Chapter 40

Cedric and Noelle returned to their apartment complex. When Noelle logged into her account, she received a friend request from Lucas. She had rejected his team invitation a few days prior, so she was surprised he contacted her personally.

Noelle didn't accept the request but teamed up with Cedric to clear a dungeon. They completed the round with three other random players. Afterward, she received another friend request, this time from one of their teammates, a skilled player. She accepted.

Almost immediately, she received a message: “Hello. I’m Lucas Liddell, the captain of Team Luminark. I believe you’re a talented gamer. Would you like to join our team? We can discuss the terms and conditions later.”

She realized Lucas had used an alternate account. Cedric asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Lucas used his alternate account to invite me to his team, but he doesn't know it's me,” Noelle replied. She was also using an alternate account.

Cedric said, “If his team doesn't find a talented player, they’ll lose the finals.”

“That’s why he’s anxious. He’s too proud to invite well-known players, so he’s recruiting rookies,” Noelle explained. She understood Lucas well. Team Celestial, under the Greene family from Beville, was formidable. In her past life, she wouldn't have won the championships without Magnus, Team Celestial's captain, dropping out.

“Team Celestial is very strong. I heard King personally trained their leader,” Noelle said.

“He’s alright. He can’t even master the 12-hit combo,” Cedric replied.

Noelle was shocked. “Not everyone can master the 12-hit combo.”

“Didn’t you?” Cedric countered.

“That’s because…” She paused, realizing she almost slipped. Everything from her past life hadn't happened yet.

Cedric narrowed his eyes. “Because what?”

Noelle hesitated before saying, “It’s because I admire King very much. I really like him, so that’s probably why I managed to learn the 12-hit combo. It was sheer luck.” Cedric saw through her; he doubted she taught herself.

Noelle ignored Lucas's message and played another round. Meanwhile, Lucas rubbed his temples in frustration. His chin was covered in stubble. Training had been disappointing; he hadn’t found a skilled gunner. He replayed a recording of Noelle’s gameplay. Her flawless 12-hit combo and maneuvers were magnificent.

He was proud of his sister. He’d tried the 12-hit combo himself and failed. He had to admit her talent, but their relationship was strained after he slapped her.

He called Frank. “Frank, how’s Noelle been?”

“She’s the same. Refuses to listen. But she improved tremendously on her recent exams. She’s tenth in her grade.”

“Tenth place! That’s a big improvement,” Lucas said, remembering when she ranked 100th. He’d initially thought she cheated, believing she wasn’t that smart. He now realized he’d been too harsh. She’d always been smart. He wondered when things changed, suspecting it began when Xenia moved in.

Frank looked at a box containing an emerald necklace and sighed. “Lucas, do you think we’ve neglected Noelle too much?”

“Frank, do you feel that way too?”

Silence fell before Lucas asked, “Do you think she’ll forgive me if I apologize again?” He’d prepared himself, but he wanted to repair their relationship. He truly regretted hitting her. It hadn't been intentional.