Chapter 34

"Let's set her aside for now," he blurted. "We need to talk about the game."

Lemira interjected, "If we want to win, everyone follows my lead from now on."

Alaric challenged immediately, "And why should we?"

Lemira's eyes were serious. "Because I know how to win." She calmly outlined her strategy and plans. Having watched the earlier matches, she possessed a strong understanding of the SkyBlaze team members, having trained with them previously.

"Anyone can talk big," Alaric retorted. "Don't think you're unbeatable just because you're talented. You haven't even been training lately. How can you guarantee a win?"

Amira's lips tightened. "If you won't follow my lead, I'm out."

Alanc scoffed. "Fine, leave. Do you think you're that important?"

Lucian quickly intervened, "If no one has better ideas, let's follow her instructions for now."

Alanc, though reluctant, couldn't argue; they were out of options. The competition was about to resume.

Lemira took Evelina's seat—her seat in a past life. As she donned the headphones, her expression hardened. This time, she wasn't competing to please Alaric; she was competing for herself.

The last-minute lineup change sparked discussion. Onon, standing by a second-floor window, watched the girl compete intensely.

Thaddeus remarked, "Didn't you say she was just spectating? Now she's entered the competition. Despite her family's unfair treatment, they still seem important to her."

"You're wrong," Orion corrected. "She's doing this for herself." He knew her reasons for joining—it certainly wasn't to please Alaric. Her brilliance was entirely her own.

The game began. The announcer commented, "SkyBlaze has a last-minute player change. This new player is unfamiliar; her performance is uncertain. SkyBlaze is in a difficult position. How will they break through?"

Lemira, playing on Evelina's account, quickly adapted to her old role. She had a plan, waiting for the enemy to encircle them. But at a critical moment, Alaric charged out, revealing their position.

Lemira cursed. "What are you doing?"

"Don't worry, I can break through!" Alaric's attempt to prove himself ended with him pinned and defeated.

Lemira wasn't surprised. She commanded, "Support, cover me. Everyone else, stick to the plan."

Bursting from behind a wall, cannon in hand, she blasted the enemy. Darting between buildings, her attacks disrupted their rhythm.

The announcer exclaimed, "Wow! Her moves are impressive—skilled beyond what you'd expect from a newcomer! She just dodged their ultimate move! She's charging, leaping, and unleashing a twelve-hit combo! Only the legendary King could pull that off! Unbelievable!"

The crowd went wild. King was a legend, though retired years ago. What connection could this girl possibly have with him?

Chapter 35

Lemira's move was devastating. She eliminated two opponents and severely injured another. Landing, her gaze briefly met the defeated Alaric.

Alaric, stunned, was shocked by her skill. He knew she was talented, but not this formidable. He'd never seen this power before. From the moment of his capture, he'd resigned himself to defeat. Then Lemira arrived, her skill stabilizing the team and turning the tide with King's twelve-hit combo.

He realized he'd never truly known his sister. She'd become a stranger, igniting a fear of losing her he couldn't explain.

He hesitated, then began, "You…"

But Lemira continued over the headset, "Report the others' locations and status. I'll be there."

Alaric was left staring at her retreating game character. He turned to see Lemira intently focused on the screen.

Lucian asked, "Alaric, you zoned out?"

Snapping back, Alaric scrambled to catch up. Downstairs, Lemira led a fierce assault, her gameplay spectacular compared to Evelina's clumsy efforts. This was the gunner he'd envisioned!

Lemira secured the victory. Alaric was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. The game he valued so much was won by the sister he'd underestimated. He'd never felt such a psychological gap before.

The game concluded. The host announced, "SkyBlaze wins, thanks to their substitute player's incredible performance. Could she be the King's protégé?"

The crowd erupted. Lemira was lost in thought, remembering the twelve-hit combo's teacher, a man she suspected, but never confirmed, was connected to King. She'd never even seen him. King remained anonymous.

Removing her headset, Lemira stood to the cheers. Her smile signified not only victory, but also the impending apology from their disrespectful opponent.

Lucian approached, surprised. "Lemon, you were outstanding! We couldn't have won without you! I knew you were secretly practicing, right?" His relief was evident; Lemira hadn't changed. They were still family.

But Lemira's smile faded. "You lost!" she stated, addressing the Iron Vow team captain.

The captain regarded her with a complex gaze. "Who are you, exactly?"

Lucian proudly declared, "She's my sister."

"But wasn't Ms. Langston a terrible player? When did the Langston family get another Ms. Langston?"

Lucian's expression stiffened. "That was our adopted sister. This is our real sister."

"You played the game well, sending a decoy sister to throw us off and keeping your real secret weapon hidden. You completely caught us off guard."