Classmancers - A MOBA Esport Story

Vol.3 Ch.17: Everybody's Alternatives

"You did it, huh." Howard nodded in satisfaction after hearing Yuel's report. "You got Trever to step down and led your team to victory. You even became the new captain, congratulations."

"Thanks." Somehow, being praised so openly by Howard felt weird. Still, it's all true. Yuel truly achieved great results, despite all the drama that happened in the team.

Just half an hour ago, Yuel was shaking in his boots from the mere idea of confronting Trever. In the end, he not only overcame that hurdle but also achieved victory. With Lars's help, of course.

This definitely warranted a celebration. Yuel took a sip from his Coca-Cola can, no longer feeling guilty about not paying for it.

"I see everybody is celebrating with Coke," Howard chuckled at the sight. Every member of the second string was holding a can in their hand. "Should we name your team CokeBlitz?"

"That just sounds wrong. On many levels."

"I know, right? Haha. Was it your idea to buy Coke for everybody?"

"No, that's... Um, a fairy delivered them." Yuel smiled wryly. When they finished the match and returned to the waiting room, five cans were waiting for them. Trever promised to treat them if they win, so he must have watched the match from somewhere.

This was probably Trever's way of making up for the troubles caused. He really didn't have to, but it brought smiles on everybody's faces. They all sat around the room, chatting away while drinking. It did wonders to the team's spirits.

Even though Trever wasn't here, he was still supporting the team from behind. In the end, Yuel was just a stand-in. Trever was much better suited to be the captain.

"Anyway, you really did well." Howard sang even more praises. It's amazing. Howard had never praised Yuel like this before. He always either scolded or belittled Yuel and rarely ever appreciated. This was huge progress!

"I'm really impressed." Howard didn't stop. Okay, at this point the amount of praising started sounding downright uncanny. "So, I'm trusting you to win the last game as well." Howard's eyes turned sharp, like a knife pressed against Yuel's throat.

"O-Of course!" Yuel responded by instinct. After receiving so much praise, he had to live up to the expectations placed on him... Wait, was that maybe Howard's goal all along? Did Yuel just beautifully walk into Howard's trap? Gah! N-No! Yuel didn't care about any of that praise! Not even one bit! Really! Goddammit...

"How did your game go?" Yuel asked, trying to deflect attention from himself.

"We won, but it was a close one. They adapted to us really well, which is why," Howard placed a hand on Yuel's shoulder and squeezed it. "You must win the next game, no matter what."

"G-Got it." Yuel stepped back to escape the grab. Ugh, it hurt a little.

"I have high hopes for you" These were Howard's last words before leaving.

He'd say anything to motivate his chess pieces. Yuel grumped. Just you wait. I'll make you praise my skill for real next time.

Howard's lip service wasn't appreciated, but it's understandable. The first string was in a tight spot, hanging at a 2-2. One more defeat and StormBlitz will lose the entire scrimmage unless Yuel's team prevails once again and finishes with a 4-1. That'll guarantee StormBlitz's victory today, regardless of how the first string match plays out.

After getting buttered up so much by Howard, Yuel secretly hoped the first string will blow their next match. That'll turn the second string's 4-1 into today's savior. That'll show Howard!