Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 212 Strategic Showdowns

Zoren said, "If they win this, our chances of meeting them next time will increase."

Hayden leaned back on the sofa, holding his phone with one hand. "Hmm."

Violeta replied, "It's perfect timing to meet them. Let's see how good they really are."

Zoren continued flipping through the pages of the tournament schedule, his eyes scanning the matchups. Suddenly, he stopped at a particular entry, and his eyes widened in surprise.

"Look at this!" Zoren exclaimed, pointing to the screen. "It's 'Wind Riders' versus 'Eternal Warriors' in the next round." Surprised, he remarked, "Archer's team is up against Zelena's team this time." Jasper also chimed in, "Really? Let me see."

Zoren handed him the phone and said, "Take a look."

The host's voice boomed over the speakers, cutting through the room's tension. "Next up, let's welcome Team Eternal Warriors!"

The announcement hung in the air, drawing a momentary silence from the group gathered around Zoren and Jasper.

"Didn't expect it to be Zelena," Jasper finally commented, breaking the stillness. He leaned back in his chair, contemplating the upcoming match. "Who do you think will win this one?"

Leaning against the sofa in the corner, Violeta quietly observed the live stream on her phone throughout the discussion. Her eyes flicked across the screen, absorbing the growing anticipation among the viewers.

The live stream room buzzed with activity, and the number of viewers doubled from earlier.

The comment section continued with a flood of comments representing fans from various teams. Supporters of 'The Mighty Dragons' were particularly vocal. At the same time, discussions about Zelena's 'Eternal Warriors' and Hattie's 'Flame Vanguard' dominated the conversation.

After noticing Violeta's rising popularity, Zelena quietly manipulated trending topics and hired social media influencers to boost her team's presence.

This made the comments section a mix of genuine excitement and manufactured buzz.

Hattie did the same behind the scenes to promote her team, adding to the upcoming match's orchestrated buzz.

As Zelena confidently led her team onto the stage, the flurry of comments intensified, influenced by the strategic efforts of both teams to sway public opinion. Both team members sat in front of their computers, and the match was about to begin.

Zoren asked, "Who do you think will win?"

Violeta said, "Zelena."

Zorenis was puzzled. "Huh? Why?"

Violeta smiled. "Just guessing."

She lowered her eyelids, her thoughts drifting back to her previous life.

Rumours outside suggested that Archer and Zelena had a perfect relationship in that life. There were even netizens joking that Zelena was the official spokesperson for the Barnett Group and that anything she wanted was practically assured.

Some even said Archer willingly played second fiddle to her.

With such a close relationship, their interactions during their school days were bound to be numerous.

During the previous league, Violeta speculated that Zelena must have known Archer since then.

And she wasn't wrong at all!

Since returning after the league ended, Zelena has privately investigated Archer's background. She found out he was the sole heir of the Barnett Group and had started replaceing ways to get close to him, leaving a lasting impression.

And this match was Zelena's best chance to leave a deep impression on Archer.

During the match, Zelena made it clear to her teammates that she must be the one to take down Archer every time they clashed.

Archer was a proud person-being repeatedly targeted by Zelena on the battlefield left a lasting impression. Who else would he remember?

Zelena hired more than just any teammates. They were carefully chosen.

They had previously studied Archer's team tactics and knew he was the strongest in their squad. If they kept the pressure on Archer from the early game, he would only survive the late game!

The tactic quickly proved effective. On the field, Archer was relentlessly targeted and constantly forced into group fights, and each time, Zelena took his head.

Violeta glanced at the screen and noticed the irritation in Archer's eyes.

"Makes you feel worthless when someone keeps killing you, huh?" Violeta muttered softly.

Hayden heard Violeta's words and quietly glanced at her.

Say what you will, but Zelena's ability to get Archer's attention impressed Violeta. However, impressing him like this wouldn't win his favour. It all depends on how Zelena plans to change her image in Archer's mind.

That won't be easy at all.

The first match ended in 32 minutes. Archer's team, 'Wind Riders', was defeated by Zelena's 'Eternal Warriors'. They announced their entry into the revival match queue. Meanwhile, the entire 'Eternal Warriors' team smoothly advanced to the finals.

As they stepped down from the stage, Zelena smiled at Archer. He remained silent and walked off with giant strides, clearly showing his displeasure.

Zelena didn't care that Archer was angry right now. She knew there was a long road ahead of her. No matter what, she had her sights set on this prince of the Barnett Group!

The second match was Hattie against a team from an international school that made it through the ranks. With determination blazing in her eyes, Hattie insisted on taking on the jungle role herself, eager to showcase her prowess and silence doubts about her abilities compared to Violeta's.

As the match progressed, Hattie's team found themselves in a pivotal moment at the Dragon Pit, a crucial battleground where control over objectives could shift the tide of battle.

Unfortunately, in a critical skirmish that should have secured them the Dragon and bolstered their position, Hattie made a fateful misstep. Her error allowed the enemy team to seize control of the Dragon. This led to a prolonged game that lasted over forty minutes before 'Flame Vanguard' finally won and secured their spot in the finals.

Hattie stood on stage, her body drenched in sweat. The pressure was immense. If she had lost, facing the consequences would have been unbearable.

The live chat was buzzing with comments.

Only some people can perfectly control the situation. This time, the female team captain of Flame Vanguard didn't jungle as well as last time. Fortunately, she switched roles from jungle to top lane and still managed to turn the tide.'