The four teenagers exit the VBL building. The sun is starting to set behind the city skyscrapers. During the match, a small group of Eduardo’s fans began to congregate within the VBL lobby, but the three teenagers were able to successfully sneak him out of the building without those fans noticing.
“I have to give it to you two. For a completely random pairing, you two synchronized up pretty well. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you pulled one over on me.” Eduardo says while smirking.
“If there was money on the line that may have been the case. I just so happen to get a useful partner.” Jin admits.
“For sure. Telly you what newbie girl, you impressed me back there.” Desmond praises.
“Come on guys, enough with the flattery. I like to think I simply rose to the challenge because of some strong opponents.” Nora says while blushing.
“Stay humble if you want, but I would’ve never guessed that teammate attacks don’t effect each other.” Desmond admits.
“Neither did we, honestly.” Jin admits.
“Yeah, I saw videos of the first ever 2-v-2 mode and their attacks could totally hurt each other, back in the day.” Nora claims.
“Then perhaps they made some changes to the mode this time around.” Eduardo exclaims. “I wouldn’t be surprised if a decent number of players asked for it a change. Although that’s not what I’m curious about.”
Eduardo turns his attention to Jin, who stands there with his hand in his pockets.
“I’ve never seen anyone decide to use the momentum dagger as a pseudo mid ranged weapon before.” Eduardo states.
“Really? It seemed like a simple thing to do, to me.” Jin says.
“Must be that damn, prodigy mentality.” Desmond says while shaking his head.
“Is it? I’ve never been referred to as a prodigy before.” Jin states.
“Seriously?” Desmond asks.
“Well…”
Jin quickly ponders a few moments in his life where someone had the chance to call him a prodigy or genius. Only one memory sticks out, but it’s not something Jin feels comfortable sharing with people he just met today.
“More or less” Jin says.
“You know what? This match really has me looking forward to fighting all of you individually at the spring tournament!” Nora exclaims.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
“The spring tournament?” Jin asks.
“I already told you that I have a completely different tournament that I have to enlist in. My sponsors paid me a lot of money to get into the top 4 of this Block Fighter events.” Eduardo explains.
“How much money did they pay you?” Nora asks.
“I’m not answering that.”
“I don’t know about these guys, but I definitively want my revenge after this match. You win the day though. I’ll be seeing you, Maxim.” Desmond says to Nora.
Desmond makes his exit from the impromptu group.
“No hard feelings when I win the next match!” Nora screams.
Desmond simply replies with a hand in the air, as he continues to walk away.
Desmond inner thoughts: Nora Maxim. I underestimated you this time. I won’t make that mistake again.
“I should be going too.” Eduardo says.
“Wait, You’re the first pro player I met that plays VBL. Can we… I mean… Can I.” Nora stumbles.
“Do you want his number or something?” Jin asks, noticing Nora starting to fidget with her fingers.
“Oh, um, I mean. Yeah, but not in a flirtatious way, I swear!” Nora explains.
“You know, specifying that it isn’t flirtatious, is a form of flirting.” Eduardo teases.
“What?! I’m so sorry!” Nora apologizes.
“I was kidding, only kidding. After beating me, it’s the least I can do. Besides, how am I going to return the favor if I don’t run into you again.” Eduardo says. “That being said, I need your number as well genius.”
“My number?” Jin asks.
“Of course. It’s not everyday you meet someone with your type of talent for a game.” Eduardo explains.
“I don’t know how I feel about so many people calling me genius.” Jin admits.
“What do you mean?” Nora asks.
“I’m not what you would call a model citizen. The entire reason I moved to Strand city was to get away from some trouble I was in back in my hometown.” Jin explains.
“What type of trouble?” Eduardo asks.
“Never mind.” Jin dismisses.
After the three teenagers exchange numbers, Eduardo and Jin make their exit next. On his walk back Eduardo gets a phone call from his dad.
“Hey, Papi. How are you feeling?” Eduardo asks.
“Hey son. I was thinking about you. I’m feeling better since I started taking this medicine. Thank you for helping me pay for it. I know it wasn’t cheap.”
“You don’t have to thank me Papi, I’m just happy I can help you and mom when I can.” Eduardo explains.
“Are you excited for your next event?”
“I am… Actually, I just played a new game, and I loved everything about it.” Eduardo says.
“Oh? Do you think you will start to play it?”
“More then likely. It would have to wait until after the event though.” Eduardo says.
“Well, whatever you do, I know you’ll be good at it. Make sure to take care of yourself. Both physically and mentally. Your mom and I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Eduardo ends the call.
**
On a random street in Hat-tin (one of the borrows of Strand City) at night, Ren is on his cell phone having a long-awaited conversation. The combination of streetlights and businesses illuminate the entire city block. Strand city being populated enough that you can freely have a personal conversation on the sidewalk and feel confident that you may not see any of these people again.
“Yes. Yes. No. As soon as possible I suppose.” Ren says.
Some loud cars drive by, and Ren covers his phone, so the noise doesn’t transfer over.
“What was that? No that was some loud ass car… I said it was a car. What were you saying? Yes. I’m sure. School won’t be a problem. Yes. All I know is I don’t want to be here anymore.” Ren says.
Eventually the phone call ends, leaving Ren to himself. He opens the VBL app. After a few seconds of scrolling through some of the recent matches, he sees a familiar face. Nora’s face. Ren instantly tenses up. Once he saw that she was a part of a 2-v-2 match, his blood began to boil.
Ren’s inner thoughts: Before I go, I need to humiliate you, Nora. Just like you humiliated me.