He Came Back, I Broke Him

Clifton POV

The next round began. Clifton bought the sniper rifle. Full shields. All equipment.

The barrier dropped. He didn't wait for his team. He pushed straight toward the same site where Justice had killed him. Planted himself in the exact same position. Scoped in on the exact same angle.

Come on. Do it again. I dare you.

Justice's character model appeared at the edge of his scope, crossing the same gap. The name Ember glowed red in Clifton's crosshair.

Clifton didn't adjust. He didn't flick. He just waited for Justice to walk into it.

The sniper rifle thundered.

Ash eliminated Ember with a headshot.

No duel. No exchange. An execution. Justice had walked directly into a bullet that was already waiting for him.

Across the room, Justice's hands flew off his keyboard. The gray death screen reflected off his pale, startled face.

Clifton stared at the kill feed. The words gave him nothing. No satisfaction. Only a hollow, gnawing frustration.

Killing Justice hadn't answered any of his questions. It had only made him more aware of how badly he wanted answers.

For the rest of the match, Clifton played like a demon. He led the first team on an absolute slaughter. The academy team couldn't get a single round. First team closed it out with a crushing, humiliating scoreline.

The moment the match ended, the bright overhead lights snapped on.

Coach Alger kicked the door open. His face was thunderous. "Everyone to the VOD review room! Now!"