam.
Udo worked on placing wards in key areas, ensuring the team always had vision of the enemy's movements.
Week 2 – Advanced Tactics and Map Awareness
MM set up drills focused on map awareness.
Yuki: Always assume the enemy jungler is near you if you can't see them. Play safe, or you'll get ganked.
Ran: Deny vision by destroying wards. If they can't see you, they'll hesitate.
Kaiza practiced leading the team, making quick decisions based on the minimap.
Week 3 – Combos and Synergy
The team practiced champion combos.
Ran: Kaiza, your ult pairs perfectly with Bry's stun.
Time it right, and you'll dominate team fights.Communication became key as they learned to call out cooldowns and focus targets.
Udo: Stun the carry—now!
Kaiza: Got it. Following up!
Their matches began to look less chaotic and more coordinated, a testament to their growth.
Week 4 – Fun and Bonding
Despite the intensity, the team found moments to laugh and bond.
During one scrim, Bry accidentally flashed into the enemy base, prompting uncontrollable laughter.
Udo: Pro move, Bry. They didn't see it coming!
Even Allison cracked a smile, his usual stoic demeanor softening.
Allison: If I didn't know better, I'd think you guys might actually win this.
Kaiza felt a sense of pride watching his friends grow, their bond stronger than ever.
The Breakthrough Moment
MM arranged a scrim between Kaiza's team and one of their rival teams—a group of seasoned players known for their aggressive playstyle.
Pulse: Don't worry about winning. This is about learning. Pay attention to how they play.
Kaiza nodded, feeling the weight of the match settle on his shoulders. As the game began, it became clear that their opponents weren't holding back. Their rotations were flawless, their synergy unmatched, and their strategies relentless.
Bry: These guys are insane! I can't even farm!
Udo: They're everywhere. How are they predicting our moves?
Despite their best efforts, Kaiza's team struggled to keep up. They lost objectives, fell behind in gold, and were constantly on the defensive. The gap in experience and rank was undeniable.
Kaiza: Stay calm. Focus on what we can control.
Even as the match spiraled out of their control, they managed to execute a few strategies they had practiced, securing a team kill in one skirmish and stealing an objective with a perfectly timed ability from Bry.
When the game finally ended in a defeat, Kaiza and his team slumped back in their chairs, exhausted but reflective.
Post-Scrim Debrief
Pulse: Don't look so defeated. You weren't supposed to win.
Yuki: What you did out there—fighting back against a team like that—shows potential.
Ran: You held your ground longer than most. That's saying something.
Kaiza glanced at his teammates, who were still catching their breath. Despite the loss, there was no frustration—only determination.
Kaiza: We'll take what we learned and do better next time.
Pulse nodded.
Pulse: That's the mindset you need. Matches like this are about experience. Remember what you saw—how they moved, how they baited you, how they secured objectives. Take those lessons with you.
Udo: It's crazy how fast they rotate. They always seemed one step ahead.
Yuki: Because they communicated constantly. Every move was calculated. You'll get there.
Allison leaned back, smirking.
Allison: It's good to get humbled. Makes the victories feel better when they come.
Kaiza grinned, the fire in his eyes reigniting.
Kaiza: Next time, we'll make them work for it.
As the training month ended, Kaiza and his team stood outside MM's cafe, the neon lights reflecting their faces.
Kaiza: We've worked for this. Now let's show them what we're made of.