The Reality Rift Arena buzzed with anticipation as the crowd settled in for the second Upper Bracket Semifinal. With ROG International already awaiting the winner, all eyes were now on Nightmare Revenants and Reborn SG.
At ROG's headquarters, the team lounged in their break room, snacks and drinks scattered around. Dalynn sat cross-legged on the couch beside Eryn, a bowl of popcorn in her lap. The air was relaxed, but the focus was sharp as everyone turned their attention to the big screen.
"This is going to be a bloodbath," Charles predicted, taking a long sip of his drink.
"Reborn SG will still need something special to pull this off," Javier said, leaning back in his chair. "Nightmare Revenants are just... relentless."
"They've got firepower," Jun Ming added. "But Reborn SG can't be underestimated. Jess's shot-calling is top-notch, and Snowy's Jungle pathing is as efficient as it gets. These two girls are unpredictable."
Dalynn glanced at Noel. "Think Grace and Nami will regret going down to the arena for this?"
Grace and Nami had requested to head down to the Reality Rift Arena instead to cheer for Reborn SG, considering both were formerly from the team. It would be a good show of them, and if the camera caught them in the crowd, it might just bring some positive light on things.
Noel smirked. "Nah. Grace isn't the type to regret anything, even if Reborn SG gets stomped. Besides, they were both from Reborn. I think letting them head down physically to cheer isn't such a bad thing."
On-screen, the casters Abstract and Blackout were in top form, hyping up the stakes of the match.
Abstract opened, his voice booming. "Vainglory fans, this is it! Nightmare Revenants versus Reborn SG for a shot at the Upper Bracket Finals. The winner gets to face ROG International, while the loser heads to the lower bracket with everything to prove!"
Blackout followed. "Reborn SG's strength lies in their coordination, but Nightmare Revenants... they're the juggernauts this season. Ruby's impeccable map control and Xenith's mechanical dominance make them terrifying to face. It will all come down to what both team have in them to make it all the way. Only one team can advance safely, and the other will have to head back to the drawing board and play for their survival."
As the stream turned to the draft phase, ROG had locked in to watch. Even Yamato and Maestro, in their comfort clothes, had leaned in closely to observe. As much as they hid it, they were both just as excited.
Reborn SG drafted an aggressive composition, with Jess on Lyra, Snowy on Kestrel, and Yumeko on Vox, while Nightmare Revenants opted for a more balanced lineup featuring Ruby on Catherine, Xenith on Celeste, and Mantis on Krul.
Early into the game, Snowy and Jess executed a perfect Jungle invasion, capitalizing on Mantis's slower clear.
Abstract shouted, "Here comes Reborn SG, invading Nightmare Revenants' red buff! Jess leads with Lyra's Bright Bulwark, silencing Mantis and denying his escape. Snowy follows up with Glimmershot, and that's first blood to Snowy! Reborn SG not giving an inch of space for Mantis to play!"
Blackout added, "Textbook execution from Reborn SG. They're dictating the pace early on."
As the game progressed, Yumeko's Vox scaled into a late-game monster, shredding through Nightmare Revenants in a crucial team fight near the Kraken pit.
"And there it is!" Abstract exclaimed. "Yumeko using the Sonic Zoom to dash in and she's just chaining resonances across the team! That's a triple kill for Reborn SG!"
Reborn SG closed out Game 1 in dominating fashion, leaving the crowd roaring in approval.
The energy in the Reality Rift Arena was electric, with fans waving banners and donning the colors of their favorite teams. As the camera panned over the crowd, it paused momentarily on the two familiar faces. Grace and Nami were seated among the Reborn SG supporters, their faces painted in the team's vibrant colors of pink and gold. They waved enthusiastically, holding up banners that read "Reborn SG Forever" and "Snowy is Icy Cool!" The sight drew an audible cheer from the audience as the casters chimed in.
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The Golden Road: The Pentakill Prince
ActionGolden Road. Defined as the accomplishment of winning 4 Trophies consecutively within the year. It was just 3 years ago that Singaporean player, Noel 'Vengeance' Chua, Almost won it all. A heartbreaking moment, as that year, He failed to win the Ult...
