The Queen They Buried

Chapter 34

Before Aubree went back in time, she’d already played tons of matches with four of the Apex Squad members–everyone except Killian–so she knew their playstyles inside and out

Usually, Apex Squad’s support helped them get an early lead on both was playing mid, it was pretty much guaranteed.

sides

the map, though it didn’t always work out that way. But now that Carmen

Aubree controlled her champion and, along with the jungler and support, timed a frost spell just right into the bush.

One of the commentators said, “Looks like both teams are starting off normally. God’s Fury’s new mid, Phoenix, just threw her second ability into the bush. Well, it looks empty. Wait a second–Wolfshade’s moving toward it.”

Right after he said it, Carmen walked straight into the bush and got frozen on the spot. In a flash, the jungler and support jumped out and attacked her.

“First blood!” the game announced. The crowd went quiet for half a second, then the whole place blew up with cheers.

The commentators got loud too. “Perfect timing! First blood in under a minute–this might be the fastest one we’ve ever seen!”

The other added, “Was that just luck? If not, then God’s Fury’s new midsolo is seriously scary.”

Carmen’s face went stiff as she stared at her gray screen. Dying so early, she could already imagine all the hate comments headed her way.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. ‘It’s fine. It’s just the beginning. If I win this game, I’ll still be the star. I’ll be the first female champ in League of Legends history,‘ she thought.

“I’m sorry. That was my fault,” she said over the mic, trying to sound calm.

If it had been anyone else, Apex Squad would’ve torn into them right then. But since it was Carmen, and she had status, they held back and even tried to

be nice.

The jungler just said, “Be careful. Don’t hand them more chances.”

But it was already too late. Alvin wasn’t gonna waste that early lead. He charged right into the enemy jungle with Aubree and the support backing him up. The other team was already behind.

Aubree used her deep knowledge of their tactics and played to her own strengths. It was like she had X–ray vision–she kept calling out enemy locations to her teammates. Sometimes her calls were so spot–on that they won fights they hadn’t even planned for.

this hadn’t been an official tournament, people might’ve thought Phoenix was

into the game, she’d already killed

huge lead, Apex

crushed this hard in a kills. Didn’t

with you? Ten minutes and

practice games. But Aubree was on a whole different level. Going up against her, Carmen

care about Carmen’s background

said.

Emery’s sister? Why didn’t we

to being pampered by the Wilson family. She’d never been yelled at like this. Hearing them go off on her while

08:55 Sun, Jul

Chapter 34

my fault?” she snapped. “You guys weren’t exactly killing it either. I was getting ganked

hadn’t fed their midsolo so much, we wouldn’t be in this mess! And what were you doing during that dragon fight? Sleepwalking? Do you need me

team?”

anger. She yanked off her headset

God’s Fury celebrating to this blow–up on Apex Squad’s side, and the crowd

Are they falling apart live on

Wolfshade even get on the team? She’s

looking

she just got lucky

left even the commentators speechless. But a few people still

the coach called for a

watched Carmen throw

to join the team to make friends, but it looked like she was just making enemies. She played badly and still had the nerve to

would never act like this. Even if she was treated unfairly,

he saw was Carmen getting yelled at. His face darkened as he turned to Emery. “Is this how your team acts? One loss and they gang up on Carmen, huh?

he’d heard wrong. ‘Did Daxton really

wasn’t just some random game–this was the finals. Most players dreamed of getting here, and now Daxton wanted him to fire the

hold back his anger, Emery clenched his teeth and

didn’t back down. “Are you

out because she messed up,” Emery said, his voice tight. “If she hadn’t handed the enemy so many chances, we

“So what?” Daxton snapped.

kept defending Carmen. “You’re her broth But don’t talk about her