The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 26: Between players (Part 2)

"Damn it," Crozen was in the middle of a fit as the field dispersed with the duel's end. He immediate honed towards our group, pointing at Vanter and I in particularly. "Who the hell are they Erin?"

"What do you mean Crozen?" Erin played it cool now that her berserk state had ended.

"You know exactly what I mean," he grunted and glared at us, our hoods concealing most of our face. "I can't let this go. My viewers are going crazy right now. Who the hell are you?"

I smirked, "There are plenty of strong players in the world. Not all of us participate in tournaments. Many of us like to keep a low profile."

"No way," Crozen spat. "Moves like yours aren't just low profile. Someone somewhere would have heard of you. Come on, reveal your faces."

Vanter stepped forward, "Sure." He pulled down his hood, revealing his masked face.

Crozen paused, "Who the hell are you?" Masked or not, Crozen believed he would be able to identify most the top players. Vanter however had never showed off at all.

"Like my friend said. Not all people are like you." Vanter enjoyed his frustration, "Are you upset you lost to a nobody?"

"Ha!" Crozen laughed. "You're no nobody. Not anymore at least. I'll admit it, I have no idea who you are. Now that I do however, join my guild. I promise you that'll you reap the rewards both in this world and the real one."

What he said was definitely the truth. Crozen's guild went on to become a major gaming corporation that focused on training pro players and supplying what they needed to excel. Even now he had a sizeable force behind him which would only grow. His teams would dominate many of the tournaments to come.

Vanter however wasn't the right target and simply waved it off, "No thanks. I'm fine where I am." Even if he didn't have a personal vendetta against Crozen, he still would have said no.

"How about you?" Crozen faced me.

I kept my hood up and laughed, "A bit rude to poach someone right in front of their party, or are you poaching all of us?"

"Erin already said no and it's not like she's planning to form a team. I promise it would be worth your while."

"Maybe," I shrugged and took off my hood. "But what if I have plans to form my own team?"

Crozen took one look at my revealed face, mask included. He spat, "Son of a bitch."

"That's a bit hurtful to say," I jested.

"That's how it is," Erin said, stifling a snigger.

Crozen shook his head and laughed, "Of course it was you." He raised his arms and turned to face the recording ball of light behind him. "There you have it everyone. Our dear Friend and, let me remind you all, the only person who has actually bested me in a duel." He really was quick to flick gears, turning his failure to publicity. "Is this the first time you appeared on stream Friend?"

"It is. Lucky you," I commented.

"So you and Erin are partying together. Are you really making a team?"

"I have plans for it. I haven't officially invited Erin though, we're just having fun, taking a breather to explore more of Areithia while she recuperates."

"What about you Erin, are you interested?" Crozen targeted her. His viewers were probably going wild and many of them would be donating money. At the very least, I had to commend him for being quick to work an opportunity.