(Credit To our lost Saint)
Finally, Week 4.
Finally, Week 4 is here, and whether we're completely ready or not, we've logged on and geared up for battle. We had planned to gather on Discord at 9 PM GMT+7, with everyone getting set up and prepared by 9:30 PM GMT+7. However, we found ourselves waiting for Uncle Alvin to wrap up his game with his own team before he could join us. Despite the delay, the anticipation and determination among us were palpable as we geared up mentally for the challenges ahead. Each moment counted as we waited to synchronize our efforts and strategies for what lay ahead in our final push.
Almost forgot to mention, at 6 PM GMT+7, we also worked on arranging Henlee's build for Rathgricy. We simplified it by creating two builds for him: a DPS build and a buff build. Additionally, we advised him to stick to the defensive lane, focusing on covering the ball holder and advancing only when necessary. This strategy is tailored for Maps 1 and 2 scenarios.
Regarding Map 3, we're hopeful that we won't have to play many games there. Our plan is to possibly not play a full game, aiming to minimize our exposure to its challenges.
But as always, the ROM developers found a way to throw a wrench into our plans. That day, we faced 7 matches in Map 3, 2 in Map 2, and 1 game in Map 1. Let's start from the beginning of the game, shall we?
At the outset, we kicked off with an impressive 3-game win streak. Our lineup was firing on all cylinders, bulldozing through the competition with three consecutive victories in Map 3. It's somewhat ironic because historically, Map 3 has been our Achilles' heel. Despite this, we faced opponents that were fortunately easier to handle, allowing us to maintain our momentum and secure those wins. It was a strong start that bolstered our confidence as we moved forward in the competition.
Following our strong start, we encountered a setback with 2 losses against a formidable team in Map 3, bringing our total to 5 consecutive Map 3 matches. Statistically speaking, the chances of this sequence happening were incredibly low—approximately 0.004%—highlighting the challenge we faced.
After our setbacks, we bounced back with two strong wins in games 6 and 7, both of which were not on Map 3 but rather on Maps 1 and 2 against easier opponents. We secured these victories comfortably, pushing our total points to over 3000. At this stage, if we play cautiously, five of us are already in the top 600 rankings. Unfortunately, Potank, our Saint, is sitting at 3002 points and may not make it into the top 600.
With 3 games remaining and about an hour left, we find ourselves at a crossroads. Currently, five of us are positioned between 450-550, with one person potentially unable to make the cutoff. It's a gamble—we could play it safe since if most matches are on Maps 1 and 2, we have a good shot at securing our positions. However, there's the lingering worry that we might get matched into Map 3, which historically has been challenging for us.
On the other hand, even if we lose a game, we still have two more chances to win and improve our standings. The decision hinges on balancing risk and opportunity, weighing the potential reward of securing top positions against the risk of encountering Map 3 difficulties.
So, we entered game 8 and unsurprisingly, we got Map 3 again. And this time, we're facing a strong team led by Makotar. We can already predict the outcome—it's likely we'll lose this match. With no other option, we went back into play, determined to recover from being thrown out of the top 600 positions. Fortunately, we got Map 2, and we won that game, which was a much-needed victory for us.
With 30 minutes left and one game remaining, we found ourselves in the same position: five of us within the top 600 and one just outside. At that moment, we made the decision: go big or go home...
The Ending…..
The journey inevitably reaches its conclusion, regardless of the path we choose, much like this multiplayer journey of ours. It's been nothing short of an epic adventure, a breath of fresh air for me personally. Every victory and defeat has been a lesson learned, shaping us in ways we couldn't have anticipated.
Sometimes, when there's time, playing solo still brings joy and engagement. Yet, the outcomes often defy expectations—victories celebrated, losses endured, and occasionally, devastating defeats that test our resolve. But such is the cycle of life, where resilience is forged in the fires of challenge.
As we reflect on this journey, we realize it's not just about the wins or losses, but the growth and camaraderie forged along the way. Life's journey continues, weaving its tapestry of experiences, each thread contributing to the fabric of our existence.
One of the key lessons we can take from this experience is that we didn't execute things quite well right from the basics. Achieving a win, such as reaching the top 600, requires meticulous preparation—from building a cohesive team, setting clear goals, devising effective strategies, to consistent practice, and more.
I firmly believe that effort is never wasted when aimed towards a goal. Luck may play a role, but I put my faith in human effort. If we give our best, results will eventually align with our efforts—it's just a matter of persistence and time. Effort, dedication, and continuous improvement are the cornerstones of success in any endeavor.
Personally, I have no room for regrets. This multiplayer journey has been my passion since day one, from the inaugural season all the way to now. Seasons 1 through 12 were a solo endeavor, with Stan and Copet taking the reins from the 13th to the 16th. Come the 17th season, I was back on my own.
To me, this isn't just about rankings—it's about pursuing something I love. Numbers don't define my dedication. My effort spans five years of commitment to this game, a journey marked by highs and challenges alike. If my performance isn't what it used to be, it's a testament to the inevitable passage of time and the evolving nature of my priorities.
But make no mistake—I've poured my heart into this. If my best isn't enough right now, it's not for lack of trying. There's always tomorrow, another chance to strive for greatness anew. That's all for now. I hope my journey has offered you valuable lessons—what can be repaired, what can be learned from, and what pitfalls to avoid. Thank you for your time.
Special Thanks to :
I'm grateful for my team: Ichwan, the main gatherer who starts from scratch, my refine master and the one who listens to my complaints. Nic, who consistently improves and gives his best effort for the team. Attica, our manager, always organizing everything for us—scrims, subs, whatever we need, she's got it covered. Henlee, our silent warrior, I hope greatness comes your way, bro. And Potank, the saint who saves the day last minute—you turn my stress into excitement. Thank you all.
Also, to our ex-member Arisa: thank you for dedicating your time and effort to the team. Even though we parted ways before the multiplayer time finished, we're grateful for your commitment and for always reminding us to re-equip after each battle.
Special mentions also go to Enjo Reyes (Carmilla) and Blogs for subbing in and providing valuable input, even when our team didn't perform well. Rendra (Loe) for sharing his wisdom on our team's weaknesses. Stancer, for your Thor builds and the encouragement you consistently offer me. Formana & Puchi2 Team, thank you for always allowing me extra practice time. Your support and contributions have been invaluable.
Thank you all for your support.
eftj
2024-11-05