Chapter 196

The three of them kept switching up ways to praise Phoebe, to the point where it almost felt like her team had already won the championship. This left Maddox’s in-game haters completely speechless. He thought, “Are these really three top celebrities? No, they’re just a bunch of bootlickers!”

Unable to hold back, the haters started using their words against them. They mocked how these three clearly didn’t believe in Phoebe’s abilities. A top-tier medic isn’t something you can become in just a few days. Maddox was obviously about to carry four noobs, only to be dragged into a pit so deep he wouldn’t be able to crawl out. They also jeered that if a world champion like Maddox lost in this casual competition, it would be an embarrassment on an international level.

They even predicted that Maddox’s team would flop in the very first round. And even if, by some miracle, they scraped their way into the semifinals, they’d definitely be crushed by their opponents.

Sienna was also watching the livestream. Earlier, when she saw Reece, Jamar, and Joshua shamelessly fawning over Phoebe, she felt disgusted and bitter. Now, seeing the haters’ comments, she agreed wholeheartedly. In fact, she couldn’t help herself – she created a burner account and joined in on the hate.

The livestream had been lighthearted and fun, but the mood suddenly turned sour. Phoebe’s fans weren’t having it, though, and immediately clapped back. “It was just for fun. Why take it so seriously? This wasn’t an international championship. You guys are just here to pick fights.”

Before long, a full-blown argument broke out between both sides. But the debate ended with one savage comment from Phoebe’s fans: “[Keep hating, keep trash-talking – just wait until Phoebe has time to draw a Chapback Talisman for you.]”

The haters fell silent. “Damn, that was brutal. A Clapback Talisman isn’t something you joke about.” Fear struck them, and they quickly backed off. They all remembered what happened to those who had insulted Phoebe before – it even made headlines. In this country, horoscopes and metaphysics were widely accepted, and special divisions dealing with such matters were public knowledge. Many people believed in them. These haters weren’t necessarily skeptics of metaphysics. They just hadn’t believed that Phoebe, sitting abroad, could draw a talisman that would actually curse people in different locations back home. But they had been proven dead wrong. So now? They weren’t taking any chances.

As the wave of insults and negativity suddenly vanished, fans and viewers alike were stunned. “[Darnn, the Clapback Talisman is that powerful? Finally, something that can shut up these keyboard warriors and trolls. Phoebe is the best.]” The chat quickly returned to its previous cheerful atmosphere, leaving the haters fuming.

Chapter 196

Sienna, who had personally experienced the backlash of one of Phoebe’s talismans, felt like vomiting blood. But she didn’t dare curse in the comments anymore. She was afraid that if Phoebe’s team lost, she’d be blamed for bringing bad luck, and they might actually draw a talisman against her. “Draw a Clapback Talisman and let them have a taste of it…” The mere thought made her shudder.

A moment later, the livestream camera zoomed in on the large screen as the game began. Phoebe’s team was up for their first match. Their opponent was a strong team – not unbeatable, but definitely not weak. The haters immediately started celebrating prematurely, convinced Phoebe’s team was doomed.

Then, in less than expected time, Phoebe’s team crushed their opponents and advanced to the semifinals. Maddox’s aim was deadly accurate; anyone who ended up in his crosshairs had no chance to escape. The other three members were just average in skill, but Phoebe’s medical support far exceeded expectations. Every time it mattered most, she was there, bandaging wounds or reviving teammates at the perfect moment. When Phoebe’s team won the first round so decisively, Jamar and Joshua were both stunned.

Turns out, she was actually really good. Joshua felt like crying. He turned to Jamar with a pained expression. “My skills… they’ve just been completely crushed by Phoebe. It’s like she’s wiping the floor with me.” Jamar nodded in agreement. “Yeah. I mean, when I used to play with you, if we had Phoebe as our medic, I wouldn’t have spent half the game lying on the ground.” Joshua shot him a glare. “Screw you.” He then pouted. “Besides, your aim is garbage. Maddox takes one shot per kill, while you need, like, a dozen to hit anything.” Jamar scoffed. “Screw you.”

Ah, the joys of brotherly banter. Then, as if on cue, the two exchanged a glance and – completely abandoning their dignity – started praising Phoebe even harder, in an even more exaggerated manner. Their only hope now was that Phoebe would notice how much they believed in her. Reece had wanted to say something too, but by the time he opened his mouth, Jamar and Joshua had already stolen all the good lines. He sighed in frustration. “Guys, leave something for the rest of us to say, will you?” Jamar and Joshua gave him a deadpan look. ‘Where’s your usual cold and aloof attitude? Why are you suddenly competing with us to kiss up to Phoebe?’ The fans watching the livestream burst out laughing. They thought, ‘How did we never realize these three were so funny? We’re literally competing to see who has the strongest survival instincts around Phoebe.’

After a short break, the semifinals began. This time, Phoebe’s team faced a much stronger opponent – one of the top three favorites to win the whole competition. The haters resurfaced, eager for their moment of redemption. They restrained themselves from cursing this time, but their passive-aggressive remarks and smug attitudes made it clear they were just waiting for Phoebe’s team to lose. And then… they got slapped in the face again.

Chapter 196

Phoebe’s team won two matches in a row, securing their spot in the finals. This time, everyone played exceptionally well. Maddox and Phoebe were still the MVPs, but the entire team had improved significantly. When they won the second match, the livestream chat exploded with cheers. Andrea, watching from the gaming café, jumped up and shouted, “Phoebe is the best! Phoebe is so cool!”

Seeing her reaction, Jamar and Joshua immediately had an idea. Then, in a ridiculously over-the-top move, they hugged each other to show their excitement. Reece was speechless. This was so painful to watch. Just earlier, he had already reached his personal limit by praising Phoebe so much. But this? This was too much. These two had no shame. Compared to them, the Jenkins family was clearly on another level when it came to being shameless. Even Jamar and Joshua’s fans were facepalming.

Meanwhile, in her hospital room, Sienna was so furious she nearly threw her phone. If it weren’t for the cast on her leg, she would’ve rushed over to drag them away herself. She couldn’t hold back her frustration any longer – tears welled up in her eyes. Ever since that day when Joshua stormed out in anger, he had never visited her again. Jamar was the same. No matter how many pitiful messages she sent, he ignored them. They refused to acknowledge her, yet they were practically groveling at Phoebe’s feet. What was this? This level of pathetic groveling toward Phoebe was a direct slap in her face. And the worst part? Phoebe didn’t even care. It was absolutely humiliating.

She clenched her fists. After the livestream, she was going to call them. And if they still ignored her, she’d have the production crew take her to their hotel. She had to get them back on her side. She couldn’t just let Phoebe steal them away like this.