Rise

The esports clubroom at the Shanghai University of Finance was jam-packed with students. News about the main roster scrimming against another team competing at the Winter Collegiate Cup had circulated around campus, drawing a lot of attention. But it was the argument between Luo Yu and Zeng Rui that created the bigger influx of students. Most didn’t really know what happened, they only arrived when the sparks were already flying. But the university’s second roster quickly filled in those blanks. They stood at the front of the clubroom and were loudly talking with each other.

“These kids really don’t know what’s good for them! Hahaha!” “Did you hear that one guy talk to Luo Yu? Like they’re equals! How did a high schooler get so cocky?” “Lol. I heard they won some small high school tournament. That’s probably why!” “Hahaha! I remember when I was in high school. Our esports team sucked back then!” “I don’t get what the Collegiate Cup organizers were thinking when they invited high schoolers… It’s a waste of everyone’s time. They’re just going to get knocked out in the first round of the qualifiers...” “Eh, who cares? It’s a nice warm-up match for whoever gets to play against them.” “Real talk, though. Those two girls are hot as hell! Should I ask the one with the long black hair out?” “Dude… They’re high schoolers. Don’t be a perv. And who cares what they look like? League isn’t a beauty contest. It’s a game of skill and teamwork!” “Tsk. Such a shame we didn’t get to play them.” “How long do you reckon we’d need to beat them? Five minutes? 10?” "Five. Tops.”

Han Ying sat in the back of the room. She glanced in the direction of the second team and briefly listened to what they had to say. Guys bragging. What’s new? She turned to look back at her friends sitting around her. She’d called them over after finding out that Team Shanghai had two girls on its roster. They were busy gossiping.

“Are those on the right really high schoolers?” “That’s what the guys from the second roster are saying. Didn’t you just hear them?” “Hehe! Can’t you tell? They even look like little kids! But those girls are kinda pretty.” “For high schoolers. I’m surprised they’re actually playing though.” “Me too! I wonder if they’re any good.” “Check the guy in the middle out, the one with the messy hair. He’s hot! What do you girls think?” “That you like them young, haha!” “I always knew you were a bit of a cougar! But that’s why I love you so much. You like who you like!” “You should go and get his number after the game. You’re sexy. He’ll fall for you in an instant!”

Han Ying shook her head and giggled. Then she looked up at the large LCD screen that was affixed to the wall above the two rows of soundproof booths. Those two girls should be good, right? The esports association wouldn’t choose them if they suck, I think? I hope they’re going to do well. The screen showed the final champions being locked in, after which the game went into the loading screen. The lineup looks promising at least. Come on, girls! Win this one! It’s about time a few girls entered the competitive scene!

Team Shanghai (Blue) versus Shanghai University of Finance (Red)Top lane: Rumble versus FioraJungle: Sejuani versus Jarvan IVMid lane: Yasuo versus Twisted FateAD-carry: Kalista versus TristanaSupport: Alistar versus Morgana

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《Welcome to Summoner’s Rift!》

The start of the game was rather uneventful. Zhang Hao’s Rumble went to the top lane where he met Red Team’s Fiora. They kept a distance from each other and waited for the first minion wave to arrive. It was a similar situation in the mid lane, while both bot lanes were empty; they were helping their Junglers clear the first camps of the game.