บท 49: Rising Expectations
The victory over Team Thunderclap sent ripples through the Glory community. News outlets, forums, and social media buzzed with excitement, praising Team Happy's performance and especially highlighting Lan Wei's breakout moment. His name quickly became a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike, with many speculating about his potential to become the next star player.
For Lan Wei, the days following the match were a whirlwind. The adrenaline from the victory had barely worn off before he found himself inundated with interviews, media requests, and fan messages. It was overwhelming, but also exhilarating. For the first time, he felt the weight of the expectations that came with being in the spotlight.
As he sat in the café one afternoon, going through the countless messages of support on his phone, Lan Wei couldn't help but feel a mixture of pride and pressure. He had worked hard to get here, but now the challenge was to stay here and live up to the lofty expectations that had been set for him.
The bell above the café's entrance chimed, and Lan Wei looked up to see Fang Rui entering, his usual carefree grin on his face. He grabbed a chair and sat down across from Lan Wei, placing a cup of coffee on the table.
"Looks like you're famous now," Fang Rui said with a chuckle, glancing at the messages on Lan Wei's phone. "How's it feel?"
Lan Wei sighed, setting his phone aside. "It's… a lot. I'm happy that people are excited, but it's also a bit overwhelming. I don't want to disappoint anyone."
Fang Rui nodded, his expression turning serious. "I get it. The pressure can be intense, especially when you're just starting out. But here's the thing—you're not alone in this. We're a team, and we'll face whatever comes together."
Lan Wei appreciated Fang Rui's words, but the anxiety still lingered. "What if I can't keep up? What if that match was just a fluke?"
Fang Rui took a sip of his coffee, then leaned forward, his tone firm but reassuring. "Listen, Lan Wei. You're here because you earned it. That wasn't a fluke, and you've got the skills to prove it. But you've also got to remember that you're not expected to carry the team on your own. We all have our roles, and we all support each other. That's what makes us strong."
Lan Wei absorbed Fang Rui's words, letting them sink in. He knew that he had the talent, but he also knew that the journey ahead would require more than just individual skill. It would require teamwork, resilience, and the ability to learn and grow from every experience.
"You're right," Lan Wei said finally, his resolve strengthening. "I just need to stay focused on improving and contributing to the team. The rest will follow."
Fang Rui smiled, pleased to see Lan Wei's confidence returning. "Exactly. And don't forget to enjoy the ride. Glory is supposed to be fun, after all."
The two of them chatted for a while longer, discussing the upcoming matches and strategies. Fang Rui's relaxed demeanor was infectious, helping to ease the tension that had been building in Lan Wei. By the time they left the café, Lan Wei felt much more at ease, ready to tackle whatever came next.
The next few weeks were a blur of training, matches, and media appearances. Team Happy continued their strong performance, securing victories and climbing the ranks in the league. Lan Wei's role on the team became more defined as he found his rhythm, his Battle Mage, Azure Fang, becoming a key part of their strategies.
With each match, Lan Wei grew more comfortable in his role, his confidence building with every successful play. He began to develop his own style, blending aggressive tactics with calculated risks, much like Fang Rui had encouraged him to do. It wasn't always perfect—there were mistakes and setbacks—but Lan Wei learned from each one, steadily improving his game.
Despite the growing attention on him, Lan Wei remained grounded, thanks in large part to his teammates. They kept him focused on what truly mattered: the game itself and the bond they shared as a team. Whether they were practicing together, strategizing, or just hanging out after matches, there was a sense of camaraderie that kept them all in sync.
However, as their success continued, so did the pressure. The expectations from fans and analysts grew, and the scrutiny became more intense. Every mistake was dissected, and every decision was questioned. Lan Wei found himself under a microscope, with people eager to see if he could maintain his performance or if he would crack under the weight of the spotlight.
It wasn't just external pressure, either. Lan Wei began to set higher standards for himself, pushing harder in practice and demanding more from his own performance. He wanted to prove that he wasn't just a flash in the pan and that he deserved his place in the league. But as the stakes grew higher, so did the risk of burnout.
One evening, after a particularly grueling day of practice, Lan Wei stayed behind in the training room. The others had already left, but he felt the need to keep working and push himself a little further. The room was quiet, and the only sound was the tapping of his keys as he ran through another set of combos.
But despite his efforts, Lan Wei couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. His movements felt sluggish, and his reactions were slower than usual. Frustration bubbled up inside him as he made mistake after mistake, each one only increasing his anxiety.
Finally, with a groan of frustration, Lan Wei pulled off his headset and leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. He felt drained, both physically and mentally, the pressure weighing on him like a heavy burden.
The door to the training room opened, and Chen Guo stepped in, her expression concerned as she saw Lan Wei slumped in his chair.
"Lan Wei, what are you still doing here?" she asked gently, walking over to him.
Lan Wei sighed, rubbing his eyes. "I just… I felt like I needed to do more. I don't want to fall behind."
Chen Guo looked at him for a moment, then sat down in the chair next to him. "I understand where you're coming from, but you need to take care of yourself too. Pushing yourself too hard can backfire. You're already doing great, and the last thing we want is for you to burn out."
Lan Wei nodded, though the worry still lingered. "I just feel like there's so much more I need to work on. I don't want to let the team down."
Chen Guo smiled warmly. "You're not letting anyone down, Lan Wei. You've been doing an amazing job, and we're all proud of you. But remember, improvement takes time. It's a marathon, not a sprint. And sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a step back and give yourself a break."
Lan Wei listened to her words, feeling the tension in his shoulders slowly begin to ease. He knew she was right—he couldn't keep pushing himself to the brink without risking burnout. He needed to find a balance to allow himself to rest and recharge.
"Thanks, Manager Chen," Lan Wei said softly. "I guess I needed to hear that."
Chen Guo patted his shoulder. "That's what I'm here for. Now, how about you call it a night and get some rest? We've got another big match coming up, and I want you at your best."
Lan Wei nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "Alright. I'll head out now."
As he left the training room, Lan Wei felt lighter, the weight of his worries lifting slightly. He knew that the road ahead would still be challenging, but he was learning to navigate it with the support of his team.
The next match was against Team Wind Howl, a formidable opponent known for their aggressive playstyle and sharp tactics. It was a high-stakes game, with both teams vying for a top spot in the standings. The pressure was intense, but Lan Wei felt more prepared and centered, thanks to the conversation with Chen Guo.
The match was a fierce battle from the start, with both teams trading blows and constantly adapting to each other's strategies. Lan Wei found himself in the thick of the action, his Battle Mage playing a crucial role in countering Wind Howl's relentless assaults.
As the game progressed, Lan Wei felt a familiar rush of adrenaline, but this time it was tempered with a calm focus. He made calculated moves, trusting in his instincts but also remembering to pace himself. The training and advice from his teammates echoed in his mind, guiding him through each decision.
In a pivotal moment, Lan Wei saw an opening in Wind Howl's formation. It was risky, but he knew it could turn the tide in their favor. With a deep breath, he made his move, coordinating with Fang Rui and Luo Ji to execute a surprise attack that caught Wind Howl off guard.
The maneuver worked, breaking through their defenses and giving Team Happy the upper hand. From there, they pushed forward with renewed vigor, capitalizing on the momentum to secure a hard-fought victory.
As the final blow was struck and the screen flashed with "Victory!" the arena erupted in cheers. Lan Wei leaned back in his seat, a wave of satisfaction and relief washing over him. He had played his part, and it had paid off.
After the match, the team gathered for their usual post-game debrief, discussing what had gone well and what could be improved. Lan Wei listened intently, taking in the feedback and thinking about how he could continue to grow as a player.
But more than anything, he felt a sense of pride—not just in himself but in his team. They had faced another tough challenge and come out on top, and they had done it together.
As they left the arena, Lan Wei glanced at his teammates, a feeling of gratitude swelling in his chest. He knew that the journey was far from over, but with them by his side, he was ready for whatever came next.
The expectations were high, but Lan Wei was no longer afraid. He was learning to embrace the pressure and use it as fuel for his growth. With each match, he was carving out his own path, building his legacy in the world of glory.
And as he looked ahead, he knew that the best was yet to come. The sovereign's legacy was still being written, and Lan Wei was determined to make his mark.
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