Vol.3 Chapter 10

Elizabeth’s PoV

 My heart raced with excitement as I mentally checked over my equipment one more time.

Phone for streaming? Check.

Lapel microphone clipped onto my clothing for enhanced audio quality? Check.

Camera mount to keep the camera steady? Check.

I surveyed my surroundings.

Thousands of fans cheered for either Team Atelier or Razor Gaming inside the “Dome," the world's largest e-sports stadium located in San Francisco. This venue symbolized the future of e-sports entertainment.

As I remembered from the news I read once, it was a project that started five years ago, driven by the rising popularity of e-sports. A consortium of tech giants and entertainment moguls spearheaded its construction, which was only completed a couple of months ago. Today, it will host the momentous grand final of this year’s Andartha Cup!

We were given special seats in the front row, a perk of our organization's sponsorship. The view was unparalleled, offering a perfect vantage point to capture every intense moment. I’m so lucky to be part of this historical event!

…I’ll be back again next year, not as an onlooker, but as a participant. I could already envision myself standing on that stage, competing with the best, with my teammates by my side!

I took a quick glance at my watch. Looks like it’s time!

As I adjusted my camera and hit the "Go Live" button, I could feel the excitement coursing through me.

"Hey, everyone! Welcome to my stream! We're here in the front row, about to witness this year's grand finals of the Andartha Cup!” I announced, my voice steady and lively despite the nerves.

I looked at the numbers bar for the stream. My follower count surged by the hundreds of thousands, and the live viewer count had climbed into the tens of thousands, thanks to our recent successful tournament run last month and the announcement of my joining team Atelier’s second team.

The energy in the arena was infectious, mirrored by the excitement in the comments scrolling rapidly on my screen. Despite having streamed for quite some time, the overwhelming flood of comments due to my increased viewership was still something to get used to.

BillSmith: Whoa! There are so many people there! I wish I had bought a ticket before they sold out!

Cyber42: It’s too lively in there. I’m content watching the match from the comfort of my home.

Rammy10: It’s even more lively than yesterday’s semis!

LizbethsSimp: I should’ve bought a high-priced ticket from a scalper just to see you in person!

Vanguard: Team Atelier's got this! Murasame for the win!

CoAMaster: As a veteran player, I’m rooting for Zetta!

"Are you really going to stream here?" my new teammate, Hana, asked, prompting me to look away from the chat. She was seated to my right and had to lean in and speak loudly to be heard over the lively cheers from the crowd.

"Of course! It's in our job description to stream once in a while, remember?" I replied.

"Hmm. I guess, but you've already filled your weekly quota, right?" Hana queried curiously.

"I want to stream more to repay the organization's kindness. Besides, I love sharing this momentous occasion with every one of my viewers!" I explained with as much conviction as I could muster.

"All right, all right, suit yourself," Hana sighed, giving up on the argument.

Victory! I thought to myself.

"You're really hardworking, huh?" remarked Rin, who was sitting on my left.

"I wouldn't call it hard work. I just love what I do," I responded with a smile.

"That's the most 'Liz-like' answer if I've ever heard one," Rin said with a giggle.

"Liz-like?" I questioned, slightly apprehensive.

"Don't worry, it's a compliment," Rin reassured me with a smile.

"Oh! Right, everyone! I'm here with my teammates for our up-and-coming team! As you all know, our new roster currently includes Hana, Rin, and me!" I quickly brought my attention back to the chat, eager to share the moment with my viewers.

After reading the chat once more and replying to the viewers, I spotted a comment that was too hard to ignore and made me a bit emotional.

Nereo: What about Novo? Is she joining your new team, too? I love your synergy with her! I’ve also become a fan of her with her last tournament performance!

Still, I quickly hid it since I couldn't appear even slightly gloomy while on stream.

“Nereo, you’re asking about Novo? Sadly, she doesn’t plan to pursue a career in the pro scene. Still, I would be playing casually with her every now and then, so stay tuned to those streams!” I replied after reading the comment for a bit so that everyone would know about the topic.

I, too, wish Kat would join this team. She always makes me feel like I can rely on her whenever she's around, and she consistently impresses me with her exceptional skills.

Her recent duel with Arroganz, the strongest player in our guild, was nothing short of extraordinary. Just when I thought I had a full grasp of her abilities, she proved me wrong yet again! It makes me wonder what other talents she is still keeping hidden.

On the bright side, I'm quite content knowing that I'll be leaving the Concord of Heroes guild in the capable hands of an exceptionally competent leader like her.

“Oh, it looks like the panelists are done talking! It’s about to start!” Hana said excitedly, her voice cutting through the din of the crowd and distracting me from my thoughts.

As if on cue, the casters did indeed wrap up their post-match analysis. Hana must be an avid e-sports fan to know the timing so well, or perhaps she had always kept a close eye on her sister’s matches.

“We’ll now be heading over to DJ Riot and ParaTrooper for the in-game commentary of this historic match!” announced Renege, the lead panelist and a renowned veteran player of the game.

DJ Riot instantly hyped up the crowd with his extremely lively voice as the screentime view moved from the panelist towards the casters.

“Historic indeed, and I’m proud to be casting it alongside my partner, ParaTrooper!” DJ Riot chimed in.

“That’s right, Riot. Speaking of history, another momentous occasion is sure to follow whatever team wins this grand final. Either Zetta will secure his second trophy, becoming the first player ever to hold two trophies in the history of CoA, or Team Atelier will triumph, making them the first all-female team to win the title of the strongest team and have their spot cemented among the legends!” ParaTrooper added.

"You got that right, partner! And it looks like we won't have to wait long, as the game is about to begin!" DJ Riot proclaimed with enthusiasm.

“Oh! Looks like it’s starting, guys! I’ll switch to the main tournament stream, so you can also watch the game with me!” I addressed my chat.

As if on cue, the massive screen in the center of the stadium transitioned from focusing on the two charismatic casters to the virtual match stage—an intricately designed castle ruins stage.

The screen displayed a breathtaking view of ancient, crumbling walls overgrown with ivy, weathered stone archways, and narrow passageways that wove through the remnants of a once-grand fortress. The atmosphere was filled with an eerie yet thrilling ambiance, setting the perfect scene for the start of the finals.

"It looks like our stage for the first match is the old castle ruins!" DJ Riot continued, his voice rising with excitement.

ParaTrooper chimed in, eager to provide further insights for the viewers. "That's right, Riot. "This stage features a number of strategic blind spots perfect for ambushes, adding an extra layer of suspense and tactical gameplay!"

The large screen in the middle of the gigantic stadium featured all the participants from multiple angles, capturing each player's best vantage point.

My eyes, however, were immediately drawn to Team Atelier. I couldn’t be blamed; their gear was specifically tailored to be eye-catching, a perfect blend of style and top-of-the-line stats, courtesy of the organization’s sponsorship.

Murasame

HP: 100%

Murasame, unlike during the show match she had with us last month, was now adorned in the organization-sponsored set, boasting the best stats money could buy and meticulously tailored to her character's needs. The gear revealed just enough skin to showcase her mature curves, seamlessly merging elegance with practicality.

This set was a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship of our organization's blacksmiths. Their skill and artistry were on a different level from those of average gear makers like Reynolds.

Yuna, on the other hand, was impossible to ignore. Her magical girl motif was a hit among viewers, and her ensemble looked as if it was designed to captivate the camera’s attention. She seemed to strike poses effortlessly, likely aware that every move was being broadcast to millions.

Yuna

HP: 100%

The Atelier organization always emphasized the importance of looking good in front of the crowd, and Yuna’s polished performance was a clear testament to their teachings. Her every movement seemed intentional, aimed at engaging and mesmerizing her audience. I have so much to learn from her!

Freya, the team’s front-line fighter, and Artemis, their skilled archer, also didn’t shy away from showcasing their impressive looks.

Freya, with her war maiden motif, wore armor that combined both elegance and strength. Her gear gleamed under the stadium lights, reflecting her role as a fierce warrior with a touch of mystique.

Artemis, on the other hand, sported a military-style set that emphasized precision and agility. Her outfit was a sharp aesthetics, complete with a bow that looked as deadly as it was beautiful.

"Look at Team Atelier! They are truly a sight to behold no matter how many times I see them," DJ Riot exclaimed, his voice brimming with admiration as the camera panned over the team.

"You got that right, Riot. If I wasn’t already a fan of them before, I’m sure I would be now with how stylish they look," ParaTrooper agreed, his tone equally enthusiastic.

The caster’s comment sparked an immediate reaction from the crowd. The shouts from die-hard fans were so loud that I instinctively covered my ears. The stadium erupted in a cacophony of cheers and screams of their favorite Atelier members. The sheer volume of which was almost too overwhelming for me.

“They’re all so very gorgeous!” Rin exclaimed with the loudest voice she could muster for me to hear.

“I know, right?! I’m so jealous! I want custom-tailored sets like those, too!” I said, unable to hide my admiration.

“Don’t be. The organization will provide suitable custom-designed sets for us, too. I’m sure they’re in the process of acquiring high-class materials and designing them as we speak,” Hana consoled, her tone reassuring.

“Let’s not forget about Team Razor Gaming, though! Their members won’t easily lose in the looks department,” the caster added, his voice tinged with admiration and excitement.

As the caster pointed out, I turned my attention to the members of Team Razor. The camera zoomed in, showcasing the team’s meticulously coordinated medieval-themed outfits and confident stances.

Every organization needs its players to look presentable to their fans, and Team Razor Gaming was no exception. While their style might not be as flamboyant as Atelier’s, they certainly held their own with a different kind of medieval charm, especially my long-time idol, Zetta.

Zetta, Team RG’s captain and member of the OG Paragon, stood tall in his custom-made reddish gold set. The intricate designs etched into his plate armor. His rapier also seemed to hum with magical energy, the blade glowing faintly.

Zetta

HP: 100%

I’m sure his set had Zetta prioritized in mind when the blacksmith crafted it, which is a testament to how different organization-sponsored weapons and armor are compared to the norm.

Well, they’re not lacking in the materials department to craft it nor the money department to buy the said materials, so it’s about expected. It also helps that they could recruit the most talented individuals to craft those.

Beside Zetta was their tank, Brutus, a hulking figure clad in imposing, spike-adorned plate armor in the red and gold color scheme of the Razor gaming. His helmet, featuring a fearsome visage, along with his massive shield, added to his intimidating presence.

Next, Team RG’s long-ranged DPS, Brandt, was clad in sleek, black leather armor designed for swift, silent movements. He had shown throughout the tournament that he had concealed daggers and throwing knives, each one meticulously placed for quick access.

Lastly, their blood mage DPS, Creed. He was draped in flowing robes decorated with arcane symbols, which also adorned the RG’s red and gold color scheme. His staff, crowned with a glowing red crystal orb at its centerpiece, pulsed with magical energy.

All players from both teams remained silent. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as the timer counted down to the official start of the match. Unlike new teams like us back in the Champion’s Brawl, there were no last-minute planning or strategy discussions; every player knew their role and what was expected of them. Well, they are pros, after all, unlike us.

3…

2…

1…

Match Start!

As the game began, the players sprang into action with remarkable efficiency. Each one moved with purpose and precision, seamlessly executing their strategies. There was no wasted movement, and each step and action reinforced why they were considered the top two strongest teams in the world. This was the grand final, and every move counted.

“Oh! What’s this!? Looks like both Murasame and Zetta are vying for the bottom orb! Seems that both teams have an unspoken agreement to rely on their ace to carry them through! It’s no overstatement to say that whoever wins this duel will win the game!” the caster exclaimed, his voice rising with excitement.

The camera followed the action closely as Murasame and Zetta navigated the intricate twists and turns of the castle ruins map. The environment was a maze of crumbling walls, narrow corridors, and strategic vantage points.

“This is going to be good!” A voice came from my back.

"Go, Zetta! Show them why you're the best!" shouted one passionate fan, waving a banner adorned with Team RG's emblem.

"Murasame, you’ve got this! Prove your strength!" cheered another, her voice filled with unwavering support for her favorite player.

"This is going to be legendary! I've been waiting for this duel all season!" exclaimed a fan.

"Don’t let us down, Team Atelier! We believe in you guys!" another fan screamed, her voice nearly drowned out by the surrounding cheers.

"Zetta and Murasame facing off—this is what dreams are made of!" hollered a die-hard fan, barely containing his excitement as he clenched his fists in anticipation.

The chorus of voices blended into a symphony of anticipation and enthusiasm, each shout adding to the electrifying atmosphere in the arena. The stage was set for a duel that everyone knew would be unforgettable.

"Who do you think will win?" Hana asked, her voice trembling with worry.

It seems to me that she is looking for reassurance, and her concern for her sister is unmistakable. Her usually confident demeanor was replaced with anxious anticipation.

I’m a fan of both players and honestly, I thought Zetta had the upper hand. But as our new team’s captain, it was my duty to prioritize my teammate’s mental state first.

“Your sister is amazing. I know she could pull off a win against even Zetta himself,” I reassured her with a confident tone, even though it was a white lie. I hoped my words would provide some comfort, even if just a little.

It was evident that my efforts were not in vain as Hana’s tense expression softened slightly.

“…I hope so,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

The noise of the crowd drowned out her words, but I managed to read her lips and understand her response.

After a couple of minutes passed, the two aces finally arrived at the open space of the bottom orb simultaneously. The tension was palpable as they faced each other, the stakes higher than ever. The crowd watched in rapt attention, knowing that this duel could very well determine the outcome of the entire match.

As they stared at one another, their gazes locked in a silent battle of wills, it was clear they were assessing each other. The tension between them was palpable, each second stretching into an eternity. Zetta was the first to break the silence.

“I remember you said in an interview that you would win in a fight against Yuusha,” he remarked, his tone laced with a hint of mockery. His eyes gleamed with a challenge, daring Murasame to back up her bold claim.

His words triggered a vivid flashback in my mind. I recalled that interview clearly. It was after she had single-handedly eliminated Tactical’s team from the AC tournament. She had made a rare appearance in the post-match interview session, and when asked about Yuusha, the strongest CoA player and a retired legend, she confidently stated that she could defeat her even in her prime.

It was honestly hard to forget if you’re well-tuned into the CoA forums since they even sparked some controversies and debates in the community for a while back then. Many articles were even made comparing Murasame and Yuusha. I guess Zetta can’t let the claim pass, too, being Yuusha’s old friend and rival.

“…What about it?” Murasame replied in a steady voice. She showed no signs of being rattled by Zetta's provocation.

“I want you to prove it to me! Show me what it takes to become the strongest!” Zetta issued a challenge.

After saying his piece, his whole aura transformed. A spark ignited in his eyes, a fire that seemed impossible to extinguish. His posture became more aggressive, radiating a fierce determination.

I recognized that transition. Kat had mentioned that I, too, seemed to enter this state whenever I was truly enjoying a match. She said that it was the flow, a heightened state of performance where doubts and hesitations vanished, and one’s innate battle instincts were sharply honed. The only difference is that, unlike him, I can’t seem to do it whenever I please.

In response, Murasame's demeanor shifted as well. She didn't utter a single word, but her focus intensified visibly. It was as if a switch had been flipped. Her eyes narrowed, locking onto Zetta with unwavering intensity. It reminded me of Kat's behavior whenever she got serious in a battle.

Time seemed to stand still as both players didn’t move an inch. The anticipation in the arena was palpable, and even us viewers felt the tension, shifting restlessly in our seats.

Suddenly, as if by some tacit understanding, both Zetta and Murasame launched themselves into action at the exact same moment. The speed and ferocity of their movements were inhuman!

Zetta was so fast, his rapier flashing in rapid, precise thrusts and pokes. His attacks were relentless, each one aimed with deadly accuracy. He moved with a speed that left no room for hesitation, his rapier an extension of his will. It was like watching a master fencer at work, each strike executed with flawless precision.

Murasame, however, was no less impressive. Her katana sliced through the air with deadly grace, each slash imbued with insane precision and control—even more deadly than when she fought Kat and me last month. She matched Zetta's speed, and her movements were a seamless blend of fluidity and precision. The way she handled her weapon was mesmerizing, and each strike was delivered with lethal elegance.

The sound of metals clashing reverberated in the stadium as their weapons clashed, creating sparks that lit up the battlefield. The intensity of their duel was almost overwhelming, the sheer force of their attacks resonating through the arena.

Almost all CoA fans are under the consensus that they are both currently at their peak, and I’m inclined to agree. It’s getting harder and harder to follow their movements with each exchange! It was like they were moving faster than the eye could see. And none of them were even hasted right now!

Are they even human? Even though the strongest sets have movement bonuses added to their stats, this doesn’t explain how they can move that fast!

They were also hyper-aggressive, trading blows with reckless abandon, causing them to take glancing hits here and there. It was like watching two boxers duking it out without their guards up, each one determined to overpower the other through sheer force and speed.

Even though there were three different fights currently happening at the three different orb capture points, it seemed like all the focus was on the duel between Zetta and Murasame. I could hear people all around me exclaiming about the two, their voices filled with awe and excitement at what they were currently witnessing.

"Oh my gosh, did you see that? Zetta's rapier just grazed her shoulder!"

“What do you mean ‘see’? I can't even follow them, let alone see their weapons!”

"I can't believe how fast they are! Murasame's katana is like a blur!"

“My eyes can’t even track them at all!”

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is absolutely phenomenal! The aggression, the speed—neither Zetta nor Murasame is backing down an inch! They’re throwing caution to the wind, disregarding their HP entirely! This is the kind of raw, unfiltered action we live for!” the caster exclaimed, his voice vibrating with sheer excitement.

Despite the lack of critical or direct hits from either party yet, it was clear that this intense exchange couldn't last forever. With how aggressively they were playing, I was sure this would be over soon.

Zetta

HP: 54%

Murasame

HP: 42%

Still, it seems to me like Murasame is on the backfoot; she gets hit more than she deals damage. If this keeps up, she will eventually lose unless something happens to change the status quo.

Suddenly, amidst the whirlwind of their duel, Murasame saw an opening. Zetta had overextended slightly, his rapier missing its mark by a hair's breadth. It was a brief moment, but for someone of Murasame’s caliber, it was all she needed.

With a swift, fluid motion, Murasame shifted her stance, her katana poised for a decisive strike—her unique weapon skill.

“Falling Rain Blossoms,” Murasame muttered.

Suddenly, it was as if her Katana had vanished. If I’m having a hard time following her movements before, I can’t even see it at all now!

Just as I braced myself for the impact of her first slash in her five-hit combo, Zetta also seemed to disappear. It was as if he had vanished into thin air.

But how?! It’s not possible to move that fast!

Unless… the realization hit me like a lightning bolt.

Is that… a Shadow Step skill?! Zetta dodged Murasame’s weapon skill by utilizing his own Shadow Step skill to evade the deadly combo.

He reappeared a few paces away, his rapier poised for a counterattack. The expression on Murasame’s face showed that she was caught off guard. She had not anticipated this move since this was not Zetta’s usual unique weapon skill that he uses, and now her opponent was outside her attack zone, leaving her with no immediate recourse.

As soon as the speed effect buff from Murasame’s skill wore off and the one-second debuff set in, Zetta didn’t waste a single moment. He seized the opportunity. In the blink of an eye, he lunged forward, his rapier flashing with unerring accuracy.

The audience gasped collectively, their voices a symphony of shock and awe as Zetta's rapier connected with Murasame, delivering a critical hit. The sheer speed and ferocity of their exchange left everyone breathless.

A thought crossed my mind, sending chills down my spine. Don’t tell me… Zetta intentionally overextended in the last exchange, baiting Murasame to use her weapon skill with a counter of his own?!

“Sis!” Hana cried out, and I could feel the pain and worry in her voice with the sudden turn of events.

It was a move of sheer brilliance and precision, one that no ordinary player could pull off. A skilled player might have managed to dodge the strike to the best of their abilities, but Zetta had teleported to the exact distance needed to evade Murasame’s strike zone and then executed a flawless counterattack right after her weapon skill lost its effect with maximum efficiency.

The precision of his movements was astonishing. It was the perfect plan to counter a strong burst-type weapon skill like Murasame’s. To execute it so flawlessly on his first fight against her and in the grand final of the most important tournament of all, with all the added pressure, proved beyond doubt that he truly deserved to be called the strongest duelist in the world.

“Holy Sh—! I mean, what a play! Only the strongest duelist could devise a perfect solution to counter an overpowered weapon skill like hers by using a normal positioning skill to its absolute perfection! It reinforces the saying that even a stick could be a lethal weapon to a sword master!” the caster exclaimed, his voice filled with shock and admiration at the outplay.

Due to both players’ stats being heavily focused on offense while lacking in the defense department, the critical hit was devastating. Murasame’s HP plummeted to zero in an instant.

Murasame

HP: 0%

“You don’t rightfully deserve the title of the strongest female player if that’s all you have,” Zetta declared.

His voice carried a tone of finality as if his actions had proven his point beyond any doubt. He left Murasame speechless before she vanished into blue motes of light, signifying her defeat.

Hana, who stood beside me, was visibly shaken. It was probably the first time she had ever seen her cherished sister lose in a one-on-one duel. The pain and disbelief in her eyes were evident.

I was no exception. I, too, was in awe of their performance, my mind reeling from the sheer skill and intensity displayed by both players in their duel.

Still, this is troubling for our organization. Now that Murasame has been eliminated from the fight, I don’t think Team Atelier could win the first game.