"Top Glory" is a collection of side stories from Butterfly Blue's novel "The King's Avatar."

1. "The Summer of Fifteen": It was a midsummer afternoon when they met.

2. "First Friends, Lifelong Rivals": On this day, James Carter met his strongest rival, as well as the most powerful ally who would stand with him at the pinnacle of Glory.

3. "Into the Trap": Just you wait, I’m not done with you all from [Blue Brook Guild]!

4. "That Year When Flowers Bloomed": Your skills look pretty good. Want to team up with me?

5. "The Dual-Core Era": In the second season, some critics boldly asserted that the league would henceforth enter the dual-core era.

6. "The Moment of Showdown": This really didn’t look like a professional-level match; it was more like a five-on-five game in an online arena.

7. "The Moment of Witnessing a Miracle": On that day, William Parker got a nickname: [Magician].

8. "Inheritance": From today on, you are the captain of Blue Rain, a warlock, Su Mucheng.

9. "The Beginning of a Legend": Even winning the championship can’t reflect your value. What is the value you truly seek?

10. "Dynasty and Youth": That was the most brilliant rookie season in Glory’s history. This group of newcomers was also called—the Golden Generation.

Chapter One: "The Summer of Fifteen"

On a midsummer afternoon, the sun blazed fiercely, and waves of heat shimmered in the air. Emily Brooks waited for a while but saw no one, so she had no choice but to leave. Walking along the empty street for a bit, she arrived at an internet café, pushed open the door, and walked in. The blast of cool air made her let out a long sigh of relief, followed by the rising waves of noise from inside the café.

What’s going on?

Emily Brooks looked curiously toward the commotion. The café manager had already noticed the young girl who had just come in. Instead of greeting her like a regular customer, he cheerfully waved and called out, “Little Emily, you’re here?”

“Yeah, Brother Cooper.” Emily Brooks greeted him in return.

“Here to bring your brother his meal again!” Brother Cooper saw the insulated lunchbox in Emily Brooks’s hand and was clearly familiar with the scene.

“That’s right. Where is he?” Emily Brooks asked.

“Over there.” Brother Cooper pointed toward the noisy area. “But, he might not have much appetite today.”

“Why?”

“He’s met his match,” Brother Cooper said with a laugh.

A rival?

Emily Brooks was taken aback. Although she didn’t really understand the video games her brother played on the computer every day, she always had the impression that her brother was amazing and rarely lost when playing competitive games against others.

A rival? That meant someone who could go toe-to-toe with her brother?

Emily Brooks walked toward the commotion. Two computers, back to back, were surrounded by several layers of people. Being small and short, Emily Brooks tried to stand on tiptoe but still couldn’t see what was happening inside. All she could hear was the crowd shouting, sometimes sighing, sometimes exclaiming in surprise.

“Ethan Brooks, you’re off your game today!” someone suddenly shouted.

Off his game?!

Emily Brooks was even more surprised. So it wasn’t just a close match—her brother had actually met someone he couldn’t beat?

Emily Brooks really wanted to see what was going on, so she squeezed her way into the crowd. Ethan Brooks was a regular at this internet café, so Emily Brooks also came often and was familiar with the manager and some regulars. When people recognized Emily Brooks, they made way for her—everyone liked this pretty little girl.

She finally made it in!

Emily Brooks let out a breath, looked up, and saw her brother sitting at the computer across from her, his face unusually serious.

And his opponent?

The opponent was right in front of Emily Brooks, but she could only see his back. He looked to be about the same age as her brother—a teenage boy. Emily Brooks’s gaze quickly fell on his hands. They were very nice-looking hands, moving deftly over the keyboard and mouse, the crisp tapping sounds constant, accompanied by waves of exclamations from the crowd.

He must be really good!

Emily Brooks didn’t really understand these video games, but just watching the way this boy operated, she couldn’t help but think so. At that moment, another round of exclamations erupted from the crowd—some surprised, some regretful. The match had ended, and the winner was decided.

Who won?

Emily Brooks didn’t need to look at the computer screen; just by looking at her brother’s expression, she could tell the outcome.

Immediately, a chorus of teasing and jeering broke out. Among the crowd were quite a few who had lost to Ethan Brooks before. Seeing him lose now, everyone was in high spirits—it was finally their turn to gloat.