Kapitel 5: Login 5: Scandal
Joseph opened a browser and started checking the E-sports news website. When the E-sports web page appeared, the first thing that greeted him and the top trending news was a.... scandal? It immediately caught Joseph's attention because, it's not everyday that you get this kind of news in the E-sports world.
"Hey! have you seen this news? It says that there was a scandal." Joseph said, while his eyes never left his screen as he opens the trend.
Nico straighten up when he heard what Joseph said.
"Scandal? are you sure, you're not reading celebrity news?" Nico teased.
"Shut up!" Joseph snapped back, making Nico chuckle.
Nico stood up and walked behind Joseph's table and stood next to his chair. He also checked the news, because this is E-sports they were talking about, scandals don't usually happened in the E-sports world.
Joseph was already watching a live feed of the news when Nico stood next to his chair. Joseph put the volume on speaker and they started watching the feed quietly.
<<Jae Ahn has left international K-pop group and Professional E-sports team Hysteria>>
"Huh? Hysteria.... Isn't that the team that dominated and took the top spot at the Rampage Asia Championship, and also took third place at the Rampage Worlds last season?" Joseph asked, not taking his eye off of the screen.
"Yeah" Nico confirmed, nodding
"That kid that left, isn't he like.... one for their main rosters? How come he left, last time I heard news form their team, they were doing great and was very prepared for this season. What do you think happened?" Joseph asked. Obviously he was very shocked at the news of Jae leaving Hysteria. Joseph might be very busy with his work and all, but he always made time to be updated with the latest news in the Rampage world.
"There are definitely a lot of variables in this matter; not to mention they are also an idol group. So their situation within the competitive team might be a completely different story than what's happening within their idol group." Nico answered logically
"Huh... touché" Joseph said while rubbing his chin. What Nico said definitely made sense.
Both of them continued watching the feed as a field reporter appeared to talk about what happened in detail.
"Thank you Michael."
"Now, Lisa this is definitely very surprising for everyone. What exactly happened?" The reporter from the studio asked the field reporter. The field reporter remained calm, but little did she know that what might come out of her mouth might be the cause of a major wide spread depression.
"It was definitely surprising Michael!" The field reporter agreed "I'm now outside of Hysteria's management company, and as you can see thousands of fans are still outside, crying and begging the company to bring back their beloved Jae"
As the news continued, it was total chaos. Fans rallied outside of Hysteria's management company at the break of dawn, demanding an explanation for Jae's departure. Fans sobbed and some even fainted while the field reporter tried interviewing some of them. The situation isn't really pretty and will only get worst if the fans didn't get some answers.
The management company didn't have any choice anymore and decided to call for a press conference. The whole world was glued to their TVs, computer screens and phones as the press conference started. The other members of Hysteria was present looking very dejected and depressed, while their manager just sat at the end of the table with a cold demeanor, devoid of any expressions. Just as the reporters think that everyone was already present, they were stunned when the president of the management company entered the press hall on a wheelchair, looking very beat up.
Upon seeing the management's president enter on a wheelchair, Nico frowned. Something smelled fishy but he didn't voiced it out, instead he said "Uh... Kuya could you save the news for me?"
"Yeah, what do you need it for?" Joseph asked in confusion
"Just....something" Nico answered vaguely, keeping his calm. But inside he was already cringing while watching the news.
When Joseph got the vague answer, he didn't push for it, since he knew that he'll eventually know what's up, so Joseph didn't have any complaints doing what Nico asked.
The press conference finally started and the first one to speak was Hysteria's manager.
"Good morning ladies and gentlemen, we are well aware that all of you are seeking answers." The manger paused and for the first time showed some emotions that's a mix of sadness and anger. The manger covered him mouth like he was really trying not to cry, as the closest Hysteria member rubbed his back in comfort. After some time the manager let out a deep breath, calming himself before dropping the bomb "The truth is..... Jae Ahn has been AWOL for month!"
The room erupted in chaos as reporters after reporters try to make sense of what the manager's revelation meant.
"Can you please explain further?!"
"What do you meant by AWOL? Where has Jae been all this time?!"
"Sir can you please give us some specifics!"
"How can you explain to the fans that Jae has been missing?!"
"Everyone please calm down!" The organizer said in a hard voice "Please also understand that this is also hard for every one in the company as well. So may we please ask for everyone to calm down?"
As the reporters heard this, they noticed the expressions on everyone from the Hysteria members to the manger to the president that this situation did in fact took a blow on them. Some of the Hysteria members were already crying. Upon seeing this, the reporters relatively calmed down respectfully. When all the reporters finally calmed down, the Management's lawyer stood up and stood at the podium.
"As you've all been informed, Mr. Ahn has gone missing for quite some time already, thus breaching his contract" The lawyer informed sending other wave of questions form the reporters. But the lawyer just raised his hand with a cold expression as if to say "Do not interrupt me or else!", making the reporters shut up and sit quietly on their chairs.
"The company has taken a major blow because of Mr. Ahn's absence. Normally the company would file a lawsuit against Mr. Ahn but the President's kindheartedness took over and refused to do it. So the only option for the company to take is let Mr. Ahn go." After the lawyer spoke, one reporter respectfully raised her hand.
"Yes?" The lawyer said, acknowledging the reporter, allowing her to speak.
"I would just like to ask, has there been any problems or conflicts that caused everything to end up in this situation?"
This time the leader of Hysteria spoke "Jae has had a lot of emotional and physiological problems that he's been battling for some time now. We all tried our very best to help him but he kept refusing. At one point, the president personally made time from his busy schedule to talk to Jae, but they got into an argument" The Leader sniffed back, trying to hold back his tears then said "Then Jae just snapped. He punched the president in the face. But he didn't stop there, he kept hitting the president that landed him on a wheelchair." Then the leader's voice broke "If we weren't there in time to stop Jae, he might... he might...." The leader couldn't continue speaking, like the event really traumatized him.
Then another member said "We treated him like out brother, so it's very hard for us to accept that out brother has become like this!" he cried making the reporters really pity them.
But as reporters they can't let their emotions cloud their judgments, so they just kept quite and took in all the information that they could.
Then another reporter respectfully said to management president "Sir, first of all we wish you fast recovery"
The president responded, but what he said was barely understandable. To ease the reporter's confusion the lawyer stood beside the president and said "Apologies!" as he bowed. "The president jaw hasn't fully recovered, but he sincerely thanked all of you for your concern"
Finally understanding, the reported went straight with his question "Mr. President can we please have your comments on one of you talents turning out like 'this'?"
The management president understood what the reporter wanted to ask but when he heard it, even before he could give an answer, the president broke down in tears.
The reporter was shocked by the management president's reaction to his question that he was rendered speechless. "Was the Management president really this close to Jae?" The reporter thought.
"Again, I apologize" The lawyer said to the reporter, "As you can see the president is currently suffering the most. He treated all his talents like they were his own child, especially Jae." The lawyer's voice was full of sympathy for the president as he explained.
"Thank you, sir" The reporter bowed, before taking his sit.
Then another reporter raised his hand.
"Yes?" The lawyer acknowledged
The reporter stood up, then cleared his voice before speaking "Good morning, I'm form ESN!. Hysteria has been preparing really hard and determined to take the trophy at the Rampage World Championships this season. Now, loosing one member of the team, what are your plans in the future. Because form what I've gathered Jae has played a big role in last years Rampage Worlds."
The lawyer had a slight change in expression when he heard the question "We were not planning on relieving it too soon, but we have already found a replacement to take Mr. Ahn's place"
All the reporters were shocked by what the lawyer said "Is he going to be a permanent member of the team?" The ESN! reporter asked
"Yes, he will be the freshest member of Hysteria" The lawyer said, suddenly turning excited "This is going to be his first on screen debut ever, please welcome Moon Bin!"
Then the double doors on the back of the hall opened, and there stood a handsome young man.
"Wow....way to make an entrance" Joseph said sarcastically, as he takes a sip on his mug.
The young man walked to the front then faced the reporters. "My name is Moon Bin, I will be in your care!" Moon Bin bowed.
The reporters were stunned but at the same time they became more and more excited, since more drama meant that more material to write about. All of the reporters were beyond excited and are rejoicing internally, except for one. The reporter from ESN!. He was not like the other reporters who rejoices in drama. Since he is form ESN! he only rejoices in one thing, E-sports. As a reporter from ESN! he takes his work very seriously and passionately, that he himself is an avid player of Rampage. At that moment he was suddenly reminded of why he absolutely despises this idol/E-sports team hybrids. This kinds of teams are absolutely contaminated. Although..... Yes! He couldn't fault that some of this hybrids are excellent teams, to the point of the top two teams in Korea are amongst this hybrids, but he still couldn't help but feel peeved whenever this kinds of events arises. Because it's not just gonna be purely focused on Rampage but will also be contaminated by other "drama" stuff.
After Moon Bin introduced himself, he was given a sit on the panel. After he took a sit, the reporter from ESN! didn't even give Moon Bin time to adjust to crowed, when he asked
"Moon Bin is it?" The reporter asked, but didn't even let the flustered Moon Bin to answer when he immediately moved on to his next question.
"I heard that you will be replacing Jae, that must have been a lot pressure isn't?" The reporter said calmly, but if you listen to it every carefully, he was obviously attacking Moon Bin by asking him like an interrogator instead of a journalist.
This definitely hit a nerve on him because the reporter was a fan of Jae, or technically speaking he admired Jae's skills only and not his looks.
"It is definitely a lot of pressure taking on Sunbae's place but I will absolutely do my best to reach everyone's expectations" Moon Bin answered humbly with a determined smile. It might have taken him a few minutes to get his baring but when he gave his answer it was perfect. It dazzled the other entertainment news reporters but the ESN! reporter just internally grunted annoyingly.
"So what class will you playing?" The reporter asked
"I will be a Blade Emperor" Moon Bin answered
"So you will be playing the same class as Jae then? Well... this puts a lot more pressure on you, I'm sure. Especially with the way Jae helped his team last season. Are you confident enough in your skills that you could do the same?" The reporter asked lifting an eyebrow. He was definitely looking down on this punk. He closely watch Jae play all these years and he is absolutely sure that no one can surpass him.
Feeling like Moon Bin was being attacked, the lawyer came to his rescue "Well, you still haven't seen him played, right? The company is confident enough in Moon Bin's skills, that he can help Hysteria become champions at Rampage Worlds. Now, I think you have already asked enough questions. Let's give the others a chance, shall we?"
By then the other reporters are already giving the ESN! reporter a look of disdain. They couldn't believe that a reporter was actually attacking a helpless kid. Plus the ESN! reporter asked too many questions that for the other reporters, isn't really that relevant and is just a waste of time.
"Thank you for answering my questions" The ESN! reporter said with his chin held high as took his sit with his dignity still in intact. He started writing his story right then and there and didn't even care for the rest of the press conference since from there on it's gonna be entertainment drama rubbish.
The feed on the press conference also stopped after the ESN! reporter sat.
"So this thing actually became a grand welcome for their new member then..." Joseph said with great disappointment as the field reporter closed the story and brought it back to the studio reporter. Joseph was actually regretted watching the news since it turned out to be a publicity stunt rather than actual E-sports news. He could have actually done a lot on the time that was wasted. He kept rambling and complaining that when he turned around, he was actually speaking to no one and saw that Nico was already focused on his laptop.
Nico looked up form his screen, seeing the confusion on Joseph's face.
"I already stopped watching minutes ago" Nico just said, then return his eyes back to his laptop screen.
"Wait? So you mean I suffered through that all by myself?!" Joseph said, looking slightly hurt
"It was predictable" Nico said rolling his eyes.
"Touché" Joseph could just let out a sigh. Then he suddenly remembered something.
"Are you going to join the Hunt later? If I'm not mistaken, Pada will respawn soon."
"Yup" Nico answered, with a twinkle in his eyes
The foundation of his side job in game are self-made equipments, and self-made equipments requires Ancient Items, and Ancient Items are items commonly dropped by Titans, hence he will be joining the Hunt in order to acquire the said needed times to make self-made equipments; it's really not rocket science.
But Nico was especially excited for this Titan, since he wanted an Ancient Item that only this Titan can drop; the <<Jewel of the Golden Deity>>. He has been actively participating in the Hunt for this particular Titan, and ever since then he still had no luck receiving the item that he wanted. This Ancient Item that Nico's been hunting for is extremely rare and valuable that it can only be bought by real money, if someone is willing to sell it. The effects possessed by this Ancient Item is so amazing that Professional teams actually fight for it, they will spare no expense just to posses one. This Ancient Item is so rare that Nico has actually been hunting it for about a year now, since this Titan only respawns once a month, and every time this Titan is defeated it only drops one. Of course it also drops other kinds of Ancient items, but Nico has only eyes for one and he is determined to have it.
"Then I'll be joining in too" Joseph said which surprised Nico
"What?! I still got moves!" Joseph said in his defense when he saw Nico's surprise "Just because I'm old doesn't mean I'm incapable. Besides I'm not that old" Joseph is actually already 27 years old
"Aren't you busy?" Nico asked with a frown
"Yeah, but I can still make time for this kinds of stuff every once in a while" Joseph said with huff
"Help yourself then" Nico said calmly, but inside he was excited. It has really been a while since he got to play with Joseph, that doesn't involve fighting other players.
<<***>>
<<Philippine International Airport>>
Time: 12:00 PM
A young man, wearing a black mask and a black cap, stood in the middle of the bustling airport with his one hand holding on to his suit case while the other holding his phone. The young man held his phone tightly as he watched the news about Jae's departure from Hysteria and as the new member Moon Bin was introduced. The young man's grip on his phone became harder and harder, snapping his phone into two in the process as his eyes flared with rage.
Notes:
Rampage World Championships (A.K.A Rampage Worlds) -* Is a once a year event that gathers the top two teams from every continental championships, to battle it out to vie for the title Rampage World Champion.
Rampage Asia Championship -* Is one of the 8 Continental Championship that takes place, in order for teams to have a chance of entering the Rampage Worlds. The Continental Championships are held as follows in: Asia, South East Asia, Eurasia, Europe, Australia, North America, South America, and Africa.
"This" -*When the reporter asked the management president on what he thought of Jae turning out like "this". The reporter actually meant by "This" is "Crazy or Insane", he just didn't had the time to think of a proper word while still wanting to be respectful.
ESN! -*Stands for E-Sports News!. This is the go to place that covers everything E-Sports related topics, news and events.
Sunbae -*Sunbae(선배, 先輩) is a word that refers to people with more experience (at work, school, etc).
Titans -*Are Rampage's version of world bosses. Unlike in other games where the items dropped by the world bosses are only given to the party that took the final hit; In Rampage as long as you get to take a damage, or support in anyway, at the Titan you will be rewarded with an item. Of course the item that will be rewarded to the players will depend on the amount of help he/she has provided in defeating the Titan. Usually what happens is that after the Titan is defeated, the system will be calculating the results of every participant, whether it may be damage, damage taken or heals/supports, everyone will be rewarded accordingly. Then the rewards will be sent to the mailboxes of the participants. Of course the higher the results the higher the rewards given. With this kind of system everyone will be encouraged to join the hunt.
-*Titans' respawn time may vary. The fastest can take about a week, but the more rare ones can take months.
<<Goddess of Greed, Burigadang Pada Sinaklang Bulawan>> -* Burigadang Pada Sinaklang Bulawan or simply Pada, is the goddess of greed in the Visayan Pantheon. In Rampage she is a level 80 Titan that is known for dropping the very valuable Ancient Item <<Jewel of the Golden Deity>>.
AUTORENGEDANKEN 
harpdance26
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