NexaRealm: Best in the World

The sound of shuffling feet and murmured voices filled the Game Building as the crowd began to disperse. Students filed out in groups, discussing the newly announced groups with a mix of excitement and apprehension. While the spectators were eager to see the matches unfold, the atmosphere among the chosen 15—the representatives of Korea—was significantly heavier.

These students handpicked as Korea's hope for the World NexaRealm Championship, lingered behind, seated in small clusters or pacing near the large digital display that still showed the finalized groups.

Group D: Korea, India, Pakistan, Mongolia, Afghanistan.

The names glowed brightly as if challenging them.

"So," Joon-ho said, leaning back against a chair with his arms crossed. "We've got India. Big deal."

"Big deal?" Chin-hwa shot back, an incredulous look on his face. "Do you have any idea how strong their current team is? They dominated their national bracket. Their Marksman is insane."

Joon-ho shrugged nonchalantly, but it was clear he had nothing to counter with. The tension was palpable, each student grappling with the daunting task ahead.

"In theory, we should be able to secure a top-two spot," In-su said, his voice calm but edged with thoughtfulness. "Mongolia and Afghanistan haven't had much of a presence in NexaRealm historically, and Pakistan's team is solid but not overwhelming."

"But theory doesn't win games," Hana chimed in, her expression grim. "And if we lose to India… even if we make it to second, there's no guarantee we'll make it through the lower bracket. Those matches are brutal."

Kang-dae, sitting on the edge of a table with his arms resting on his knees, gave a small nod.

"We need to treat every match like it's against India. Underestimating anyone could cost us everything."

The instructors, who had remained nearby but mostly quiet, stepped in to offer guidance. Instructor Ji-woo clapped his hands together, drawing the group's attention.

"Listen up," he said. "This isn't just about skill; it's about strategy and adaptability. India is a powerhouse, yes, but they have weaknesses. Every team does. It's up to us to identify and exploit them."

"And don't get too comfortable thinking Mongolia or Afghanistan are easy wins. Underdogs can surprise you if you're not careful. We'll be running simulations first thing tomorrow morning, focusing on Group D matchups. Be ready," Instructor Min-ji added.

The group fell silent, the weight of their situation pressing down on them. It wasn't just about their skill or their teamwork anymore. They were representing their country on a stage watched by millions.

The air outside the Game Building was cool and quiet, a stark contrast to the charged energy within. The 15 students slowly made their way out, some walking in pairs, others alone, each lost in thought. As they passed the glowing holographic banners bearing the championship's logo, a sense of finality washed over them. The month of training was over. Now, it was time to prove themselves.

"Tomorrow," Soo-jin said, her voice low but resolute. "We start writing our legacy."

There was no response, but the determined looks on their faces said it all. The calm of the evening was short-lived. The storm of competition was just a few hours away.

The fifteen students trudged back to their dorms, the weight of the night's events still lingering in their minds. Each of them, though tired, understood the importance of a good night's rest. Tomorrow was the beginning of their journey, and they needed to be at their best.

The dorms were quiet, the usual chatter and late-night antics absent. In the shared spaces, murmurs of encouragement passed between teammates. Beds were occupied earlier than usual, the looming pressure of the World NexaRealm Championship pressing them into a rare moment of collective discipline. Sleep wasn't just rest—it was a strategy.

As the sun crept over the horizon, the students gathered in the Training Building, all 15 arriving on time. The room was spacious and equipped with the latest holographic projectors, NexaRealm simulators, and advanced data analytics systems. The centrepiece was a massive screen dominating the far wall, already displaying recorded matches of their upcoming opponents.

Instructor Ji-woo stood at the front, his usual casual demeanour replaced with a sharp focus. Beside him were Instructor Min-ji, Instructor Seung-hyun, Instructor Dong-soo, and Instructor Hye-won, each ready to guide their respective specialities.

"Alright," Instructor Ji-woo began, gesturing to the screen. "Time to put all that training into perspective. We'll start with India. Watch closely. They're the ones to beat in Group D, and it's not going to be easy."

The screen flickered to life, showcasing a match between India and a rival from their national bracket. It was intense, with fast-paced action that had even the seasoned instructors nodding in approval.

As the match unfolded, the students leaned in, taking mental notes.

"That Marksman," Chin-hwa muttered, pointing to a slim figure on the screen who was delivering precise, devastating shots from a distance. "She's playing from the backline but always manages to position herself perfectly. We'll need to figure out a way to flush her out."

"Agreed," In-su said, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "She relies heavily on the Fighter to create space for her. Take him out, and she'll lose her comfort zone."

"But look at that Fighter," Soo-jin interjected, her tone carrying a hint of respect. The screen showed the Indian Fighter absorbing blows and retaliating with relentless aggression. "He's a wall. If we don't coordinate well, he'll tear through us before we even get to her."

Hyun-ae, ever the quiet observer, spoke up.

"Their Assassin… he's patient. Almost too patient. Look," she pointed to a moment where the Assassin seemingly vanished from the fray, only to reappear at a crucial moment to execute a devastating ambush. "We'll need to keep him in check, or he'll disrupt our formation."

Moving on, the screen displayed footage of Pakistan's team. While not as polished as India's, they showcased moments of brilliance.

"That Mage," Baek-hyeon said, his eyes narrowing. "They're not as aggressive, but their zoning is excellent. If we're not careful, they'll control the tempo of the match."

Mongolia's team, on the other hand, had an unusual composition, favouring mobility and surprise tactics.

"They're scrappy," Kang-dae said with a small grin. "I like it. But their Tank isn't solid. If we focus fire on him, their strategy falls apart."

Lastly, Afghanistan. Their gameplay was rough around the edges but unpredictable, with players pulling off unconventional moves that caught opponents off-guard.

"They're the wild card," Min-jae remarked. "We can't predict them. We'll need to adapt on the fly."

The session ended with Ji-woo pausing the footage and turning to the group.

"Good insights. This is the advantage of preparation—understanding your opponent. But remember, even the best-laid plans can fall apart under pressure. Stick to your roles, trust each other, and adapt as needed."

The session wrapped up with the students feeling a mix of confidence and trepidation. Watching the recorded matches gave them a better understanding of their opponents, but it also underscored the challenges they'd face in Group D. Each team had its strengths and weaknesses, and it was clear that Korea's path to the playoffs would be anything but easy.

Before dismissing them, Instructor Ji-woo delivered the final piece of news.

"Tonight, the first match for Korea will commence," he announced, his voice steady but carrying an edge of urgency. "And our first opponent? Afghanistan."

A wave of murmurs swept through the group. Afghanistan's team might not have been the strongest on paper, but their unconventional playstyle made them unpredictable. It was both a blessing and a curse—starting with what could be considered an easier match allowed the team to ease into the competition, but underestimating Afghanistan could lead to disaster.

"Don't get too comfortable," Instructor Ji-woo warned, his sharp eyes scanning the room. "As we have seen, Afghanistan's unpredictability is its strength. They might not be polished, but they'll capitalize on every mistake we make. Stay sharp and execute as we've trained."

The students nodded, the weight of the upcoming match settling over them. Tae-young and Joon-ho exchanged a glance, their Assassin instincts already whirring through potential countermeasures. In-su and Sang-hee discussed strategies for zoning, ensuring they could keep Afghanistan's players from overwhelming their lines. Even the quieter ones, like Hyun-ae and Kyung-mi, seemed deep in thought, mentally preparing for the battle ahead.

As the students dispersed to rest and mentally prepare for the match, the instructors stayed behind, quietly discussing their observations.

"They've grown a lot over the past month," Instructor Min-ji remarked, her arms crossed. "But tonight will be the real test. Let's hope they've absorbed everything we've taught them."

"They'll manage," Instructor Ji-woo said confidently. "They have the talent, and now they know. All that's left is to execute."

The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the evening drew closer. For the chosen 15, tonight wasn't just the beginning of the World NexaRealm Championship—it was their moment to prove themselves, to show that Korea was still a force to be reckoned with.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the campus buzzed with energy. The Game Building prepared to host the first match, and the students of NexaCorp Korea University waited eagerly to cheer for their country's team. The countdown had begun.