Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

The room suddenly became silent.

Zelena and Hattie were both thinking it over for a while.

The thought of debuting as an esports goddess, who was adored by thousands of fans, sounded pretty awesome.

I'd attract female fans, as well as a large number of male fans.

However, Zelena's skills were awful. If she registered in the tournament, she definitely couldn't win at her current level, unless she played support to boost her ranking. Even then, she would need strong teammates to carry her.

If her teammates were not good enough, she wouldn't stand a chance.

This meant she must find some top-notch teammates.

Hattie's skills were okay, but far from elite level.

Meanwhile, that guy from earlier, "I'm Your Sixth Uncle", had amazing awareness. Even though his rank wasn't high yet, with that level of game sense, it was only a matter of time before he climbed the ranks. Plus, he used to be on the national leaderboard! and he was in the same server region as them. It would be perfect if they could recruit him!

Hattie coughed lightly, "Ahem, what was his name again?"

Zelena had the same thought. Getting a free national leaderboard player would be so much better than recruiting average school players. They would be way ahead right from the start. Casey hesitated. "Hattie, you want to team up with that guy from earlier? But we just insulted him. He's not going to help us."

Zelena pondered for a while, then said arrogantly, "So what if he's skilled? He doesn't have many skins, which means he's broke. We're wealthy! If it weren't for the game, he'd never have the chance to meet us. Teaming up with us would be a huge win for him. Besides, he's a guy. If we send him a photo, he'll change his mind."

Casey didn't say anything.

Hattie agreed with Zelena's statements and spoke contemptuously, "You're right, Lena. If he didn't play games, he'd never know us. Let's try reaching out to him again. If we need to, we can offer him some money."

Violeta left the esports room to get some water.

She ran into Hayden and his friends, who had just finished playing pool.

Hayden inquired, "Were you just playing a game in there?"

Violeta nodded. "Yeah, I was playing 'MLSS'. Do you guys play too? Do you want to join me? I can carry you to win."

"Hahahahahaha!"

Zoren burst out laughing at her bold statement. "Vio, you're killing me with this bravado. I can't handle it."

Violeta shot him a sharp look. "Mind your own business."

Liam chimed in, "Some girls are good at games, but I haven't met one yet."

Jasper, leaning against the pool table, added calmly, "Same here. I've never seen one that could carry me to win."

Violeta drank the water and said, "Well, it's because you haven't met me until now. Get ready to be amazed!"

"Hahahahahaha!"

Zoren's laughter was getting louder.

Hayden set down his cue stick and frowned. "You're too loud."

"Hayden, do you play?"

Hayden lowered his gaze. "I don't play games."

Violeta was surprised. "Excuse me, do you not play any games? How do you live without all that fun? That's such a shame." Liam laughed, "It's not that Hayden doesn't play games. He does play one."

"What game?"

"He plays 'Happy Poker', which is popular with millions of people and occupies the top ten of the game rankings all year round."

Zoren added, "That's right. He used to sit in the back of the class, not paying attention, just playing poker. He won over thirty games in a row! His luck is insane." Violeta was stunned.

She didn't expect that Hayden had such a side.

That's a huge contrast!

Violeta recalled something, and then a sudden realisation struck her. "So that's what he was fiddling with on his phone the other day. He was playing poker!"

Zoren nodded. "Exactly."

Hayden sighed. "I wasn't playing at that time."

Violeta smirked. "I don't believe you."

Hayden pressed his lips together in silence.

Niall chimed in, "Hayden probably picked up poker from his family. The Frost family tradition is strong. During New Year's, their main hall can fit five poker tables. Vio, remember our parents also played there last year?"

The Frost family's love for poker influenced Hayden from a young age.

On his first birthday, he grabbed a spade card in one hand and a poker rulebook in the other.

Even though they played poker, due to their professional commitments, they played for very low stakes and purely just for fun during the holidays. Playing it for a few days wouldn't even cover the cost of one pack of cigarettes.

In Quinston's business circles, there was even a saying, "Decisions that impact the national economy are made at the Frost family's poker tables."

The stakes might be low, but the games were filled with intricate social manoeuvers. Not just anyone could join those games; one needed to earn their spot.

Violeta nodded. "I see."

Returning to the main topic, she asked, "So, do you guys want to play 'MLSS'? Let's build a team!"

Jasper responded, "Yeah, sure. By the way, there will be an esports tournament when the school starts. Vio, you love playing so much, it'd be a waste if you didn't sign up."