Yours Truly, Callie

7. V for Valoria

"Pyx, quick! The live stream is starting!" The enthusiasm of Katie's voice echoed in her ears through her wireless headset. Callie hastened her steps from the kitchen and back into her room. Today was the day all Valoria online players were waiting for, the game developers were announcing a sneak peek of the annual V for Valoria tournament to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Plopping down on her computer chair with a bowl of nachos in hand and guacamole in the other, her eyes were fixated on the stream. Two game developers sat side by side in an office setting with their hoodies contrasting against the formal background. On the other half of the screen, three individuals joined the stream from the comfort of their own home with James being one of them. She couldn't believe her eyes at the number of viewers that were watching the stream, it was 300,000 and climbing.

Unlike last week, James wore a light stone grey crewneck sweater and is freshly shaved, showcasing his angular jawline. His disheveled hair was no longer a mess, but not neat enough to be combed back. He must have clearly run his fingers through his hair moments before with hair product. 

"Thank you for joining in, Valorians!" The game developers enthusiastically said in unison. "We're joined here by Shrowded, Super D, and Spira - the top three guild leaders in the game." 

Callie couldn't help but be slightly amused by the sight of SuperD. As much as she's never seen him before, his small frame didn't look as intimidating as they make him out to be. He was short, to say the least, but his beard aged him. His round face and wide chin gave him a child-like appearance. 

"We're excited to announce the collaboration between Valoria online and the top three guild leaders in the game for our V for Valoria Competition!" The blonde game developer swept her blonde bangs back behind her ear. "However, it's not until April and so we'll be having a live stream each month until then to give you a sneak peek of the event."

James cleared his throat. "Thanks, Camy. I'm excited to be collaborating with you for this event. The prize will be announced in the next month's live stream. It consists of a custom, one-of-a-kind item, Valorian swag, and two VIP tickets to the biggest videogame and comic conference of the year." 

"Players' skills will be put to the test. Each week, players will be able to enter an area to fight an opponent that's on the same skill level as you. Whoever wins will advance to the next round until there are only three. Once the top three are chosen, they are matched with either  Shrowded, Spira, or me." SuperD fidgeted on camera, almost stumbling over his words multiple times.

"To ensure equity, our armor will be stripped and we will be using our weapon only. The amount of damage we can do will be scaled back to five-percent of our normal attack power. However, the three players will be fighting us with their normal gear." Spira, the female guild leader of 'Forte' spoke up with enthusiasm. Callie absolutely loved how much confidence she had compared to SuperD and James. "Whoever is the last one standing will be crowned the winner!" 

"Right! In order to participate, players must be maxed level, be under 700,000 combat rating, and be at least eighteen years of age.." Callie drowned out the other game developer's voice as he announced the rules and regulations.

She could hear Katie's excitement from the other end of her headphones. Closing out of the live stream once it ended, the group reconvened back into the guild chat simultaneously. 

"Sooo..that means that I can join?" August laughed in amusement. "You forgot to adjust your collar in the live stream." 

"Oh pish-posh, he looked great!" Natalie cheered. "And no, you don't qualify. Your combat rating is over 700,000."

"I'm joining! Not that I can do much being a Cleric," Katie chimed in. "But, your damage will be mitigated so..." 

"You should join in, and I would advise anyone else in the guild who's interested to do so. That prized item is something I don't even have," Callie's ears perked up as James' divulged more information to the guild.