Tapping sound of keys reverberated across the room as one man endeavor to do a successful series of techniques inside a game, otherwise known within the gaming terminology as a combo.

The systematic noise made by the keyboard and along with the tap of his swift hands, made the noise turn into a harmonious melody. But not long after, the melodic sequence gradually broke down and then eventually stopped.

Banging the desk with a loud thud, Alvin shouted, "Damnit!"

If one were to look closely on what was being displayed on the monitor, showing multiple vibrant colors from inside the game, they would know exactly the reason.

On the screen showed an overtly emphasized "Lose" while colored a bright red, and with his character, named Receptionist, revealed lying helplessly on the ground. Also which then goes without saying, drenched in a small puddle of its own blood.

For such a beautiful performance ended up as a loss, one would wonder why. Of course, from the general perspective, hardly anyone would be able to discern the problem due to the lack of in-depth knowledge. But as for the experienced, namely professionals, they could name at least two.

One was the repetitive choices of moves, which was stagnant. This left many chances and opportunity for the opponent to exploit and counter upon. Second, was the complication on his left hand. During halfway through the match he lost momentum due to his handicap as the battle progressed faster. Alvin tried his hardest to re-stabilize, but with the poor condition of his left hand, he was unable to keep up with the pace nor defend himself, resulting into becoming a punching bag for the enemy for the rest of the duel.

Alvin was very much aware of this fact, which made him all the more angered.

The first problem was easy to fix, but for the other one, he honestly didn't know. He could try and adjust his mechanics to suit his current state, but his career was already reaching past beyond its prime. By the time he got accustomed to a new style would be the moment he had already spelled a retirement. Plus, there were also some possibilities and risks that his transition wouldn't go too well, crippling his playstyle.

Pondering about all these things made him completely disgruntled. Then, as if pouring salt onto his open wounds, a courteous knock came from the door.

"Damnit..." Alvin could only weakly repeat the same word, guessing the person standing behind the entrance.

Without waiting for his permission to enter, the knob turned and the door opened shortly after.

"What are you here for?" he asked, even though he already knew why the manager personally came to visit in such a late hour.

The reason was very simple, and that was because—

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"Alvin, let me be frank with you. With your degrading performance and the ongoing decline, this team naturally doesn't have any spot for you." the club manager said in a cold voice. Although it sounded harsh, if one were to listen more attentively, it was slightly apparent that her ruthless words, in fact, was laced with a heartbreaking tone.

"That means from this day forward, you are no longer a part of Jabberwock. Basically, consider yourself fired by the upper management," she continued after pausing for a short while.

Alvin's hand formed into a fist as it slightly trembled. Regardless of the fact of his awareness that the manager's cold treatment was merely a facade, he couldn't help but feel contempt. After all, it has been several years since they've been working under the same team, and it was her which introduced him to this club. How ironic that she would be the same person to kick him out!

Originally, he had steeled himself for this moment, so he was able to immediately calm down right after. It was that he couldn't fully prepare in one go, which made him go a bit sentimental.

."Do I have to surrender the account now?" Alvin responded with nonchalance. Getting fired in the pro scene is equivalent to having your career die, making him no longer feel obligated to feign up politeness. However, the consequence for retiring is much more lenient, as it only gave 5 months penalty of suspension before being able to join the league again after the announcement. He felt that he should've done the latter instead of being so stubborn, because there was still a chance to make a comeback.

"No need." the club manager said and followed it shortly after, "I've arranged it so that you'll be able to keep your account."

Alvin was very stunned by this. He might have spent years with the account even before he came to terms with the management, but after he had sign the contract, naturally the rights were forfeited unconditionally to the club. To retain ownership after getting fired, how can he not get happy?

However, that was not the case. Rather, he felt shame welling up. For an old account such as Receptionist held a great value in the market, especially for the fact that it has a maxed-out equipment and great popularity among the game's enthusiasts, making it a valuable asset. Sadly, the original owner wasn't able to keep up with this specifications, which contributed to the loss of its glory for a considerable amount. But even so, Alvin could not begin to fathom what great lengths did she went through just to be able to do this. A powerful account is still a powerful account, while popularity can be gained anytime. 

Even managers has its limits! Alvin thought as he complained inwardly.

"Just treat it as my parting gift, don't sweat the small stuff!" the club manager said, smiling weakly. 

Even though faint, it was the most sincerest expression he had seen from the manager. Feeling relieved that he wasn't betrayed, his heart suddenly tightened. A moment ago he was cursing her along with his misfortune, and after seeing all she have done, how can shame not bite him now?

"I guess you have my thanks." Alvin meekly responded, embarrassed to show his true feelings.

The club manager chuckled, knowing full well what was going inside his head. 

Alvin didn't say any thing more once he's done logging out of the game. Just as he was about to leave for the exit, the manager urged her to stay for a couple of months before setting out. 

Feeling grateful enough, "I wouldn't want to bother you anymore," said Alvin with a self-depreciating tone. "And besides, I wouldn't be able to focus my time to prepare for my comeback with you hanging around." he haughtily proclaimed, his back facing the manager.

Now it was the turn for the club manager to be stunned. How can he find a suitable team after getting fired? Is what was tumbling upon her mind. But he knew, full of confidence, that it will definitely happen.