The morning of the team competition dawned crisp and clear. The arena, a vast expanse of green field surrounded by a towering amphitheater, was alive with the energy of the crowd. Each region, resplendent in their colorful uniforms, was eager to showcase their strength and claim victory.
The Northern team, their spirits high after the successful training session, awaited their opponent. The draw determined their first match against the Eastern region, a team renowned for their swiftness and agility. No one famous was present on the Eastern team, but the presence of a powerful Champion was rumored to be lurking in their ranks.
Both teams shook hands and stared at the projection in the middle of the arena. The referee announced the first challenge: a total elimination match. The arena projected a random stage, a bustling cityscape with abandoned buildings, perfect for cover for covert and long-range classes. Everyone was randomly teleported within the arena, separated from their teammates, and left to either camp or go on the offensive. Jim found himself on the eastern side of the arena, with only a vague map showing the boundaries but no indication of enemy or friendly locations.
As the competition began, Jim cautiously moved through the urban landscape, his senses heightened, his mana flowing through him like a silent river. He encountered a lone Eastern warrior, a nimble rogue moving with fluid grace. The rogue launched a surprise attack, a flurry of daggers raining down on Jim.
Jim, reacting instinctively, deflected the incoming daggers with a swift movement of his sword, creating a shimmering shield of mana. He then counterattacked, unleashing a barrage of mana needles that pierced the rogue's defenses. The rogue, caught off guard, stumbled back, clutching his wounds.
Jim pressed his advantage, moving with swift precision, his every move calculated and controlled. He activated his mana blade, a shimmering crescent moon of energy arcing through the air, and followed it up with a volley of mana needles, creating a whirlwind of deadly projectiles that overwhelmed the rogue.
The rogue, overwhelmed by Jim's skill and the ferocity of his attacks, was quickly defeated.
The Bishops outside the arena took note of Jim's strength. "That was impressive," one Bishop murmured to another. "That young man has a bright future."
As Jim moved deeper into the arena, he reached the center of the map. He activated his mana zone, not for offensive purposes, but for situational awareness. He had learned from the Ajax raid that the mana zone could be used for supportive roles, such as detecting enemies and allies within a certain radius.
He quickly located Giant Axe engaged in a fierce battle with two opponents. He was tanking fairly well, but his health was slowly being chipped away. At this rate, he may hold on for about five minutes if nothing serious happened. Jim quickly wrote a message on the ground, "Head to center," and then activated his enhanced speed, sprinting towards Giant Axe's location.
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Giant Axe, noticing the message, immediately abandoned his frontal defense and started running towards the center of the map as instructed.
Jim, while running, sensed Link's presence northwest of Giant Axe. He quickly wrote another message on the ground, directing Link to prepare for a pincer attack as Giant Axe closed in on his position. Link, understanding the plan, readied his weapons.
The pincer attack was executed flawlessly. Jim, with his enhanced speed and agility, flanked the enemies, while Giant Axe charged head-on. The enemies, caught between two forces, were quickly overwhelmed and defeated. Priest Grandis, who had been observing the situation fought off the last enemy in the southern region of the map.
The Northern team emerged victorious from the first encounter, their teamwork and coordination proving to be a formidable force.
The crowd outside the arena, initially impressed by Jim's individual prowess, were now beginning to understand the true strength of the Northern team. Their teamwork, their strategic thinking, and their unwavering resolve made them a force to be reckoned with.
There was an hour break before the next region's match, giving the teams a chance to rest and prepare for the upcoming challenges.
The hour-long break provided a welcome respite. Jim, despite the adrenaline still coursing through his veins, took the opportunity to meditate, focusing on calming his mind and replenishing his mana.
Priest Grandis, her eyes closed in meditation, added, "We must remain calm and observant. We must anticipate their every move, and be prepared to adapt to any situation."
The break ended, and the teams prepared for the final round of the team competition for southern region against the Western region. The Western team, a formidable group of warriors, entered the arena with a confident swagger. Their leader, a stoic warrior named Kale, exuded an aura of power and authority.
The challenge this time was a test of teamwork and resourcefulness. The teams were tasked with navigating a treacherous labyrinth, overcoming a series of deadly traps and puzzles all while working to eliminate the other team.
The Western team, with their cunning and strategic brilliance, proved to be a formidable opponent. They moved with a precision and coordination that rivaled the southern team, expecting every trap set for them. Ultimately the southern team lost fight. There was nothing that stood out between the battle and most of the damage were done by traps set by the stage. As night fell, the team finals were set tomorrow. Jim logged off for the day to relax and check the internet forums for anything interesting.
A couple of clicks into the forum and the Christmas Bowl was a hot topic despite people not personally fighting, there was a betting stage on who would be the team champion for the first challenge. Jim was intrigued and the bets were sealed with Champion in game contracts. Jim was interested and bet everything he had on the northern team to win. So far the bets were 50/50 with a 5% commission to the game. Players were excited as they compared battle videos to see what the true odds for tomorrow’s final are. Jim didn’t think much of it and went to sleep.