Josh's phone alarm blared, jolting him awake with a start. He groggily fumbled for his device, yearning to silence the relentless noise. As his eyes adjusted to the screen's blinding light, he found himself staring at a serene image of a sunrise over the ocean, accompanied by the following text:

Friday 26 August

08:24

ALARM

Snooze

Stop

Late. He had overslept! Hastily dropping the phone, he sprang out of bed and scanned the room. It was a modest hotel room with a small television fixed on the wall opposite the bed. In one corner, his exam notes sprawled across a desk, next to an open laptop. The screen played a video from the previous night titled 'Full series, T1 vs G2 League of Legends World Finals 2032.' Suddenly, text flashed on the screen proclaiming 'PENTAKILL,' as Fader, the reigning world champion, decimated the entire enemy team with a dazzling display of skill.

"AND FADER WILL LEAD THE TEAM TO ANOTHER WORLD CHAM--!" Josh cut off the commentator, slamming the laptop shut, stuffing it into his bag, and hurrying out of the hotel room.

The gravity of the situation hit him hard. He couldn't believe he had overslept on such a momentous day. Today marked the entrance exam for the prestigious King's eSports Academy's League of Legends eSports program. Invitations to these exams were exclusively extended to students scouted by the institute, which even covered their accommodation and transportation expenses. Against his expectations, Josh had received an invitation. Despite the academy's prestige, the exams and tests remained shrouded in secrecy. In his preparation, Josh had searched diligently for any information about the tests but found nothing. The only clue he stumbled upon was a six-year-old Reddit post from a now-deleted account, which simply stated, "AN impossible exam to prepare for?! KEA's exam is stupid."

Stepping out of the hotel, Josh couldn't resist but pause, taking a fleeting moment to absorb his surroundings. It was his first ever visit to London, and upon his late arrival, the darkness of the night had hindered his ability to fully appreciate the city's essence. Nevertheless, he was aware of the city's transformation from its iconic historic and rustic charm to a realm of futuristic, cutting-edge architecture that now graced its streets. The buildings stood as a harmonious fusion of brick, glass, and steel, decorated with sleek digital screens and billboards that defied gravity in their innovative designs and strategic placements. Everywhere he looked, advertisements for games and gaming products pervaded the cityscape, featuring highlights from a wide array of gaming experiences and renowned players like Shift and Ninez. Since the dawn of 2020, eSports had transcended boundaries, becoming a global phenomenon, and London, as the pinnacle and capital of eSports, embraced it wholeheartedly. Caught off guard by the dazzling display, Josh reminded himself of his tardiness and swiftly descended a flight of stairs, his destination fixed on the tube.

The tube, London's futuristic lifeline, propelled Josh through the city's labyrinth of underground passages. A web of sleek and streamlined trains whisked passengers from one corner of the metropolis to another in mere minutes. Inside the carriages, the conventional windows had given way to digital screens that flanked the sides of each train. These ever-shifting displays seamlessly transitioned from displaying train schedules to showcasing the latest blockbuster movies, and then seamlessly transformed into an eSports haven, presenting a dynamic schedule of thrilling gaming tournaments for the week. Amidst the mesmerizing digital symphony, Josh found himself squeezing into an already jam-packed carriage.

“Sorry”, Josh sputtered as he elbowed a man dressed in a full suit towards his right and pushed through a group of younger students on his left to enter deeper into the train.

He struggled to read his notes as he raised the pieces of paper closer to his face. As a game that he’s been playing since he was young, League of Legends information came easy to him. The game is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) and was the most popular eSport in the gaming world, only matched by Valorant. The game features two teams of champions which clash on a battlefield with 3 lanes and jungle paths. With over 160 champions, each with their own unique abilities and skills, each team has to work together to destroy the opposing team’s Nexus which is the core building located in their base. Champions are categorized into different roles, some in multiple; top laner, mid laner, jungler, attack damage carry (ADC), and support, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The players have to work together to coordinate different strategies, control neutral objectives and engage in team fights to defeat their opponents. With its worldwide player base, each individual can participate in ranked online battles and gain league points (LP) to increase their rank. The ranks range from Iron to Challenger;

1. Iron

2. Bronze

3. Silver

4. Gold

5. Platinum

6. Diamond

7. Master

8. Grandmaster

9. Challenger

Each rank from Iron to Diamond is further split into 4 divisions. To get to Silver 4 for example, a player ranked in Bronze 3 has to be promoted from their current division to Bronze 2 to Bronze 1 and finally complete their placement matches to reach Silver 4. Master, Grandmaster and Challenger are the top 3 ranks within the game and can only be reached by less than 1% of the player base - the Zenith. Unlike the other ranks, there are no divisions and promotion and demotion is more fluid. Upon promotion to Master from Diamond 1, your aim is to continuously win games and gain LP until you overtake other Zenith players. Every 24 hours, the leaderboard is refreshed and reorders all the Apex players into their respectful tier. Josh was currently ranked in Diamond 2 - the minimum requirement needed to join the prestigious KEA.

Josh shuffled through his exam notes, scanning the papers and hoping that all the information would somehow stick. As a regular player of the game, he thought he already knew most, if not, all the higher-level mechanics within the game. Unsure of what type of exam this was, his strategy was to research every patch note since 2026 and memorize the strongest champions to draft, which objectives to prioritize, and what items were best on every champion (dependent on the enemy matchup) at any given time. He would create fantasy scenarios in his head that tested the flimsy bits of knowledge that he had in his brain.

‘It's season 16. The enemy team draft is Garen Top, Khazix Jungle, Zoe Mid, Jhin ADC, and Nautilus Support. What would be the optimum draft?’

It seemed that the more he tried to cram information in, the more that the other pieces of information he had revised would rush out. After 20 minutes of cramped revision, his train arrived at his intended destination.

“This is Liverpool Street. Change here for the Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines, and National Rail services. This is a Central line train to West Ruislip”, the sound of a recorded announcer played as he followed the flow of people out of the carriage.

As Josh stepped into Liverpool Street Station, he was instantly immersed in a pulsating world of gamer paradise. The bustling concourse was adorned with massive LED screens, each showcasing vibrant ads for the latest gaming releases and virtual reality experiences. Giant holographic displays projected larger-than-life characters from popular video games, captivating the attention of passersby with their epic battles and stunning landscapes.

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The soundscape of the station reverberated with the symphony of gaming. Overhead speakers blared the energetic soundtracks of beloved game franchises, and excited chatter filled the air as gamers exchanged tips and strategies. The walls were covered in artwork inspired by iconic gaming scenes, from pixelated classics to the most cutting-edge virtual realms.

As Josh made his way through the station, he couldn't help but notice the gaming-themed shops and cafes that lined the space. One store boasted towering shelves filled with collector's editions, limited-edition consoles, and merchandise featuring beloved gaming characters. Gamers gathered around the latest game demos, eagerly testing their skills and engaging in friendly competitions.

In the center of the station, a colossal interactive display showcased a League of Legends game in progress. Spectators gathered around, their eyes glued to the massive screen as players fought in an intense virtual battle. Cheers erupted as the gamers executed jaw-dropping moves and strategic maneuvers, turning the station into an electrifying arena of gaming enthusiasm.

Even the station's architecture embraced the gamer culture. Colorful neon lights hugged the pillars, casting an otherworldly glow reminiscent of gaming arcades. The ticket gates had pixel art murals, paying homage to gaming's retro roots. Gamified information screens guided passengers with playful animations and catchy sound effects, making the mundane task of checking train schedules an enjoyable experience.

Liverpool Street Station had become a haven for gamers, a bustling hub where virtual worlds collided with reality. As Josh navigated through the vibrant crowds, he couldn't help but feel the palpable excitement in the air. It was a testament to the city's embrace of gaming as a cultural phenomenon, creating an immersive environment that celebrated the artistry, creativity, and camaraderie found within the gaming community.

A realization struck Josh like a lightning bolt: he was still late for the exam. Hastily, he glanced at his watch for confirmation: 8:40. The exam had commenced a full ten minutes earlier, at 8:30, and his maps app indicated that the venue was a ten-minute walk from the station. Ignoring the bustling crowds, he sprinted out of the station with determination.

As he ran through the winding streets of London, the gamer-centric ambiance gradually faded away, giving way to a different atmosphere altogether. The towering glass and steel structures transformed into elegant Victorian-era buildings, proudly displaying intricate architectural details. The futuristic digital screens and billboards were replaced by classic shop signs, decorated with traditional fonts and hand-painted artwork.

Josh's breaths became heavier as he approached the venue. It stood at the end of a cobblestone street, emanating an air of grandeur and history. The building, a stately Georgian mansion, stood as a testament to the city's rich heritage. Its majestic façade boasted tall columns, ornate windows, and a grand entrance with intricately carved wooden doors.

The surrounding area exuded a serene charm. Lush green gardens framed the mansion, while a wrought-iron fence embraced the property, evoking a sense of elegance and exclusivity. The sound of passing traffic was replaced by the distant chirping of birds, and the hustle and bustle of the city seemed worlds away. As Josh approached the entrance, he took a moment to compose himself, appreciating the juxtaposition between the futuristic gaming haven he had just left and the timeless beauty that now surrounded him. A quick check of his watch showed that he was 16 minutes late. With a deep breath, he pushed open the grand doors and stepped into the venue, prepared to face the exam with unwavering determination.

Inside, as Josh entered the venue, he found himself stepping into a grand reception room. The air was hushed, and the space exuded an aura of formality and elegance. A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow that illuminated the room. Rich tapestries hung on the walls, depicting scenes from London's storied history.

Standing at a polished wooden reception desk was a receptionist lady dressed impeccably in a tailored suit. Her poised demeanor matched the regal ambiance of the room. As Josh approached, a slight smile graced her lips, and she greeted him with a courteous nod.

"Good morning. May I have your proof of exam registration, please?" she asked in a professional tone.

Josh hurriedly retrieved his documents, presenting them to the receptionist. She carefully examined the paperwork, ensuring everything was in order, before recording his name on a piece of paper with elegant penmanship.

"Thank you," she said, her voice soft yet authoritative. "I must inform you that as you arrived late for the exam, there will be a penalty applied to your exam score. Your allotted time of 2 hours will also be reduced accordingly. The exam will conclude at 10:30."

Josh nodded, understanding the consequences of his tardiness. The receptionist continued, offering more details about the exam.

"The exam room you'll be directed to may have a slightly different ambiance," she said mysteriously. "Not everyone you encounter in the room will be an examinee. It has been designed to create an environment that may be a bit unexpected. However, your task is quite simple: be yourself and play."

Josh furrowed his brow, puzzled by her words. "Be myself and play?" he repeated, seeking clarification.

The receptionist offered a gentle smile, her eyes sparkling with a hint of intrigue. "Indeed," she replied cryptically. "Remember, sometimes the simplest instructions hold the most profound meaning. I trust you will navigate the exam with your unique perspective."

Curiosity piqued, Josh wanted to inquire further, but the receptionist's expression remained enigmatic, leaving him with a sense of mystery. Instead, he chose to focus on the task ahead and the clues embedded within her words.

"Thank you for the information," he said, grateful for the guidance.

The receptionist nodded, her gaze unwavering. "Best of luck with your exam. Make the most of the time you have," she advised, her tone encouraging.

Josh bid her farewell and turned to leave. However, before he could make his way toward the exam room, the receptionist interjected with one final piece of information.

"Your exam room is located on the second floor. Simply head upstairs and down the corridor. Look for the door labeled St Joseph. That's where you'll find your exam taking place."

Josh nodded, grateful for the specific instructions. "Thank you for your assistance," he replied, noting the room name in his mind.

"You're welcome," the receptionist replied with a nod. "Now, go and seize the opportunity that awaits you."

With a renewed sense of purpose, Josh set off toward the staircase, ready to conquer the challenges that lay ahead in the mysterious exam room. He couldn't help but wonder about the significance of the room name, St Joseph, and how it tied into the enigmatic nature of the exam. As he ascended the stairs, his anticipation grew, fueling his determination to face whatever awaited him behind the door labeled with that intriguing name.

Following the receptionist's directions, Josh ascended the staircase, his footsteps echoing through the corridors. The grandeur of the surroundings remained, but there was a sense of anticipation in the air. As he walked, he couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in the atmosphere. The walls seemed to whisper with hidden stories, and a soft glow emanated from the doorways he passed.

Approaching the corridor, Josh felt a mixture of nerves and excitement. The name "St Joseph" stood out on a nearby door, beckoning him closer. He took a deep breath, steadying himself for what lay beyond. This was the moment he had been preparing for, the culmination of his efforts and dedication.

With a determined expression on his face, Josh stood before the door, his hand hovering over the handle. The mystery and potential of the exam room awaited him, and he could almost sense the energy pulsating from within. The final moments before entering were filled with anticipation, as he prepared to embark on a journey that would test his skills and reveal new depths within himself.

With a surge of determination, Josh grasped the doorknob and prepared to step into the enigmatic realm of St Joseph. The door creaked open, revealing a glimpse of what lay beyond. His heart raced, ready to embrace the challenges, surprises, and possibilities that awaited him on the other side.

~o~

Acronyms to know:

MOBA - Multiplayer Online Battle Arena

LP - League points

ADC - Attack Damage Carry

KEA - King’s eSports Academy