GoTWiC [AC] S23R4 "Next chance"

The fourth match had finally arrived. After three matches played, the team had two wins under its belt, but the feeling of satisfaction wasn't complete. The loss against NoS was still on all the players' minds. It was a match where they failed to show what they were truly capable of, right when it mattered most. However, there wasn't much time for reflection. A new challenge stood before them, perhaps the biggest one yet.

Their next opponent was NoX.

The mere mention of that name caused unease. During previous encounters, NoX had almost always been a step ahead. No matter how hard they tried, Stanko and his team had never managed to find a way to pose a serious threat to them. This time, the situation was different. Their team was stronger than before, more cohesive, and more experienced. However, their opponent wasn't any weaker. On the contrary. They had players like Balrum and Belore in their ranks, who were perhaps the strongest players on the battlefield. When you add to all that the fact that Stanko's team had fewer players than he would have liked, it was clear they faced a very difficult task.

As the countdown to the start of the match continued, Stanko watched the map and tried to remain calm.

“Maybe this is finally the time,” he thought. “How many times have we lost to them already? If we can't do it now, when will we?”

The match began, and his first task was a slow march toward a distant outpost. He had performed very well in that role in previous encounters and was confident he would contribute to the team this time as well. However, plans changed quickly. One of their strongest player managed to capture the castle without needing a swap, so Stanko hadnt much change against him.

It wasn't long before the first problem arrived.

NoX managed to pull off a swap.

Stanko tried to react, but the delay of a few seconds was enough for his opponent to finish what he had started. He watched as their troops took up positions and shook his head.

“No matter,” he said to himself. “It's just the beginning.”

But he knew how important such small advantages could be. NOX was already making a difference right at the start.

The situation soon became even more complicated. They needed to defend the Warrior, and the opponent was increasing the pressure. Stanko didn't want to let the team's morale drop.

“AH, WHAT THE HELL! LET'S HIT BACK RIGHT NOW AND ATTACK AN OUTPOST! QUICK, EVERYONE, START RALLIES!” he shouted over the comms.

His voice was full of energy. He didn't want anyone to think the match was lost.

Several rallies were launched almost simultaneously, and for a moment it looked like they would manage to regain the initiative. However, NoX once again showed why they are considered one of the strongest teams. Their reactions were fast, precise, and almost perfectly coordinated.

"Uhh, I didn't expect this! Never mind, focus on the ports now, and we'll attack again later! THEY'RE ALREADY GETTING AWAY WITH THE POINTS!"

As time went on, the scoreboard gap kept growing. Stanko felt his frustration mounting. He couldn't say they were playing badly. They were trying, attacking, defending, and taking every opportunity that came their way. The problem was that their opponent was doing all of that even better.

Shortly after, a new warning arrived.

“THEY'RE DOING ANOTHER SWAP! EVERYONE, BE READY!”

This time he was ready. He sent his troops the moment the signal came and tracked the opponent's every move. Still, when the decisive moment came, he was again a few seconds too late. NoX pulled off another perfect swap.

Stanko gritted his teeth.

“How do they pull it off every time?” he wondered.

For the first time during the match, he seriously felt how much more organized his opponent was. It wasn't just about the strength of the orders or the number of players. Their coordination was on a completely different level.

Meanwhile, Alex had managed to capture another castle.

This put even more pressure on Stanko's team. Every attempt to regain control ended the same way. The opponent already had a ready answer.

Many would have accepted defeat in such a situation.

Stanko wasn't one of them.

“I don't care about the score,” he thought. “If we're going to lose, we're going to lose fighting.”

“DON'T STOP! KEEP ATTACKING THEM! NO GIVING UP!” he shouted to his teammates.

His words gave the team a new energy. They kept fighting, looking for a chance to come back.

And then the mines appeared.

Stanko immediately opened the map and started to calculate the points. The longer he looked, the more he believed that it wasn't over yet.

The mines were their last hope.

If they managed to win both, the match would be back in play.

“ONLY ALEX DOESN'T WIN IT AGAIN!” he said with a smile, trying to pump up the atmosphere.

The first mine opened up before them, and the race began. Troops rushed in from all sides. Every second was important. Stanko nervously watched the screen as the numbers dwindled. Even he attacked one.

And then the confirmation came.

“EXCELLENT! WE'VE GOT ONE! EVERYONE, BE READY! WE CAN'T LET IT GET AWAY!”

For the first time during the match, he truly felt hope.

The point gap wasn't growing. Every player was giving their all to maintain control of the objective.

However, the real fight was just beginning. It was necessary to make a good swap and tempt the second mine.

This was the moment that could decide the entire match.

The tension reached a peak. Both teams sent their best. Troops arrived from all sides, rallies followed one another, and the communication grew louder.

“WE CAN DO THIS! JUST A LITTLE MORE!” Stanko shouted.

His heart was pounding so hard he could barely notice what was happening around him.

The mine rolled a few feet. The struggle felt like an eternity.

And then they succeeded.

The second mine fell into their hands.

“WE'VE GOT IT! WE'VE GOT IT!” echoed through the comms.

For a few seconds, it seemed like the impossible had become possible. Stanko felt relief and elation. Now all that was needed was a good swap on the second mine, but...

But it was then that the mistake that would decide the match happened.

While everyone was focused on capturing the second mine, the first one was left without a proper swap. NoX immediately saw the opportunity. Their reaction was lightning fast.

Before anyone could react, the first mine was lost.

Stanko stared at the screen in silence for a few moments.

He couldn't believe it.

They were so close.

So close he could almost feel the turnaround in his hands.

Instead, the chance slipped through their fingers.

“No... not like this...”

For the first time during the entire match, he felt true disappointment.

It wasn't the loss that hurt.

It was the opportunity.

The opportunity they had let slip away. Nox was more focused on taking our mine than on defending their own.

If they had held onto the first minute, maybe they could have made a comeback. Maybe they could have forced NoX to panic. Maybe the final minutes would have looked completely different.

But now there was no more time.

The math was unforgiving.

They fought until the very last second, but everyone knew the match was decided.

When the time ran out, the victory went to NoX.

From the very beginning, they played aggressively, organized, and almost error-free. Their swaps were perfectly timed, their reactions quick, and their control over key objectives impressive. Stanko's team gave it their all, but it simply wasn't enough.

After the match ended, Stanko remained silent for a few moments.

The loss was tough, but it wasn't like the previous one. This time, he didn't feel like they had been completely outplayed. On the contrary. For the first time, he saw a path to victory.

For the first time, he saw the moment when NoX could be defeated.

And that's precisely why this loss hurt the most. Because he didn't lose because he had no chance.

He lost because the chance slipped through his fingers at the last moment. He sighed deeply and looked at the final score.

Because one day, when they faced NoX again, Stanko knew he would remember this very moment. He would remember the lost expression, the missed swap, and the turnaround that had been within his grasp.

And then he would be ready to finally finish what had been left unfinished this time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shHXofCRk5I