The score was 1-1, it's the last game and the longest.
Athena's Hall was launched almost 10 years ago by the L-Gaming Subsidiary and it was only 6 years ago when it became so popular that it became an e-sport.
Echo was one of the teams that's been there since the beginning, they won the first world championship league. After that they only became a runner up or sometimes not even qualified in the world championship.
Athena's Hall was divided into Country Division before World Division. For 4 years straight since Kaizen entered Blazing, their team became the winner of Country Division 4X and World Champion 3X. 3 years ago, Echo also increased their force, then Zero and Crux came just in the last 2 years. They again continued to grow and became a dark horse.
Now, it's the World Division Championship League Finals and all avid gamers are all at the edge of their seats. Wondering if the Echo will reclaim their throne or Blazing will stand firmly in their seat.
For the avid gamers, they know Blazing was quite on the pedestal because the previous roamer was poached by Country P amidst the season. It ensued chaos and Arko who was also in team B of Blazing was put in the game, but his overall mechanics and map awareness is still less than the previous roamer. Lessening the attack power of Kaizen.
Zohara who was watching it felt that the fight was entertaining but most of the time she was clueless to what was happening and practically just dizzy. Then there is their final skirmish in the Lord fight.
"Woah!"
The hall was filled with shock when Zero was able to kill Blazing mage Azen, then a wrong call by the roamer, everything crumbled. Echo were able to secure the Lord and break the base of Blazing.
"FUCK!"
"WOAH!"
"ZERO!"
"ECHO!"
"WHAT HAPPENED BLAZING! I BET TO YOU!"
"FUCKING TRASH"
It takes almost 10 minutes before the hall calms down. As the replay was played by Carl and Tyla, as they commented on it.
Zohara also heard her friends cursing. As Zohara remembers they are team Blazing.
"What the hell" Miro said wanting to cry, while Coco and Mira are more simple they dont dwell that much and were just shocked.
Soren who bet to Blazing saw their money vanishing and felt beyond sadness. While beside him was Nicht who was happy that he bet to Echo.
"I thought the probability of Blazing winning is much higher, fuck." Soren
"It was destined to crumble, they needed time to adjust to the roamer." Nicht commented, the others also have sentiment.
"It's also Axen, his position in the last fight was dangerous. With Zero and Arko synergy, it was a bad position."
The player in the stage hands shakes, some teammates of Blazing are crying or have red eyes, especially Axen and Nero who have a bad call. Nero also looks like he will crumble because of pressure and side comments.
Then they interview Blazing, thankfully Kaizen was still in his composture and helped his team. They received the medal and left the stage then there was the ECHO.
"ECHOOOOOOOO"
"ECHO"
"ECHO"
"HOW DOES EVERYONE FEEL?!"
"Cloud nine" Reaver answer enthusiastically while laughing
The teammates all have a wide smile and relaxed expression, they really felt in Cloud 9.
The post interview was quite fast as the audience left their seats.
"It's okay, they might win next time." Mira said to her brother.
Some audience members stay for a while to avoid the mass of audience leaving the venue and it would be traffic. They rather stay in the air conditioned wide space.
Some avid gamer that knows Zohara also asked for a picture. Zohara smiles in every picture. While some don't have courage to approach her.
"Zohara!"
Someone shouted when they were about to leave. It's Zero, behind him was Reaver who was laughing animatedly.
"Im a Hara, can I take a picture and autograph?" He asked quite awestruck, while the five beside Zohara was also awestruck to Zero. This guy was the MVP and just won a world championship. Miro even avid Blazing wanted to get an autograph. He can even sell it to avid Echo team! He's a genius!
"Thank you for your support." Zohara said with her politer smile then they took a picture. Reaver as if always ready to take their picture. Reaver also asked for one just to boast around and the three of them together also took a picture. Zohara signed a clean jersey of Zero.
"Thank you!" Zero said happily, Zero was a fan since Zohara's first live stream. He basically falls at first sight, but he doesn't have an ounce of courage to shoot his shot, he also knows his priority and he's busy with the practice. Even winning the championship, he knows it's just the start, the practice would be more gruesome and Zohara's content was his entertainment. He also likes Zohara's cause.
"Can I get an autograph and picture?" Miro asked, which was answered by a nod. All of them also take group photos.
"Congratulations, I think you guys play well even though I'm mostly dizzy." Zohara send her regards
"Woah, let's play sometimes!"
Zero…
Sir…
You would play with Zohara?
A human rank?
They collectively thought
"I'll follow you, please follow me back"
"Alright" Zohara answers which makes Zero happier as they bid their goodbye. Reaver wanted to pace palm himself.
"Do you think we have a Hara in Blazing?" Nicht suddenly asked not wanting to miss the opportunity
"Yeah" Miro second thought
As for Soren, he is proud like a mother, he immediately posted the photo and boasted that an Echo was a Hara.
Zohara ignored them as they left the venue.
They had dinner and bought Miro a cake. Miro didn't go home and stayed for a day in a hotel which was everyone's treat to lessen the guilt of Mira and just say that it's a birthday gift.
Miro was happy amidst the loss of Blazing and he started selling the signature online. He just wishes it'll fetch a lot so the transport fee he got from his parents would be covered. While Mira was just plain happy seeing her brother energetic.
•
In a private room in Èlan, Leox, with other investors, were drinking and eating food. Beside them are women that are mostly models and actresses.
They were having dinner with the male lead and female lead that would act in a series called 'Misty Crown' a costume drama. The female lead is in the industry for 3 years and this is her break. Her name is Lorelei, she has that cold demeanor, light brown eyes and pretty face. Beside her was her manager, while the male lead is already a household name in costume drama and B-list actor name Caius.
Leox earlier raised his eyebrow seeing Lorelei earlier, her demeanor and eyes look like Zohara. He also felt her eyes around him even though she thought she hid it well.
Leox was reading an article about Zero and Zohara. He felt entertained earlier but now he felt a bitter taste in his mouth. He remembers his conversation with his brother.
"How did you know her?" Leox asked his brother who was drinking a coffee sitting in his seat as the head.
"How did you know her?" Luther repeated the questioned
Leox immediately felt irritated. He knew his brother wouldn't tell him something, he was about to leave the room when he heard Luther next word.
"Don't you move her."
"So you can move her? Youre in your 30's be fucking for real!"
"Leox, how old is Zohara? I'm warning you, she's a child."
Luther seriously said, Leox just snorted and left.
Leox feels he's in the dark.
More than Zohara, he felt more irritated by the fact he doesn't know what's happening. Even Gias seems to know something but his mouth was also shut. His fair guess was that Zohara was illegitimate daughter because Gias hated her, but who? Then he remembers his brother out of character.
Fuck
He just wishes his father was not Zohara's father.
Leox drink another alcohol, he just know that he wouldn't be able to move Zohara for at least 3 years. What also irritated him was his brother warned him! Does he look like someone who doesn't have morals and jumps to a teenager?
For the record, all his record was those girls jumping to him and they are all at least 20 years old!
His interest mostly lasts 1-3 months but he's still interested in Zohara for almost 4 months.
He might be in deep shit.
•
On the internet, the most famous articles right now were the win of Echo and of course Zohara. Many photos of them circulated and some recounted what happened.
Then there's a photo of Zero in his personal L-Line, wearing the signed jersey and holding a world cup.
@ Echo' Zero
Thank you for your support everyone.
I still remember the first time I played for the team. I was nervous, hesitant and happy.
Now, after 3 years, we're here. I'm more than grateful for my team and the people who support us.
Thank you for believing in us.
15M Likes 1M comments 2M shares
:CONGRATS! TEAM ECHO!
:IS THAT THE SIGNED SHIRT OF ZOHARA?
:FUCK, ANOTHER HARA
:Is it just me or is Zohara everywhere?
:Movies, Idols, E-sport, University, she's always beefing with someone.
:Who's next?
:I'm scared!
:Zohara is everywhere because of her problematic attitude!
:Stay bothered, though my fairy sister don't need your attention.
:ZERO LOOKS AMAZING! ZERO X ZOHARA!!!
:LET ME IN!
:CAN YOU SEE THIS?! THEIR FACE CARD?! (photos)
:Before the game started, ZERO AND ZOHARA made eye contact!!! (link)
:FUCK
:I WOULD PROBABLY ALSO WIN!
•
In the following weeks, Zohara's spent her time uneventful.
She attends her classes, tutor Soren, Coco and Mira in her free time. Livestream every Saturday, then spend time with her father every now and then.
It's been four months since she started her freshman year. Her followers continue to grow and no other dispute arises after the E-sports scene.
She still didn't accept any endorsement because she's not interested in anything. While her manager manages the business emails and offers which she also declined.
Her L-Line followers were now 16.3 million, 13 million in L-videos, and 13.6 million in L-rest. Her L-videos are only 15, and she mostly uses it to see edits of her.
She already settled what Mr. Harlan asked her.
The Hara's Club in University A was on the right track and additional students joined filtered by the three.
Some people talk that she's losing her fame because her name was not that noisy as before but people who bash her immediately realized it's not. Hara's was immediately categorized as a solid fandom after a number of incidents.
Some celebrities and influencers don't have a solid fandom, basically they are weak against others fandom. While most are just passerby fans that don't really dedicate their time to stanning. But Zohara's fans were different, every post, every movement became a talk and her influence is far reaching than some B-list artists.
They just finished their final examination. They would have a month of sem break before the new semester starts.
Coco and Mira, who was native to the capital, went home to their family. While Soren flies to Country J with his mother.
Zohara also went back to her residence in Hill. It's only been a day since they were dismissed for sem break. They received their individual grades and the ranking was already posted on the website. As everyone expected, Zohara was the Ace of the 1st year, 1st sem.
Zohara was now sitting on her sofa in the living room. In front of her were different kinds of beads. She's making different kinds of bracelets and wants to sell them in the charity store.
She is currently creating a bracelet made with a brown cord and decorated with beads shaped like flowers, leaves, and circles.
"Yes, I'll sell this in the Charity Website Store." Zohara answered the question live.
: I hope I can secure one!
: I just saw the additional category yesterday, I didn't know you would really add a shop for non University students!
: Im quite worried about this, what if some netizen jokingly posts products but doesn't send them.
"Don't worry guys, the team already created a trustworthy security. To register as a seller, you need to use your National ID and we'll have your authentic name even though you can be anonymous in the shop. If you're worried about your name security, we have 3rd level data privacy encryption. This was also the case for the University A's students before and their names and information were safe."
"We also dedicate a customer service team. I also added a choice in the donation on how many % you want to donate in the charity. You can choose between 30% to 100%, based on what you want. The shop itself was designed for donations, that's why the % share starts to 30%."
:Customer service, fuck this a full on company
:Who's your IT team? The design really looks good and smooth.
"They are volunteers, they are trustworthy and have been handling my Charity Website and Library for months."
"As for the customer service, the members of Hara's Club will answer your question. That's why their replies can be a little late. I'm also thinking about hosting a workshop for the people in the orphanage and such."
Zohara mumbled while creating the bracelet. After she finished one, she created a bracelet with just red beads. Then a light green jade bracelet. She'll give it to her father while the red one was for her.
"Do I like children? Only if they are obedient." Zohara answer and laugh
:Basically you dont HAHAHAHAHA
:Most children are chaotic
:I heard your grade was just announced, how is it?
"I forgot, of course I ace it. With a GPA 1.00."
:FUCK
:YOU REALLY ARE A MONSTER
:YOU DID THAT WHILE BEING THIS FAMOUS?
:HELL
:I'm crying in biology classes but you…
:100?! AS EXPECTED
:CONGRATULATION
:Iam not jealous, Im not jealous, IAM
:How did you manage your time?
Then a lot of gifts were sent to her.
"I don't really spend that much time on anything except classes."
: You enter a club? We never heard you talk about it.
"Yeah, just a week ago before the semester ended." Zohara shared and laugh
"I don't really have much interest in clubs so I keep delaying it. I also don't want to enter one without thinking. In the end I entered the Photography Club, thankfully they accepted me after passing the entrance test. There was deliberation because I'm late, well, most clubs would do so."
"Thankfully my portfolio is quite good so they let me in."
"I compiled the photos I captured through the years, edited and printed it."
:LET US SEE
"Let me get it"
Zohara went to her study room and got A4 compiled prints.
"This is the first photo I captured when I was 8 years old."
Zohara showed a picture of a window, and outside of it was a flying bird. As she flipped the pages, her subjects were mostly animals and scenery. Side by side of it are raw and edited printed copies.
"My plan this sem break, I might accept an endorsement because I'm free."
:WOAH!
:FINALLY?!
:CAN YOU ALSO DO MORE L-VIDEOS?
"If I saw something I like, I would, I can only endorse the things I really like."
:I miss your reaction video, it's been a long time.
:Yeah, she mostly study and do crafts T^T
:I think she was traumatized to Chosen X
:You say it
:Everyone hates the final line up, only Isen she picked was included.
"Don't make me remember that, it's been two months but I still feel some contestants were wasted. I just really hope Hulian would improve before debuting. That was my first time actually watching a variety show."
:What truly shocking was all her guesses were correct in Love Rewind!
:Its actually scary
:Like how? There's even news about it. People are flabbergasted
"That show was enjoyable, and many shows reach out to me to be a reactor" Zohara said while laughing
:ACCEPT IT!
:GRACE US WITH YOUR FACE IN TV
:You should watch Misty Crown! It's a current trending drama!
:Is it just me or does Lorelei look like Zohara?
: YOU MEAN ZOHARA LOOKS LIKE LORELEI? LORELEI IS MUCH EARLIER IN THE INDUSTRY.
:Girl, you should have seen Lorelei's face years ago. It's obvious her make up style was targeted to be like Zohara. Especially the temperament? Well, it's Zohara, the IT girl. The moment she became famous, copy cuts kept popping up. Don't mention your Idol here, they are not welcome.
: Like, the audacity of L's fans dragging Zohara's name in L-Line these days. They must be crazy, when the Hara's fight back they'll cry how toxic we are. lol
"I didn't know I had a new issue." Zohara shared while laughing "Let it go guys, I've been practicing patience since months ago."
:A lie
:A TOTAL LIE
:GIRL, YOU JUST MADE SOMEONE CRY IN THE GAME 2 WEEKS AGO?!
: HAHAHAAHAHAHAHA fuck
:As expected Zohara should go pro HAHAHAHAHA
:PRO TRASHTALKING
:UP
"That's really unintentional, and I realized I'm not for roaming. It's stressful as hell. I didn't opened my account since then "
Zohara finished a lot of bracelets. She decided to ignore comments asking if she could play with Zero in Athena's Hall. She doesn't. She answers it months before, yes Zero follows her, she also follows back but they never play together because their rank is totally different. Zohara also likes slow games and in her pace than be carried by a pro. Her rank was already Ascension, there was even a week where she was addicted to it and played it for a whole week every time she had free time.
Then I realized it, calmed down, and lessened her playing time. It was too addicting that even her was affected, it was not even a question how could someone like Soren stop himself.
"Who told her to talk like that? Couples in the game are damn irritating."
:Bitter
:Get a couple!
:I think Zero is offering himself!
:I bet you would also talk coquettishly once you're in a relationship
"eww guys…but wanna hear it?" Zohara teased with a smirk
The comment section immediately exploded. Zohara laughed genuinely.
"It'll be exclusive to my future partner." She teased
:COQUETTISH ZOHARA WOULD BE MY DEATH!
:FUCK, HER BOYFRIEND WILL BE SO LUCKY!
:SORRY GUYS, SHE'S ALREADY MARRIED TO ME!
"Look at my designs, it all looks so good." Zohara boasts and shows her work, it's around 20 bracelets.
"I'll sell this at a high price because it's made by me. Don't worry it would be a 100% donation." Zohara laugh with smirked
"I have 10 designs for men, and 10 designs for women. They would be 2k each."
:Fuck! too expensive!
:I would be angry if the money would end up in her purse because the profit is around 1,800 but it'll go to charity so…
: I mean girl, increase the price, don't be shy!
:She should just auction it. Like, it's your handmade!
"Increased the price? No, it's also for Hara" She reasoned as she took a picture of each bracelet. Then she uploaded the picture and set the price.
"I'll be publishing it to 3…2…1…"
:FUCK
:YOU GUYS ARE TOO FAST!
:I SECURE ONE!
:AHHHHHH
:GUYS
:WHY IS IT ONLY 20 PCS?
:MY INTERNET CONNECTION JUST LAG
:I THOUGHT THE WEBSITE CRASH, IT'S MY COMPUTER!
:HOW MANY MILLIONS WAS FIGHTING FOR IT?!
•
"I DIDN'T SECURE ONE!" Fen shouted irritatedly, so this is how their fans feel when they couldn't secure the concert tickets?
Merek looks at the youngest Fen, and looks at his screen.
'SOLD OUT'
Zevian looks at his friend, should he tell them he has secured one?
Orien looks at his group member and sighs. Two of the members were already infected by Zohara's craze.
Thankfully, Corin, Zevian and him are still safe.
•
"Fuck" Leox cursed seeing the word 'SOLD OUT'
Leox throw his phone in the dining table and look at the kitchen. A woman with long straight hair and light brown eyes smiled at him lightly. Same smile that he saw on the screen earlier.
After that night, he woke up being hugged by Lorelei. It was her calculated move and he accepted it. He also brought her around his circle, his sister became angry again, while some thought he finally settled down because it's almost 4 months.
But…
Some people know who he is seeing while looking at her. Lorelei was aware, that's why she kept perfecting herself. But an imitation is still an imitation, Leox can see it. No one is a victim in their relationship, Lorelei receives countless benefits, and Leox was able to calm himself down. It's a transaction, as long as Lorelei knows her place, she might stay for at least 3 years. He thought Lorelei was smart, but maybe, being protected from the rain for a while made her dumber.
•
"Thanks mom!" Soren exclaimed happily, his mom and him were trying to secure a bracelet. He couldn't secure one but his mother was able to secure it!
"Hmm" Sienna said proudly
She's quite satisfied with Zohara, since being associated with her, Soren became more genuinely cheerful, he now studies, tries hard in the clubs and even gets interested in business!
He's maturing!
Sienna wanted to cry…
•
After packing the orders, Zohara contacted the delivery man and put the packages in the bag.
"I didn't notice that I've been in livestream for 4 hours."
"No, I don't have a plan tomorrow."
"Live Stream again? I'll think about it, I've never skipped a weekly stream though."
Zohara uttered as she moved to the kitchen. She'll be preparing her dinner. She still didn't call back Auntie Paula and Lara after they cleaned the residence. She also gets used to cooking for herself when she's at home.
"Yes, I've heard about it. The founding anniversary of University A is October 7, the start of the second sem. There will be a school festival as always."
"Ohhh they were allowed outside before… I didn't know."
"Our block is still in our planning stage, and if we already have a booth, I can't really say."
"I was invited to perform but…"
:BUT WHAT?!
:AHHHHH
:PLEASE ACCEPT IT
:ZOHARA PLAYING A PIANO LIVE? OR VIOLIN?
:I want to see her playing guzheng!
:Can Zohara dance?
:Dont know we never saw her…
"I have done classical dancing before but I'm average."
: cant believe it
: Zohara average?
:HOW ABOUT SINGING?!
"That is a secret" She answered while laughing. She prepared a simple meal and went to the dining hall.
Legendary Nicht: She sounds heavenly!
:WHAT
:I DONT KNOW IF ITS A SARCASM OR NAH
"People never forget my voice once they hear me singing." Zohara said while trying to stop herself from laughing
:Eh?! That's double meaning! TOO UGLY OR TOO BEAUTIFUL!
:Her expression says it all, she's probably tone deaf lol
:As last, I win something against Zohara
Legendary Nicht: Believe me guys…
:Where are Zohara's middle and high school classmates?!
:WE DONT KNOW
:Maybe you're hallucinating @Legendary Nicht
Legendary Nicht: Eh? Really? HARA?!
"I don't know, when did you even hear me? I've never sung in public before."
Legendary Nicht: In the balcony! You even sound so lonely, I was crying!
"I can't remember" Zohara try to gaslight
She remembered that day, that was the first time she fell sick after her birthday. Only her Nanny was there and her father couldn't come. That was one of the countless times where Zohara felt so vulnerable and alone.
Her father told her that he would come, so she waited in the balcony until she got sick. More than sadness, amidst her foggy mind what she feared was being abandoned by her father. She felt suffocated and passed out.
The next day, her father arrived with blood shot eyes and guilt. She learned that her grandfather died.
:I think @Legendary Nicht is telling the truth, I just cant prove it!
:still delusional
"I still don't accept the invitation cause I'm not part of the Instrument Club, they'll also perform. It will seem like I'm stealing their time?" She think
:Well
:I can't believe you think of others' situations?! The character development?!
:Girl, Zohara was always like this…
:Girl, remember Glitch 7? they are in the gutter.
:As if it's Zohara's fault, their music flop, the end.
:She sounds so fake
:booooo, leave
"But then again, the council might already think about this. It's not my problem anymore."
:Sounds like Zohara
:It's reasonable
:If there is really a problem, they wouldn't invite you.
:Even years before, the evening event always invited the best, the Council knew what they were doing.
"Hmmm, bye-bye"
•
Zara threw her things on the floor. She's been irritated for months now because of Zohara but every time they try to sabotage her or even hire a keyboard army, Zohara always leaves unscathed!
Then on the school anniversary! She thought she'll be the final performance in the evening event. She thought she'll play the violin! She even told it to her father and mother! but what?! The student council selected that bitch to be the final play?! The most important play?!
She felt so angry that she wanted to stab Zohara!
Even when she moved her mother, her mother couldn't do anything! That damn illegitimate Asgard reasoned that it was voted by the members!
How dare he?!
He's just a bastard of the President!
Then one of her friends sent her the clip of Zohara's live stream!
Zara just knows! that bitch is laughing at her!
Thinking?!
She want to cry, its the first time she felt this so fucking bad!
First was Soren! Now, her final performance!
"Stop crying, we'll do something about it." Zen said to his sister with a hint of coldness.
•
Zan seeing his brother move rubbed his eyebrow.
He's been monitoring Zara for 4 months, to stop any stupid idea of her but now, his little brother is also moving and for just a performance?
He was about to contact his father when he changed it to Zohara's number.
"Who?"
He heard a soft voice filled with questions.
"It's me Zan"
"Brother Zan! What's the matter?"
"Be careful these days"
"Is it because of the performance?"
"Hmmm"
"Why are you not asking me to just give up the performance?" Zohara suddenly asked with a hint of laughter
"Would you?"
"I will, as long as you asked for a favor"
"I can just ignore Zen, so Zara can perform."
"You wouldn't, father would be angry." Zohara answered with a laugh. Zan didn't answer for a few seconds.
"Alright, what's the deal?" Zan asked coldly while playing with his pen
"Nothing! I'm just glad you didn't force me to give up the play. You probably plan to just stop Zen, but remembering Zara. She probably won't stop, it'll be dragged for a long time. It also places the father in an awkward situation."
Zan didn't answer
Awkward situation? Don't make me laugh. Father was not kind or naive enough to feel awkward about a situation.
Zan thinks Zohara thinks too lightly of their father. Their father is a cruel man. He even killed his brother just to solidify his position.
And maybe, Zohara also thinks that he's doing it because of his siblings. No, he was not also kind enough. He just dont want animosity with his father until he inherited the congloromate.
He remember his father words,
"Dont worry, I love Zohara, I wouldn't place her in the middle of the war."
Zan believes it, his father who does not have an emotion became vulnerable to Zohara. His father, telling him his weakness is an assurance that he would inherit the conglomerate, no matter what.
The deal was to protect Zohara from his siblings while his father will protect him until he can control the conglomerate.
"Brother?"
"Hmmm, I owe you one"
"If you say so! bye-bye!"
"bye"
•
Zohara raised her eyebrow with a light smile. She's not that kind. Even if Zara performs, does she think people will forget her livestream? They would probably assume she was being bullied!
Also, why would she do a free show for the University? She just wants to accept it to irritate Zara to death, but being owed by Zan is much more important.
She emails the student council and immediately gets a reply from Aelric.
He didn't ask for a reason, and just said he knows.
Then she received a call from her father.
"I heard" Her father said with a hint of worry
"It's alright father, I don't really want to perform." She uttered happily
"Really?"
"Really!" She laughed, "Stop being worried, I'm alright."
"sorry"
"For what?"
"That time"
"Its been a long time! I'm okay now, even the doctors told you so!"
"Hmmm, your birthday is near, do you want to celebrate it grandly?"
"Free a week for me! I want to see the Aurora in Country S!"
"Alright, even when I want to spend your vacation with you. I need to go to Country R. Just call me or your brother Zan if something happens."
"Be careful"
"You too darling"
"Hmmm"
•