Chapter 9: Rebuilding the Team

Half a month later, Caleb signed with Silver Arrow. He transferred the remaining five hundred thousand, plus an extra hundred thousand, to my account.

Rumors spread throughout the scene: Silver Arrow had paid a fortune to sign both Caleb and Riley. Their relationship wasn’t public, but in e-sports, it was an open secret.

*[Did you see how in sync the leads were during practice? Incredible! Just joined Silver Arrow and already crushed their old team.]*

*[They’re both starting in the autumn split—I’m losing it! E-sports’ ultimate power couple!]*

*[What about the side chick’s team? LOL. Without Caleb, they probably won’t even make playoffs.]*

As the comments scrolled by, I was watching Mason train with the first squad.

The practice room was buzzing—energy drinks littered the desks, team hoodies slung over every chair. Mason was focused, headphones on, but you could tell he was nervous by the way he tapped his foot.

In just a month, he’d made huge strides. Since Caleb left, the jungle position had been empty.

Coach Mark Sanders had wanted the old sharpshooter to try jungling, but after several failed attempts, it was clear it wouldn’t work.

So when I suggested Mason try for the first squad, he didn’t object anymore.

"Alright."

When Mason put up another stellar performance, I raised my eyebrow at Mark.

He thought for a moment. "He’s good. I was worried about putting a rookie in the clutch, but sometimes you gotta roll the dice—just like the Cubs did with Bryant. Let’s put him in the starting lineup for the autumn split."

With skill and awareness, synergy is just a matter of time. Besides, after Caleb left, the rest of the team was flexible and easy to work with.

Not far away, Mason was discussing dinner plans with his teammates after practice. He turned and looked at me, still smiling.

I couldn’t help but smile back encouragingly.

Mark noticed, a hint of sadness flashing in his eyes.

"No wonder you’re so invested in Mason. He deserves your effort."

"But Natalie, aren’t you worried? Back then, you supported Caleb just as much—begged me three times for him. Aren’t you afraid Mason will turn out like Caleb…"

I deflected with dry humor, "If he does, at least I’ll see it coming this time."

Back then, when the famous all-rounder Mark Sanders retired, countless clubs wanted him as coach—including Redfield. I spent three months visiting him, begging him to watch Caleb play two scrims.

That summer afternoon, he sighed and agreed.

Mark said Caleb wasn’t the most talented, but he valued our club’s sincerity and drive. He believed we could go far.

Sometimes that’s enough—a leap of faith and a shot at something better.