The dust of their victory had barely settled, but Dominion Order had no time to bask in glory. The next match was only a week away—and the world was watching.
Streams exploded with new followers. Esports news cycles couldn't get enough. Analysts broke down every frame of Vyr's gameplay, trying to figure out how someone with no professional history just dismantled one of the world's top teams. Even casual players on ranked ladder joked:
"Better ban Benedetta. Never know if you're queuing into Vyr."
At the team house, however, the mood was laser-focused.
Zee was up early, watching replays of SEA teams. "Titan Forge likes to overextend at turtle," he noted aloud.
Rakus, lounging nearby with a protein shake in hand, chuckled. "Then let's make them regret it."
Raihan was already deep in mechanics training, running gold lane drills on three different devices. Airi, headphones on, was reviewing draft strategies with their analyst.
And Vyr? He was silent—typing something into the wall terminal. Echo's interface blinked to life.
Projected Picks: Titan Forge favors early burst mages. Counter Meta Index: Suggestion—Selena ban priority. Prefer Terizla or Lapu-Lapu in EXP.
Vyr nodded. "Run the scrim schedule. I want three blocks with swap roles."
Tenzin, despite not playing, was at the table reviewing macro trends. "Their mid-roamer synergy is solid. We can't isolate them with standard pressure."
"Then we won't," Vyr replied. "We'll bend them until they break."
---
Elsewhere, at Titan Forge's training center in Manila—
Coach Elys stood behind their five-man squad, arms crossed. "Dominion's not a fluke. This isn't just some hype train. They've got brains, discipline, and now confidence."
"Especially that EXP guy," their midlaner muttered. "What was his name again?"
"Vyr," Elys said, eyes narrowed. "And if you underestimate him… you'll be watching the bracket from the outside."
---
Airi's Room – Night Before Departure
She sat on the edge of her bed, phone lighting up with messages.
MOM: We're so proud of you! Let us know when you land 💖.
She smiled faintly, then glanced toward the small window. A knock at the door broke her thoughts.
It was Vyr.
"Couldn't sleep?" he asked.
Airi nodded. "Bit anxious. This is bigger than anything we've done."
Vyr sat beside her. "Yeah. But we've also never been more ready."
She looked at him. "That day you stepped on stage… you weren't just leading. You were the team."
Vyr smiled slightly. "I'm just making sure everyone gets heard. Including Echo."
Airi paused. "Do you… ever feel like Echo's more than just a part of you?"
Vyr's eyes flickered. "Sometimes. But he's me. Just the part I buried to survive."
They sat in silence for a moment, then Airi reached out, touching his hand.
"For what it's worth… I'm glad you're here. All of you."
---
As dawn broke, Dominion Order boarded their flight—eyes set on their next match.
The tide was rising.
And this time, they weren't just riding the wave.
They were becoming the storm.