Ego Check: The Game That Changes Everything Rewrite

The rooftop of the school building was a haven of solitude, a place where the bustling noise of lunch hour faded into the distance. Sable perched on the edge of a bench, her legs stretched out in front of her, a simple lunch box balanced on her lap. She absently speared a piece of fruit with her fork, her green eyes scanning the grounds below. Students mingled in clusters, their laughter and chatter carried faintly by the breeze.

Her gaze drifted upward. The sky was a patchwork of clouds and sunlight, the sun peeking through intermittently to warm her face. She liked days like this—calm, unhurried, reflective. It was during moments like these that her thoughts tended to wander.

Her mind circled back to the girl she had encountered the other day, the one with the striking silver bob. Fayne, was it? A unique name for someone with such a quiet, intriguing presence. There was something about her that Sable couldn't quite place, as though she carried the weight of unspoken thoughts. Fayne's expression during their brief meeting had lingered in Sable's mind longer than expected.

Sable tapped her fork against the edge of the lunchbox, her lips curving slightly. What was she so preoccupied with? That was what had caught Sable's attention—the faint crease of worry on Fayne's brow, the way her blue eyes seemed to carry an unasked question. It was rare for Sable to dwell on someone she had met so briefly, but Fayne had left a subtle mark on her thoughts.

Her gaze shifted downward, narrowing as another figure came to mind. Raxian. A small chuckle escaped her lips as she thought about the fiery mid-laner she had been queuing with online. He was improving steadily, adapting his playstyle with every game they played together. But what entertained her most was how oblivious he still seemed to her true identity.

TimeWrapped and AkarisLite. Two summoners who had grown to work well together, yet Raxian hadn't the faintest idea that AkarisLite was the same girl who had run past him during gym class, leaving him behind in the dust. How long will it take for you to figure it out? she wondered, a faint smirk playing on her lips.

Sable leaned back, letting the sun warm her face as the wind tousled her dark hair. It wasn't as if she was actively hiding her identity—it was more amusing to let the pieces fall into place naturally. You're so close, Raxian, she thought. You've already met me in both worlds, but you're still looking at the puzzle upside down.

She tilted her head slightly, her thoughts flickering between Raxian and Fayne. Two vastly different people, yet both had become connected to her in ways she hadn't anticipated. Raxian, with his determination and unspoken insecurities, and Fayne, with her quiet curiosity that seemed to pull her toward Sable like a magnet.

Sable sighed, setting her lunchbox aside. There was something poetic about it, really—the way paths overlapped, creating a web of connections no one could see at first glance. As the clouds shifted, letting sunlight bathe the rooftop, Sable decided to let things unfold as they would. Life was unpredictable, and that was what made it interesting.

For now, though, she savored the peace of the rooftop, the warmth of the sun, and the quiet moment to herself. There was no rush—everything would fall into place eventually.

You'd think that rumors and gossip would inevitably lead to exposure, but despite her reputation, Sable remained surprisingly unknown. Sure, her classmates knew her name, but her identity beyond that was shrouded in mystery. She had a way of blending in when she wanted to—sticking to her own rhythm, moving through the school hallways with quiet confidence that drew attention only when she allowed it.

Her reputation as a League prodigy and an athletic standout had naturally sparked whispers, but Sable wasn't one to fan the flames. She avoided the spotlight, preferring to stay under the radar. Even when she excelled, she had a knack for deflecting praise or redirecting attention elsewhere. The few who had tried to get close quickly realized she wasn't the type to share much about herself, and those who respected her boundaries rarely pried further.

Outside of lectures, she was practically a ghost. People rarely knew where she went during lunch breaks or after school, and she liked it that way. Sable had no interest in being a topic of discussion, even if her skill in League or her effortless athleticism occasionally made her one. The gossip didn't bother her much; it felt distant, like noise in a crowded room—easy to tune out.

There was a certain comfort in the anonymity she maintained. The fewer people knew about her, the more she could focus on the things that mattered to her. She kept her world small and private, her time divided between her music, her games, and the occasional rooftop lunch breaks where she could watch the world from a distance.

And yet, Sable couldn't help but notice how some people lingered in her orbit—curious, intrigued, unable to fully look away. It wasn't intentional, the way she drew people in. If anything, she preferred being left alone. But perhaps there was something about her quiet intensity, her unspoken self-assurance, that made her seem untouchable in a way that only fueled curiosity.

She sighed softly, watching the clouds shift across the sky. People can talk all they want, she thought. It doesn't change anything. As far as she was concerned, her flow worked just fine.

Sable didn't have many connections to boast about. Sure, there were GrimPath and IronVanguard, teammates she had shared victories and defeats with, competing together in the virtual world. But that was about the extent of it. Their relationship was practical—built on coordination and skill within the game, not personal bonds. They'd never met in real life, nor had they exchanged much beyond the necessities of gameplay. It wasn't like she expected more; in her mind, it was easier that way. Keep things professional, simple, and distant.

Her life as a transfer student had shaped this outlook. Her dad's work required them to move frequently, uprooting her just as she might have started to feel settled. Over time, Sable had learned not to form close ties, knowing the inevitable goodbyes would only make leaving harder. She had grown comfortable with solitude, finding solace in her music, gaming, and the quiet corners of her world where no one could reach her.

Still, she couldn't deny the occasional pang of longing for something closer, something real. Not just surface-level acquaintances or fleeting partnerships, but genuine connection. Someone to talk to, share laughs with, maybe even lean on during the tougher days. The thought often crept into her mind, unbidden but persistent. Wouldn't it be nice... just once?

That's why her connection with Raxian intrigued her. It wasn't something she had sought out, but it had grown naturally, almost accidentally. Their rivalry started with that match, when she'd dismantled his overconfidence and forced him to reevaluate his approach. If he hadn't added her that day, she wasn't sure they'd have ever spoken again. But he did, and somehow, the casual banter and shared games became something she looked forward to.

Raxian was different. He was raw, passionate, and sometimes impulsive, but he had a determination that reminded her of herself. Their interactions, though often competitive, felt refreshing—like a clash of equals that neither of them could walk away from. It wasn't just about gaming; it was about connection, rivalry, camaraderie.

Maybe that's what I've been yearning for, Sable thought, leaning back against the rooftop railing. Someone to push me, to make me feel alive. Someone to remind me I'm not alone in all of this.

The wind picked up, ruffling her loose braid as she stared out over the school grounds. She didn't know where this connection with Raxian might lead, but for now, she was content to let it unfold naturally. After all, real bonds weren't something you could force. They just... happened.

—---------------------------------------------------------

Sable had always been a wanderer, coming and going as she pleased. The rigid structure of schedules and rules never appealed to her, and the city's nightlife became her sanctuary—a space where she could exist without boundaries. The quiet hum of the streets after dark, the glow of neon signs, and the occasional distant sound of music spilling out from a bar filled her with a sense of freedom.

Graffiti had become one of her secret passions, a way of leaving her mark on the world, even if it was fleeting. There was something exhilarating about the act—the rush of dodging security cameras, the thrill of knowing she was creating something that might be seen by hundreds before it was inevitably scrubbed away. Her tools of the trade were always packed neatly in her bag, ready for when inspiration struck.

That night, inspiration had struck in an alleyway tucked away from the busier parts of the city. The brick wall in front of her was a perfect canvas. With the cans of spray paint lined up by her feet, Sable had spent the past hour layering her vision onto the rough surface. The design was bold and deliberate—a sharp, angular "AF" for Ascendant Force, her old team. It was a tribute to the people who had shaped her competitive journey, even if they'd gone their separate ways.

Each stroke of color carried meaning. The vibrant green was hers, a nod to Akali, her most beloved champion and a reflection of the cool intensity she brought to the Rift. Beside it, a fiery red represented their midlaner—once the Yone main who had been their cornerstone in fights, CrimsonEdge. Deep purple streaks captured the elegance and danger of their jungler, GrimPath, whose Evelynn had terrified countless opponents. A calming blue marked their adc, an Ashe player with a knack for turning chaos into calculated victories, FrostHaven. Finally, a rich brown swirled in, grounding the piece with the steadfast presence of their Nautilus support, IronVanguard.

Sable leaned back, taking a moment to admire her work. The colors clashed beautifully, chaotic yet harmonious, much like their team had been. Despite their differences, they had come together to create something incredible. The memory brought a faint smile to her lips, though it was tinged with a bittersweet edge.

We were unstoppable back then... she thought, her fingers trailing absently over the rim of a paint can. But nothing lasts forever.

As much as Sable tried to live in the moment, she couldn't deny the ache of losing that camaraderie. Even now, she could feel the echoes of their games together, their victories and defeats, the heated arguments and shared laughter. Painting their logo wasn't just about nostalgia—it was a reminder of who she was, of the fire that still burned within her.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the distant sound of footsteps. She tensed, her eyes darting to the alley's entrance. A quick glance confirmed it wasn't the police—just a couple of late-night wanderers passing by. Sable exhaled and turned back to her work, adding the final touches.

Stepping back, she admired the finished piece. It was bold, unapologetic, and vibrant—just like their team had been. For now, it would remain here, hidden in the quiet shadows of the city, until someone stumbled across it.

Sable gathered her supplies, slinging her bag over her shoulder as she cast one last look at the wall. Ascendant Force might be gone, but its spirit still lived on in her. And who knew? Maybe someday, they'd all find their way back to each other.

—---------------------------------------------------------

Sable's summer break might have been fleeting, but she knew how to make every moment count. Without the constraints of her usual routine, she embraced her freedom with a mix of thrill-seeking and quiet reflection. League was still her anchor during lazy nights, but outside the virtual battlefield, her days were filled with adventure.

She stayed up late, the rhythmic hum of her bass guitar filling her small room as she worked through new melodies. When the urge struck, she ventured into the city under the cover of darkness, spray cans in hand, leaving her mark on blank walls and forgotten corners. Each piece she created was an explosion of color, her art dancing between chaos and precision. The risk of being caught only made it more exhilarating.

One daring night, her thrill-seeking almost went too far. Scaling an abandoned construction site for a perfect view of the skyline, her foot slipped on a rusted beam, and for a heart-stopping moment, she dangled over the abyss. Her fingers gripped the edge with white-knuckled determination, and as she hauled herself up, adrenaline coursed through her veins. She laughed breathlessly—what was life without a little danger?

Not all her adventures were so perilous. Some were quieter, yet no less meaningful. She hiked alone to the summit of a small mountain, watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the world in fiery hues. She stayed until dawn, witnessing the sunrise in solitude, the colors a soft contrast to the vibrant chaos she often surrounded herself with.

One evening, she found herself at the beach, barefoot in the sand, a small campfire crackling nearby. The ocean waves lapped gently at the shore, their rhythm steady and soothing. The warmth of the fire, the salty breeze, and the vast expanse of stars above made her chest ache with a bittersweet longing.

If only she had someone to share all of this with.

The thought lingered, unbidden but persistent. Despite her fearless, independent exterior, there were moments when she felt the weight of solitude. She had her passions, her pursuits, but there was a hollow space inside her that craved connection—someone to see the world as she did, to run alongside her on this wild, unpredictable path.

She shook the thought off as the firelight flickered in her green eyes. For now, she was enough for herself. But the possibility of something more, of someone to share the sunsets and the chaos, remained like a distant echo in her mind.

—---------------------------------------------------------

One quiet evening, the kind where the city lights flickered like distant stars, Sable settled into her chair and logged into her alternate account, AkarisLite. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment, taking in the familiar layout of the League client. The notifications were minimal tonight, except for one: TimeWrapped was online.

Her lips curled into a faint smile. Over the past few months, playing with Raxian had become second nature—Sable had grown from someone he antagonised to an actual friend. It was something she hadn't realized she was missing until it became a part of her evenings.

Her cursor clicked on his name, opening the private chat. The keys felt natural under her fingers as she typed, her message short and to the point.

AkarisLite: "Hey, Wrapped? Can I ask you something?"

For a moment, she leaned back in her chair, her green eyes glancing out the window where the faint glow of the moon peeked through the clouds. She wasn't entirely sure where this conversation would go, but the question had been nagging at the back of her mind for a while now. If anyone could give her an honest answer, it might just be him.

Her focus returned to the screen as she saw the three dots pop up.

Raxian leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming against the edge of his desk. When the message from AkarisLite popped up, he squinted at the screen, his eyebrows knitting together.

"Hey, Wrapped? Can I ask you something?"

Short. Direct. No build-up or typical lighthearted banter.

He blinked at the message, mildly surprised. AkarisLite wasn't usually this blunt. Their conversations typically had a casual rhythm to them—playful quips, strategic discussions, or friendly rivalry. But this? This felt... different.

His fingers hovered over the keyboard as he considered how to respond. Whatever was on their mind, it didn't seem like a question about their next game or a random fact about League. Curiosity tugged at him.

TimeWrapped: "Sure, shoot. What's up?"

He pressed enter, his gaze fixed on the screen. A slight unease crept into his chest. He wasn't used to this side of AkarisLite—less guarded, perhaps, but oddly serious.

A few moments passed before their reply came through. It wasn't immediate, but when the message popped up, Raxian's curiosity turned into full-blown intrigue.

Raxian stared at the message, his eyes narrowing as the words sunk in.

"Let's compete. You and me. 1 on 1. Let's see if you have what it takes after all this time. I want to see your progress."

His heart skipped a beat, a mix of excitement and anxiety bubbling up inside him. AkarisLite had never proposed something like this before. Sure, they'd clashed in the past by chance, but a direct challenge? This was new.

He leaned forward, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "So, they want to see if I've improved, huh?" he thought. His pride stirred. If AkarisLite wanted a challenge, he wasn't about to back down.

His fingers flew over the keyboard.

TimeWrapped: "Oh? Finally ready to face me without a full team to back you up? Let's do it."

He hit send, leaning back in his chair with a cocky grin, but deep down, he felt the pressure. AkarisLite was no ordinary player—he knew that from experience. This wasn't going to be easy.

Their response came almost instantly.

AkarisLite: "If I recall correctly I'm pretty sure I solo stomped your entire team in our first game against each other. My Yasuo was legendary. But sure, whatever makes you sleep at night. So, how about it? Let's do a custom game."

Raxian let out a short laugh. The confidence radiating from AkarisLite was unmistakable. He could practically hear the challenge in their tone.

TimeWrapped: "You're on. Name the time."

AkarisLite: "Now. Unless you're scared."

Raxian shook his head, chuckling softly. "Oh, you're not getting under my skin that easily," he muttered under his breath.

TimeWrapped: "Scared? Of you? Get in the lobby, Lite. Let's settle this."

As AkarisLite invited him to the custom game, his adrenaline began to spike. They had been his rival in so many ways, but this match felt personal. It wasn't just about proving himself anymore—it was about showing that he had grown, that he wasn't the same overconfident player who relied on raw skill without strategy.

When the lobby was ready and both players had joined, Raxian hovered over his champion pool, his mind racing.

"Ekko? No… that's too predictable. Something fresh. Something unexpected."

AkarisLite locked in their pick first—Akali, of course. Raxian couldn't help but smirk.

TimeWrapped: "Of course, it's Akali. Can't wait to shut it down."

But if AkarisLite was going to use their own main, why shouldn't he? Ekko it is!

The stage was set. The match began, the Rift loaded, and the tension in the air was palpable. Raxian's determination burned as brightly as the screen in front of him. This was his chance to show AkarisLite—and himself—just how far he'd come.

—----------------------------------------------------

As the game loaded, Raxian blinked in surprise at the map selection. It wasn't the standard Summoner's Rift. Instead, Howling Abyss, the ARAM map, appeared on the screen. The straight bridge stretched out in front of them, flanked by icy cliffs and a desolate sky. There were no recalls, no jungle to retreat into, no second chances. Just an endless expanse of bridge, with nowhere to hide except for the small bushes scattered along the lane.

He let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "AkarisLite, you really know how to make this interesting, don't you?"

TimeWrapped: "ARAM? Alright. No running, no excuses. Just raw skill. Let's do this."

AkarisLite: "Exactly. No escape. May the better player win."

The tension was palpable as the timer hit zero and the match began. Both champions spawned on opposite ends of the bridge, the distant sound of battle drums setting the tone. Raxian's Ekko emerged from the base, his bat resting casually on his shoulder, his every movement brimming with confident swagger. On the other side of the bridge, AkarisLite's Akali glided forward, her movements fluid and calculated, the icy air almost seeming to bend around her.

The first few minutes were spent testing each other's limits. Ekko's Timewinder spun through the air, a boomerang of energy that forced Akali to keep her distance. Raxian focused on controlling the lane, each hit on Akali a small but satisfying win. Akali, however, played patiently, her Five Point Strike hitting its mark with pinpoint precision, chipping away at Ekko's health bar.

"She's just waiting," Raxian thought, watching her weave in and out of the minions. He could feel it—the calm before the storm.

When Akali ducked into a bush, Raxian sent out his Parallel Convergence, the sphere of temporal energy hovering menacingly near her hiding spot. He dashed forward with Phase Dive, baiting her to move, but AkarisLite didn't fall for it. Instead, Akali stepped just outside the edge of the sphere, smirking as it dissipated harmlessly.

"She's good," Raxian admitted to himself. But he wasn't about to let her outplay him.

Both champions hit level six, their ultimates adding an explosive element to the fight. The tension mounted with each second, the icy bridge now a battlefield littered with their calculated strikes. Raxian's Ekko darted around the lane, always on the move, using his passive Z-Drive Resonance to whittle away at Akali's defenses. Meanwhile, AkarisLite's Akali melted into her Twilight Shroud, her figure disappearing into the smoke.

Raxian's eyes narrowed as he scanned the shroud. "You can't hide forever," he muttered under his breath. With a flick of his wrist, he sent Timewinder spinning into the cloud, forcing her to reposition.

Akali struck back with her Perfect Execution, her kunai flashing as she dashed through Ekko. The precision of her attack left Raxian momentarily stunned, his health bar dangerously low. But he didn't panic. Instead, he activated Chronobreak, rewinding time to recover his lost health and dealing a devastating burst of damage in the process.

Akali's health dropped, but she wasn't done. She darted into the bushes, forcing Ekko to chase her. The game was a tense dance of predictions and counterplays, neither player willing to give an inch.

It all came down to one final clash. Both champions were low, their health bars blinking like a warning. Raxian baited Akali into stepping too close with a well-placed Parallel Convergence, stunning her just long enough to land a perfectly timed combo. Timewinder, Phase Dive, and a series of auto-attacks brought her health to critical levels.

But AkarisLite wasn't going down without a fight. Akali's final burst of damage hit hard, her kunai slicing through Ekko's defenses. For a moment, it looked like both champions would fall simultaneously.

In a split-second decision, Raxian activated Phase Dive, dashing out of Akali's range and landing the killing blow with the return of Timewinder. Akali fell, her health bar hitting zero.

The screen flashed. Victory.

A message appeared in the chat.

AkarisLite: "Not bad, TimeWrapped. Not bad at all."

Raxian smirked, leaning back in his chair as the adrenaline coursed through him.

TimeWrapped: "I told you I wasn't the same player you stomped before. You impressed yet?"

AkarisLite: "Impressed? Maybe. But you're still not on my level. One day, though. Maybe."

Raxian chuckled, his fingers hovering over the keyboard.

TimeWrapped: "One day? Nah, I'm catching up faster than you think. Let's do this again soon."

AkarisLite: "You're on."

Raxian paused, his hand lingering over his mouse. AkarisLite's message hung in the chat window, bold and daring:

AkarisLite: "Hey, Wrapped, since you won, it's only fair that you get some kind of reward, isn't it? How about this. Turn on your camera."

His heart skipped a beat. Were they actually going to do this?

For a moment, he hesitated. They had played together so often, built a strange camaraderie despite only knowing each other through their champions and text exchanges. And yet, he had never seen them. Never heard their voice. AkarisLite was still a mystery to him, a figure shrouded in skill and intrigue.

TimeWrapped: "Wait, are you serious? You're not just messing with me, right?"

The typing indicator appeared, then disappeared, building suspense. Finally, a new message popped up.

AkarisLite: "Dead serious. You won, after all. I think it's time we leveled up this little rivalry of ours."

Raxian leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair as he contemplated. This could be the moment. The reveal. Part of him wondered if this was a prank—maybe they'd just turn on their camera and show some random picture, or worse, something completely unexpected. But then again, AkarisLite had never struck him as the type to mess around like that.

No backing out now.

He moved his cursor to the camera icon, hesitating for just a moment before clicking it. The familiar window popped up, displaying his face. He adjusted the angle quickly, brushing down his hair and trying to look somewhat presentable.

TimeWrapped: "Alright. Camera's on. Your turn."

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the icon next to AkarisLite's name lit up, signaling their camera had been enabled. The screen shifted, and there they were.

Raxian's breath caught.

It wasn't just any player behind the name. It was her. Sable. The girl from the parallel class, the one he'd seen during gym, the one he'd spotted in the tunnel under the bridge. Her black hair with blue streaks framed her face perfectly, her green eyes piercing through the screen with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

"You?" The word slipped out before Raxian could stop himself.

Sable tilted her head slightly, a smirk playing on her lips. "Surprised?"

Raxian blinked, his mind racing. The pieces were all falling into place, things he hadn't connected before. Her fluid movements in the game, her competitive streak, even the subtle confidence she carried—it all made sense now.

"You're AkarisLite?" he finally managed to say.

"That's me," Sable replied casually, leaning back in her chair as if this revelation was no big deal. "Didn't think you'd piece it together on your own, so I figured I'd help you out."

Raxian shook his head, still trying to process. "Why didn't you just tell me earlier?"

Sable shrugged. "Where's the fun in that? Besides, I wanted to see how far you'd get without knowing. Turns out, you've actually improved. I'm impressed."

Raxian felt a strange mix of emotions—pride, confusion, maybe even a little embarrassment. "So... all this time, you've been keeping tabs on me?"

"Not just you," Sable admitted, her smirk softening into something more genuine. "But yeah, you caught my attention. You've got potential, Raxian. Don't let it go to waste."

He didn't know what to say. For once, Raxian felt genuinely humbled. "Thanks... I guess."

Sable chuckled, the sound light and melodic. "Don't get used to compliments from me, Wrapped. You've got a long way to go before you can truly challenge me. But hey—this was a good start."

As the call continued, Raxian found himself more intrigued by Sable than ever. She wasn't just a rival anymore. She was a person—a real, tangible presence in his world now. And something told him this was only the beginning of whatever dynamic they were about to build.

"Let me just ask you one question", Raxian began. "For how long have you known that I'm TimeWrapped, how did you figure that out?"

Sable tilted her head slightly, her smirk growing as she rested her chin in her hand. "Oh, you think you're so mysterious, don't you?"

Raxian leaned closer to his monitor, his curiosity getting the better of him. "I'm serious. How long? And how did you figure it out?"

Sable chuckled, a low and amused sound. "Alright, fine. I'll humor you. I knew almost from the start. You're not exactly subtle, Wrapped."

Raxian frowned, leaning back in his chair. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Your playstyle," Sable said, tapping her fingers on her desk. "It's... distinctive. Overconfident, aggressive, always looking for the flashy outplay. Honestly, it's like you're trying to prove something every time you step onto the Rift. It wasn't hard to connect the dots when I saw the same traits in real life."

Raxian blinked, the gears in his mind turning. "Wait, so you figured it out during that gym class? Or was it before?"

"Before," Sable admitted, her green eyes gleaming with amusement. "That match where I completely stomped you? Your reaction gave you away. You tilted so hard it practically screamed Raxian. Then when we matched up again during Clash and you actually held your own... well, it confirmed my suspicions."

Raxian ran a hand through his hair, processing her words. "So you've been sitting on this the whole time, just waiting for me to figure it out?"

"Pretty much," Sable said with a shrug, her tone unapologetic. "It's been fun watching you piece it together, though. Gotta admit, you're sharper than I thought. Took you a while, but you got there."

He crossed his arms, a mix of annoyance and amusement tugging at his expression. "You could've just told me, you know."

"And miss out on all the fun? Not a chance." Sable leaned forward, her smirk softening into something more sincere. "Besides, I wanted to see how far you'd go without knowing. And honestly? You've surprised me, Wrapped. You're not the same player you were when we first met."

Raxian's annoyance melted away at her words, replaced by a flicker of pride. "Well, I guess I should thank you. You pushed me to get better."

Sable shrugged, the smirk returning. "You've got potential, Raxian. Just don't let it go to your head. There's still a lot of work to do."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You're unbelievable, you know that?"

"Maybe," Sable said, her tone light and teasing. "But you're stuck with me now, Wrapped. Let's see where this rivalry takes us."

"Hey, Rax, hope you don't mind the nickname, I heard that's what you go by either way? What made you add me in the first place? Why would you want to add someone who humiliated you?", Sable asked out of genuine curiosity.

Raxian raised an eyebrow at the blunt question, leaning back in his chair. "Wow, just jumping straight into it, huh? No softballs with you, huh, Sable?"

Sable leaned forward slightly, her green eyes sharp yet playful on the screen. "You didn't answer the question, Rax. What made you add me? Most people would've rage-quit after what I did to you."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, you did humiliate me. But you also… impressed me."

Sable tilted her head, her smirk softening into something curious. "Impressed you?"

"Yeah," Raxian admitted, his voice quieter now. "You didn't just beat me; you obliterated me. You didn't trash talk or rub it in, though. You just played the game—better than I thought anyone could. It pissed me off, but it also made me realize how much I needed to improve."

Sable's smirk grew again, her voice dripping with amusement. "So, what? You added me out of respect? Or because you wanted revenge?"

"Both," he said with a faint grin. "I wanted to learn from you, figure out what made you so good. But yeah, I also wanted to prove I could beat you someday. Call it competitive spirit."

Sable chuckled, her laugh warm and genuine this time. "You're a bold one, I'll give you that. Most people wouldn't have the guts to stick around after a loss like that. Let alone add me."

Raxian shrugged, his grin turning a little cocky. "What can I say? I don't back down from a challenge."

Her gaze softened slightly, though her teasing tone remained. "Well, you've come a long way, Rax. I'll give you that. Maybe adding me wasn't such a bad idea after all."

He chuckled, the tension easing as he leaned forward. "Guess we'll see where it takes us, huh?"

Sable nodded, a flicker of something thoughtful crossing her face. "Yeah. We'll see."