Chapter 348
Agitated, Draco impatiently turned his head toward his teammate and snapped, “What is it?!” “Today’s top spot on the leaderboard is under the name ‘Pearl’!”
Today happened to be Monday. They had been on a rigorous training regimen for today’s team match for the past several days, that’s why they hadn’t checked the leaderboard lately. They were stunned to find ‘Pearl’ topping it-coincidentally, the same person who had just decimated their entire team.
A tinge of unease settled in Draco’s mind, yet he persisted, “Impossible! That must be Felix using another alias!”
But soon, he noticed the second position on the leaderboard, displayed as “Mad Felix.”
“I haven’t used this name before, but I anticipated your doubt. So I switched it back,” Pearl retorted sardonically. “Do you need me to log in and prove I’m the top-ranked player?”
Embarrassment crept over Draco, but he didn’t want to create a scene on live broadcast. He clenched his teeth and apologized to Pearl, “I’m sorry for the misunderstanding.”
After apologizing, he was prepared to lead his teammates away.
“Don’t rush off just yet. Let’s sort out some private matters first.” Pearl stopped them.
Draco, cautious not to offend further, responded gently, “Is there anything private? We’re not personally acquainted.”
Pearl dropped a headset in front of Draco. “Mr. Draco, care to explain why our headsets lost all audio during the match?”
Draco began to sweat profusely. “You should ask the organizers about that. Why ask me?”
“The surveillance footage caught you unplugging our headset cables, leaving us to play without sound. It’s evident how amateurish you are.”
Draco feigned ignorance. “Surveillance? What surveillance?” There was no surveillance at this competition venue, as far as he knew.
“Well, when I arrived earlier, I noticed there was no surveillance here. To avoid unnecessary issues, I installed the pinhole cameras I carry around with me.” Pearl smirked, casting the surveillance footage on the big screen. “Take a look for yourself. Is this you?”
On the screen, Draco looked around discreetly. When everyone wasn’t paying attention, he sneakily came to FX’s side, unplugged their headset, and sl*pped away.
He was smart, avoiding direct view of the live cameras, creating an illusion of going to the restroom. But he didn’t expect Pearl to have an ace up her sleeve.
Pearl ridiculed him openly, “Too eager to win, but not that sharp, I see. Mister Draco, this just shows what your club is all about!”
With these words spoken, Draco knew he was doomed. Everything that happened here was broadcast live–their club was beyond redemption.
Draco shut his eyes tight. The man who appeared unflappable shed two telling tears.
After the match concluded, it was time for the customary post-game interviews with
journalists. In front of the audience, Draco made a startling announcement, “Today marks the dissolution of the AD Club!”
The AD Club, which had basked in the spotlight for a year, was about to vanish in an instant. Draco departed with his team, their faces filled with desolation.
Following this, Pearl and her teammates stepped forward to field questions.
“Miss Pearl, how did you perform so remarkably in the game?”
Pearl offered a faint smile and replied, “With my hands.”
The journalist pressed on, “Could you offer some advice to young, aspiring gamers?”
After a brief pause, Pearl responded, “Love learning, play fewer games.”
The journalist, feeling somewhat disheartened, turned to Felix nearby. “Mister Felix, any comments from your end?”
Felix, finally in the spotlight, grinned. “Where do we go to receive the award?”
The journalist felt utterly defeated and hurriedly left.
And so, the tournament came to an end. Pearl rose to fame as the new gaming sensation, inspiring a wave of “Pearl style” gameplay among gamers, particularly those aiming for precision shooting.
Even the game developers, noticing the surge in players favoring the marksman role, began significantly tweaking marksmen to maintain game equilibrium. But that discussion was reserved for the future.
Pearl returned to the club to find Richard waiting there for her. His expression seemed uneasy and disheartened as he spoke, “Pearl, I have to head back to Enswood for a few days. There are some issues at the company. It should only take a week.”
Feeling unexpectedly melancholic for a moment, Pearl nodded quietly. “It’s okay, you should go.”
Letting out a heavy sigh, Richard took a step forward and embraced Pearl gently. “Remember to miss me.”
He still managed to act so proud even when leaving. Pearl, however, stood her ground. ‘ Whether I’ll miss you or not depends on my schedule!”
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“No time to miss me? I’ll be gone for a week, not dead for a week. I have ways to ch*ck in with you.” Richard frowned suddenly.
Pearl was at a loss for words.
Before his departure, Richard insisted Pearl accompany him to the airport. Their parting felt like a temporary farewell. Felix and the others were reluctant to see Pearl leave, especially RadishX, who seemed on the brink of tears.
With tears in his eyes, RadishX said in a somber tone, “Pearl, can’t you stay? If you go, I’ll have to listen to your song ‘Good Night’ to fall asleep again.”
Pearl nursed har line. “It’s actually called ‘Good Night Good Night! H
RadishX choked up, his voice wavering as he teared up. BirdsofPrey added, “Pearl, would you consider joining us for next year’s team matches?”
“Sure,”
Felix stared at Pearl for a moment and asked, “Out of the prize money, there’s 500 thousand dollars for you. Should I transfer it via Venmo or Paypal?”
“No need, add it to the club funds.” Pearl politely declined the money and hurriedly bid her farewells. She then accompanied Richard to the airport.
After seeing Richard off, Pearl received an unexpected phone call from Master Jordan.
“Hello, Pearl, a friend’s grandson is arriving in the city today. Can you help me pick him up from the airport? I’m getting old, and there’s no one else to help. Would you be willing to…” Even though she suspected it was a setup, Pearl reluctantly agreed. She even wondered if the old man had sent someone to monitor her movements.
“Great, I’ve already informed him. Just wait for him at the exit,” Master Jordan said before hanging up.
Pearl had a premonition. The person her grandfather had asked her to pick up probably had a significant connection to her.
True to Master Jordan’s word, the mentioned flight soon landed at Bodgow Airport.
Pearl stood at the exit, scanning the crowd. Suddenly, she spotted a familiar figure among people. The person walked toward her, smiling.
“Miss Pearl, long time no see.
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