Chapter 251 - Creating The Chronos E-Sports Club

"I've brought my old phone with me. This also has the app of the game and is... ehh---?" Stephen paused while holding a black phone that was dripping from the rainwater that also drenched his clothes. His right thumb repeatedly pressed the power button on the side however, the screen of the device did not light up. "---I'll just order online for a new one," he finished after realizing the condition of his phone.

"Is it reliable to buy gadgets online? I've seen posts about scam products being sold," Joey pondered.

"Not just products, there is also bogus seller. They will send products that are different. I've experienced it before. But, if it's on the official store, it's reliable," their driver joined the conversation.

"I can make the purchase transaction online. Which brand do you want to have?" Clark spoke while scanning some various images of phone models.

"Yeah, buy in the official store to avoid getting scammed. Help me, bro. Just check good specs. I'll pay you once I have cash," Stephen expressed and put his old phone inside the pocket of the coat. 

"Choose the one that is suitable for gaming," Joey emphasized. "Ohh... Clark, that phone you are using is the latest released mobile device for gaming! I saw the ad for that model during my photo shoot session. Nice! Nice!" he added.

"I've brought this online too. I pre-ordered one after the championship last time," Clark grinned.

"Ahh... rich people can order whatever is the latest gadgets. How nice to be rich! I want to be rich too!" Joey playfully nudged Clark's shoulder before he glanced at the phone models on the screen. He then look at Stephen and noticed that he was not moving. "Bro, it's your phone. You should look here!"

"Just get me whatever is nice," Stephen stated. He then closed his eyes as the vehicle entered the subway. "I'm so tired from running," he yawned.

"Aiyooo, are you okay? Just sleep there. We will wake you up once we arrive," Joey gave him a sympathetic look before he joined Clark.

"Hmn," Stephen hummed and leaned the side of his head on the window.

~~

Back in Sofia's apartment unit, Heiz settled on the sofa in the living room when she heard someone calling Sofia outside the door.

"That's Claire, Heiz. We are great friends and study in the same school," Sofia said. "I'll get her before her noise wakes up Hazel."

"Thanks! That is so considerate of you,"  Heiz gave her a weak smile and watched as Sofia walked towards the door. 

"Shhh... I have a guest. Her baby is sleeping," Sofia half-whispered the moment she realized that Claire was about to speak loudly.

"Ahh--- oh-kay," Claire nodded her head before covering her mouth with her hands. "Sof who are your guests?" she carefully asked while entering the room.

"This sister is named Heiz. Her baby is named Hazel," Sofia said while Claire waved her hand.

"Hello, I'm Claire! Nice to meet you," Claire's soft and friendly voice followed.

"Nice to meet you too. I'm Heiz! Hope I did not cause too much trouble."

Sofia shook her head and went straight to her kitchen area. She took a bottle of water and offered it to Heiz.

"No trouble, no trouble," Claire chuckled. She was clearly confused about who the stranger was but she did not also dare question Sofia directly about their relationship. "Don't mind me, Heiz. I always come here. My unit is just below."

"Okay," Heiz politely responded before she checked the large plastic bag. Then, she took out some of the baby clothes and blankets.

Claire observed at her briefly before she went next to Sofia.

"I'm here to ask if you want to play, Sof? I'm still charging my phone and Clark and the others are having some secretive errands tonight. They say it's boy's night. But, they will probably be available to play after an hour," Claire stated.

"Let's play once they are online. Ahh... let me tell you something interesting! Our class was observed by the chairman of the DAO! But, he was there to invite us to play under their organization for the upcoming tournament," Sofia shared.

"Ohh... yes! HAHA... Now that you mentioned that, he was also in our class this morning and he sat beside me. He asked the same to me. But, I told him that I'm just a member and he has to talk to you! Hehe," Claire slightly laughed.

"Ohh... wow! He was indeed sincere of his invitation," Sofia commented while remembering the offer of the elder.

"I think so. Did you agree to play under the Department of Academic Office?" Claire curiously asked. "In fact, I don't really mind whoever is our backer for this coming tournament. It will be easier for our exposure if they help us."

"I refused his offer. Although he was sincere, we will be playing under our squad," Sofia said.

"Ah! But, we will need a club to list in the registration. Have you seen the participants that have registered? They have put the names of their clubs too," Claire responded. 

"I haven't seen the lists of registered participants," Sofia answered. She then went to the mini table where her phone was placed. "Let me see first," she muttered and took her phone.

Heiz attended to her baby and pretended not to listen to Sofia and Claire. Even if she could hear their conversation, she seemed to have no knowledge of what they were talking about.

On the other hand, after opening the official website of the game, Sofia pressed the link to the participant's list. Then, a table of data appeared on her mobile screen. 

She skimmed all the information on it and then casually said, "Hmmn... it seems like the listing of the clubs is just for formality and promotion. They did not indicate that we have to join clubs. And even the email that they sent to officially invite our squad in the tournament, there is no instruction of joining a club."

"So, we are not going to list a club under us? We will only play under our squad?" Claire inquired.

"Hmmn... If we won't place a club under us, the other participants may look at us and think that we are too arrogant. And it would also not be good for the organizers if they collect lacking details to our group. Let's just list our squad as a participant. And the club is also us," Sofia said. 

'Squad Name: The Chronos Squad

Active Club: The Chronos E-Sports Club'

"Is that okay? Are they going to allow us?" Claire smiled.

"Of course! We have sister Jing. We can put her name as our Club manager and also our coach!" Sofia quickly replied.

But then, she suddenly looked at Heiz's direction and another idea came to her mind. "Sister Heiz, are you interested to join E-sports with my group?"