The 2021 Glory Pro League Season Seven officially kicked off. The opening match was a showdown between the Season Six champion and runner-up: Blue Rain vs. Tiny Herb.
(PS: According to the original story, the champion should face a newly joined team, but I couldn't find one, so I arranged a champion–runner-up match.)
Samsara's first opponent was Hundred Blossoms, a team filled with regret.
Their captain, Zhang Jiale, using Hundred Blossoms Dazzle, had reached the finals twice—only to lose both times.
"Hello everyone, I'm today's commentator Pan Lin. Sitting next to me is Director Li, former Tyranny player Li Yibo."
"Hello everyone, I'm Li Yibo."
"Today's match is between Samsara, who made the top eight last season but got knocked out in the first round, and Hundred Blossoms, who reached the semifinals."
"In terms of roster changes, Hundred Blossoms has two rookies debuting today: Zou Yuan, a Demolitionist, and Tang Hao, a Brawler."
"As for Samsara, they've promoted a training camp player to the main roster—Zhou Yichen, a Battle Mage."
"Director Li, which team do you think will get today's opening win?" Pan Lin asked.
"I'm leaning toward Hundred Blossoms. Compared to Samsara, I think their tactical system is more complete. Plus, they have Zhang Jiale as a stable core, so I'm more optimistic about Hundred Blossoms."
"Really? I disagree with Director Li. I'm more optimistic about Samsara."
"Since bringing in Jiang Botao last season, Samsara has gone through half a season of adjustment. Even though they lost in the playoffs, their teamwork improved."
"As long as they make good use of Zhou Zekai as a sharp blade, Samsara will be a very scary team."
"Alright, viewers, you're now watching Week One of Season Seven—Samsara vs. Hundred Blossoms, at Hundred Blossoms' home ground."
"In the first round of the solo match, both sides send out rookies. Samsara has Zhou Yichen, Battle Mage Yiyu Stardust. Hundred Blossoms has Tang Hao, Brawler Deliro."
"The map is City Streets. Wow, this is a map that's all about mechanics."
"We can see both sides rushing straight toward the center. No stalling—are they going to fight immediately?"
Rookies like you will be stepping stones on my road to the championship, Tang Hao thought.
"They've met. Yiyu Stardust makes the first move. Deliro counterattacks, but the range isn't enough. One inch longer really is one inch stronger."
"Deliro throws a poison needle, but Yiyu Stardust twists aside and avoids it."
Deliro closed in on Yiyu Stardust, one hand moving behind his back to prepare a paralysis needle. But Yiyu Stardust caught the detail.
The instant the paralysis needle flew out, Yiyu Stardust used Sky Strike, launching Deliro into the air. Deliro was in danger—air combo into four consecutive thrusts, a clean chain.
I'm going to get comboed to death! Deliro thought.
Luckily, Deliro activated the Fighter skill Iron Body in time and broke free.
"Damn it, that's disgusting!" Tang Hao slammed the desk after letting go of the mouse.
Even as he cursed, he quickly grabbed the mouse again. His hands never stopped moving. Sand Toss followed, aiming to blind Yiyu Stardust.
Yiyu Stardust turned and dodged the sand. Deliro closed in with Chokehold, followed by a Knee Strike that knocked Yiyu Stardust back. Yiyu Stardust stabbed forward with his spear, but Deliro grabbed the shaft.
Deliro kicked at Yiyu Stardust. Yiyu Stardust blocked with the handle, and Deliro used the weapon to pull himself closer.
Deliro launched Overlord Chain Punches and a powered Knee Strike, trying to overwhelm Yiyu Stardust with constant pressure. Yiyu Stardust pulled his weapon back and dodged the grab, but still got knocked back by the knee.
Yiyu Stardust's HP kept dropping. But when Deliro followed with an Elbow Strike, Yiyu Stardust seized the opening.
Dragon Tooth landed, stunning Deliro. With Iron Body still on cooldown, Sky Strike followed, launching him again.
This time, Yiyu Stardust didn't let him go. Air combo into Violent Dragon Charge, Furious Dragon Pierces the Heart, and finally Soaring Dragon Takeoff to finish it.
A clean combo—Deliro was taken out.
"This kid's not bad. Why did he debut with Samsara? What a waste. If he were at Excellent Era, that'd be perfect," Ye Qiu said, watching the match.
He originally just wanted to see if there was anything new. Instead, he found a hidden gem.
"If he can keep this level throughout the season, Samsara will be terrifying. They've fixed their frontal damage problem."
"Let's congratulate Yiyu Stardust and Samsara on securing the opening win. The current score is 1–0. Samsara takes the early lead."