The virtual world was alive with action. Mark, with his long hair cascading just below his shoulders, was engrossed in the game. He controlled "Aurelion Sol", a celestial dragon, soaring through the mid lane. His teammate, a player he shared a deep bond with, was navigating the jungle as "Amumu", the sad mummy.
Their team was under pressure. The enemy "Zed" in the mid lane was proving to be a formidable opponent, and their jungler, "Lee Sin", was dominating every encounter. The bot lane had "Jhin" and "Leona" for Mark's team, facing off against the enemy's "Kai'Sa" and "Thresh". The top lane was a battle between "Riven" and the enemy's "Darius".
The game's balance was tipping in the enemy's favor. Towers were being taken, and objectives were lost. The voice of Mark's teammate came through the headset, filled with a mix of frustration and despair. "I can't seem to catch a break. That Lee Sin is everywhere."
Mark, sensing the weight of the situation, responded, "Hey, don't worry about it. We've got this. Just follow my lead."
The game progressed, and the tension was palpable. Mark's team was on the back foot, but there was a glimmer of hope. A crucial team fight was looming near the dragon pit. Mark, seizing the moment, rallied his team. "This is our chance. We can turn this around."
With Mark's guidance, "Amumu" initiated the fight with a perfect ultimate, ensnaring the enemy team. Mark's "Aurelion Sol" followed up with a stellar performance, raining down stars and creating chaos. The synergy between the two was evident, and their team emerged victorious from the skirmish.
The voice on the other end was filled with relief and joy. "We did it! That was amazing!"
Mark chuckled, "Told you we'd pull through. Now, let's get that Baron and push for the win."
The momentum shifted. With Baron buff in their favor, Mark's team methodically took down objectives, closing the gold gap. The enemy's defenses crumbled, and after a series of well-executed plays, victory was secured.
The post-game lobby was filled with celebratory messages. Mark's teammate, his voice filled with gratitude and admiration, said, "Thanks for believing in me. I thought we were done for."
Mark replied with a confident tone, "Never doubt yourself. We're a team, and we've got each other's backs."
The virtual setting began to fade, replaced by a stark contrast of reality. The room was bathed in a soft, ambient light, casting gentle shadows on the walls. The rhythmic beeping of medical machines punctuated the silence, each beep a testament to the fragile balance of life. The sterile smell of antiseptics filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of flowers from a vase on the bedside table.
Mark slowly turned his gaze, taking in the sight before him. Joshua lay on the hospital bed, a pale contrast to the white sheets. Tubes and wires snaked from various machines, connecting to him, monitoring every heartbeat, every breath. His face, though pale, was lit up with a smile, a stark contrast to the gravity of the room.
"That was a great game, big bro," Joshua whispered, his voice weak but filled with warmth.
Mark reached out, gently holding Joshua's hand, feeling the frailty of his younger brother's grip. "It sure was, Joshua."
Joshua's eyes, glistening with unshed tears, met Mark's. "I miss you, you know."
Swallowing the lump in his throat, Mark replied, "I miss you too."
The weight of the dream pressed heavily on Mark as he awoke in the strategy room. The high-tech gaming PCs around him hummed softly, their LED lights casting a colorful glow. Charts, graphs, and game strategies were pinned to the walls, a testament to the countless hours spent in preparation.
Gabriella Spectacle, with her signature glasses perched on her nose, was already in the room, organizing papers and setting up for an upcoming meeting. She glanced over at Mark, a teasing smirk on her face, "Sleeping on the job, are we?"
Mark stretched, trying to shake off the remnants of the dream. "Seems like it. Had a rough night."
Gabriella raised an eyebrow, "Dreaming of past games?"
Mark hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Something like that."
Gabriella, sensing the mood, decided to lighten the atmosphere. "Well, make sure you're awake for the meeting. We can't have our star player dozing off."
Mark grinned, appreciating her attempt to cheer him up. "I'll be there."
As Gabriella moved to leave the room, Mark called out, "Hey, Gabriella. There's a 1st year I've heard about. Think you could reach out to him for me?"
Gabriella paused, looking intrigued. "You? Interested in a 1st year? This must be someone special."
Mark smirked, "Just a feeling. I'll send you the details later."
Gabriella nodded, "Alright, I'll look into it." With a final glance around the room, ensuring everything was in order for the upcoming meeting, she made her way to the door.
As the door clicked shut behind her, Mark leaned back in his chair, lost in thought. The weight of the dream still lingered, but the prospect of the first-year brought a spark of excitement.
With a determined glint in his eyes, he whispered to himself, "Let's cause some chaos together."
