When Love Finds Its Way Back (Cassienne and Dreston) novel Chapter 106

One Hundred And Six: The Game Begun.

The arena was nothing short of breathtaking.

Built inside the heart of the Lisbourn Royal Resorts, the e–sport hall looked more like a futuristic coliseum than a gaming venue

Layers of curved LED screens wrapped around the circular structure, displaying rotating graphics of the competing companies, player aliases, and live global feeds from millions of viewers already tuned in.

Above, a transparent domed ceiling reflected soft blue and silver lights, casting the entire space in a glow that felt both electric and ceremonial.

Rows of floating holographic banners hovered mid–air, each one flashing data streams, game statistics, and sponsor insignias.

This wasn’t just a tournament.

This was a statement.

The audience seating was arranged in tiers. Closest to the arena floor were the VIP rows–leather–backed seats, private consoles, discreet security stationed behind each section. This was where the people who mattered sat.

At the center of that section sat Dreston Tremont.

Even without speaking, his presence commanded attention. He wore a tailored dark suit, simple yet unmistakably expensive, his posture relaxed but authoritative.

To many people here, he wasn’t just the CEO of Auralink System. He was a pillar of the modern tech world, an early investor in Al infrastructure, a sponsor of emerging innovation hubs, and one of the few executives who actively funded future tech talent instead of simply acquiring it.

His contributions to technology education and research had earned him quiet respect, even among

rivals.

Nearby, a few seats away, sat Jeff Sandler.

Unlike Dreston’s composed stillness, Jeff radiated sharp intent. His eyes moved constantly–from screen to screen, from audience to players‘ entrance tunnel. Owner of one of the most aggressive e–sport corporations and a powerful tech conglomerate, Jeff was infamous for one thing above all else:

He hunted for talent, relentlessly.

Many promising players had either risen to stardom under his banner–or disappeared entirely from the public eye after rejecting his offers. Everyone here knew that if Jeff Sandler showed interest in you, your life was about to change. One way or another.

Scattered across the VIP section were other notable figures–founders of Al startups, investors who ran private gaming leagues, senior engineers from global tech organizations, and representatives from international expo committees.

A few high–profile journalists sat quietly among them, already preparing their narratives.

This arena wasn’t filled with spectators.

It was filled with decision–makers. 1

The lights dimmed suddenly.

A ripple of anticipation moved through the crowd.

Then, a deep voice echoed across the arena.

“Ladies and gentlemen… welcome to the friendly tournament segment of the Global Tech Expo.”

Applause thundered the voice gently.

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The massive central screen shifted, displaying a stylized digital gate.

“Today, ten players will enter the arena. Ten competitors. Ten minds. One battlefield.”

The gate opened.

One by one, the players emerged.

Each wore a sleek gaming suit–form–fitting, matte black with subtle neon accents that pulsed faintly in sync with biometric sensors embedded in the fabric.

Their faces were partially obscured by visors, standard tournament protocol, allowing officials to verify identities privately while maintaining public anonymity.

This wasn’t unusual.

Here, skill mattered more than faces.

The first few players received polite applause. Skilled names, respected aliases–but not the ones people were waiting for.

Then….

“Representing Coralreach System… player alias–NYX.”

Corren stepped forward, and the reaction that followed was immediate.

Whispers spread, heads turned. Even without seeing his full face, there was a confidence in his stride, a controlled power that set him apart. Corren had always been known as more than just an executive. He was sharp, strategic—and deadly calm under

pressure.

Several investors leaned forward.

NYX was one to watch.

Next came a tall player with sharp movements, his suit glowing faintly red.

“Representing Vortex Synth System… player alias–Syntax.”

Now the energy suddenly shifted.

Syntax was infamous in competitive circles. Ruthless efficiency, unpredictable tactics, and a history of dismantling entire squads alone. He didn’t acknowledge the crowd. He didn’t slow down. He simply took his place with the confidence of someone who expected to win.

Dreston’s gaze sharpened immediately. But we’re also calm.

Jeff Sandler smiled faintly. He was proud of his special player, yet his mind still raced.

And now….

“Representing the Auralink System…”

The pause that followed felt deliberate.

“…player alias–Obsidian_13.”

The arena reacted instantly. Not with applause–but with noise.

A low hum of voices rose, spreading like wildfire. Screens around the arena zoomed in as Obsidian_13 walked forward with unhurried steps. Her posture was relaxed, almost deceptively so. No arrogance. No nerves. Just quiet control.

Jeff Sandler leaned forward, now. This part interests him a lot.

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Dreston didn’t move the Late

Obsidian 13 took her place without looking at the crowd

Somewhere in the audience, someone laughed nervously

“to that really hay 20

“Do you think

The commentators‘ voices cut in smoothly

Well,” the first commentator said, amusement laced with curiosity, “here we are again. Obsidian_13”

cond chuckled. “You can feel it, can’t you? The room always changes when that name myyns.”

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