Vol.2 Chapter 61
Tactical’s PoV
"Welcome back, folks, for the final match of the day! And boy, do we have a treat for you viewers who are watching right now!" the lead panelist, Raze, hyped.
"That's right, Raze! I'm sure many of our viewers are looking forward to this match! However, I hope this match will be more competitive than the last one. The Paragons went all out and displayed complete dominance in the previous match!" his co-panelist enthusiastically added.
"I certainly hope so, as the victor of this bout will become our first finalist competing for tomorrow's championship! Surely, the players will give their all! to have a shot at the trophy! For now, though, let’s see what our guest panelist has to say about the upcoming match,” the lead panelist transitioned in a well-rehearsed manner.
Vlad, as usual, pondered for a moment before giving his well-thought-out reply. "Hmmm... I believe Team Variable will secure this victory. Don’t get me wrong, Team Paradigm has demonstrated its resilience with unconventional plays and counterstrategies, but facing off against a formidable player like Lua presents a significant challenge. There is a limit to what impeccable tactics can do in a match if the execution isn’t quite there. Additionally, Team Variable's strategist is equally formidable, so this will be an uphill battle for Team Paradigm," Vlad shared his impartial and insightful analysis.
“What do you think about his take on the fight?” Calah, who shares the same room as me, inquired.
“I completely agree with him,” I answered without hesitation. “Facing off against Lua is akin to challenging a professional. She far surpasses the skill level expected in this tournament, even with all these hidden talents sprouting from out of nowhere.
Her exceptional skills make me eager to recruit her, but I anticipate fierce competition from other scouts, particularly from reputable eSports organizations. While this won't deter me from making an attempt, I doubt I would be successful in acquiring her for my team.
Her eyes shifted to Team Paradigm, who had just come onto the center stage with an unreadable look. “You know what I think? I think Team Paradigm would find another way to surpass our expectations.”
I have reservations about that. Calah typically leads with her emotions, so it wouldn't be unexpected if she roots for Paradigm to emerge victorious, even if they stood no chance whatsoever. I won't dispute her on that matter, as I recognize her intentions are sincere since she cares for the team that became close to Seer and the rest of his teammates over the last few days.
My gaze shifted on the screen as I focused my attention on Team Paradigm’s tactician.
Still, I do know that this match would be entertaining with that girl on the back foot. What kind of surprising strategies would you employ this time to get out of this conundrum?
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Lua’s PoV
Darkness, as always. While vision is dispensable for the conversation, its absence is tolerable. Though devoid of visual prompts or facial reactions guiding their discourse, I leaned on the subtleties of their speech and the richness of their expressions to craft a mental image of the unfolding scene.
“Let us stick to the plan, alright?” Gilligan's confident tone boomed through the background, followed by the affirmation of my teammates.
I maintained silence to convey my displeasure.
"Lua?" Gilligan prodded upon noticing my lack of affirmation.
“I'm unsure why we need to depend on ambush tactics instead of confronting them directly," I complained.
He paused, taking a moment to choose his words carefully. "Even if we hold the upper hand in a direct confrontation, it's wise to be vigilant of the other team's abilities," he responded cautiously.
"T-that's correct, Miss Lua. Sir Gil's strategies are consistently effective, so I believe we should follow his lead for now," Haeun’s soft, wavering voice chimed in.
"Hmph, alright, fine," I finally relented, though not without a slight pout to express my discontent. It may seem childish, but I still find joy in doing so.
“Then, if there are no more questions, let’s proceed to the plan.”
At Gil’s final words, we all proceeded to our respective capture orb targets.
I kept my eyes closed as I walked toward the direction of the orb, reconstructing the feeling of being in the real world without eyesight. My time walking without vision made me exceptional at directions by now, so I guess there are some benefits to being born blind.
As I traversed the terrain, I could sense that the air was cool and damp, with the promise of rain. I could smell it, a sharp tang in the night. The ground beneath my feet was soft, yielding slightly with each step. We are probably on a rainforest sort of stage.
I can feel the grass in my foot—wet grass. I also hear the gentle lapping of water, rhythmic and soothing. The moon must be full on this map; its light is softer and more intimate than usual. I can sense its calming light even with my eyes closed.
I extend my honed senses, which are better than non-blind people's, to feel my way forward. The air is thick with the scent of earth and water, a heady mix that fills my nostrils. There's a subtle shift in the temperature, a coolness that tells me I'm closer. The sound of the water grows louder and more insistent. The scent of the lake also grows stronger, a mix of earth and water that is both familiar and invigorating.
As I continued my journey, the ground beneath me changed, becoming firmer and more even. I can tell I am on the path towards the orb. It stretches out before me like a dark ribbon in the moonlight.
The sound of the lake is now a constant hum, a backdrop to the symphony of the night. I can almost taste the saltiness on my lips. The air is filled with the scent of water and grass, a heady mix that sharpens my senses. I spread my arms, feeling for any obstructions. I can feel the path open up into a clearing, a vast expanse of soft, wet grass. This feeling… the orb is nearby.
Arriving at the destination, I could sense a single person from the sound of their footsteps closing towards me. Is it their 1v1 ace, perhaps? What did Gil say his name was again? Chan? I honestly wanted to fight Kat and her partner in a 2v1, but a one-on-one against a strong opponent is also welcome.
As I opened my eyes, I was greeted by a breathtaking sight that transcended the limitations of reality. Before me lay a mesmerizing display of colors that danced and shimmered in the moonlit night, creating a scene of ethereal beauty that captivated my senses.
Above me, the moon hung in the sky like a luminous pearl, casting a soft, silvery glow over the landscape. The night sky was a canvas of deep indigo, adorned with a tapestry of stars that sparkled like diamonds strewn across velvet.
Beside me, a tranquil lake reflected the celestial display above, its surface rippling with the gentle caress of the moonlight. The water glistened with a magical radiance, mirroring the beauty of the night sky in a shimmering dance of light and shadow.
The surroundings appeared to awaken with vibrant colors, transforming the world into shades that transcended imagination. The sheer delight of perceiving this spectacle spontaneously put me into the flow state.
However, another sight unfolded before me, one that was unexpected but undeniably not unwelcome.
"I didn't expect you to be the one going up against me," I expressed with delight.
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"I didn't expect you to be the one going up against me," Lua remarked, revealing a hint of something in her gaze.
That glint in her eyes that expression evokes memories of someone I know all too well—an old teammate whose enthusiasm for fighting strong opponents propels him effortlessly into the flow state—Zetta.
“I told you before the world can be full of surprises,” I said calmly.
She smiled genuinely at my words.
“Oh my~ it feels like we're on another session of our nightly rendezvous," she said teasingly, an innuendo not lost on me.
I sighed, as shameless as ever. "Please don't say something that could easily be misunderstood," I deadpanned.
"What?! Were the nights we spent together of no significance to you? Oh~ how you wound me so!" she exclaimed, mockingly simulating the dismay of someone feeling betrayed.
Seriously! We are being observed by a multitude of viewers! Please refrain from your frivolous antics for the time being. Perhaps you can behave uninhibitedly even with this many onlookers, but I, for the love of, cannot.
I glared at her to express my annoyance, which she brushed off completely with an innocent smile.
No effect, huh? Honestly, she can be quite a handful sometimes.
"Are you planning to buy time for your teammates? A little chat could help you with that," she gave her speculation.
“…” I stayed silent.
I guess it might look that way to her. I'm only a support player with a penchant for survivability, so she might think I'm only stalling for time to prevent her from decimating my entire team.
"I'm here to have a proper duel, so please don't hold back on my account," I finally responded.
I said it outright. Sure, I could've lied and played in on the role of defenseless support to give myself a better advantage in our fight, but I don't want to do that to her, considering from the past few nights we spent together, I already consider her a friend.
Moreover, she is not the lone individual desiring an engaging battle. Observing her prowess in the prior match reignited a sense of competitiveness within me, reminiscent of my former self. Hence, I suppose I am doing this for my own sake as well.
"Oh~ hearing you express yourself with such a resolute gaze gives me the impression that you are not merely jesting," she teased with a smile.
Suddenly, she stopped as if distracted by something. If my guess is correct, it must have been a voice command from their captain prompting her to back them up.
“Hmm~ it also seems that you knew of Gil's plans. He told me you wouldn’t expect a repeat of what he pulled off against the Paragons, but I guess he is not always right. Serves him right!” she exclaimed joyfully, confirming the success of our team's counter-ambush.
Why are you even glad your teammate’s plan was thwarted?! Are you on our side or what?!
However, it must remain a puzzle to her why their strategist is so determined to eliminate Liz and me that they are prepared to put in three players solely for us.
"Lua, have you ever wondered why your captain wanted to eliminate Liz and me from the match first?"
"Now that you bring it up, it does appear rather peculiar... Any thoughts on why?" she responded.
"It's because he is wary of haste casters,” I revealed. “He plans to ambush me, as he did with Lucy, to eliminate me, someone who can cast haste buff, a major threat to you."
"Oh~ haste users, you say? I've battled a couple of those people. They were pretty straightforward and easy to read, in my opinion, because they're too reliant on borrowed speed movement they have.”
If that is her perspective on movement speed enhancements, she must have encountered average or above-average users of haste. While it can disrupt the user's rhythm if they are not accustomed to it, making them more predictable, in my view, haste is as effective as any weapon. The key factor is how skillfully the user employs it. And I have countless experiences using it as my weapon. After all, I had countless battles using it. At this point, it is almost an extension of my mind and body.
"Then... allow me to show to you what a true battle of speed is," I declared with confidence.
Hearing those words, her expression suddenly shifted to delight. "I'm looking forward to it," she responded with excitement.
I made sure to gain some distance from her before engaging to avoid getting interrupted during my buffing phase… not that I expected her to do so, given her personality. Sensing the fight was about to begin, I initiated the first move.
With a swift movement, I retrieved the unique staff weapon from its place on my back, feeling the weight of its presence in my hands. The staff's head bore an ominous design – a skull that glinted in the dim light, radiating an aura of foreboding that seemed to unnerve even my Lua.
“Blood Curse,” I murmured.
With resolute determination, I unleashed my ace skills, Blood Curse, and sacrificed 95% of my HP. I need to risk it all to have even a chance of winning here.
It’s all or nothing.
Novo
HP: 5%
A surge of power coursed through me, imbuing the weapon with a dark potency that crackled in the air. The ominous skull at the staff's head seemed to pulse with otherworldly energy, its hollow eye sockets seeming to gaze into the depths of my opponent's soul.
“Oh~ what a scary staff you have there. Did it just deplete your health? That exchange must have given you a huge momentary power boost by now,” she guessed correctly.
She is truly perceptive and a real prodigy in all aspects. The best play here for her would be to stall for time until my buffs run out, and then I would truly have no chance against her. Luckily, she’s not the type of person to shrink from challenges.
I then used the normal chronomancy orb on my unique weapon to cast haste onto myself after pre-casting it for some time. With both the haste buff and the Unique weapon buff on me, I’m fully prepared for the fight.
"If your weapon skill includes buffs, now is the time to use it. This fight will be over in an instant,” I advised.
She hasn't even used her weapon skill yet, so I do not know what it does. Somehow, I can see that it is a unique weapon she is using, so it still remains a mystery what she could do with it. And with both our skewed stats built without regard for survivability and my Blood Curse buff, this might very well end in a second.
She gave me a solemn look, utterly devoid of falsehood. “It’s not that I'm underestimating you. It's just against my principles to use it. Moreover, it's only fair to balance out the stat gap, don't you think? Especially considering you’re not even at max level, plus you’re a support player at that," she remarked.
She is right, though; I’m still five levels shy of becoming level 90. This does indeed pose a significant disadvantage since the finest equipment can only be worn by those who are level 90.
Nevertheless, I acknowledge and respect her choice. Over time, I have come to understand that not everyone shares my intense drive for victory. Everyone has their own priorities.
Although I may not fully comprehend her thoughts and motivations, I hold no complaints. If she opts to provide me with a handicap of her own volition, I accept it willingly. I would probably need it anyway since I know that I am currently at a skill disadvantage due to my extended break playing CoA and my lack of one-on-one fights against skilled opponents.
However, my advantage lies in experience. I have also observed and analyzed her past match against Aria, adding to my knowledge. In a contest of speed, predicting your opponent's actions is a significant edge. I can only hope that it will be sufficient enough to win against her.
With nothing left to be spoken, I initiated my approach by walking toward her while purposefully concealing my enhanced speed to fabricate a false impression.
Detecting my intense determination, she adjusted her posture, fixing her gaze upon me, prepared to parry and retaliate against my forthcoming actions. Meeting her eyes and locking gazes, it felt as though I was peering into twin pools of serenity like the stillness of water.
Approaching within striking distance, I unveiled my concealed twin daggers, kept hidden beneath my mage's attire. She remained completely unaware of my playstyle, making each of my actions completely novel to her, adding to her confusion. The time she would take to assess my every move, even if just for a fraction of a nanosecond, would prove pivotal in this match.
Recognizing an opening amidst her slight hesitation when I unveiled my weapon, I executed a deceptive maneuver to the left—a rapid flick of my wrist, a decoy aimed in her direction. Reacting swiftly, she blurred into motion, seeking to deflect my assault. Yet, it was merely a feint, an illusory strike intended to distract her focus. Meanwhile, I had already pivoted, transferring my weight to the right. My right dagger gleamed, delivering a strike aimed at her heart.
Surprised by my sudden feint, she moved as fast as she could to redirect the strike into missing. If my opponent were anyone else, I doubt they would be able to pull that off, but she is not a mere player. Nevertheless, I foresaw that her speed would eventually match mine despite my utilization of the haste buff.
Predicting her next move, I let her redirect my right-hand blow, missing her with my attack.
It doesn’t matter. The effectiveness of that strike would have been minimal since my body weight had already shifted, lacking the necessary force behind it. After all, my aim was directed at her head with my free hand.
As my left-hand dagger approached her head, her eyes widened in shock. At this exact moment, she knew she was outplayed. Her momentary shock, however, was instantly replaced with determination as she prepared to receive the blow.
Upon my dagger's impact, her reaction was unforeseen yet typical of her. Employing a defensive technique akin to that of seasoned boxers, she lessened the impact by slipping, a maneuver involving subtle movements of the waist and head to diminish the force of impacts. She adeptly utilized this technique to mitigate the effect of my dagger strike, resulting in her surviving my attack.
This is bad. I banked on everything in that play, and it failed to deal a fatal blow. She now has a chance to counter with her free hand. One attack would instantly end me.
As expected, Lua countered with blinding speed, her palm a meteor aimed at my heart. She really is talented. Her intuition is on point. She knew she could survive a single attack from me, so she prepared a counter beforehand. She was true to her words earlier. She is not holding back in the slightest.
If it weren't for the haste buff enhancement, I would've lost to her speed and skill in a normal fight.
However, I am hasted right now. So, for the first time in this match, I utilized the full extent of my haste buff to dodge her strike. Even this minor adjustment can disrupt the opponent's tempo, particularly for someone like Lua, who appears unfamiliar with facing adversaries skilled in manipulating speed and tempo changes— which is my forte.
This change in my pace completely caught her off guard, a technique I perfected over countless hours of rigorous training.
In that moment, the world around us compressed into a heartbeat.
I sidestepped, my body a fleeting shadow, causing her strike to pass by harmlessly.
In that split-second exchange, I saw my chance.
My right dagger found its mark—a precise strike, a critical stab at the side of her head.
Her eyes widened in disbelief as my attack connected.
KACHACK*
LuaHP:0%
The match was over in just a few seconds.
In a battle of speed, the most important part is anticipating your opponent's moves, along with battle experience. Having observed her previous bout gave me the upper hand in deciphering her attack strategies, movement tendencies, habits, and idiosyncrasies while she was completely in the dark about mine.
I have a lot of ammo against her, while she has none on me. She went into this battle, unarmed... literally and figuratively.
"So, this is what defeat feels like... What a strange yet novel feeling," she remarked, her cheeks flushed, her expression exuding profound satisfaction.
Are you a masochist or something?!
After saying her piece, Lua finally disappeared into blue motes of light that blended perfectly with the serene ambiance of the moonlit lake.