The Golden Road: The Pentakill Prince

Chapter 12: Revelations

The training room buzzed with energy as Noel and his team wrapped up a particularly challenging scrim match. Their intense focus and coordination paid off, and they emerged victorious, drawing cheers from everyone who was observing. Nami, Dalynn, Charles and Zaw cheered and whooped on the couch, and Maestro clapping his hands. Yamato smiled, keeping a calm composure.

"That's how it's done!" Noel pumped his fist, turning to high-five Jun Ming and Javier, who had stepped in for Zaw and Charles in the scrim. The energy in the room was contagious, with smiles and laughter filling the space.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" Charles grinned from the side, nodding approvingly. "We're getting back into form."

"Absolutely," Jun Ming replied, looking more confident than Noel had seen in a while. "Feels like your old times. Can't believe you guys still let us play."

"We need everyone in tip-top form. Subs included. I want every player to get their well deserved skin on their champions this year." Yamato said, walking towards Nami's monitor, looking through the different sections of the match to gather information.

Dalynn, seated beside Nami with the squishable plushie Noel had given her back in high school, watched them with a quiet smile. Surrounded by people who genuinely cared for her, she seemed more at ease.

"I didn't know you owned a Squishable." Nami mentioned, smiling at Dalynn. Dalynn had sat beside Nami at the observers desk monitor, watching as Nami explained to Zaw and Charles the mistakes she caught during the match.

"It was Noel's gift when we were in high school. I kept it with me as a good luck charm. Kinda cliche, I know. But it's my good luck charm." She said, smiling.

Nami Chuckled. "Do you still like him?" She curiously asked. Dalynn looked towards Noel. Sure, it's been years since the break up, but she maintained a solid bond with him, even as friends. In her heart, she knew that there was love, but not to the extent. She knew it was the same for Noel.

"Yes, but as friends. Noel and I made it clear before, and we're pretty happy with it." Dalynn replied.

At that moment, Eryn entered, balancing a tray with breakfast snacks and coffees. Her timing couldn't have been better, and she beamed as she offered them around. "Good job, everyone! Noel, here's your favorite." She handed him his drink with a proud smile, leaning in to squeeze his shoulder.

"Thanks, honey," Noel said, genuinely appreciative. Eryn always knew just when to appear, her presence a steady reassurance. He took a sip, then addressed the team and coaches. "So, I think it's time we went over the new setup for our league, the VainGlory Pacific League, or as we know it, the VPL. I don't think we're the only ones feeling the excitement."

Yamato nodded. "According to the VPL's official channels, fans are eager to see ROG back in action. Many even voted us as the team to watch."

"Wow, really?" Grace raised an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and excitement on her face. "It's kinda surreal, right? We've been out for so long."

Nami, focused on her screen, chimed in, "The fan comments are pretty intense, too. People want to see what we're bringing to the table, especially since our roster hasn't been revealed yet."

A ripple of excitement ran through the room. After three years away, the spotlight was on ROG. Noel could feel the weight of expectations mounting. But rather than intimidate him, it only fueled his determination. "Well, let's give them something to talk about. Some things remain the same. 8 Teams, same format played, but this year, only the top 2 seeds will make it for MSI. Come summer season, only the top 3 seeds will make it to the RIFT championship."

"I say ah, brother, it's time to go?" Reuben looked around, smiling. He had been catching everyone up on the cringe, but spirit lifting joke from him and Noel's days.