A/N: Chat/Messaging:

Y/N: Hey!

Friend: Hello!
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3rd POV

[VCT//Lock In 2024 Wild Card Qualifers]

Winner gets a spot and opportunity to face head-to-head against professional teams, where it will be held from the magnificent Madrid, Spain.

Eight Academy teams will battle it out in an Eight team single elimination game. No second chances.

•••

The Quarter Finals: Kingsguard vs. Ironclad.

The Quarter Finals match was against Ironclad, a formidable team known for their disciplined playstyle and calculated strategies. They weren't as flashy or unpredictable as Shadow Wolves, but they were solid in every aspect, rarely making mistakes. Ironclad played the long game, wearing down opponents with methodical teamwork.

The day of the match, Y/N walked into the esports facility with a newfound sense of confidence. He had spent the past week practicing hard with his teammates, especially focusing on his communication and decision-making. Sparrow had continued to mentor him, offering quiet words of wisdom when Y/N struggled.

Coach, as always, kept a watchful eye on their progress, though his feedback had grown more encouraging. Even Bl4z3, who had been openly critical of Y/N from the start, seemed to have softened somewhat, giving him grudging respect after the last match.

"Today's going to be tough," Jetstream said during their pre-match briefing, his voice calm but serious. "Ironclad plays smart, and they're patient. They'll try to bait us into making mistakes. We need to stay focused, keep our comms tight, and play the long game. If we give them an inch, they'll take a mile."

Y/N nodded, feeling the weight of Jetstream's words. This wasn't going to be a match they could win with pure aggression. They needed to be calculated.

•••

The match began on Ascent, a map with long sightlines and plenty of opportunities for strategic plays. Ironclad took control of the pace early, playing slow and carefully, forcing Kingsguard to respond to their rotations. Y/N quickly realized that this was a different kind of challenge from Shadow Wolves. Every move Ironclad made seemed deliberate, as if they had anticipated Kingsguard's every step.

By the time they reached the mid-game, the score was close, with Kingsguard trailing by just a round. Y/N had been performing decently, holding his angles and landing key shots, but he could feel the pressure mounting.

"We need to switch it up," Riot said over the comms after another round ended in a narrow loss. "They're reading us too easily."

Jetstream agreed, calling for a more aggressive push on the next round. They executed a well-timed rush on B-site, with Y/N using his Jett to outmaneuver the defenders, creating space for Bl4z3 and Riot to entry. The strategy worked, and Kingsguard took the round decisively.

But Ironclad was quick to adapt. The next few rounds were a back-and-forth struggle, with neither team able to pull away. Every round felt like a chess match, with Ironclad baiting out utility and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

It wasn't until the final rounds of the match that Kingsguard began to break through. Jetstream's leadership and strategic calls proved invaluable, as he adjusted their playstyle to counter Ironclad's slow, methodical approach. Y/N found himself in several high-pressure situations, but this time, he didn't let the nerves get to him. He trusted his instincts, coordinating with Sparrow and Bl4z3 to secure crucial kills and clutch rounds.

In the final round of the match, with the score tied 12-12, it all came down to one last push. Kingsguard made a risky play, faking a push on A-site before rotating to B at the last moment. Y/N led the charge, quickly bursting around the corner to clear the site. He caught two defenders off-guard, securing the opening frags that allowed his team to plant the spike.

With the site secured, they held their positions, waiting for Ironclad's retake. The enemy team tried to push through, but Kingsguard's defense held strong. Riot landed a key shot on the enemy Omen, and Bl4z3 took out the remaining player with a perfectly timed peek.

"GG, boys!" Riot cheered as the victory screen appeared, the tension finally breaking.

The Quarter Finals were theirs.

•••

Despite the victory, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling that things were only going to get harder from here. Ironclad had pushed them to their limits, and the upcoming Semi-Finals would be against an even stronger team: Nebula Academy.

Nebula was a powerhouse team, known for their mechanical skill and aggressive plays. Their star player, Kaiqt, was a Duelist who could single-handedly turn the tide of a match with his lightning-fast reflexes and sharp aim. Facing Nebula would be like facing a storm.

"You did good today," Sparrow said as they packed up their gear after the Quarter Finals. "But Nebula's a different beast. Don't let the pressure get to you."

Y/N nodded, but doubt was creeping in. Was he really ready for this? The competition was getting fiercer with each match, and one mistake against Nebula could mean elimination.

•••

The Semi-Finals: Kingsguard vs. Nebula Academy.

The day of the Semi-Finals arrived, and the tension was palpable. The team gathered in the briefing room, where Coach laid out the game plan.

"Nebula's going to come at us hard," Coach said, his voice steady but intense. "They're fast, and they're aggressive. But that also means they're prone to overcommitting. We need to capitalize on their mistakes. Play smart, play together, and don't get caught up in their pace."

Jetstream added, "We can't let Kai get comfortable. If he gets hot, he'll steamroll us. Focus him down early, and the rest of the team will crumble."

The match started on Bind, a map notorious for its teleporters and chaotic site switches. From the first round, Nebula set the tone, rushing sites with overwhelming force and catching Kingsguard off-guard. Kaiqt was everywhere, taking aggressive peeks and landing impossible headshots, throwing Y/N and his teammates off their game.

The first half was brutal. Nebula's pace was relentless, and Kingsguard struggled to keep up. Y/N found himself getting picked off early in several rounds, his confidence wavering as Nebula pulled ahead with a 7-5 lead by halftime.

During the break, Coach was blunt. "You're playing on the back foot. You need to take control. Stop letting them dictate the pace."

Y/N took a deep breath. He knew Coach was right. He had been playing too passively, letting the enemy dictate his movements. He needed to be more assertive, to trust his instincts and take control of the game.

The second half began, and Kingsguard came out swinging. With Jetstream's guidance, they started playing more aggressively, taking the fight to Nebula instead of waiting for them to attack. Y/N found his groove again, landing crucial flashes and securing kills in the mid-round.

The turning point came in a crucial round where Nebula tried to execute a fast push onto A-site. Y/N was ready. He flashed through a smoke and pushed aggressively, catching two Nebula players off-guard. With their entry fraggers down, Nebula was forced to fall back, and Kingsguard took the round.

Momentum shifted. Kingsguard started stringing rounds together, and for the first time in the match, Nebula looked shaken. Kaiqt, who had dominated the early rounds, was now being shut down by Bl4z3 and Riot, who were coordinating their utility to keep him in check.

The score was 12-11, and every round felt like a battle of wills. Both teams were playing at their limits, and mistakes were rare. In the final round of regulation, Kingsguard executed a perfectly timed split push onto B-site. Y/N and Sparrow held the flank, while Jetstream, Bl4z3, and Riot took control of the site.

Nebula tried to retake, but Kingsguard's defense was impenetrable. Y/N landed the final shot on the last Nebula player, and the victory screen flashed across their monitors.

"NICE!!!" Once again, every single staff pops off, getting into a group hug.

They had done it. Kingsguard was going to the Finals.

•••

As the team celebrated their victory, Y/N couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Relief, pride, and exhaustion all swirled within him. They had overcome two formidable teams to make it this far, but the hardest part was still ahead. The Finals were looming, and the competition would be fiercer than ever.

Sparrow approached him, clapping him on the back. "You played great today. You're growing into this, man. Keep your head in the game, and you'll be ready for the Finals."

Y/N smiled, grateful for the encouragement. The road ahead was long, but for the first time since joining the team, he felt like he truly, truly, belonged.

~Time Skip, 2 Months Later~

The day had finally arrived. Kingsguard Academy had fought their way through the qualifiers, survived the Quarter Finals, and edged out a win in the Semi-Finals. Now, they stood on the precipice of their biggest challenge yet: the Finals.

The opponent? Apex Predators. The reigning champions and the strongest Academy team in the league. Lead by their indomitable captain, Revenant, a player kmow for his tactical brilliance and flawless execution, Apex predators have a reputation for crushing their opposing team. There's a saying that no matter the outcome of the tournament, they're eventually the ones that come out on top. A playstyle of perfect balance in aggressive dueling and disciplined, strategic performance.

This was the kind of match that Y/N dreamed about but also dreaded. The pressure was higher than ever. The stakes? The rightful spot towards the next big step.

But this isn't just another match. It is the match.

•••

As Y/N and his squad arrived at the venue, the energy in the air is electric. Fans filled the arena, cheering for their favorite teams, holding signs with their favorite player's names, and waving banners adorned with the logos of the Kingsguard and Apex Predators. For the first time, Y/N could feel the intensity of the esports world on a whole new level.

"Huh, we have fans? For an Academy team... We're quite famous." Y/N admired a section at the end of their corner, a crowd of fans cheering for them as they set up.

"What's with the face? You think we're just nobodies that screw around? You have much to learn, Y/N." Bl4z3 playfully wraps an arm around his neck. Ever since they've been racking up wins to get this far, both players exceptionally gained trust. "Come on, lighten up!"

"Bl4z3... Yeah, I got you."

The arena's LED lights flashed in sync with the blaring music, building anticipation as the players made their way to the stage. Y/N took his seat, trying to calm his racing heart as the massive screen above displayed the player cams. His face, stern with concentration, flashed across the giant monitor, alongside his teammates: Bl4z3, Riot, Jetstream, and Sparrow. They were all here, and this was their moment.

To add to the excitement, the match had special announcers—two of the most legendary voices in the esports world: Vince "Burrito" Callahan, a long-time Valorant commentator known for his high-energy play-by-play calls, and Kira "Talon" Matsuda, a former professional player who had since become the most insightful analyst in the Valorant community.

•••

The crowd roared as the announcers appeared on-screen, taking their positions behind the commentator’s desk. Burrito, dressed sharply in his signature black jacket, grinned widely at the camera.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the finals! Burrito boomed, his voice carrying over the noise of the crowd. “We’ve got an absolute banger of a match today—Kingsguard Academy going up against the reigning champions, Apex Predators. This is what it’s all about!”

Talon, sitting next to him, nodded thoughtfully. “Absolutely, Burrito. Kingsguard has had an incredible run so far, but let’s not forget that Apex Predators are a completely different beast. Revenant’s leadership is unmatched, and every player on that team is a star in their own right. But Kingsguard... They've got heart, and they've got something to prove."

Burrito leaned forward, excitement dripping from his voice. “And let’s talk about our players to watch today. We’ve got Bl4z3, the sharpshooter of Kingsguard, who’s been clutching some insane rounds throughout this tournament. But we also can't forget about IG/N, the newcomer to the scene, who's been making waves with his aggressive Duelist performances."

Talon smiled. “Yeah, IG/N has had some rough patches, but he’s shown resilience. If he can step up today, it could change the entire dynamic of this match. But on the other side, we’ve got Apex Predators’ star Duelist, Razor.
This guy is a completely different beast. His Jett is quite possibly the best we've had by far, and if he gets hot, Kingsguard is going to have a hard time shutting him down."

•••

The map was chosen—Split—a tactical battleground with narrow chokepoints, verticality, and heavy reliance on utility. The map favored disciplined teams with sharp aim, and it was known for rewarding aggressive defenders who could control mid.

We’re heading into Split,” Talon announced, his eyes gleaming. “This is a perfect map for both teams. Apex Predators are known for their map control here, but Kingsguard’s aggressive pushes on defense could throw them off."

“Yeah,” Burrito added, “and let’s not forget how Split relies on mid control. Whoever dominates mid early on is going to have a huge advantage.”

The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the match begins.

•••

The first pistol round kicked off, and the tension was thick. Apex Predators, on the attacking side, made a quick push towards B-site, but Kingsguard was ready. Y/N, playing Phoenix, was positioned in the sewers, waiting for the right moment to strike. As Razor’s Jett dashed in, Y/N threw a Curveball, flashing the entire enemy team in significant value before peeking out and landing two insane headshots with his Sheriff to kick things off.

The crowd erupted as Burrito’s voice filled the arena. “Oh my god! IG/N with a double! That’s how you start the Finals!”

Kingsguard won the pistol round, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

However, as things set in stone, Apex Predators adapted as you know it. Razor, true to his reputation, started finding his rhythm, taking aggressive angles with Jett and securing early picks. Revenant, playing as Brimstone, orchestrated flawless executes, dropping smokes perfectly and using his ultimate to distrupt Kingsguard's defense.

The score was close, neck and neck, with both teams trading rounds. Y/N had his moments, landing key flashes and entries, but Apex Predators’ coordination was brutal. They punished every mistake Kingsguard made, forcing them into difficult retakes and winning key rounds that were supposedly theirs to win.

At the halfway mark, the score stood 6-6. We're switching sides.

•••

As the players took a brief break before switching sides, Burrito and Talon discussed the match so far.

“This is turning out to be one hell of a Finals,” Burrito said, his voice filled with excitement. “Both teams are going blow for blow, but I have to say, Apex Predators are looking just a little more polished."

Talon nodded. “Yeah, their experience is really showing here. Revenant’s leadership has been impeccable, especially in those mid-round adjustments. But Kingsguard isn’t out of it yet. They’ve been scrappy, and if IG/N can continue those aggressive plays on offense, they could turn this around."

Not a minute after the quick break, the second half saw Kingsguard pressing the attack. Jetstream, called for a quick push on A-site. The rest of the team quickly charged in precision, clearing the site with coordinated utility and forcing their opponents to retake.

But as always, they won't back down without a fight. Razor pulled off an incredible flank at rafters, taking down two  players, leaving Y/N in a 1v2 clutch situation.

Burrito’s voice rose to a fever pitch. “It’s all down to IG/N now! He’s got the spike down, but Revenant and Razor are closing in fast!”

Y/N knew he had to make a move. With his Phoenix ultimate ready, he activated Run It Back and pushed aggressively, catching Razor off-guard and securing the first kill. He respawned just in time to reposition, throwing a final flash before swinging wide and taking out Revenant with a crisp headshot.

"Clutch!"

"UNBELIEVABLE!" Burrito yelled, "OH MY GOD!" Talon added, the crowed roaring in the background. "IG/N with the clutch of his lifetime! Kingsguard hangs on!"

"LET'S GO Y/N!" Jetstream, as stoic as everyone thinks he is, had to scream out in the comms by the youngster's extraodinary play.

"This guy... Maybe I've been too harsh... You're way too fucking good, Y/N." Bl4z3 sighs in relief, a rare genuine smile plastered on his face.

As much as he wanted to speak up and cheer with them, the rookie knew they'd risk it for their focus. Instead, he chose to stay calm and fist bumps in acknowledgement.

"You got this... You got this."

The match came down to the final round—12-11 in favor of Kingsguard. One more round, and they would win the tournament and the spot for glory. But Apex Predators had full utility and their ultimates ready.

The round began with a slow, methodical push from Apex towards mid. Kingsguard held their positions, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Suddenly, Razor dashed onto B-site with his Bladestorm, picking off Riot and Sparrow instantly. The site was overrun, and Kingsguard found themselves in a 3v5 retake.

"It’s not looking good for Kingsguard,” Talon said, his voice tense. “They’re down two players, and Apex has full site control.”

But Jetstream wasn’t done yet. He called for a coordinated retake, with Y/N flashing through the wall and Bl4z3 following up with a quick peek.

Y/N’s flash caught two players, and Bl4z3 capitalized, taking them down with a swift spray. Jetstream smoked off Tower, isolating the remaining players. With the clock ticking, Y/N pushed into the site, trading with Revenant and leaving Bl4z3 in a 1v1 against Razor.

"Shit, I was too slow on that peek! It's all on you, Bl4z3!"

The crowd held their breath as Bl4z3 and Razor danced around the site, each waiting for the other to make a move. Bl4z3, with nerves of steel, he pre-fired around the corner just as Razor peeked, landing the final headshot.

"NICE!!!" With one final celebration of the tournament, Kingsguard will be heading to their first ever  international tournament.

"AND THAT’S IT!” Burrito screamed. “KINGS-GUARD TAKES THE FINALS! AND ARE HEADED TO MADRID AS YOUR WILD CARD TEAM!”
The arena erupted in cheers as the victory screen appeared. Kingsguard had done it.

•••

The team were back at the locker room, still in euphoria. Their enthusiasm is quite amusing, to say the least. Even the coaching staff were loud.

Although it's all fun and games inside, Y/N on the other hand decided to take a breath of fresh air, releasing the tension in the arena. The atmosphere was just too... Stressful. But, does it matter? They won the Qualifiers, and are headed to the VCT//Lock In. However... He can't shake this uneasy feeling that things are going to be even rougher... Maybe, tougher.

"...These teams were no joke... They played amazingly... Maybe... Making this decision wasn't so bad after all. I wonder... if these Academy teams played exceptionally well... What are the odds for us in the next tournament? Against major regions, of all things..." Was it doubt? Regret? Fear? Who knows... But, it's a challenge. And he might as well accept it.

"You were amazing back there. IG/N, was it?" A feminine voice reached out, yet it was quite... Familiar.

He glanced at his shoulders, expecting a random fan, before his eyes widen in disbelief.

"H-Holy shit... Is that who I think it is...?" He turns around, giving his full attention. This was no ordinary person... It's the adorable Kyedae.

Pardon me, did I say adorable? She has a duality too.

"I-I-... Y-Yes, ma'am..." Y/N mustered his best. "You sound like a loser, imbecile! This is Kyedae in the flesh! Stop stuttering!"

She giggles-.

"Shit, that sounded cute..."

"You don't have to be so formal towards me. Just call me Kye. And yes, in japanese we call it "maple leaf", so, yeah."

"Oh, right. You're half canadian too. I-I'm sorry but, did you watch the game?" Y/N asked.

"Don't be so apologetic. And, yes, I did. And I gotta say... You're really good. Maybe even better than us." Kye remarked.

"Us? Does she mean... Sentinels?" Y/N thought. "You're way too kind, Kye. Those guys are far more experienced and Godly... It's a miracle to compare us to them, to be honest." Y/N answered honestly.

"Haha! No need to be humble, I mean, for a Wild Card team in an Academy league, you guys have the potential to break your limits. For better or for worse, I'll be supporting you guys, just as much as how I support my team!" She declared, her voice encouraging and... Soft.

"...Wait, WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?! ISN'T SHE IN A RELATIONSHIP!? Ugh, get it together, you pervert!" Y/N internally scolds himself, his cheeks warm and flustered.

"Hey, pardon me but may I ask for your name?" She asked gently.

"Oh, it's Y/N. Y/N L/N. Nice to meet you again, Kyedae."

"Hm, no problem. I'm very grateful to meet the future of this community. Remember what I said, Y/N. You're special." She smiles, patting his shoulder in acknowledgement and respect. It gave him a sense of pride, and reassurance. She really is cute, but deep down, he knew he doesn't have a chance-.

"Oh, I completely forgot, but are you actually free this weekend?"

"...Well, that escalated quickly-WAIT WHAT?! DID SHE ACTUALLY ASK ME OUT?!" He screamed internally, bewildered. "U-Uhm, pardon me but, aren't you in a relationship...?"

"Oh, you mean Tyson? We're just best dorks! The rumors were just buzzing around like stupid, so you don't have to worry about that. Why? Are you saying we're a thing?" She retorted, a slight pout on her face.

"What's with that face, you buffoon? It's actually making me weak inside..." He sighs. "You two look close, so I assumed things."

"Ah, I see. We are close, but not in a sense that we're dating." She reassures.

"But, asking me out this quick is... Quite weird, don't you think? I mean, we've just met after all." Y/N confirms, as she sighs.

"I understand. I'm sorry for sounding so desparate. But... I was watching your games. All of it. And it just left me captivated. Besides... Your reactions are cute on camera..."

"...Is she actually flustered right now? THE Kyedae calling me cute of all people? ...I need someone to pinch me right now."

"A-Ah, I'm sorry but, please let's hang out some other time! I'd want to get to know you better! I'm a fan, really! And it'll be nice if... I-If we can be friends for a start!" She confessed... She confessed... She confess-YES, I GET IT!

"...Y-Yeah, sure w-why not...?"

"Really...? T-Thank you! Thank you so much, Y/N!"

Not even an hour or two, this woman latches on to his chest like seeing your childhood friend from abroad for the first time. And... It was heart-warming. This popular streamer... Is into him, for some reason.

"...What a night this is... But, she really needs to calm down... Damn, does she hug tight."
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A/N: Yes, she's the love interest. Why? Why not?

Though, I do wanna apologize for the shippers of her and Tenz. But, they're just best friends in this fanfic.