SITS Ch1

Chapter 1: Even If Fixed, He’d Still Drool

After finishing their first summer season match, the ACE team members returned to their base as silently as ghosts rising from a graveyard.

The coach, wearing the darkest expression of them all, was just about to pull out the culprit for a good lesson when he heard one of the team members shout in excitement as if they’d won the lottery: “Oh my god, Xu Zhouye made it to the trending list on Weibo!!”

The team members quickly pulled out their phones, all in perfect synchronization like it had been rehearsed, which only made the coach shout angrily, “You pack of mutts, why can’t you sync up this well in the actual matches?!” That said, he couldn’t resist checking his own phone.

Sure enough, there it was, fifth on the trending list: “ACE Xu Zhouye”—not even his game ID, but his real name.

He tapped on the trend, and the first image that appeared bore large, glaring words that made the coach’s temples throb: “Storm Banshee Kills ACE.fest.”

“Xu Zhouye!!!” the coach roared in fury. “Come with me!”

“Alright.” Xu Zhouye lowered his head as he got scolded, like a repentant student who knew he was in the wrong. He didn’t argue and listened quietly, making his 1.8-meter frame seem almost pitiful.

“What a disaster,” Zhao Rui, the support player, sighed. “Captain, do you think that was the last match he’ll get to play?”

“Who knows.” Shen Man seemed indifferent. “If it doesn’t work out, we’ll just swap him out.”

Zhao Rui stole a glance at his captain. “Captain, aren’t you mad?”

Shen Man shot him a cold look, making Zhao Rui fall silent.

Not mad? How could he not be mad? This was ACE’s debut match with their highly anticipated new summer lineup, and their newly recruited jungle player ended up giving the first kill to the Storm Banshee (a small boss in the upper left corner of the map). When the kill announcement flashed on the screen, there was a good ten seconds of silence on their team mics.

Finally, chatterbox Zhao Rui couldn’t hold it anymore and said, “Somebody say something; this is way too awkward.”

Then came their captain’s icy voice: “If your positioning were as good as your mouth, we’d have won the championship by now.”

Zhao Rui: “…” Captain, you’re so mean.

Xu Zhouye was their newly recruited jungle carry.

Heart of the Wasteland is a MOBA-style online game that has been popular worldwide for eight years, known for its balanced characters and intensely immersive combat experience. It follows a standard 5v5 format, but unlike other MOBA games, this one features five distinct roles: tank, mage, marksman, support, and jungler. Except for the jungler, the roles aren’t tied to specific lanes. The game randomly assigns one of three maps for each match: Lava, Glacier, and Jungle.

Xu Zhouye had just turned eighteen earlier this year, and after a month-long trial at the base, he earned a contract with ACE.

He was already quite well-known before going pro, and Zhao Rui had heard stories about him. His impressive trial performance further raised the team’s expectations.

But who could have predicted such a disastrous debut?

Seven minutes in, he was solo-killed by the Storm Banshee. His gold count was the lowest on the team, and at the 25-minute mark, their base was destroyed.

The coach was so furious he benched him right then and there—

And yet, they still lost the second game with the substitute.

“What time is it?” Shen Man asked.

“Eight o’clock,” Zhao Rui replied. “Captain, are you worried about Xu Zhouye?”

Shen Man responded, “Order takeout; I’m hungry.”

They’d returned late from the match, and the base’s cook hadn’t prepared dinner.

Zhao Rui: “…Captain, you’re so… you.”

The takeout arrived—a spicy hotpot.

Though Shen Man had said he was hungry, he only picked at his food, looking rather upset. The other team members, sensing his mood, wisely decided to keep their distance.

Shen Man, now in his third year as a professional player, was a prodigious marksman who’d won the global championship in Heart of the Wasteland at just eighteen. His only flaw was his temper.

And it was a real flaw.

Last summer, TKR (The King of Ravens) intentionally spawn-camped in the first match, making Shen Man’s expression turn icy.

In the next game, he went all out, pushing his lane opponent to the breaking point. He even refused to end the game, prolonging it and deliberately taking risky plays until his opponent, furious, smashed his headset after the match.

This was typical Shen Man—never holding back a grudge, always avenging it on the spot.

He was proud, but he had reason to be.

After a few bites, Shen Man set down his chopsticks.

Around the same time, Xu Zhouye, who had been dragged off for a lecture by the coach, came back. Shen Man, now twenty-one, was three years older than Xu Zhouye. Judging by appearances, Xu Zhouye looked like a university student. Though taller than Shen Man, his oversized, black-and-gold team uniform looked ill-fitted on his lanky frame. His hair was a bit long, covering his brows, yet you could still tell he had good features. If he could make it big in the pro scene, he’d surely have no shortage of fans.

It was a shame that this game wasn’t won with looks.

Xu Zhouye walked up to him, and Shen Man lowered his gaze. He guessed what Xu Zhouye was going to say—probably something along the lines of, “I didn’t perform well this time, but I’ll work hard next time.” Just thinking about it made him feel bored.

“Captain,” Xu Zhouye began, his voice low and somewhat dejected but still pleasant.

“Hmm.” Shen Man’s interest was minimal.

“Captain, are you still eating your spicy hotpot?” Xu Zhouye asked.

“It’s fine; just work hard next time. Don’t overthink it,” Shen Man replied without looking up.

Xu Zhouye: “Huh?”

Shen Man paused for a couple of seconds, then realized: “What did you just say?”

“I asked if you were still eating your spicy hotpot.”

“…I’m done with it.”

Xu Zhouye grinned, showing his neat white teeth. “Alright, then I’ll eat it! Don’t let it go to waste!”

Shen Man was silent for a moment, struggling to switch his mindset from ‘esports’ mode back to ‘real life’ mode. Unsure what to say, he handed Xu Zhouye a new pair of chopsticks.

“Got it!” Xu Zhouye sat down cheerfully, like a kid just out of school, and started eating with gusto.

What had tasted bland to Shen Man somehow seemed reinvigorated in Xu Zhouye’s mouth. Watching Xu Zhouye’s cheeks puffed up from eating, along with the satisfied look on his face, Shen Man felt… oddly hungry again.

Noticing his gaze, Xu Zhouye quickly swallowed, then looked at Shen Man: “Captain, do you want some more?”

The refusal that was supposed to come out immediately ended up being delayed a moment.

“No, that’s okay.” Shen Man finally declined. “Go ahead and eat.”

Xu Zhouye nodded with a bright smile, happily digging back in.

Shen Man got up to leave.

As he stepped out, he encountered the team manager on the phone at the door, who gestured for him to wait.

Shen Man asked, “What is it?”

The manager hung up the phone. “What do you think of Xu Zhouye, this kid?”

Shen Man replied, “Are you asking about his performance today?”

The manager: “…”

“Why bother asking me? Just check Weibo,” Shen Man said expressionlessly.

Weibo users were notoriously harsh, summarizing Xu Zhouye’s role in the match with a few simple words: “If it weren’t for him, they wouldn’t have even had the five people needed to start the game.”

The manager looked helpless. “Do you think he should play in the next match?”

Shen Man didn’t answer directly, instead glancing at the coach: “Why did you think to recruit him?”

The manager replied, “Hey, believe it or not, the kid was actually in high demand; MIN and KL were both vying for him.” Who could’ve predicted such a rough start?

Shen Man said, “Oh? Was that really the reason?”

Looking slightly awkward, the manager coughed. “Well… he’s got a good price-performance ratio.”

Shen Man: “….”

Without another word, Shen Man turned to leave.

“Wait, wait, Xiao Man, don’t go! Let’s talk a bit more!” The manager called out, but Shen Man was already gone, leaving the other teammates and a contented Xu Zhouye, who was still absorbed in his spicy hotpot.

Xu Zhouye, seemingly oblivious to the strange atmosphere around him, continued to savor the food, even as Zhao Rui patted him on the shoulder with a sigh, which Xu Zhouye ignored.

Zhao Rui had intended to offer some words of comfort, but seeing Xu Zhouye so engrossed in his meal, he couldn’t help but feel a bit envious. He asked, “Xu Zhouye, is it really that good? Let me have a taste too.”

Xu Zhouye shook his head.

Zhao Rui was taken aback, surprised by the rejection.

“This was given to me by the captain,” Xu Zhouye replied earnestly, “Only I can eat it.”

Zhao Rui: “….” Now he was guarding his food.

—

The ACE team’s base provided excellent facilities, with each player having their own suite, though they usually trained together in the same room for easy communication.

Tonight, Shen Man was too frustrated with the game to play ranked matches.

The early summer night still held a bit of a chill, and since he hadn’t eaten much earlier, Shen Man was feeling hungry. He checked the time—three in the morning. Everyone else at the base should be asleep by now.

He slowly made his way out of his room, intending to rummage through the kitchen fridge for a snack. Passing the training room, he noticed a faint light coming through the door.

Curious, Shen Man opened the door and saw Xu Zhouye sitting in the corner.

All the lights in the room were off, save for the computer in front of Xu Zhouye. He wore headphones, entirely focused on the screen. The faint light cast a cool glow over his expressionless face, making him look much more aloof than he had during the day.

Shen Man paused, then hesitated before stepping behind Xu Zhouye.

With his headphones on, Xu Zhouye was too absorbed in his game to notice Shen Man’s presence.

Xu Zhouye was still playing as the jungler. His character shimmered with gold—just from the colors, it was clear he had the priciest gear. His in-game stats were an impressive 15-1-5, but what stood out the most was his hands, flying over the keyboard.

Long and slender, with neatly trimmed nails, his fingers danced effortlessly as he typed out two numbers: [(All): 12.]

After sending the message, Xu Zhouye’s assassin leaped at the freshly respawned enemy, instantly draining their health bar.

The opposing player was furious, their voice exploding in a string of curses that filled the chat. Yet Xu Zhouye, having slain the player again, remained unaffected, calmly typing another message: [(All): 13.]

The other team was at their breaking point.

Xu Zhouye’s face remained calm, even as he absent-mindedly scratched his nose.

Shen Man: “….” He actually found this a bit funny.

When the match ended, the enemy player was killed by Xu Zhouye a total of eighteen times, with the screen remaining black and white throughout, resembling a tragic old documentary.

“Not sleeping this late?” Shen Man spoke up.

Xu Zhouye was startled by Shen Man’s sudden voice from behind and quickly turned around. “Captain?”

Shen Man looked at him.

“I’m a bit restless.” Xu Zhouye felt somewhat embarrassed under Shen Man’s gaze. “Anyway, there’s nothing else to do, so I thought I’d play a ranked match.”

Shen Man glanced at the screen again. “Top tier?”

“Mm.” Xu Zhouye answered obediently.

“Don’t curse or tower dive (killing an enemy right when they respawn at their fountain) when you’re playing on your main account,” Shen Man said. “You’ll get fined if you’re caught.” This was clearly stated in the contract professional players sign, but he wasn’t usually the type to meddle. Somehow, he ended up talking more today.

“Okay, I don’t usually tower dive. That guy was cursing my family; his mouth was just too much.” Xu Zhouye explained.

“Mm, get some rest early.” Shen Man said.

Xu Zhouye replied, “Goodnight, Captain.”

Shen Man waved his hand and left. He grabbed something to eat in the kitchen and returned to his room. He pulled out his phone to check the ID he’d seen on Xu Zhouye’s screen earlier.

The highest rank in the Chinese server’s first region was 1836 points, ranking 158th in the entire server.

Shen Man remembered that this wasn’t Xu Zhouye’s main account. His main account, which was well known in their circle, was called “SpongeBob.” He was a famous random player who had topped the Asian server earlier in the year, which had caught the attention of the professional scene.

After hearing that Xu Zhouye had signed with a professional team, everyone was curious to see what kind of performance he would have on the competitive stage… But when Shen Man thought about it, what came to mind was the image of Xu Zhouye’s body lying under the feet of Storm Banshee in a tragic scene.

At the time, he had still been in the bottom lane. When he heard the voice line, he froze for a second, quickly switched views, and saw Xu Zhouye’s body and the Storm Banshee flying with her wings.

Shen Man turned and glanced at Xu Zhouye, who was sitting right next to him.

The boy’s face was illuminated by the white light of the screen, his face pale, with beads of sweat on his forehead and nose, seeming a bit too nervous.

Shen Man withdrew his gaze, feeling a bit regretful. What a waste of such good potential.

Some people, even if they’re great at the game, aren’t necessarily suited for competitive play.

—

Because of the loss in the first match of the summer league, the atmosphere at the base wasn’t great.

That night, Zhao Rui asked Shen Man to play ranked.

When they arrived at the training room, they found Xu Zhouye already there. They weren’t sure how long he had been sitting there.

This kid was actually pretty outgoing and had already gotten familiar with everyone in the base after a month, except for Shen Man.

Shen Man’s personality was cold and distant, not easy to approach. Whenever Xu Zhouye tried to strike up a conversation, Shen Man would reply in a half-hearted way.

To people who weren’t familiar with him, he might seem like he was acting arrogant, but after playing together for several years, the teammates knew that this was just his way.

“Captain.” Zhao Rui whispered as he chatted with Shen Man. “Do you think the coach will let Xu Zhouye play next week’s match?”

Shen Man gave him a glance but didn’t respond.

“We’re facing TKR,” Zhao Rui continued.

It was widely known that TKR and ACE didn’t get along.

Back when ACE had just won the World Championship, TKR started poaching their players, offering sky-high salaries to lure away ACE’s jungler. They had initially targeted Shen Man too, but he turned down their offer.

The jungler left, the mage player retired due to age, and the tank also went to another team, leaving Shen Man alone—ACE had almost disbanded.

If Shen Man hadn’t insisted on staying, ACE might have folded.

Since then, ACE had changed players multiple times, trying different systems, but nothing had worked to stabilize the situation.

The past two years, they had barely managed to qualify for the mid-season tournament, but they were eliminated in the first round.

Shen Man said, “Do you think replacing him with a substitute will win us the match?”

Zhao Rui was left speechless.

Their substitute jungler wasn’t much better than Xu Zhouye, and although he wouldn’t make the same outrageous mistakes, they didn’t expect to win.

Now, with TKR at full strength, they had almost no chance of winning.

Did they really have to lose again? Zhao Rui was filled with frustration just thinking about the possibility of seeing the enemy taunt them in-game, especially with TKR’s mage, Yang Shanhe, who loved showing off.

Shen Man said, “That’s not something you should be worried about.”

Zhao Rui sighed. That was true.

The two sat down in front of their computers. Xu Zhouye had just finished a match. Zhao Rui was about to have Shen Man start the game when he heard Shen Man say to Xu Zhouye, “Want to play together?”

Zhao Rui: “?” Shen Man was being unusually enthusiastic today.

Xu Zhouye nodded. “Sure.”

Because their ranks were too high, they couldn’t queue together, so all three switched to smurf accounts to play in a lower-tier rank.

“What are we playing?” Shen Man asked, being in the first slot.

“Let’s play the Insect Queen,” Xu Zhouye said.

“Can this hero work in this version?” Zhao Rui asked. This hero, the Insect Queen, had a complex set of skills, requiring excellent control and awareness.

Not many people played her in this version because she wasn’t very tanky, and her control wasn’t stable enough. She hadn’t seen much use in competitive play this year.

“Others can’t do it,” Xu Zhouye said. “But I can.”

Zhao Rui: “…” This kid was really cocky. If he hadn’t just been trending on Weibo for being bad, Zhao Rui might have actually believed him.

Shen Man looked expressionless. “Okay.”

He locked in the Insect Queen for Xu Zhouye.

Zhao Rui frowned. He had played in the league for three years and had seen countless talents, but only a few had truly made an impact on the competitive stage.

As the saying goes, you might be a prodigy in the mortal realm, striving to reach the immortals, only to realize in the end that you’re just one of the 100,000 heavenly soldiers sent to capture Sun Wukong.

“The whole army advances!” A passionate female voice rang out, and the game started.

One minute and thirty seconds in, first blood occurred as Xu Zhouye claimed the first kill in the enemy’s jungle.

Zhao Rui and Shen Man didn’t pay much attention.

Three minutes in, second kill.

Four and a half minutes in, third kill.

Shen Man suddenly realized something. He opened the scoreboard and saw that the enemy jungler was completely falling apart. By nearly five minutes, they were still only level 2… This meant that, aside from clearing the initial set of jungle monsters, the rest of the jungle had been completely consumed by Xu Zhouye.

Not only was he eating the jungle, he was also eating the enemy players.

Xu Zhouye’s scoreboard boldly displayed four kills, and it had only been five minutes.

Zhao Rui muttered, “So strong? But it’s a low-rank match, so it’s fine…”

Shen Man remained expressionless. “Even in a low-rank match, can you at least land one hook?” Zhao Rui had chosen a hero with a hook, but hadn’t landed a single one from the start of the match.

Zhao Rui forced a laugh. “It’s not that the enemy is too weak, it’s that every time I predict their movements, they don’t move at all!”

Shen Man said, “I hope your health pool is as thick as your skin.”

Zhao Rui: “…”

While they were talking, Xu Zhouye killed another enemy, causing the opposing team to completely collapse. At the 15-minute mark, they surrendered.

“Another game?” Xu Zhouye turned to ask.

“Mm.” Shen Man nodded, “Same hero, Insect Queen?”

“Yeah,” Xu Zhouye replied, “I’ve been practicing her lately.”

Shen Man asked, “Signature hero? I didn’t see you play her during the tryouts.”

Shen Man had been there during the tryouts too. To fit ACE’s marksman-oriented strategy, Xu Zhouye had mostly played functional junglers, starting with a money-sharing knife (an in-game item where the gold earned from kills is shared with others who don’t have the knife), with good health and crowd control, but lacking in damage.

During the tryouts, Xu Zhouye performed quite well, and Shen Man had assumed that this was his strong point.

Hearing Shen Man’s question, Xu Zhouye smiled again. This kid seemed to really enjoy smiling, with his eyebrows and eyes curving up, giving him a look of innocence and cuteness. “The coach said our team needs to play around the captain!”

Shen Man froze for a moment, not having responded yet when Xu Zhouye added, “You have to be the fiercest dog for the captain!”

Shen Man: “…”

Zhao Rui was turning red from holding back laughter.

Shen Man: “…Who taught you to say that?”

“People in the bullet chat taught me!” The kid clearly didn’t think anything was wrong, replying confidently, “They all taught me this way!”

Shen Man: “…”