Ethan stumbled into his room, dropping his bag near the door with a tired sigh. His body screamed for sleep, but his mind was already tugging him in a different direction. He glanced at his VR headset, its sleek design gleaming invitingly in the soft light of his room.

"Just a little while," he muttered to himself. "I’ll log in, do some grinding, and then I’ll rest."

With that flimsy excuse, he booted up Rebirth Online.

______

As Ethan logged in, he felt a wave of comfort wash over him. His avatar materialized in the bustling in-game town, and the familiar background music played, soothing his frayed nerves. Despite his exhaustion, the thought of leveling up his new healer class kept him motivated.

He queued up a few quests and headed out into the wild zones. His first encounters were disastrous.

Swinging his dagger at a low-level goblin, Ethan misjudged the timing and ended up getting smacked in the face with the goblin's crude club. His health dropped alarmingly, forcing him to spam his healing ability to stay alive.

"Damn it," Ethan muttered, his sluggish reaction time making it difficult to dodge incoming attacks. "Why is everything so slow today?"

Despite his struggles, something unusual began to happen. Each fight was messy and clumsy, but with every encounter, Ethan noticed his experience bar moving faster than expected. His healer class came with a buff that granted increased experience gain from surviving near-death situations and assisting allies, even if those allies were just NPCs.

After an hour of awkward combat and questionable decision-making, Ethan found himself leveling up at a surprising rate.

“Guess even being bad at this class has its perks,” he said wryly, slumping back in his chair during a loading screen.

His new skills began to fill out his arsenal. He unlocked Lesser Shield, a spell that added a temporary buffer to his health, and Rejuvenation Touch, a healing-over-time ability that helped him survive longer fights. Though he was struggling now, Ethan could see the potential of his class shining through.

Ethan’s fingers hovered over his keyboard as the screen transitioned back to the main town hub. He rubbed his temples, feeling the strain of his sloppy gameplay. Still, despite how messy his fights had been, he couldn’t deny the sense of accomplishment that came with leveling up and gaining new skills for his healer class.

“Maybe I should call it a day,” he muttered. But his curiosity got the better of him, and instead of logging out, he clicked over to the in-game forums. It was his routine now, checking for updates or tips from other players. He wasn’t expecting much—a new shop sale, maybe some random bug fixes—but the moment the page loaded, his screen was overtaken by a bold banner.

MEGA BOSS RAID: THE FALLEN TITAN

Ethan blinked at the announcement, the image of a massive, grotesque figure wielding a glowing mace dominating the top of the page. The words beneath it were just as dramatic:

“Prepare yourselves for the ultimate test of skill and teamwork. The Fallen Titan awakens, and it will take the entire server to bring him down. Are you ready to rise to the challenge?”

Ethan leaned forward, intrigued. As he scrolled, more details unfolded.

* Raid Date: Two weeks from now.

* Location: The Desolate Wastes, an open area accessible to players level 20 and above.

* Mechanics: The Fallen Titan is an unstoppable force, dealing massive AoE (area of effect) damage that requires coordinated shielding and healing to survive.

* Rewards: Unique legendary gear, rare crafting materials, and a permanent achievement for all participants.

Ethan’s eyes lingered on the rewards. Legendary gear, he thought. Even for someone with his experience, items like that weren’t easy to come by. This was the kind of event that could catapult players to fame within the game.

But then his gaze caught on one particular line buried within the description:

“Warning: The Fallen Titan deals overwhelming damage. Success will require exceptional shielding and healing to keep the raid party alive.”

The emphasis on healing and shielding stood out like a neon sign. He rubbed his chin, considering the implications.

“Of course,” he muttered. “They’re practically begging for healers to join this event.”

______

Ethan scrolled down to read the comments section, and it was exactly as he expected—chaos. Players were arguing, speculating, and complaining in equal measure.

“Finally, something that actually challenges us!”

“This boss sounds impossible. How are we supposed to survive constant AoE damage?”

“Didn’t they realize that no one plays healer in this game?”

The last comment resonated with Ethan. It was true—healers were a rare class, almost nonexistent in Rebirth Online. In fact, his own decision to pick the class had been met with skepticism and mockery.

More comments scrolled by:

“We’re doomed. Healers are like unicorns in this game.”

“Calling it now—this event is a flop unless they buff healers or nerf the boss.”

“This is just Rebirth Online’s way of trying to guilt-trip people into playing support classes. Not gonna work on me.”

Ethan smirked. The skepticism was almost amusing. Healers might not be the most popular or flashy class, but he was beginning to appreciate the challenge they posed. And now, with this raid, it seemed like the entire game was about to realize just how vital healers could be.

One comment caught his attention, posted by a player who seemed to have done some digging:

“Did anyone else notice how the timing of this event lines up with the devs releasing a new healer-exclusive skill tree next patch? It’s a ploy to get more people to play healers, but honestly... it’s working.”

“Interesting,” Ethan murmured. The idea of an expanded skill tree was tempting. Healers might have been underappreciated now, but this raid could change that. If he played his cards right, he could help redefine how players viewed the class.

Ethan leaned back in his chair, the possibilities buzzing in his mind. On one hand, this was exactly the kind of large-scale challenge he loved.

It reminded him of his pro gaming days, where strategic teamwork and precise execution were everything.

On the other hand, the stakes felt higher than usual. This wasn’t just about winning—it was about proving the viability of a class that everyone else seemed to think was useless.

“Alright, Fallen Titan,” he said under his breath, a small grin forming. “Let’s see if you’re as tough as they say.”

Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

Even though the raid was still weeks away, Ethan felt a renewed sense of purpose. The path he’d chosen—grueling as it was—suddenly felt like the right one. Sure, healers were rare. Sure, people underestimated them. But that only made success all the more satisfying.

He logged out of the forums and stretched, his body reminding him how tired he was. But as he turned off his computer, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was on the cusp of something extraordinary.

______

While Ethan was enjoying his newfound freedom and immersing himself in Rebirth Online, his former teammates at EPGames were neck-deep in frustration. The once-unbeatable trio—Rupert, the team’s reliable shield tank, Nate, the calculating strategist, and Felix, their quick-tempered DPS—were struggling to adjust to their new reality.

Their new fourth member, a brash and self-proclaimed prodigy named Zane, was proving to be more trouble than he was worth. Zane’s confidence seemed inversely proportional to his ability to work as part of a team. Instead of building rapport with his new teammates, he made it his mission to remind them, at every possible moment, that he was there because he had replaced The Legendary Phoenix.

“Let’s be honest,” Zane said one day after a particularly rough scrim. “You guys needed me. Phoenix was good, sure, but he wasn’t adaptable. Me? I’m the total package. Fast reflexes, unmatched mechanics, and, most importantly, a fresh perspective. No offense, but you guys were stuck in the past.”

Felix’s hand twitched, gripping his mouse tightly. “No offense? You just trashed our captain and called us outdated. How is that no offense?”

Zane shrugged, flashing a smug grin. “Hey, I’m just stating facts. Don’t take it personally. Besides, didn’t we win two rounds yesterday? That’s all thanks to me, by the way.”

Nate adjusted his glasses and leaned back in his chair, his face impassive. “We won those rounds because the other team made careless mistakes, not because of your... ‘genius.’”

“Details, details,” Zane replied, waving him off. “Bottom line? I’m here to carry this team to the top.”

Rupert, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke up. “We’re supposed to be a team, Zane. Not a one-man show. If you can’t see that, we’re never going to get anywhere.”

Zane laughed, leaning back in his chair with an infuriatingly casual air. “Relax, big guy. I’ve got this under control. Just follow my lead, and we’ll be unstoppable.”

The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. It was clear to everyone except Zane that the team dynamic was crumbling. After another disastrous scrim—where Zane went rogue and ignored their strategy, leading to an embarrassing loss—they decided they couldn’t keep going like this.

“Alright, this isn’t working,” Rupert said, slamming his fist on the table during their break. “We need to fix this, and we all know how.”

“You mean...” Nate began, his eyes narrowing.

“Yes,” Rupert confirmed. “We need to bring back Phoenix.”

Felix raised an eyebrow. “Do you really think he’d come back? After everything that happened?”

“We won’t know unless we try,” Rupert replied firmly. “He was the glue that held this team together. Without him, we’re falling apart.”

Nate nodded slowly. “Alright, I’m in. But how do we even contact him? None of us have his number.”

That realization hit them like a truck. Despite spending years as teammates, none of them had ever bothered to forge a personal connection with Ethan. They had always assumed he would be there, a constant presence, and never thought to exchange phone numbers or even check in with him outside of the game.

Felix groaned, running a hand through his hair. “We’re idiots. How did we not think to get his number? He was our captain!”

“We’ll have to go through Alex,” Rupert said after a moment of silence.

Alex, their manager, was the only person they could think of who might have Ethan’s contact information. They approached him after practice, their expressions grim.

“Alex, we need Phoenix’s number,” Rupert said bluntly.

The manager looked up from his tablet, his eyebrows raising. “Why?”

“Because this isn’t working,” Felix interjected. “The new guy’s a nightmare. We need Phoenix back.”

Alex leaned back in his chair, studying them carefully. “I’m not surprised you’re struggling. Replacing someone like Phoenix isn’t easy. But you know I can’t give out his personal information without his consent.”

“Come on, Alex,” Nate said, his tone bordering on desperate. “This is an emergency. We can’t keep going like this.”

Alex shook his head. “Rules are rules. And besides, Ethan made it clear when he left that he doesn’t want to come back. You’d just be wasting your time.”

Rupert clenched his fists, his frustration evident. “Isn’t there anything you can do? You’re our manager. Help us out here.”

Alex’s expression softened, but he remained firm. “If Ethan wants to come back, it has to be his decision. My advice? Figure out how to make things work with Zane.”

As Alex walked away, the trio exchanged defeated looks.

“What now?” Felix muttered, slumping in his chair.

“We’ll figure something out,” Rupert said, though his voice lacked conviction.

Deep down, they all knew their chances of convincing Ethan to return were slim. Without Alex’s help, they had no way of even contacting him. And with each passing day, the gap left by their former captain seemed more impossible to fill. Meanwhile, Zane’s cocky grin only grew wider, blissfully unaware—or uncaring—of the storm brewing within his team.

______

The first official tournament match for Ethan’s former team was supposed to mark a new chapter in their journey. It was their chance to prove that they could thrive without Phoenix and show that Zane, their new teammate, was an asset rather than a liability. Unfortunately, reality had other plans.

From the very beginning of the match, Zane’s overconfidence was their undoing. He played recklessly, charging into battles without coordinating with his team. While Rupert, Nate, and Felix scrambled to cover for him, Zane ignored their calls and strategies, insisting on doing things his way.

“I’ve got this, guys!” Zane said over the comms after yet another premature engagement. “Just keep up with me!”

“Zane, fall back!” Rupert growled, his frustration boiling over. “You’re overextending—again!”

But Zane didn’t listen. He dove headfirst into the enemy team and was promptly eliminated.

“Ugh, this is embarrassing,” Felix muttered as their team suffered yet another wipe.

By the end of the match, they had lost in a humiliating fashion, barely putting up a fight against their opponents. The defeat stung, but what followed was even worse.

As per tournament tradition, the teams were required to greet each other over voice chat after the match. The other team joined the call, and a familiar voice cut through the awkward silence.

“Well, well,” said Andrew, the league’s reigning best player and former number two. His tone was calm but carried an edge of smugness. “That was... underwhelming. What happened to you guys? You used to be a challenge.”

Rupert felt his jaw tighten. “We’re just getting used to a new team dynamic,” he replied diplomatically, though the sting of Andrew’s words was palpable.

Andrew chuckled softly. “If you say so. But honestly, you’ve gotten sloppy. Losing to a team like ours? That’s not the EPGames I remember.”

The insult struck a nerve, particularly with Zane, who immediately bristled. “Hey, watch it!” he snapped. “I’m new here, alright? You can’t expect me to carry a legacy overnight!”

Andrew didn’t respond right away, but the silence only made Zane’s temper flare.

“And for your information,” Zane continued, his voice rising, “I’m young, full of energy, and I’ve got my whole future ahead of me! Don’t write me off just because I’m not some washed-up veteran!”

Andrew let out a dry laugh. “Young, huh? You think that’s your edge?”

“Obviously,” Zane shot back. “What are you getting at?”

There was a pause before Andrew’s voice returned, this time with a sharp edge. “You know, for someone so confident, you don’t know much about the person you replaced, do you?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Zane asked, his tone defensive.

Andrew sighed. “Let me spell it out for you. Phoenix wasn’t some grizzled adult pro. He was a kid. A minor. Probably still in school.”

The revelation hit like a bomb. For a moment, no one said anything. Rupert, Nate, and Felix exchanged stunned glances, their headsets silent.

“You’re lying,” Zane said, though his voice wavered. “That’s just some rumor you’re spreading to mess with us.”

Andrew chuckled again, though this time it was more pitying than mocking. “Believe what you want. The truth always comes out eventually.”

The call ended shortly after, leaving the team to stew in their thoughts.

______

It didn’t take long for Andrew’s revelation to spread. Within hours, social media and gaming forums were abuzz with discussions about Phoenix’s true identity. The idea that the legendary player, who had dominated the e-sports scene for years, was actually a high school student shocked the community.

Some fans expressed disbelief, while others speculated on how such a secret could have been kept under wraps for so long. Theories ranged from agency cover-ups to Phoenix being a prodigy who skipped grades to turn pro. The speculation grew so rampant that even mainstream media outlets began picking up the story.

For Ethan, who had been quietly grinding away in Rebirth Online, the news reached him through sheer persistence. He rarely paid attention to gaming news anymore, but the chatter on general forums was impossible to ignore.

“Did you hear? Phoenix was a kid all along!”

“Imagine being a minor and carrying an entire e-sports team. Insane.”

“So that’s why he always avoided interviews. Makes sense now.”

At first, Ethan thought it was just another baseless rumor. But as he read through thread after thread, the consistency of the claims made him pause. He closed his browser and leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling.

“Great,” he muttered to himself. “Exactly what I needed—more attention.”

He wasn’t angry or even particularly surprised. He had always known that his age would eventually come to light. Still, he had hoped to keep a low profile and leave his past behind. Now, with the spotlight turning back toward him, Ethan wondered how long he could stay anonymous before someone connected the dots.