The competition was alive with excitement as the inter-group matches drew larger crowds than any prior group stages. Neal, already a well-known figure, saw his popularity soar.

Now with his own fan club, he enjoyed a newfound status as a streaming world celebrity.

Meanwhile, Neal’s competitive team was encountering difficulties. The game demanded teamwork from its five-player squads. An overly dominant player like Neal could inadvertently hinder the team’s synergy.

His teammates struggled to match his pace, highlighting the imbalance within the team.

In comparison, other teams that maintained a more balanced skill distribution among their members were excelling.

Take Kevin’s team, for example.

Unified by their shared ambition, these five players managed to pull off unexpected wins. Their audacious and intrepid style led to numerous victories.

Throughout the inter-group contests, Kevin’s team emerged victorious more often than not, amassing the highest score.

Kevin had once been a disheartened player defeated by Neal’s team, but he now exuded energy and resolve.

On the quarterfinals day, Kevin’s team was a spectacle of determination and style.

Despite already having enough points to move on to the semifinals, they played with unabashed vigor and excitement, earning applause from the spectators.

Following their latest victory, Kevin, as team captain, took center stage for an interview.

Among the event organizers stood Fernanda.

When Kevin’s gaze met hers, he immediately lost his composure. He faltered, his previously smooth responses giving way to stammers as he struggled to find his words.

Clasping his hands tightly behind him, Kevin’s anxiety was unmistakable. Fernanda’s presence unsettled him deeply.

Unlike his peers, who often spoke of parental intimidation, Kevin had never experienced such feelings.

Yet, in Fernanda’s presence, he felt a comparable sense of dread. Her prowess in gaming was undeniable, and Kevin vividly remembered his defeat at her hands.

His discomfort escalated as he struggled to focus on the host’s questions.

Turning her head, Fernanda caught sight of Clement racing toward her.

Clement greeted her with a beaming smile. “We’re up next on stage. The game’s starting soon. You coming with us?”

“Sure, let’s go.”

As Fernanda walked away with Clement, Kevin looked on in shock. Clement casually draped his arm around her shoulders, and she seemed perfectly at ease with it.

What was going on? When had Fernanda become so friendly with someone else?

Disoriented, Kevin wandered away from the interview, his thoughts swirling in confusion.

He ended up in the blue team’s section, staring at the ongoing game on the big screen. However, his interest wasn’t in the game.

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