After deleting Kai's entire minion wave in one hit, Maverick used a taunt emote, daring Kai to get closer.
Kai clicked her tongue. "Tch, look at this girl taunting."
"Ignore it," Yuel said. "Her nickname, the class she picked, and her mannerisms all suggest she likes provoking people."
"Yeah, she sure gives that vibe," Kai agreed. "But, that kinda lame shit doesn't work on me."
"Is that so?" Yuel rolled his eyes. For some reason, I have the feeling that if Maverick were a guy, then Kai would be fuming right now.
Despite the many practice sessions Kai had against Nia and Julia, it felt like the Softhearted syndrome never fully went away. It was rooted too deeply in Kai's psyche. So deep that she didn't even notice how her mellow attitude toward Maverick's taunt was unusual.
This only instilled Yuel with further concern for the upcoming clash in Mid. He had to come up with a winning strategy ASAP.
On the other hand, Kai was confident, so she carried on as usual. As far as she was concerned, Maverick was a nobody. The main challenge here was the Dark Knight class itself, with its ability to out-clear mages in the early game.
At least, it doesn't look like she's planning to push. Kai analyzed. Does she think I can't stop this wave from reaching the tower or something? If so, she's severely underestimating me, and Pyro in general.
Kai carefully backpedalled from the enemy army while shooting fireballs at them. The repeated basic attacks charged up her Heat Gauge, which was shortly going to lead to a powerful Flame Wave.
Here goes! Kai unleashed the deadly flames, deleting the entire enemy army! This result was nearly as impressive as the Dark Knight's blast!
However, it came with a cost. To make the flames reach all the way to the backline, Kai had to be right in the swordmen's faces. This allowed the bowmen to fire one round of arrows at her, resulting in a 10% HP loss.
Hmph. Just a flesh wound. Kai shrugged. Besides, DK pays HP to use skills, so we're almost even. My Pyro can totally keep up!
Of course, things would've gotten way more complicated if Maverick decided to push along with her soldier, but the girl decided not to press her advantage. She had other ideas in mind. While her minions were pushing the lane, she contracted her Jungler.
"Hey, Nahum," Marim called out. "Let's take out the Griffins in Top while their Mid is busy."
Nahum nodded. "Very well. That is a sound proposition."
They met up in Top Jungle and proceeded to the Griffin Camp. This was going to be a nifty robbery operation!
Alas, the enemy team was quick to come up with countermeasures. "Luke, go after the Griffins," Yuel ordered. "Their Dark Knight isn't pushing, so she's probably planning to take the camp."
"Heh, not under my watch!" Luke hurried to intercept the greedy enemy. I've got a hyper early-game class too, you know? You ain't gonna snatch my farm that easily!
Orc vs. Dark Knight: it was about to become a battle of titans! And, very hungry titans at that. They had to contest for every available slice of farm. But...
"Houston, we have a problem!" Luke reported. "This is getting out of hand! There are two of them!"
Maverick wasn't alone there. She was accompanied by the Jungler… MathProfessor.
"Oh noes, I'm about to fight Math itself!"
Yuel frowned. "This sure complicates things a little." I was hoping she'll be clearing it solo. I guess she's more reasonable than I expected.
Grouping up with the Jungler was a fine play. It was hard to tell which of them made the call, but it was a solid one.
I don't have a convincing answer for this. Yuel thought. By the time Kai gets over there, it'll already be too late. Hrm...
After further analysis, Yuel finally made his call. "Luke, go for the Bot Griffins instead."
"Yeaaaah, figured that'll be the play." Luke shrugged. "Alright, on my way!"
"Kai, lend him a hand."
"Got it."
Luke and Kai rushed to Bot Jungle to steal the Griffins there ASAP. This essentially turned into a trade: Griffin Camp for Griffin Camp. For now, Stratus hadn't fallen behind. The Dark Knight's progress was still in check. For now…