The dual-core era.

After this battle, there suddenly wasnt as much excited discussion surrounding this topic. It wasnt like Hundred Blossoms had been completely brought to its knees, but in the end, the king of this era was still Ye Qiu, and Team Excellent Era.

Who can stop the victory streak of Blood and Blossoms? One Autumn Leaf?

Now, everyone realized that they had gotten the subject of this fateful question mixed up. They should have been asking, who can stop One Autumn Leaf? In the end, this was still the Battle Gods era. If Blood and Blossoms wanted to be the protagonists, then they would first have to defeat the Battle God.

The world could only have one king.

Likewise, there was only one championship.

Only the one holding the championship could be the protagonist.

Every player, from Excellent Era to Hundred Blossoms to all of the other teams they were all scrambling to claim this singular title.

Team Blue Rain.

Recently, everyone suddenly realized something: Huang Shaotian had changed.

Sure, he was still talking as much as ever. But when he was playing Glory, there was a new seriousness about him; the sort of carefree, casual air that hed used to exhibit had suddenly faded away. It was as though he had discovered a concrete goal to work toward, and his training had become correspondingly more purposeful, clear, and definite.

Huang Shaotians playstyle reflected these changes. And Wei Chen had noticed it all.

What do you think? After observing for several days, Wei Chen confirmed that this change in attitude was more than just a passing phase. Finally, he decided to discuss with someone else.

Wei Chen hadnt been the only one observing these changes.

Fang Shijing, Blue Rains free player. A so-called free player was someone who could play any class. They could switch accounts and playstyles with every match, and so it was impossible for an opponent to prepare counters for them.

Over half of the teams in the Alliance had a free player; it was seen as a creative and interesting strategy for a team to have. But after two seasons, it had gradually become clear that although this strategy was appealing to watch, it wasnt actually all that effective in competition. In this season so far, already four free players had decided to settle on one class, and most of the others had narrowed down the classes they switched between.

Blue Rains Fang Shijing now played a slightly different role for the team he was Blue Rains golden substitute. Because he could play any class proficiently, if any one of the main roster felt in poor condition on a given day, or if they needed a few changes, Fang Shijing would immediately be put in to replace them.

At first, Wei Chen had felt that such an arrangement was somewhat unfair to Fang Shijing. The two of them were old friends from the game; they had played many matches together, had formed Team Blue Rain together, had fought side-by-side through Season 1. Wei Chen felt that he had wronged his friend by failing to find him a position better than a mere substitute.

But Fang Shijing thought differently.

True, he knew better than anyone that free players were a failed concept. However, playing as a substitute would correct this mistake while still taking advantage of his unique versatility. Increasing Blue Rains strength and flexibility while still using a minimal number of players; this was the best choice for the team as a whole.

Unfortunately, the presence of this free player did not enable Blue Rains performance to improve. In fact, compared to last season, they had actually worsened.

Ultimately, Fang Shijing was not the protagonist of this team, and could only influence so much about this team.

And what about the person who was Blue Rains current protagonist, the single person who had the greatest impact on this team? Fang Shijing understood Wei Chens current condition very well.

He understood, and yet was helpless.

No one could escape the progression of time; in the end, the passing years swallowed all. One could only hope that the next generation would continue their unfinished work.

Fang Shijing knew how much Wei Chen anticipated the debut of young Huang Shaotian, and he himself felt the same way. Both of them had noticed the young players recent change in attitude. And Fang Shijing, as an all-class free player, was more familiar with the Blade Master class, and so Wei Chen sought him out for his insight.

Only now is he truly applying all his talent and ability toward entering the pro scene, Fang Shijing said.

Remember the first time we met him in-game?

Fang Shijing nodded. So many of us, yet he was still able to avoid detection and survive for so long.

He just naturally has that incredible observational ability. He can spot these sort of game-changing opportunities, exploit the smallest weaknesses for the greatest advantages.

But the environment of the training camp, with all its 1v1 exercises, doesnt push him out of his comfort zone enough.

Then he must have seen some high-level match recently, to inspire this new intensity were seeing, said Wei Chen. His eyes were opened, and he redoubled his efforts to improve.

What he needs is that kind of environment and atmosphere. We need to be the ones to create that for him.

Wei Chen sighed. Why didnt we realize this sooner?

Well, its better that he discover his deficiencies on his own, and find his own path of improvement. If wed forced him a certain way, it could have turned out worse, Fang Shijing pointed out.

Then well start now! Wei Chen said.

Alright. I will build a specialized training regimen for him, said Fang Shijing.

Hopefully itll be soon enough, Wei Chen said under his breath.

What did you say? Fang Shijing hadnt heard.

Nothing, Wei Chen said. Then, before you make that training plan for him, let me practice with him for a while! Let him feel that some of that pressure, hahahaha.

Watch my sword! Fuck!! Huang Shaotian yelled as he tried to pull off a powerful attack, but he was under the secure control of his opponent. Troubling Rain failed to seize the opening before him, and fell in defeat.

Hahahaha, kid, youre still too green! Wei Chen let out a hearty laugh as he lit a cigarette. But in his heart, he was nowhere near as confident as his laugh suggested.

Just now, at the very end, Troubling Rains light saber had pointed at his Warlocks chest, and light had flashed across his screen as the death strike approached.

At that moment, Wei Chen had seen the approaching threat, and he had wanted to counter it. But although his brain recognized the danger, he wasnt fast enough to do anything. Whether his reaction or his control, he was too slow. In that instant, the despair and helplessness that Wei Chen felt was so great that it swallowed him whole.

But in the end, Wei Chen had still won, because Huang Shaotian had made an error. He had seen the opportunity, but his grasp of the timing and his accuracy had been slightly off. The light from his sword had flashed by that opening, giving Wei Chen a fright.

Hahahaha! Wei Chen continued to laugh loudly, and hoped it masked the sound of his pounding heart.

A hand fell upon his shoulder, and he looked up to see Fang Shijings face, full of barely concealed excitement. Wei Chen understood the look in his friends eyes; he was saying, Did you see it? That strike!

Not only had Wei Chen seen it, he had felt it. That one blade strike had perfectly demonstrated Huang Shaotians talent and specialty. One day, it would dazzle on the Glory pro stage.

But aside from that, Wei Chen had seen some other things, things that Fang Shijing had overlooked in his excitement over Huang Shaotians performance.

Wei Chen had seen himself. He truly had no more hope of competing with those currently at the summit of Glory

Dont be too happy, I shouldve won that match! Again! Huang Shaotian yelled. This was his third loss in a row, but this time, he had come closest to victory. He too had realized if his blade had been just a little faster, if he had been just a little more accurate, than the one who had fallen would have been the old man sitting across from him.

Wei Chen brushed him off. Again? Heh, I dont have all day to waste on you. I still need to evaluate all the others.

Everyone immediately started chattering. The captain was so patient today, to play a match against all of them? The reserve players were all very excited for this opportunity. Unlike Huang Shaotian, they all treated Captain Wei very respectfully. To them, he and his account Swoksaar were gods, and it wasnt every day that these players got to challenge a god.

Me, me! The youths bickered with each other to be next in line, and Huang Shaotian fell to the side, unable to demand another match. He knew that this was a very rare opportunity for everyone else.

And so, with a cigarette at his lips, laughing all the while, Wei Chen played his way through the reserve players. Some got one round, others two. But he won every single match with ease, leaving awestruck youths in his wake. Wei Chen wasnt doing this to build his self-esteem, nor was he purposely trying to impress the youths. He only wanted to cleanly, clearly experience the raw passion of his dear team, for he already sensed that the time of his departure was fast approaching.

Wei Chen lifted his head to see the last youth sit before him.

This last youth was also last in the rankings of the training camp, the one deemed to have no future. But no matter how lowly, he was still a member of Team Blue Rain, and Wei Chen had no reason to refuse him a match.

With these thoughts in mind, Wei Chen clicked for the battle to begin.

Warlock?

Looking at the class of the other player, Wei Chen was surprised. He hadnt paid too much attention to Yu Wenzhou in the past, but this player hadnt used Warlock before, had he? But there was no time for such musings; Wei Chen controlled his Warlock to advance. Because he was just playing with these youths, he wasnt using his main account Swoksaar that would be too much like bullying.

The two characters met at the center of the map, and Wei Chen didnt hesitate. Attack!

But his opponent had already ducked behind a nearby giant boulder. Wei Chen directed his Warlock to quickly advance. In the instant that he was about to round the boulder, in the instant his opponent would have come into view, there was suddenly a flash of light rising up around him, locking his Warlock inside.

Hexagram Prison?

A predictive attack?

No, more accurately, it was a trap. If the other player hadnt ducked behind the boulder to hide his movements from Wei Chen, a predictive attack wouldnt have been enough to completely trap Wei Chens Warlock while he was moving.

But at the same time, when he was hiding behind the boulder, Yu Wenzhou also couldnt see Wei Chens Warlock. He needed to correctly guess Wei Chens movements and accurately calculate the amount of time he needed to move to that position in order to pull off such a precise attack.

Wei Chen played Warlock. He knew better than anyone the power of a Warlock who was good at calculations.

For that kind of Warlock, once they gained control of a target, that target was doomed.

But could this kid pull it off?

He did it!

In the instant that Wei Chens Warlock fell, everyone stared in utter shock. After trapping Wei Chens Warlock, Yu Wenzhous control and attack had been excellent. Using a precise rhythm of attack and control to compensate for his slow handspeed, he maintained his advantage until the end.

He won?

Not even Huang Shaotian had managed it, yet this kid had done it?

The captain must have been too tired, right?

Everyone was thinking this. Even though Wei Chen hadnt needed much effort to fight them, the fatigue of playing so many matches would accumulate no matter how easy they were.

Fang Shijings hand pressed on Wei Chens shoulder again. His eyes were flashing once more, but unlike the earlier excitement of seeing Huang Shaotians performance, he was now showing a different kind of excitement, one that came from an unexpected but delightful surprise.

Wei Chen didnt turn to look at him this time. He extinguished the cigarette he had been holding.

Not bad. Lets play another round and see, he said.

Another round began. Same characters, same map, same starting positions. Old Wei fired an attack, and Yu Wenzhou again dodged behind that same boulder.

It was completely the same as last round?

Everyone was puzzled. And this time, Fang Shijing walked over to stand behind Yu Wenzhou, spectating from his point of view.

It was really the same?

Fang Shijing watched Yu Wenzhous position, saw that Yu Wenzhous left hand was positioned over the keyboard in the same way as before. He was indeed waiting for Wei Chens appearance, just like last time.

Wei Chen would appear in the same way as before. Fang Shijing, who understood his longtime friend, could make this prediction. Because what happened last time was simply too unexpected, this time he would approach in the same way to figure out what had happened of course, his dissatisfaction at the previous outcome also played a small role.

However, even if Wei Chen approached in the same way as he did before, this time he knew what Yu Wenzhou was planning he must be prepared to counter, right? This Yu Wenzhou, if he believed that the same tactics could defeat him twice, would be vastly underestimating the capabilities of a pro player.

Hes here!

On screen, in Yu Wenzhous view, Wei Chens Warlock charged forward, and this time he anticipated Yu Wenzhous Warlock, anticipated Yu Wenzhous plan, so this time, the angle and timing were just barely changed from before. Wei Chen understood the Warlock class too well, and knew that this change was just enough to allow him to dodge the Hexagram Prison.

But the Hexagram Prison never came. From the sky fell Chaotic Rain.

The movements of Wei Chens Warlock became jumpy, irregular. No experience or talent could control a character under the confusion effect of Chaotic Rain. Yu Wenzhous Warlock, neither too quickly nor too slowly, began casting spells. Attack and control alternated in perfect rhythm, and in the end, Wei Chens Warlock fell to the ground.

The room was silent.

Two rounds. Wei Chen had lost two rounds to Yu Wenzhou.

The first loss, that could be called a fluke. But to lose a second time? To confidently re-enact the events of before, this time with preparation, and still lose?

The majority of the spectators now drifted to watch from Yu Wenzhous computer. They didnt know if there would be a third round, but they all wanted to know how Yu Wenzhou did it.

The others were all sneaking glances at Wei Chens expression, but the only one blatantly staring was Fang Shijing, with something like ridicule in his gaze.

Yu Wenzhou hadnt underestimated them, hadnt thought that the same tactic could work twice. No, it was Wei Chen who had underestimated Yu Wenzhou. He had thought that simply countering Yu Wenzhous plan from the previous match was enough. He hadnt expected Yu Wenzhou to make additional adjustments.

Under the mocking gaze of his friend, Wei Chen felt helpless. He was forced to admit, because of the earlier loss, this time he had been clumsy, and underestimated Yu Wenzhou.

This kid had a huge limitation, but all this time, he had dedicated himself to training and improvement. Wei Chen knew he should give this show of diligence the respect it deserved.

You played very well. Lets try one more round, I wont hold back this time! said Wei Chen.

Okay. Yu Wenzhous answer was simple.

Round 3 began. This time, Wei Chen no longer had that flippant attitude of before. He treated Yu Wenzhou as a true opponent, and played with focus.

Encounter, clash, dodge, retreat

The two Warlocks began an intricate dance, and Wei Chen took the initiative, maintaining a clear advantage in suppressing Yu Wenzhou. Even so, Yu Wenzhou endured, striving to conserve his health and survive after Wei Chens every attack.

As expected, the captain was stronger, the spectators were thinking. But Yu Wenzhou wasnt weak either! Even though he was being suppressed, he was still fighting beautifully.

Of all the people watching, it was Fang Shijings opinion of him that was changing the most. This face-to-face confrontation truly allowed Yu Wenzhous ability to shine through, and Fang Shijing saw this clearly.

His handspeed was still terrible. That had never changed, and so he had never tried to improve that. But his playstyle didnt rely on his handspeed; instead, he relied upon his grasp of the maps characteristics, his predictions of the capabilities of Wei Chens Warlock, and his own understanding of the Warlock class as a whole.

Yu Wenzhou was the very last reserve player to challenge Wei Chen. In order to try and be fair to everyone, Wei Chen hadnt changed map or account between evaluations. And so Yu Wenzhou could analyze them beforehand, and use this knowledge to his advantage.

He didnt have the handspeed, but he used well the strengths he did have. He had stood by the wayside and waited for his opportunity. Because of all this, he was able to last much longer than Fang Shijing anticipated.

If this hadnt been the third round between these two, Fang Shijing might have, at this point, quietly encouraged Wei Chen to throw the match, to let this youth feel that his efforts werent in vain, to give him some hope and confidence.

But Wei Chen had already lost twice in a row, and he had said, I wont hold back this time. If he lost again, would he have any pride left?

Fang Shijing sighed to himself. He couldnt bear to see his friend lose face to that extent. Still, he hoped that this youth wouldnt become too frustrated by a defeat, and that he would keep working hard and improving.

Hua!

Onscreen, purple light flashed. Wei Chens Warlock once again seized a chance to attack ferociously, and this time, his opponent was well and thoroughly cornered. Nowhere to retreat, nowhere to hide.

Its over, Fang Shijing thought, with another quiet sigh. Yet Yu Wenzhou hadnt given up. Though trapped and under attack, his Warlock continued to struggle, and he even managed to cast a skill.

What an admirable spirit, keep fighting! Fang Shijing internally cheered for Yu Wenzhou, and then, he checked the skill that his Warlock had cast.

Decaying Curse, which decreased the targets attack power. Was he trying to buy time?

Seeing Yu Wenzhous unyielding hard work, Fang Shijing was tempted to just pull the power on the computer cables, forcibly end the match in a draw. But then, at this moment, Wei Chens warlock suddenly stopped. Around him rose the light of a Hexagram Prison.

Trapped!

Locked in place by the skill, Wei Chens Warlock was rendered helpless as Yu Wenzhou began casting. Because his health was dangerously low, he cast several protection spells upon himself as precaution. But his perfect rhythm was the same as before, and his low health didnt affect his control of the situation.

And under everyones shocked eyes, Wei Chens Warlock fell for the third time.

What had happened? Fang Shijing, shocked, mentally replayed those final pivotal moments of battle. He thought of Wei Chen, firmly on the offensive, and then

Decaying Curse!

It was all because of that Decaying Curse!

That skill had lengthened the battle, but more importantly, had disrupted Wei Chens attack rhythm. Wei Chen had maintained this rhythm for almost the entirety of the battle; he had gotten used to it, fallen into a regular pattern. So when his attack power had lowered, he had forgotten to compensate. He had reached for a skill, only to find that it was unexpectedly still in cooldown!

Thats right, thats what happened. Fang Shijing, reviewing the battle, was sure of it. So that was to say, all this time, Yu Wenzhous actions in the battle had been intentional. It hadnt been helpless struggle or baseless hope. He had guided the battles progression, had lulled Wei Chen into a stable rhythm and a false sense of security. And then, right when the opponent had been on the verge of winning, he had used a single skill to completely reverse the situation and seize victory for himself.

Diligence, persistence? Those werent Yu Wenzhous most fearsome qualities. It was his brain, his planning, his calculations. Who would have thought that this youth, who had been completely overlooked, was in fact this incredible?

Wei Chen, did you see it?

Fang Shijing looked at his friend, but couldnt tell if he was pleased or angry. After appearing to space out for a moment, Wei Chen eventually let out a long sigh and stood up, studying Yu Wenzhou intently.

Thank you, Senior, for your guidance, said Yu Wenzhou respectfully as he also rose to his feet.

To defeat Wei Chen three times in a row Even in the entire Glory professional sphere, the number of players who could pull that off was very small. Wei Chens condition might have been declining, but he was still a god-level player.

And Yu Wenzhou, a mere reserve player with a pathetic handspeed, had done it. But he wasnt excited, let alone arrogant; he was just as calm as he was when facing the mocking shouts of others taunting his slow hands.

Wei Chen nodded. He fished around in his pocket, but in the end only withdrew an empty box of cigarettes. With a face of regret, he tossed it aside.

Continue working hard! he said, not just to Yu Wenzhou, but to everyone gathered.

Yes! the reserve players answered.

Im going to buy some cigarettes. With that, Wei Chen turned and left the room, and Fang Shijing hurried into the hallway after him.

Wei Chen heard the rushed footsteps behind him, and without turning his head, he knew that it was Fang Shijing.

Its time, he said, just as the figure reached his side.

What? said Fang Shijing, startled.

I never imagined that this Yu Wenzhou was also so powerful, said Wei Chen.

No one imagined, Fang Shijing said.

We realized it too late. We didnt help them the best we could. Them, not him. He was no longer speaking of just Yu Wenzhou.

They have a bright future ahead of them.

For sure. But they still need time, and youll have to help them.

Well, of course, Fang Shijing replied automatically. But after those words left his mouth, he seemed to suddenly realize the second meaning behind Wei Chens statement.

Wait, what do you mean by that! he immediately demanded.

This dual-core era never belonged to me Wei Chen sighed and turned his head. In the training room at the end of the long hallway, he could see that Yu Wenzhou had been surrounded by the other trainees, including that talkative Huang Shaotian. They were all jostling for a chance to fight him in a match, to see his unexpected prowess in action once more. To varying extents, all of these trainees had looked down upon Yu Wenzhou during their time at Blue Rain, but he seemed not to resent them for this abrupt change in attitude.

He is the best choice for captain, said Wei Chen. Swoksaar should go to him as well! He had only just begun to understand Yu Wenzhou through the three matches they had fought, yet those three matches had shown him enough.

But, in the meantime, Ill still have to count on you, he added.

What do you mean? In the meantime of what? Where are you going? Fang Shijing was alarmed.

Me? Im going to buy some cigarettes! What, do you want to come with? Its not like you smoke. With a casual wave and hardly a glance back, he headed down the stairwell.

Fang Shijing didnt follow Wei Chen, just watched his retreating back. He knew that Wei Chen was making a difficult decision, and didnt want to be bothered during this time. He, Fang Shijing thought sadly, was always the type of person to bear his struggles alone, rather than share them with others.

Fang Shijing looked back at the end of the hallway, at the training room, at the two youths in the midst of a crowd.

This was what Wei Chen had entrusted to him. Blue Rains future, Blue Rains dual-core.

The Sword, and the Curse.