(Thinking about making the next Forbidden Zone the Marineford War from One Piece. Would anyone be interested in that?)
Outside the arena.
The commentator's voice rang out. "Godslayer Academy is in serious trouble now! Their two fallen teammates will need about twenty-five seconds to respawn, and at least another fifteen seconds to make it back to the second mid-lane tower. I'm afraid the other three won't hold out."
"If this keeps going, it'll create a cycle where Godslayer Academy's players never have a full team on the field a continuous death loop."
"Now it all depends on whether their captain has the guts to make a big decision…"
Inside the canyon.
Shane Farris had already realized what the commentator was describing.
Seeing Vincent Fox's team charging aggressively, Shane quickly told his teammates, "If we can't hold the second tower, just abandon it. Don't force a fight. Wait until Carter Brooks and William Yi respawn!"
Seeing the hesitation on their faces, Shane explained, "There's only three of us right now, but they have a full team. If we force a fight, we'll lose. If we fall here, they'll push straight to our crystal. It's game over."
"The only chance we have is to regroup when Carter and William are back. That's when we can make our stand!"
His teammates immediately understood Shane's reasoning.
Thirty seconds later.
The second mid-lane tower was destroyed by Vincent's team.
Shane and his teammates immediately abandoned it and retreated to their base defenses.
Outside.
Seeing Shane willingly give up the second tower, the commentator praised him, "Godslayer Academy's captain is smart. Backing off at this point is the best call!"
"Both teams are about to be at full strength again. It's going to be a real battle."
"This next fight could very well decide the outcome of the entire match."
"If Godslayer Academy loses this fight, the respawn timers will give War Saint Academy enough time to demolish their crystal. Godslayer Academy absolutely cannot lose this round."
"On the other hand, even if War Saint Academy loses this fight, they still have enough momentum to regroup and try again."
"It's all because of that Vincent Fox. His earlier counter to Godslayer Academy's one-push strategy gave War Saint Academy a huge advantage. And his reverse one-push caught Godslayer Academy completely off guard, costing them two towers!"
"Actually… I wonder if anyone has noticed since the start of this match, War Saint Academy has been in control the entire time. They've been pressing Godslayer Academy from the very beginning!"
"Remember, Godslayer Academy still holds the title of the number one academy in the country. For War Saint Academy to push them this far… it's something to be proud of."
The spectators wholeheartedly agreed with the commentator.
But over at Godslayer Academy's instructor seats, the atmosphere was grim.
Being pushed this far by a third-rate academy like War Saint Academy was utterly humiliating for them.
Even if Godslayer Academy managed to win in the end, this match would not be a victory to celebrate it would forever be a stain on their record.
And right now, the outcome wasn't even certain.
"Mr. Wayne!" the vice principal snapped at Walter Wayne with a dark expression. "You're their tactical instructor. How exactly have you been teaching them?"
In truth, this wasn't just a tactical failure.
It was a critical misjudgment of their own strength.
They had been arrogant, thinking their one-push strategy would end the match quickly, but they got completely crushed instead.
One mistake, and everything unraveled.
Of course, even though Walter knew all this, he wasn't foolish enough to argue with his superior.
Getting scolded a bit was nothing.
If letting the vice principal vent could calm him down, that would be ideal.
What he really feared was the leadership deciding to take him down after this.
"Vice Principal, it's my responsibility… but we haven't lost yet. If we can win the championship, all the glory will still belong to Godslayer Academy."
Walter was furious on the inside, but outwardly, he remained humble and respectful.
The vice principal snorted coldly, "You better bring home that championship, or neither of us will be able to explain this."
Back inside the canyon.
When Vincent's team reached the enemy's high ground, Shane and his teammates were fully regrouped and standing under their base's defense tower, ready for battle.
Seeing this formation, Autumn Summer and the others immediately became serious.
They all knew this would be the decisive fight that could determine the entire match.
No one dared to be careless.
"Vincent, what's the plan?" Autumn asked.
Everyone looked to Vincent.
Ever since he wiped out the entire Godslayer Academy team, Zoe Harper and the others had been practically worshipping him. He had naturally become the core of their team.
Vincent suddenly smiled and gave a completely unexpected order.
"We're pulling back! Everyone, follow me!"
Everyone was stunned.
But Vincent had already turned around and started walking away.
Even though they didn't understand, they could only follow.
Godslayer Academy's players were dumbfounded.
They were fully braced for a desperate, all-out brawl, but Vincent's team just… walked away.
It was like winding up a powerful punch only to hit a pillow.
It was maddening.
"What the hell? What are these bastards doing?" Carter exploded in frustration.
Shane and the others looked equally sour.
They had no idea what War Saint Academy was up to.
"Whatever their plan is, we can't let our guard down!" Shane gritted his teeth. "We hold our position right here!"
They had no other choice.
Shane was worried that if they split up now, Vincent might pick them off one by one. If a team fight started and they were out of position, they'd be in serious trouble again.
Outside the canyon.
When the audience saw War Saint Academy suddenly retreat from what was supposed to be the decisive fight, everyone was completely bewildered and frustrated.
They had been waiting all this time for the big showdown.
And now, it wasn't happening?
After all that anticipation?
"What the heck is War Saint Academy doing? Why aren't they fighting?"
"Seriously? They should've just gone for the kill and taken the base!"
"They could've won if they team-wiped Godslayer Academy right there. What are they doing? Do they even know how to play?"
"Man, I've been waiting for this for so long, only to get disappointed."
"Who's commanding War Saint Academy? Did they get dropped on their head?"
Even the commentator was confused. "War Saint Academy suddenly changed their strategy at this critical moment… it's really puzzling. But I believe their commander wouldn't make such a rookie mistake. There must be a deeper reason behind this!"
Inside the canyon.
Autumn couldn't help but ask, "Vincent, do you have a plan?"
Everyone was watching him.
"No real plan," Vincent said. "We're in control right now, but if anything went wrong in that last fight, all the advantage we've built could vanish in an instant."
"Right now, we need to expand our lead even more. We can't give Godslayer Academy the slightest chance to turn this around!"
When they heard this, Autumn's eyes lit up as if she suddenly understood something.
"Vincent, you're planning to take us to…"
Send the next chapter whenever you're ready to continue!
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The deeper he goes, the more the truth unravels. Don't wait read ahead and witness Vincent's rise before the world catches up!
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Change @ to "a"