Chương 21: Opening Ceremony

There were a lot of things Yu Wenzhou's hands couldn't do.

Defeat three opponents in 6.5 seconds? No.

Use a flagrant display of skill and unpredictableness to defeat his opponents? No.

Type and trash talk at an alarming speed while producing flawless play? No. And only Huang Shaotian could do that.

Yes, there were several things his hands couldn't do. But this… This, they could do very well.

Yu Wenzhou looked down at his hands and felt a strong pride well up in him. He was holding in his hands the Chinese National Flag. The flag fluttered as a strong wind blew past the stadium but he held it steady.

He had accomplished a lot with his slow hands but this was and would forever be his greatest accomplishment. He stood at the mouth of the player's tunnel of the Zurich International Esports stadium. Behind him was the team of twelve players- great, famed, and expert players. And he was their captain.

He would lead these players to do battle on the world stage with the aim of achieving the ultimate glory. This was his responsibility. It was his load to bear. It was, indeed, a heavy load. Yu Wenzhou didn't know how the competition would end. He didn't know if his team would win or lose.

But he knew that no matter what, he would give his best.

A strong voice came from over the speakers.

"Introducing the National Team from the People's Republic of China!"

Today was the opening ceremony of the Glory Worlds Invitational. All the teams left the hotel at the same time to gather here for the launching of the greatest stage of their game. The Zurich International stadium was a place befitting for the event taking place now. It was one of two stadiums specifically renovated for the Glory World cup.

The team stepped out of the tunnel and into the sunlight. A wave of cheers accompanied their entrance with one side of the stadium being especially loud.

Yes, the home fans. They were present to cheer for their team's entrance.

The Chinese players walked a full circuit around the stadium, coming to a stop beside the previously announced team, Australia. The Russian, French and American teams were announced afterward and with that, all the teams were out of the tunnel and lined up on the stage.

"Welcome to the Opening Ceremony of the Glory World Invitationals," the announcer's voice boomed. Thunderous applause followed the announcement. The excitement in the stadium was palpable.

For the fans, this was the first major event of the tournament. Yes, the Fixtures Ceremony had been held but only select guests were allowed to attend. Although they watched from net cafes and their screens, congregating together with other Glory fans in such a large space was a very different experience.

It was an experience of a lifetime. And so, they cheered their hearts out.

Once the cheering reduced, the announcer continued. "We will begin the ceremony by playing the Switzerland National Anthem. Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise, if you are able, for the national anthem."

Trumpets, pianos, violins, cellos, and many more instruments produced the harmony of sounds that was the Switzerland anthem. The Switzerland National team sang loudly and all the Swiss in the crowd sang with them. The rest of the audience stood quietly in respect.

The anthem ended and applause rang out.

"Please remain standing for the Glory World Invitationals Anthem."

Anthem? A Glory Anthem? Confused, the players murmured and muttered amongst themselves. Nevertheless, the anthem blared over the speakers, a quiet but intense melody.

The anthem ended and a slightly confused applause rang out. No one had heard of a Glory Anthem before this day.

It was a recent addition. Well, no matter. The competition itself was new. It was expected that new things would be introduced, both in the competition and in the entirety of Glory.

Despite the lukewarm reception of the anthem, the ceremony continued. Speeches, performances from Switzerland's best artists, and a video montage showing Glory's past and current achievements. And then, one by one, the team captains gave speeches, expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to be invited and assuring their supporters that they would give their very best.

Yu Wenzhou returned to his seat. Lu Xuan smiled at him and patted his shoulder. "Well done, Captain."

Yu Wenzhou smiled and nodded in acknowledgement, his slow hands shaking with nervousness. As captain, he would be doing this continuously throughout their stay in Switzerland.

Talking to the media and the fans. Assuring them of the team's condition and determination to win. He only hoped he would get better and less nervous as the competition continued.

Like that particular teammate of his who had no issues talking. In fact, Huang Shaotian was talking to everyone who could hear about how it was bad taste to leave the players in the dark about the new anthem.

"We are the first people that should know about it. Aren't we? If they don't want to tell us, then who will they tell? Who? Who else? They should have told us."

Chu Yunxiu was similarly riled. "They should have told us," she repeated.

The rest of the team nodded in agreement with her and Shaotian. They should have been told but…

"This is a new competition so it is only natural that some things will be overlooked. We can forgive their gaffe this time around," Zhang Xinjie said cool headedly.

"Yes," Wang Jiexi agreed, "we can overlook it this time. It is not a large error."

"I wonder if the anthem will be played at every match that is played," Lu Xuan thought out loud.

The players shrugged. They would find out tomorrow when they went head-to-head with the 13th seed, Australia.