Shadows of the Past

The days following Team Happy's victory were a whirlwind of activity. Interviews, celebrations, and official events filled their schedules, leaving little time to rest. But beneath the surface, an undercurrent of tension lingered, a reminder that the journey ahead would not be easy.

Ye Xiu knew this better than anyone. He had been in the professional scene long enough to understand that success bred scrutiny, and with scrutiny came challenges from unexpected places. The glory of their win had barely settled when the whispers began—questions about whether Team Happy could maintain their success, doubts about Ye Xiu's age and stamina, and rumors of rival teams already plotting their downfall.

As the team settled back into their routine at Happy Café, the atmosphere was a mix of elation and quiet determination. The excitement of their championship win had not yet faded, but the reality of their position was beginning to set in. They were no longer the underdogs; they were the champions, and every team in the league would now be gunning for them.

Ye Xiu spent most of his time analyzing replays, refining strategies, and working with his teammates to identify areas for improvement. He knew they couldn't afford to rest on their laurels. The other teams would adapt, learn from their mistakes, and come back stronger. If Team Happy wanted to stay on top, they needed to evolve as well.

One evening, as the café was winding down for the night, Ye Xiu found himself alone at his usual spot, the glow of the monitor casting a soft light on his face. He was reviewing footage from their final match against Samsara, focusing on moments where their strategies had faltered, however briefly. His mind was sharp, but his body felt the strain of the past few weeks—the late nights, the constant pressure, the physical toll of maintaining peak performance.

He was so engrossed in his analysis that he didn't notice Su Mucheng approaching until she was standing beside him, a cup of steaming tea in her hands.

"You need a break," she said, her tone gentle but firm.

Ye Xiu looked up, surprised. "I'm fine," he replied, though the fatigue in his voice betrayed him.

Su Mucheng placed the cup on the table in front of him and took a seat. "You've been pushing yourself too hard. The team is worried about you."

Ye Xiu sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I can't afford to slow down, Mucheng. The other teams are already preparing for next season. If we don't stay ahead, we'll be left behind."

"I know," she said softly. "But if you burn out, we'll lose more than just a match. We need you, Ye Xiu—not just as our leader, but as our friend."

Her words struck a chord with him, and he realized how much he had been shouldering alone. It wasn't just about winning anymore; it was about leading his team, supporting them, and ensuring that they were all in this together.

"You're right," he admitted, taking a sip of the tea. The warmth of the drink spread through him, easing some of the tension in his body. "I've been so focused on the future that I forgot about the present."

Su Mucheng smiled, a look of relief on her face. "We're a team, remember? You don't have to carry this burden alone."

As they sat in comfortable silence, the café around them quiet and peaceful, Ye Xiu felt a sense of calm that had eluded him for weeks. But that calm was short-lived.

The next morning, the café was abuzz with news that shook the entire Glory community. A new team, formed by several high-profile players from different clubs, had entered the scene. The team, named Tyranny Reborn, was led by none other than Han Wenqing, Ye Xiu's long-time rival and the fearsome captain of Team Tyranny.

The announcement sent shockwaves through the professional scene. Han Wenqing, a legend in his own right, had been a constant adversary to Ye Xiu throughout their careers. His decision to form a new team was unexpected, and the implications were clear—Tyranny Reborn was a direct challenge to Team Happy's supremacy.

Ye Xiu read the news with a mixture of surprise and excitement. Han Wenqing was known for his unwavering determination and his ability to bring out the best in his teammates. A new team under his leadership would be formidable, perhaps even more so than the original Tyranny. The thought of facing Han Wenqing again, in a new setting with new stakes, sent a thrill through Ye Xiu that he hadn't felt in a long time.

But with that excitement came a sense of unease. The emergence of Tyranny Reborn was a reminder of how quickly the landscape of Glory could change. Team Happy's position at the top was far from secure, and the path ahead was filled with uncertainty.

As Ye Xiu gathered his team to discuss the news, the atmosphere was tense. The excitement of their victory had been overshadowed by the looming threat of this new rival.

"So, Tyranny Reborn, huh?" Bao Rongxing said, trying to lighten the mood. "Looks like we've got some serious competition."

"They'll be strong," Ye Xiu acknowledged, his expression serious. "But that doesn't change our goals. We've always known that staying at the top would be harder than getting there. This is just the first of many challenges we'll face."

"Are we ready for it?" Tang Rou asked, her eyes filled with determination.

Ye Xiu looked around the room at his teammates—each one of them had grown so much since they first formed Team Happy. They had proven their strength, their resilience, and their ability to overcome obstacles. But now, they were entering a new phase, one where their every move would be scrutinized, and every mistake could be costly.

"We are," Ye Xiu said firmly. "But we can't afford to underestimate anyone. Tyranny Reborn will be a force to be reckoned with, and there will be others who see this as their chance to challenge us. We need to stay focused, work together, and keep pushing ourselves to improve."

The team nodded in agreement, the determination in their eyes matching Ye Xiu's own. They understood the stakes, and they were ready to face whatever came their way.

As the meeting concluded and the team dispersed to begin their preparations, Ye Xiu lingered behind, his thoughts once again turning inward. He knew that the road ahead would test them in ways they had never been tested before. The emergence of Tyranny Reborn was just the beginning of a new chapter in their journey—a chapter that would be defined by rivalries, challenges, and the relentless pursuit of glory.

But as he looked out at his teammates, he felt a sense of resolve. They had come this far together, and together, they would face whatever the future held. The past had shaped them, but it would not define them. The shadows of the past were just that—shadows. The true test lay in the battles yet to come.

And Ye Xiu was ready to lead them through it, no matter the cost.