Chapter 23: The European Circuit and a Surprise Visit

Europe was a different world. In Asia, Stardust Breakers were heroes. In Europe, they were the invaders, the foreign champions stepping onto the home turf of Valhalla. The crowds were loud, passionate, and overwhelmingly in favor of their local teams. The pressure, combined with the jet lag and the unfamiliar food, made for a stressful environment.

Their fame also meant they were constantly under a microscope. Shouka and Kimi’s relationship, which had been a source of strength, was now a public spectacle. A candid photo of them having a minor disagreement over a map in a cafe was plastered across gossip sites with the headline, "Trouble in Paradise? Cracks Appearing in Gaming's Royal Couple!" The constant need to present a perfect public image was exhausting.

The team trudged through the first few tournaments, winning but not in their usual dominant fashion. They were playing the "logical" game Thorne had prescribed, and it was effective but felt hollow. The spark of joyful chaos that defined them was missing.

The circuit eventually took them to Stockholm, Sweden, for the penultimate event before the Mid-Season Invitational. It was Lars Ericksson's home country. The arena was a sea of blue and yellow, and the chants of "Valhalla! Odin!" were deafening.

After a grueling match one evening, Shouka and Kimi decided to escape the hotel and the media circus for a quiet walk through the city's old town, Gamla Stan. As they navigated the narrow, cobblestone streets, a friendly voice called out from a nearby cafe.

"A long way from home, aren't you, champions?"

It was Lars. He was sitting alone at an outdoor table, sipping an espresso, looking more like a relaxed college student than a fearsome esports Viking. He was disarmingly charming, with a warm smile and none of the arrogance he projected on stage.

"Join me," he said, gesturing to the empty chairs. "The coffee here is much better than the swill they serve at the arena."

Hesitantly, they sat down. The conversation was surprisingly pleasant. Lars spoke passionately about game design, his respect for Kimi's mechanical skill, and his admiration for the way Stardust Breakers had changed the meta.

"You forced us all to evolve," he said, his eyes sparkling with competitive fire. "For that, I thank you."

Then, his expression shifted slightly. He leaned forward, his voice dropping. "Tell me," he said, his friendly demeanor now holding a sharp edge. "How is my old master? Is he enjoying his little experiment?"

Shouka and Kimi froze.

"Oh, don't look so surprised," Lars chuckled. "I know Aris. I was his prodigy for three years before I realized his obsession with perfect logic was a cage. He despises me for leaving. Of course he would seek out the one player who defeated him with 'illogic' to be his instrument of revenge. It's so… predictable."

He took a slow sip of his coffee, his eyes locked on Shouka. "He's teaching you his patterns, isn't he? Showing you how to counter my 'rhythm.' Be careful, Shouka-san. My old master loves a good pawn. Just be sure he's not playing a much longer game, one where you and I are just pieces on his board."

With a final, enigmatic smile, Lars stood up, paid his bill, and left them sitting in the quiet square, the seed of doubt now firmly planted. Was Prometheus really helping them, or were they just a variable in a grand experiment to prove a point to his former student? The ghost in the machine was back, and his motives were murkier than ever.