Chapter 22

Chapter 22:

Jacob added Eileen to the lively group chat, where Huey was quick to send a message.

“Eileen, stick with me, and I’ll protect you tonight. We’ll take them on together!”

Casting a sidelong look at Bryan, Eileen noted everyone’s preoccupation with their conversations. She was about to dwell on their earlier conversation when Jacob teased, “You’ve got guts for someone so young. Let’s put your skills to the test tonight!”

Vivian replied, “No teasing; Eileen’s boyfriend just wants to protect her in the game. He doesn’t care if he’ll lose or win.”

Kian threw in a playful barb. “Do I hear wedding bells? I’d better start saving for a grand gift for your marriage.”

Huey’s response was prompt. “A wedding would surely call for a celebration with all of you, but it’s up to Eileen.”

The chatter didn’t sit well with Eileen, prompting her to discreetly mute the conversation. After the last note was sung at karaoke, Jacob, buzzing with energy, ushered Eileen toward Bryan’s suite.

They navigated through the space—bathroom to the left, a generous living room ahead, and bedrooms to the right. However, the room felt less spacious with a full gathering convened around the coffee table.

When the clock struck, the gaming session began. Bryan and Kian, with Vivian in tow, formed one team, while Eileen allied with Huey.

Vivian, though not a gaming ace, definitely showed more prowess than Eileen, who quickly became the team’s underperformer, faltering in the initial practice round.

Huey’s encouragement filtered through Jacob’s phone, which was on speaker. “Eileen, put on your headphones and jump on the voice chat. Don’t worry; I’ve got your back.”

𝕄𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕦𝕡𝕕𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕘𝕒𝕝𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕤.𝕔𝕠𝕞

That warm-up defeat sparked a competitive blaze in Huey. A player known as Ax had bested him swiftly—Huey was taken aback by the player’s sharp gaming instincts. Determined to redeem himself in the eyes of his team and not let Eileen down, Huey silently pledged to up his game.

As Eileen made to retrieve her headphones, Bryan intercepted her with a pair of Bluetooth earpieces. “Use these. No need to go and grab your own earphones.”

Eileen accepted the device, pairing it with her phone and slipping one earpiece in her ear to join the voice chat, Huey’s voice now a private channel in her ear. They dove into another round, with Eileen following Huey’s lead on strategy.

to ensure their game plan

enchanting ability to become a nimble deer, was designed to aid her allies. By the fourth level, she had the power to sync with her team, becoming an extension of their will. Huey, wielding the strength to

caution. The score was even, with both teams having claimed three eliminations,

said with excitement. “Eileen, flank from the left and scout the

a testament to the moment’s gravity. She adhered to Huey’s plan, and their trap ensnared Vivian effortlessly.

out, a brief burst of joy, before a

Huey

maneuvered her character to safety. Meanwhile, Vivian said to Bryan, “Give them chase.

Eileen followed Huey’s directive. “Stay hidden

Bryan was quicker, circling the bushes before shifting

at Bryan, Eileen caught the gleam in his eyes, a sly grin playing on his face. A wave of anxiety

my lead. Our team’s got the

relentless, taking down Kian and Vivian repeatedly. Yet Bryan remained his elusive bane, always one step ahead,

arose as he scrutinized Bryan’s gaming ID. It felt familiar, but he couldn’t remember where he

thrill, had palpable enthusiasm even

strategy and skill. Bryan’s choice to strike Huey rather than focus on the game’s objectives gave the team more time before they

of the game, you didn’t match my expectations. The last time Bryan played with us, we were demolished.

disbelief in his voice. “Wait. ‘Ax’?

said. “A name that should ring

with a jolt of energy. “No way! He’s Apex, the legend himself? The man’s a gaming titan! And I’m supposed to beat him? This is wild! Remember how he skyrocketed

swiftly removed the earpiece, seeking respite. Her gaze drifted to

similar Bluetooth earpiece in his ear. It turned out he had been

removed his headphones and, with a chuckle, activated the speaker. “Why not talk to your hero? He

ceased, leaving

off guard, said, ‘You guys logged

noticed the absence of Huey’s online presence. Then, her

mom’s confiscated my phone. Pass a message to my hero, will you? I’ll treat him to dinner when

smile at the underlying admiration in Huey’s words. She relayed to

old days. You know, Eileen, I think your boyfriend owes Bryan a favor since

away. I’m not familiar with Huey after all. But Eileen could return the favor to me

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255