The Aftermath of Defeat
The revelation of Bionocular's complete defeat hung heavily in the air. The fact that they had not just fallen behind but had been thoroughly outplayed was clear to everyone. Soo-min, the commentator, hesitated to comment on the event, recognizing the sheer embarrassment that such a one-sided affair brought upon the losing team. Her usual confident tone was tinged with an uncomfortable silence as she gathered her thoughts, trying to find the right words to address what had just occurred.
The crowd's buzz of excitement had died down to a murmur, a mixture of awe for Aerial and sympathy for Bionocular. The notion that a team could be so thoroughly dismantled in such a high-stakes environment was a sobering reminder of the level of skill and coordination required to compete at the highest levels of NexaRealm.
"Ladies and gentlemen, what we have witnessed is a stark demonstration of the skill gap that can exist even at this advanced stage of the tournament. Bionocular, despite their best efforts, were unable to match the precision and strategic depth displayed by Aerial. This serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for all teams aspiring to reach the finals," Soo-min finally broke the silence, her voice steady but softer than before.
The spectators nodded in agreement, many of them seasoned gamers themselves who understood the complexities and pressures of competitive play. The empathy for Bionocular was palpable; they had fought hard to get to this point, only to be met with a brutal reality check.
Joon-ho, still seated in the spectator area, reflected on the match. He knew that the lesson here was invaluable for Team Fire. Observing Aerial's flawless execution and their ability to adapt on the fly provided insights that could be crucial for their strategies moving forward. The key players, Chin-hwa and In-su, had shown what it meant to be at the top of their game, while the Assassins' support had been nothing short of impeccable.
Despite the dominance Aerial displayed, there were still fifteen minutes left in the match. However, the screen of the game suddenly turned static, and the game system unexpectedly voiced out.
[Match Over! Winner by Forfeit: Aerial!]
Confusion spread through the hall as everyone processed the abrupt announcement. It became clear that Bionocular had forfeited the match. The embarrassment of the team wipe had likely put immense pressure on all Bionocular's members, leading them to step down decisively from the tournament. With half the match length still available, Bionocular had weighed their luck and prowess, concluding that the public display of being team wiped had extinguished any remaining hope. To preserve what little dignity they had left, they surrendered.
Aerial's fans erupted into cheers, celebrating the swift and decisive victory. Joon-ho, along with most spectators, was shocked to see a team clinch a win in just fifteen minutes. This was bound to be a record in the hall of fame of the newly opened NexaCorp Korea University.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it appears that Bionocular has forfeited the match. Aerial has secured the first victory in this best-of-three series in record time. Such a swift win is a testament to Aerial's prowess and strategic superiority," Soo-min, the commentator, regained her composure and addressed the situation.
As both teams exited the game, they made their way off the stage. Aerial moved out confidently, while Bionocular approached a facilitator, engaging in what appeared to be a serious conversation. The sombre expressions on their faces as they left the facilitator hinted at a major development.
The facilitator hurried over to Soo-min, whispering something in her ear. Soo-min's eyes widened as she gripped her microphone and delivered the shocking news.
"It has just been confirmed that Bionocular has withdrawn from the entire tournament. This means Aerial advances directly to the round of four!"
The crowd buzzed with disbelief and excitement. A team winning the best-of-three in just fifteen minutes and advancing due to a forfeit was unprecedented. Joon-ho, stunned by the rapid turn of events, knew that no generation of students after them could likely beat this record. This swift victory by Aerial would be remembered as one of the most remarkable moments in the history of NexaCorp Korea University.
Joon-ho walked out of the hall alongside many other spectators, his mind swirling with thoughts about the match he had just witnessed. He tried to make sense of it all, piecing together the information he had gathered. Aerial's biggest strength was evident: its flawless execution and superior strategy. However, to gain a comprehensive understanding, Joon-ho needed to identify their weaknesses as well. Witnessing just one match wasn't enough to draw solid conclusions. After all, one tactic doesn't fully reveal a team's depth and versatility in planning.
As he pondered over these thoughts, he found himself inadvertently moving closer to a group of Aerial's fangirls. They were eagerly awaiting their idols—Chin-hwa and In-su—to emerge from the doors. Though he paid them little mind at first, the sound of the doors swinging open caught his attention. Curiosity piqued, he stole a glance in their direction.
He saw Chin-hwa and In-su, along with the three Assassins, stepping out. The fangirls surged forward, only to be gently but firmly held back by the Assassins, who seemed to be protecting their teammates even outside the game. Joon-ho couldn't help but notice the stark contrast in expressions among Aerial's members. Chin-hwa and the Assassins wore playful, almost nonchalant expressions as if the match had been more of a routine exercise than a serious challenge. In-su, on the other hand, had a serious, focused look on his face, suggesting a different level of engagement.
"Is In-su their in-game leader?" Joon-ho wondered. It made sense. The way In-su coordinated with his teammates and handled the intense pressure during the match indicated a strong leadership presence. This realization could be a crucial piece of information for Team Fire.
He continued walking, his mind racing with strategies and potential weaknesses to exploit. Maybe In-su's seriousness was a double-edged sword. While it kept the team focused and effective, it could also mean that the team's success heavily relied on him. If Team Fire could disrupt In-su's rhythm or isolate him, it might throw Aerial off balance. Additionally, the playful demeanour of the other members suggested they might underestimate their opponents if they felt too confident.
Joon-ho knew he had to relay these observations to his friends in Team Fire. As he left the vicinity of the hall, he pulled out his phone to start drafting a message to his teammates, detailing everything he had seen and his thoughts on how they could use this information to their advantage. This small but significant insight into Aerial's dynamics could prove to be the key to unlocking their strategy and securing a victory for Team Fire.
Joon-ho's fingers danced over his phone screen as he typed out his observations. He detailed Aerial's apparent strength in coordination, particularly noting In-su's probable role as their in-game leader. He described the casual, almost indifferent attitude of Chin-hwa and the Assassins, highlighting the potential overconfidence that might be exploited. Joon-ho emphasized the importance of disrupting In-su's focus, speculating that doing so could destabilize Aerial's performance.
As he finished his note, he saved it and slipped his phone back into his pocket. His thoughts remained fixated on the upcoming matches. He knew that the information he had gathered could be crucial, but he also understood that it would take more than just strategy to defeat a team as formidable as Aerial. Team Fire needed to be at their best, both in skill and in teamwork.
The hallways of NexaCorp Korea University buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Students and spectators alike were still discussing the shocking forfeit by Bionocular. The chatter was a mix of admiration for Aerial's dominance and sympathy for Bionocular's crushing defeat. Joon-ho weaved through the crowd, his mind replaying the highlights of the match, particularly the way Aerial's Assassins had seamlessly supported In-su and Chin-hwa.
He couldn't shake the image of In-su's serious face amidst the playful expressions of his teammates. It was a stark reminder of the importance of leadership and focus in high-stakes competitions. Joon-ho knew that Team Fire's captain, Kang-dae, shared a similar demeanour. He was always the one to stay calm under pressure, guiding the team with a steady hand. He hoped that his leadership would prove to be as effective against Aerial.
As he approached the other hall where Team Fire was scheduled to play, Joon-ho's pace quickened. The noise from the crowd grew louder, indicating that the match was about to start. He spotted familiar faces in the sea of spectators—Hyun-ae and Kyu—both eager to see how Team Fire would perform. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation.
Joon-ho made his way to the front, finding a good spot to watch the match. He saw his teammates warming up, their expressions a mix of determination and focus. He caught Kang-dae's eye and gave him a nod, hoping to convey his support and the crucial information he had gathered.
The lights dimmed slightly, signalling the start of the match. The large screens lit up, displaying the virtual arena where the battle would take place. The announcer's voice boomed through the hall, introducing the teams and setting the stage for the competition. Joon-ho took a deep breath, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline that came with watching a live match.
As Team Fire's members took their positions, Joon-ho silently wished them luck. He knew that they had the skills and the strategy to succeed, but it would ultimately come down to their ability to adapt and stay united under pressure. The match began, and Joon-ho's eyes were glued to the screen, analyzing every move, and every decision, hoping to see the fruits of his observations play out in real time.