“… that’s all.” Yuel finished venting his frustration in front of Howard. He said everything he had to said, from beginning to end. About how Trever got tilted after dying and performed poorly ever since, about how the team fell to the level of childish bickering and about how his shot-calls were rejected. Everything was laid bare, his own faults included.

“I… didn’t do much to stop them,” Yuel admitted. He effectively ratted out his teammates, so the least he could do was admitting he wasn’t perfect either. “I stayed quiet the whole time, waiting for the storm to pass. At one point, I had the opportunity to change something, but the idea was shot down. At this rate, we have no chance of winning the next matches.”

“I see,” Howard said. “I had a feeling it’s something along these lines, but I didn’t expect things to be this bad.”

“You knew?”

“It was written on your faces.” Howard sighed. “The atmosphere in your room was all doom and gloom. I had to mentally prepare myself before walking in.”

So, he figured it out at a glance. Just how good is this guy at reading us? Yuel frowned. Having a psychic mind reader as vice-captain was unsettling on many levels, but right now Yuel was thankful for it.

“Alrighty then,” Howard’s eyes turned sharp, peering into the depths of Yuel’s mind. “Let’s get to the point. What do you think was the source of the problem?”

“Well, that’s…” Yuel stuttered. Even though he summarized everything, he avoided pointing fingers. In his story, everybody was equally guilty. But, that’s not how he truly felt. It’s clear as day whose actions were the catalyst for the team’s downfall. But, he felt bad pinning the blame on one player, since he was already talking behind his teammates’ backs. Not to mention, the culprit he had in mind was thatguy.

“Hurry up. We don’t have much time before your next match.”

“It’s… Trever.” Yuel coughed up. “He was the first to BM and I think all the negativity spread from him. Everybody had their bad moments, myself included, but I don’t think anybody topped Trever. He only got worse with time, both in his plays and his attitude. Honestly, it was insufferable.”

Once Yuel’s tongue started rolling, it refused to stop. That was the last bit of pent-up frustration he still carried, and Howard squeezed it out of him. Even without outright saying it, Yuel’s position was clear: “Trever should be switched out”.

“Alright,” Howard nodded. “It’s a shame, but you gotta sub Trever.”

“You agree? That easily?” Yuel was taken aback. “He’s the captain, you know?”

“Between you and me: he’s the captain to ensure he stays motivated,” Howard said. “You know how Trever used to be on the first string, right? I’m sure he’s not amused about being placed in the second string, so at least being the ‘captain’ makes him feel more important. There’s also his pride as a senior to consider.”

“That sounds kinda….”

“Don’t get me wrong, I don’t belittle him or anything. When he’s in the right mood, he’s a great player. He’s also good at being loud, which can be annoying but it keeps morale high.”

“I don’t know about morale, but it’s sure annoying.”

“Right? Haha. Anyway, that’s the good points about him. He’s a vital teammate when he’s doing well. But, if he falls into a slump, there’s no getting out. I tried all sort of things before, but I never figured how to make him snap outta it. So, he’s always a double-edged sword.”

“I see.” If even Howard couldn’t pull Trever out of the slump, then nobody could. Especially, not Yuel. It’s regrettable, but the only option now was to give up on Trever. “So, can we sub Lars in?”

“Yeah, you have permission.” Howard nodded.

“Shouldn’t you pass this by Aron first?” After all, no matter how dominant Howard’s presence was in the club, he’s only the vice-captain.

“Nah, no need.” Howard waved it off. “I already talked to Aron about subbing Trever for Lars if something happens.”

“Already talked...?” Yuel’s jaw dropped and refused to come back. What? When? Howard just learned about Trever’s slump, so it meant he prepared for this situation ahead of time, long before this scrimmage began. He knew about Trever’s problem, so he prepared a cure before the plague struck. He always did this, that’s how he provided his teammates with an absolute defense. That’s why he was Aegis, the impenetrable shield.

I knew it too. I knew how Trever is, and yet... Yuel gritted his teeth. He’s the vice-captain of the second string. It’s his job to ensure the team’s victory. Yet, he didn’t think of any countermeasures to Trever’s bad habit. He was outdone by an “outsider”, by somebody who already had his hands full managing the first string. Goddammit.

“Wait,” Yuel realized something big. “Don’t tell me that’s why you made Lars practice with us?”

“Who knows.” Howard dodged, but the smug on his face said it all. He came up with this “Plan B” all the way back then. He insisted Lars should train with the second string to “practice their team-fighting coordination”. 3v3 battles were indeed a good way to improve teamwork, so nobody doubted Howard’s intentions. But, that training wasn’t just for those announced to be on the second string. It also ensured Lars practiced with them, so he can sub for Trever at a moment's notice. Everything was calculated.

Yuel was completely defeated. Not only he failed to prepare any countermeasures to Trever’s problem, but he didn’t even realize Howard’s real intent. Ugh. Seriously, what was he doing? Howard was the first string’s Support and shot-caller, the one Yuel had to overcome to claim a spot on the first sting. Yet, Yuel completely lost this round. Just how big was the gap between them? Did he have a chance of ever surpassing Howard...?

“Anyway,” Howard said. “You’re free to sub Trever. But, I’m not going back there, so it’s all up to you.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you. I can’t babysit your team all day. You gotta learn how to solve your problems yourself. So, you go back to your team and announce whatever changes you deem necessary.”

“Wait, are you serious?” Yuel gulped. “You’re aware Trever is technically still the captain, right? And, he’s a senior while I’m the youngest player on the team.”

“Using age to defend yourself? I thought you wanted people to stop calling you a rookie.”

“Ugh, that’s...”

“Didn’t you say it’s frustrating how the team rejects your shot-calls because you’re the youngest one?”

“That’s true, but...” Yuel clenched his fists. Yes, he hated all of that. Being treated like a rookie, not being trusted as a shot-caller and having no voice - he wanted to break out of these shackles. To do so, he had to confront the team whenever necessary. He couldn’t run away.

With that said, they still treated him as a rookie right now, How did Howard expect him to change the team’s opinion within a couple of minutes? Especially, with all that negativity hanging in the air. It’s an absurd demand! “What if Trever refuses?”

“Then forced him to step down,” Howard answered plainly like it was the easiest thing in the world. “And, don’t even think about sending him to me or Aron. Solve it yourself.”

“Excuse me, but you’re being absurd.” Yuel insisted.

“I could’ve done it without a problem.”

“Of course you can, you’re the vice-captain, You got authority.”

“No, even if I wasn’t the vice-captain – I’d do it.” Each of Howard’s words was heavy, pregnant with unyielding convicting. “If I were in your shoes right now, I’d still do it. I’d make him step down, no matter how older he is or what position he has. In real matches, results are everything. Those who can’t produce them shall be cut out.”

Howard swinging his blade, cutting Trever down. That’s the image these words instilled. Yuel felt a chill because he knew it’s true. Howard would have definitely done so. Without hesitation, without feeling any guilt.

This is unfair. Yuel bit his lip. He saw Howard as a rival, as a goal to surpass. And, Howard knew that. That’s why he said all of this. What laid behind his words was one assertion: “If you can’t do this much, you’ll never surpass me.”

The idea of facing Trever and the other upperclassmen terrified Yuel to the core. The pressure was almost strong enough to knock him out. Could he really do it? He, a freshman, force a senior captain to retire? Absurd. Unthinkable.

Yet, Howard claimed he would have done it. And, Yuel believed him. Regardless of age and position, Howard would have done what whatever it takes to secure the team’s victory. He was that kind of guy. Results were everything.

Then, what about Yuel? Why couldn’t he do the same? What’s the difference between him and Howard? He understood what had to be done to secure victory and was granted permission to act.

Then, why? Why did his body refuse to stop shivering!? The mere thought of going against his seniors rooted him in place, freezing every cell in his body.

There’s no way it’ll be pretty. There’ll be yelling and fighting for sure. Amidst all that, he’d have to stand his ground and convince Trever to leave the stage. It was absurd to ask that much from him!! Inhuman! He wasn’t ready...!

“Why?” Yuel hung his head. “Why me? You could’ve picked anybody from the team, but you called me. With this much foresight, I’m sure you already knew this conversation will lead to subbing Trever. Yet, you didn’t ask for anybody else here, just me. I know I’m technically a vice-captain of sorts, but that alone doesn’t mean...”

“You asking why I didn’t call Gil too?”

“Yes.” Yuel nodded. “He’s the real vice-captain and he’s a junior, so his authority in the team is much higher.”

“You’re right, this sub should’ve passed through Gilbert. That’s how I originally imagined it too.” Howard nodded. “But, he disappointed me. When he summarized the match, he wrapped it up like a nice little story about bad lane matchups. He was too embarrassed to admit the team flopped and he didn’t request to sub Trever. He’s a serious guy, but he has a bad habit of getting dragged by flow instead of fighting it. And, seems like he hates admitting his mistakes, more so than I thought. That’s why he won’t do.”

“Then, what about the rest?” Yuel grew desperate. “Any junior would be a better fit for the job than a freshman!”

“Remember how I said I watched you guys before entering the room?” Howard sighed. “All I saw were exhausted and irritated faces. It’s like everybody lost their willpower and accepted defeat. That is, except for one guy. He sat there with a serious face, calculating some shit, probably solving chess puzzles or what not.”

“Ah.” Yuel didn’t know what to say. What Howard saw was probably Yuel getting desperate, going as far as considering a mixup to counter the Leopards’ mixup. It’s embarrassing since that idea was dumb, but it’s not the only thing he brainstormed. He indeed spent the whole time thinking up solutions, since it was up to him to figure a counter strategy.

“That’s when I was convinced,” Howard continued. “You can do it. Even with the team falling apart, you were still obsessed with winning. That’s why you should grab victory with your own hands.”

“Grab it... Easier said than done.”

“You wanna go pro one day, right?”

“Well...” It’s a little awkward to admit he was shooting for such a distant goal, considering he couldn't even surpass the one player standing in front of him. But, that wasn’t going to stop him. “Yes, I want to become a professional Support player.”

“Then, deal with this situation,” Howard commanded. It wasn’t a request from a fellow club member or even an order from the club's vice-captain. It was an absolute command from a king. Yuel couldn’t refuse. He had to live up to Howard’s expectations, or else he’ll forever remain a nobody in the club. “Return to your team and do what has to be done. Get the next two wins at any cost.”

“I... I understand.” Yuel clenched his trembling fists, so hard that he his nails dug into his skin. He had to do it. There’s no way around it. No matter what it took, he had to confront Trever, sub Lars in and lead the team victory. It’s the duty he was entrusted with.

“That’s all.” Howard turned away. Everything happened so suddenly. He dropped a huge bomb out of nowhere, then intended to leave just as suddenly.

“W-Wait, I-“

“No. The rest is up to you.” Howard continued walking away. “Consider this a test your future depends on.”

“A test? What test?”

“Pass it and you’ll know.” Howard stopped for a moment and shot one last chilling glare at Yuel. “Don’t disappoint me.”

“I-I got it.” Yuel fought off the trembling and straightened his posture. He no longer stared at the floor. His eyes were now looking straight ahead. Howard’s piercing glare conveyed a simple message: “If you fail here, you’ll never surpass me. You’ll keep chasing after my shadow for the rest of your life.”

Just you watch! Yuel took a deep breath and steeled himself. He was going to lead the team to victory in the next two matches, no matter what! And, after that, he was going to kick Howard off the throne!

… I say all that, but how am I actually going to deal with Trever? Yuel frowned. He became heated up after the exchange with Howard and his fighting spirit burned. But, that didn’t change reality. He, a lowly rookie, had to go there and kick the senior captain off the team. Gulp.

W-Well, I’ll call Lars first. He returned back the way he came but didn’t enter the room yet. From the brief glance he caught of the room, it seemed Lars hadn’t paid a visit yet. Unusual, considering Lars came to talk about every match so far. The room’s cloudy atmosphere probably repelled him. After all, it was strong enough to make even Howard hesitate.

Then, where was Lars right now? Did he return to the audience?

Oh, there he is. Yuel spotted Lars and Julia around the corner, just a few meters away from the second string’s room.

“Why me?” Julia pouted. “You go tell them something.”

“Nah” Lars waved his hands. “I dunno what to say in these situations. But, I betcha they’ll feel better if a cute girl pays them a visit.”

“C-Cute girl!?” Julia’s face turned into a tomato.

… what did I walk into? Yuel made a face. Julia was going to hate his guts for interrupting this, but he had to do it. “Lars.”

“Oh, dude!” Lars jumped as if spooked by a ghost. “Um, g-good fight there! Or something. Haha…” He forced an award grin on his face. It was funny watching Mr. 200% Confidence stumble over his words for a change. It’s almost like his confidence actually knew bounds. Unfortunately, Yuel didn’t have time to enjoy the show.

“You’re up.” Yuel said.

“Wut?”

“We’re going to sub you in.”

“…….” Lars just stood there. His eyes opened wider and wider, to the maximum and beyond. “Haha, seriously?”

“Yes, we have to change things around in the team.”

“HAHA! YES! AWESOME!” Lars fired toward the ceiling like a rocket, almost grazing it. “Dude! DUDE!” Lars darted toward Yuel and shook him. “It’s happening, right?! My debut as a pro!!!”

“Pro? I have a feeling you skipped a couple of steps there.” Yuel shook off the overly excited doggie. “But yes, it’s happening.” He smiled. “We finally get to play together against competitive players.”

“Sick, yo! We gonna trash these guys!”

“Yes, that’s what you’re subbed in for.” As hard as Yuel tried countering Lars’s overflowing excitement, he couldn’t help but smile as well. It was a huge moment. Officially, this wasn’t really a debut in the competitive scene. It’s just a scrimmage and they played against a second string. Nevertheless, it was a huge milestone for both of them. They made it this far in their first year! They were unstoppable!

“You heard that, July? I get to play!” Lars latched onto Julia next, since Yuel shook him off.

“That’s great! I’ll be sure to cheer for you.” Julia smiled from ear to ear in front of Lars, but she secretly shot a glare at Yuel. Translation: “What about me? Do I get to play too? You better say I do!”

Yuel averted his eyes. Translation: “Sorry, not this time. But, you may get a chance if somebody else on the team performs poorly.” Though, it was questionable whether the last part reached her through this telepathic communication.

“Tch.” Julia clicked her tongue but didn’t say anything. She just turned away, pretending not to care. Well, she probably didn’t expect much in the first place, but it’s clear she wanted to give it a shot. If possible, Yuel wanted to give her an opportunity as well. If Gilbert were to boycott for whatever reason, Julia would be the best substitute available. But, that’s unlikely to happen.

“We don’t have much time until the match,” Yuel said.

“Okay, let’s go!” Lars pumped a fist. “My body is ready!”

But, I’m not sure my mind is ready. Yuel secretly sighed. Informing Lars about the substitution was the easy part, just a little side-quest. Next, Yuel had to clear the main quest and face the final boss: Trever.

Could he really convince Trever to sub out? He had no choice but to do it. Somehow. It surely won’t be pretty. At least, with Lars by his side, he felt more confident... A little more confident. Gulp.