Click, click, click, tap, tap…
Her sword-like, beautiful, thin eyebrows furrowed as her two nimble hands fluttered across the keyboard and mouse like an uncontrollable storm.
These uncoordinated, clumsy movements could only be done by someone attempting to overturn a desperate situation. She was trying every possible way to move the character and potentially turn the tables. However, her actions were nothing but futile resistance.
A streak of thin blood appeared on the screen after the male avatar performed a spear thrust—a skill called "Dragon Tooth"—ending her life after a one-sided beating.
"GLORY!"
Another loss. Her beautiful purple eyes had seen this word many times already. Despite the consecutive defeats, her determination didn't waver.
"One more match! " Tang Rou shouted eagerly. She was about to place another 100 yuan bet but paused. Staring at her empty wallet, her delicate hands clutched it tightly. Little Tang couldn't go for another round; she had no money left.
"Finally run out of money? Haha," Ye Xiu said. He was Tang Rou's opponent and the cause of this commotion. He had been killing her mercilessly for many rounds.
*This guy's waiting for me to run out of money?* Seeing him mock her, Tang Rou's fighting spirit burned even brighter. "Then wait for me to get more! " she said and left.
"Wait, Little Tang! " Chen Guo, the Internet café owner, chased after her. She knew Tang Rou's personality well after working with her for almost two years. Tang Rou wouldn't stop until she had successfully beaten Ye Xiu in a match.
But the possibility of that happening was slim. The difference in their skills was clear—Tang Rou was like a toddler entering a boxing match against prime Mike Tyson (Ye Xiu).
Although retired, Ye Xiu was still the number one expert in Glory, known as Glory's Textbook and Battle God. He wasn't only a person who knew the ins and outs of the game but also an expert at combat itself. On the other hand, Tang Rou was just a random newbie with good hand speed.
The difference between their skills was as clear as day. However, she had a tendency to go against difficult situations; the harder the challenge, the more determined she became to overcome it. Knowing she didn't stand a chance only made her more eager to try—regardless of the outcome.
"What reckless behavior! " That was all he thought upon seeing the situation. Ye Xiu didn't admire this sort of recklessness.
Even Chen Guo didn't approve. She was a good friend of Tang Rou and knew her temperament well. If she let her continue, Tang Rou might lose all her savings and still fail to defeat Ye Xiu. As the one responsible for setting up the match, Chen Guo had to stop Little Tang at all costs.
Although her intentions weren't bad—she only wanted them to spar so Tang Rou could experience the essence of Glory—the goal was achieved, but the outcome was unacceptable.
Watching her leave in a hurry, Ye Xiu let out a tired sigh. To be honest, he wasn't after her money. Taking money from someone who barely knew how to play Glory? If word got out, as a former professional and the God of Glory, he would become a laughingstock and a disgrace.
"Finally… it's over…"
Once again, he sighed. Ye Xiu planned to log out and head to the smoking area. As for his winnings, he would return them to Little Tang when she came back.
"For now, I should head to the smoking area," he mumbled. But before Ye Xiu could log out, someone interrupted his motion.
"Wait a minute, mister…" a voice said.
A slender and beautiful hand hovered over his Glory card device, intercepting his hand before it could touch the card.
The sudden movement caught his peripheral vision. As someone with sharp eyesight, Ye Xiu didn't miss such a deliberate action. He turned his head and met a boy with messy, bob-cut brown hair. The boy wore a black tracksuit outlined with red—similar to an eSports uniform—and a white cap that covered his face, revealing only his pinkish lips and chin.
"…Do you need something? " Ye Xiu asked politely.
The boy's lips curved into a faint smile. He reached into his pocket and showed Ye Xiu a Glory account card with his slender hand.
"How about fighting me instead? I won't take much of your time—just a single round. As for the bet, let's keep it the same as that woman: 100 yuan," he said, poking his cheek playfully.
The speaker was none other than Tang Ron. He had witnessed everything from start to finish. Upon arriving at the café, what caught his attention was Chen Guo's shouting as she gave Tang Rou commands and explanations about skills.
Curious about the commotion, he was impressed by Ye Xiu's impeccable mechanics and control. He had also seen Tang Rou's hand speed. Although it was incredible for most players—even earning Ye Xiu's praise—Ron considered her APM mediocre. His attention was solely focused on Ye Xiu and his character, Lord Grim.
They say it takes an expert to recognize another. Ron decided he wanted to compare skills with Ye Xiu. As for Tang Rou—yes, she was actually his older sister—but he didn't recognize her. Ron had a valid excuse: it had been so long since they last saw each other.
During that time, a lot had happened, and he barely remembered her. In fact, he might have even forgotten he had a sister. If Tang Rou heard that, she would be heartbroken.
As for whether Ye Xiu would accept or not—that depended on him. Ron expressed his sincerity by showing a first-generation card, similar to the one Ye Xiu held. If Ye Xiu was truly the expert Ron believed him to be, he would understand the meaning behind the gesture.
Of course, Ye Xiu noticed the first-generation card. Although he was slightly tired, his interest was piqued. Besides, he would get another 100 yuan—who would refuse free money?
"Sure, I'll create a fixed-field room," he said with a smile.
"Okay. I'll register at the counter first," Ron replied and left.
Once done, he returned to ask Ye Xiu for the room number and password. When everything was set, he headed to the second floor—an area reserved for VIP players.
Ye Xiu waited while checking his character, Lord Grim. He was still standing in the arena when he heard a notification that someone had joined the room.
"He's here…" Ye Xiu didn't start the match immediately. Instead, he scouted his opponent first.
"A blank name? " He was momentarily stunned. In the gaming community, everyone had different tastes, but they generally fell into three types: cultured, uncultured, and eccentric.
Cultured players always gave their characters meaningful names—like his One Autumn Leaf and Lord Grim, though he hadn't chosen them himself. Others chose random or meaningless names, while eccentrics used bizarre ones that only made sense to them.
This blank name was one such example. Names usually existed to distinguish one from many, leaving a lasting impression. But a blank name? Oddly enough, it stood out by being easily forgotten.
"I'm ready…" Ye Xiu heard another notification from Ron.
"I'm ready," he replied in the chat box.
"What about the map? " Ye Xiu asked.
"Random," Ron answered.
"Okay…" Ye Xiu replied.
Without further ado, Ye Xiu started the game. The random map was set—it was the smallest open-area map. There was only the sea and a blue sky with clouds. No hiding places, just an open field, which made things difficult for Ron.
The match began, but neither attacked immediately. Ye Xiu studied his opponent's character. Ron was using an assassin, but without any equipment—yes, completely unequipped. Other than the assassin's dagger and hooded cloak that hid his face, there was nothing else.
"What is this…? "