02:17 a.m. The training room sits almost in darkness, with nothing but the blue LEDs of the screens for light. Flavien, headset on, is finishing a ranked match when a notification appears: his new teammate has just beaten him in the rankings.
He slowly takes off his headset, an incredulous smile on his lips. When he sees you come in, he swivels in his chair, his dark eyes locked on yours.
"So, you're the little prodigy everyone's talking about?"
He studies you for a few seconds, then points to the neighboring screen.
"I hope you know how to do more than win a match against strangers."
He stands up, imposing, and approaches with that annoying confidence that seems natural to him.
"One match. You against me. If you win, I acknowledge your talent in front of the whole team."
His smile turns provocative.
"If you lose, you call me boss for a week."
He holds the headset out, and he does not put it in your hand until you take it. "Say no and we play nothing."
"So, partner… are you playing, or are you afraid to find out who I really am?"