Chapter 177 - [Bonus ] Dinner Celebration And Discussions (1)

"Since when did you start gossiping? Mind your own relationship! Why are you interested to know about Sofia and me, anyway?" Stephen asked while giving a ridiculous look at Joey.

"Okay, okay, that's enough. Teenagers must enjoy life to the fullest. Let's build an unforgettable memories together as a team so that when we get old, we will look back and think of the happy memories of our youth," Sofia stated. She casually distributed the two left spicy chicken wings to Claire and Jing Jing.

"Just now, you sounded like my aunt, Sof!" Claire exclaimed after hearing what Sofia had advised them.

"HAHAHA, better ponder my words of wisdom," Sofia casually laughed.

"What are we going to discuss if not your relationship status? Could it be that you are hiding things from us?" Joey pouted.

"AHH, if you want to talk over food then, let's talk about the regional tournament and ban mode update. What are your ideas on it?" Sofia finally raised her hand to gesture open a new topic of discussion. She sensed that any minute from now and the friendly teasing might escalate to a real argument.

At first, she wanted to discuss this matter some other time. But, since her member wanted to talk, she just conveniently converted their celebration into a brief meeting.

The table went silent for a few minutes while the members started to draft their opinions of the recent game update.

"I think it's cool and fun!" Clark responded before any of them could speak.

"Yeah, I agree that banning a character is cool. This means that the players will be forced to familiarize other characters of the game," Sofia agreed.

"Like you, Sof?" Claire stated while looking in her direction.

Sofia's shoulder vibrated as she quietly laughed. She was indeed the person that she was also referring to in her statement.

"Yes, like me! Now, I am forced to learn other characters in the game, lest, my tank character would get banned, I have other choices" Sofia mumbled.

"I think the pro players are already starting their preparation for this tournament. We should also prepare, Sof!" Claire said while scoping some soup in the beef stew bowl.

"Yes, we should start the preparation of the regional tournament. Maybe, we can play two matches every day to practice," Sofia recommended. 

The arrangement of two matches per day may not be enough, but with their plans in business and their studies, it would be hard for them to set up time management if they go beyond two matches daily.

"The ban mode is very challenging too. In every match, four characters will be ban. Surely, they would ban the characters that can burst damage," Joey also answered. His expression had become relaxed.

"I actually thought that they would ban only two characters. One for every team," Clark expressed.

"We have to devise a good strategy. I plan to register our name on the last day of the registration. So that, no one would notice us," Sofia informed them.

"Why? Is it an advantage for us if the other participants won't notice our registration?" Joey curiously asked.

"Yes, it's an advantage. Most likely, those other pro players will quickly study the gameplay of their potential opponents to create battle tactics. Our tournament had just finished, so, they could easily make a strategy to counter our gameplay, of they will know that we are participating. But, if they don't notice us, they would not feel anxious and won't be able to make a preparation against us," Sofia explained in full detail.

"Ohh, I see. Then, if others would ask us personally if we will join the tournament, we will say that we have not yet decided?" Stephen inquired.

"Exactly! Leave it to them to wonder about our registration," Sofia answered.

"Got it!" the four members gave her a thumbs up.

"I've seen some comments in social media about your match against that streamer, Sof," Clark randomly said.

"Ohh, yeah, I was testing some character during that time," Sofia answered.

"That's right! Are you going to use a summoner in the next tournament? That character is practically dead in this game," Clark mumbled, his face reflected that he wanted to say more yet, he was hesitant to speak.

"HAHAHA, it's not just dead, other players had buried the summoner character! No one uses that role of the summoner for now, but in the future, who knows? But, words from other pro players before was that this character is trash. It's useless whether in defense or offense," Joey reported.

It's not just dead, that character is already buried! 

"I have checked all forums for possible posts about a summoner and I found nothing! So, I feel that this neglected character deserves to be noticed," Sofia helplessly uttered.

"I can't wait for you to convert the trashy summoner to an op main role. We will play along with you Sof," Stephen expressed his support.

"Thanks! Personally, I don't think summoner is a trash mage. Maybe, they have not seen its potential. I want to use it, but, our strategy would completely change," Sofia announced.

In the last championship, it could be perceived that the Chronos squad was utilizing an aggressive strategy against their opponents. 

The strategy involved overall team fights, one that was commonly recognized as macro gaming. For instance, Claire used her assassin and she was extremely knowledgeable in terms of the wall features of the map. 

Thus, during the fight, she can easily navigate to a specific location to either escape or take a kill. 

"What strategy are we going to use?" Joey asked directly.

"If I can't tank in the tournament, we will have to rely on split-push," Sofia replied.

Since Sofia was also using a tank, she was able to absorb all the damage to withstand during the clash. And they were great at ganking too. Split-push meant that every lane must be guarded while they will be push to destroy the opponent's base.

"Split-push is not that hard to do. But, during the battle, we must be alert on the map at all times," Claire stated.

"This is if we have no tank available in the next tournament. But, if my tank character won't get banned, then, we will stick to ganking and ambush," Sofia said.

"If you will switch to the summoner character, it would mean that your members would no longer be able to have a shield that could absorb the damage from the opponents. Tank is important," Jing Jing started to join them. She finally finished her food on the plate.

"Yes, the tank role is equally important. But, Joey can adjust and use his character as Tank - Support role. Can you adjust to this role, Joey? " Sofia asked while glancing at Joey. 

Jing Jing nodded her head several times. Then, she gazed at Sofia for a long time before she asked, "Are you confident to play with no pure tank character in the game?"

"Yes, I am certain to play the summoner role without pure tank," Sofia replied. At that time, she had already imagined what kind of strategy they would use.

"As expected of a squad leader! Miss Sofia, I've downloaded the game again. I'll see if I can help you guys devise a strategy for the game," Jing Jing suddenly said.

"Oh right! Thank you, Miss Jing Jing!" Joey stated.

"Sof, if you want to use the summoner, it's not a problem. I can already imagine the shocked faces of our opponents once they saw you using this character!" Claire said as her mind was trying to picture out the expressions of the other participants in the game.

"HAHA, when the time comes, they will be surprised! Another thing, what if your assassin will be ban, Claire. What would you replace?" Sofia opened up.

The possibility of Claire's assassin getting banned was higher than her tank because Claire's gameplay was too overpowered last time. 

"I managed to master all assassin's character. If I can't use the sword user assassin, I will use the one that can transform and morph into a demon," Claire replied with a wide smile.

"You really analyze all their skills of all the assassin characters and their item build-up? That's my first time to hear!" Sofia stated.

"Well, I play random matches regularly. It made me master the other assassin characters in the game," Claire easily replied.

"Good, good. Then, we are all set," Sofia said.

"Ehh, how about me? If you will use the summoner mage in the tournament, should I pick another mage?" Clark suddenly asked.

"Hmm, Clark, it's better if you explore all the characters first. Then, if you still want to use the mage, it's okay. We can produce chain stun,"  Sofia said.

"Ohh... okay!" Clark replied.

"Guys, your food at the table is getting cold! Go and finish the food first before talking about your strategy," Jing Jing suddenly felt the need to remind them that they are still having dinner.

"Sister Jing is right! This is supposed to be a celebration.. Now, we have almost formed into a debate and serious discussion! Eat, eat," Sofia generously smiled at them.