Part 1, 2, and now 3 are all merged into this one chapter on May 3rd.
"Demon King's Love" is updated every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Author's Note: I didn't like that I rushed the beginning, so I'm adding the chapters from before the tournament. We will see more of life in Meilin and Ningshun's human world and Deming's world.
The gaming room hummed with the sound of high-end computers and the excited chatter of team members until they all left, leaving only Ningshun there alone with Meilin, waiting for the coach. The place resembled a tech lover's dream, with rows of colorful LED lights, oversized monitors, and walls plastered with posters of famous Esports tournaments.
Meilin felt very nervous, but she kept her chin up. Today represented her only chance to prove herself for a better future, and she could not afford to let her fear get in the way.
The coach, a tall man with a neatly trimmed beard and a buttoned-up shirt, walked up to her with a smile that did not seem very genuine. He reached out to shake her hand. "Meilin, welcome. Glad you could make it. We've heard great things about you."
She shook his hand firmly, keeping her voice calm. "Thank you for having me."
"So, tell me, what makes you think you're a good fit for our team?" the coach asked, his tone polite but with a hint of skepticism that she caught onto.
She paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. "I can... see through what my opponents will do next." The truth was, she could not explain her skills and strategies easily—it felt more like an intuition, a gut feeling that helped her make the right moves.
The coach raised an eyebrow. "Seeing through, huh? That's quite the claim. We'll see if it holds up under pressure."
'I think he just wants to know if I cheat or hack. Why else would he test me if he can see all my matches online?' she pondered, smiling nervously at the coach.
"We have high standards, and we don't take risks with new players unless they really impress us," the coach stated.
Meilin anxiously nodded, taking it all in. She had heard of gaming teams with questionable reputations, but this one seemed like a place with integrity. 'I can't mess this up. This is my one shot to make it. I can't go back to my old life... if I can even call it life.'
The coach glanced at the team leader, who stood with his arms crossed. "Ningshun speaks highly of you, so I hope you're as good as he says."
Ningshun gave her a slight nod and a faint smile. He leaned closer, resting his arms on the desk, and whispered, "I know he looks scary, but trust me, he'll love your game. Just play like you always do." As the company's best player, his support meant a lot to her, and it calmed her nerves.
Inhaling and exhaling a deep breath, she met the coach's gaze. "I'm ready for whatever test you have. Let's do this."
The coach nodded and pointed to her white gaming chair, where she would start the test. As they walked over to the computers, she felt her heart pounding. This was her moment, and she refused to let it slip away.
Meilin sat at her high-end computer, her hands over the glowing keyboard and mouse. The coach and Ningshun stood behind her, watching intently. She put on her headphones, and the familiar sound of the game's login screen greeted her. Logging in, she quickly navigated through the menus to start a match with other team members who filled out the other roles. Despite her racing heart, she focused on the screen as the game loaded.
"Alright, Meilin. Show us what you can do," the coach challenged with a hint of doubt. His skepticism did not help her; it only made her more nervous and afraid of making major mistakes. He crossed his arms, his eyes fixed on the screen. Ningshun's expression remained supportive, but he kept a respectful distance to avoid distracting her.
Once the game began, she chose her champion, a skilled Jungler known for speed and damage. She quickly mapped out her jungle path, planning her moves with precision.
Her hands moved swiftly over the keyboard and mouse as she efficiently cleared the jungle camps, making clicking sounds. The coach leaned in slightly, watching her speed and accuracy.
An opposing player had set a trap near the red buff, hiding in a patch of tall grass to ambush her. She hesitated, feeling an odd sense of caution urging her to reconsider her path. Instead of walking into the trap, she circled around, placing a ward to reveal hidden enemies. She exposed the trap and quickly adjusted her route, avoiding the ambush.
The coach's eyebrows rose in surprise at her quick thinking. "Good move," his tone now less guarded. He made a mental note to tell the team members later to try all of her tactics.
Ningshun's eyes moved between her and the large monitor displaying her gameplay, tracking every action she took. 'Good. She isn't as reckless here as in some of her other matches. With some proper training, she'll do well.'
Meilin continued her jungle route, closely monitoring the mini-map for threats. She coordinated with her team, calling out strategic plays, assisting with ganks in the lanes, and setting up ambushes that caught the other team off guard. Her timing proved impeccable; she often arrived at the perfect moment to turn the tables in her favor. It seemed like she had a sixth sense of the enemy's intentions before they acted, which left the other team frustrated as their traps and tricks failed to land.
'With Ningshun's incredible gameplay mechanics and Meilin's strategy, this team could be... unbeatable,' the coach concluded, approving of her performance. However, he caught a glimpse of Ningshun's amused stare at her facial expressions.
Near the end of the match, the opposing team tried one final tactic—setting an ambush near the Dragon Pit. She felt uneasy, sensing that something was not right. She signaled her team to hold back, choosing not to rush in. When the other team revealed their ambush, it became clear she had made the right choice. While the opposing players focused on their failed attack, she seized the moment to push toward the enemy base, instructing her team to delay the enemies' teleportation. Her calculated risk paid off, leading to her team's victory.
The coach's skepticism melted away, replaced by a genuine smile and a light clap. "Well done. I think we've seen enough."
She took off her headphones, her heart still racing from the intense gameplay. She felt relief and satisfaction, knowing she had passed the test.
The coach extended his hand, his attitude now warmer. "Welcome to the team, Meilin. We're glad to have you."
She shook his hand, her grip firm and her smile now more confident. "Thank you so much!" She glanced at Ningshun, who nodded back, clearly proud of her.
"Oh, and Ningshun," the coach began, getting the team leader's attention. "Come to my office." The coach needed to discuss something he had noticed earlier—the way Ningshun had been looking at Meilin.
The coach's office had a modern design, with a large desk, a couple of comfortable chairs, and a wall decorated with photos from past tournaments. Ningshun sat across from the coach, who kept tapping a pen on the desk next to a stack of neatly organized papers, clearly deep in thought.
The coach stopped tapping and leaned back in his chair, studying Ningshun for a moment. "Well, I'll admit it," he sounded impressed. "Meilin did a great job today—better than I expected. You were right about her."
Ningshun nodded with a slight smile on his lips. "Told you she's awesome."
The coach leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk, his gaze sharp as it met Ningshun's. "Yeah, about that. When we first talked about her, I was convinced she was cheating. But after today, it's clear she's just really good at reading people in the game." He glanced at the team's large logo on the wall and then back at Ningshun, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. "I see you weren't swayed by... other things. Well, she's a beauty, after all."
Ningshun chuckled lightly, dismissing the comment with a casual wave of his hand. "Oh, you think so? I don't know, maybe... I didn't really notice."
The coach's eyes narrowed, clearly unconvinced. "You really didn't notice?" He smirked, not quite believing Ningshun's ignorance.
Ningshun leaned back in his chair, crossed his muscular arms over his chest, and gave a deep sigh. "Beauty doesn't win games. Skill does."
The coach nodded and accepted the answer. "Good point." Seemingly satisfied, he picked up the contract from his desk and handed it to Ningshun. "Take this to Meilin. It's her offer to join the team. If she's okay with it, I'll sign it."
Ningshun took the contract and nodded with a smile. "No worries. I'll see she gets it." He stood and headed for the door, aware of the coach's gaze following him.
As he walked down the hallway, he replayed the earlier conversation in his head. Despite acting ignorant, he knew exactly what the coach was implying. However, he shook his head to clear his thoughts and headed toward the training room.
The gaming room had quieted down, the earlier energy fading into a peaceful calm. Meilin sat at her gaming setup, headphones resting around her neck, while her computer screen displayed a gentle shade of blue. She took a deep breath, feeling the day's stress lift from her shoulders, replaced by relief and satisfaction. She had done it—she had proven to the coach that her skills were real, not the result of cheating or hacks.
Ningshun entered the room, document in hand, his jet-black hair framing his striking face. "Good job today," his voice low and smooth. "You caught the coach's eye, and trust me, that's not easy to do."
When he casually leaned against her desk, she noticed how his muscles shifted under his shirt. She glanced up, her pulse quickening at the sight. "Thanks... Honestly, I, uh, was afraid I'd mess up, but I'm... glad it worked out."
He chuckled and handed her the contract. "Don't worry about tilting. Happens to everyone." Tilting happens when a player loses focus and becomes angry during a game. "Here's your offer. The coach will sign it as soon as you give the word... Just make sure to read through it carefully."
Meilin took the contract. The way he stood over her, his broad shoulders filling her field of vision, made it hard to focus on the words in the contract. "I owe this all to you," she confessed, her voice filled with gratitude. "I know I wouldn't be here without you."
Ningshun's expression softened, and he tried to find the right words. "You did the heavy lifting. I just noticed the potential," he said softly, his voice warmer now. His eyes shifted downward for a split second, then flicked back to hers before he added, "I'm glad you proved him wrong."
She leaned forward. The warmth of her breath reached his cheek, and she caught his scent—a mix of pine and something darker, almost musky. "Thanks for... believing in me."
Surprised by her appreciation, he quickly locked eyes with her, and her cheeks reddened. "No problem... Anyway, the contract is pretty straightforward—just the usual bits about conduct, teamwork, and, well, you know, the usual stuff."
Meilin looked back at the contract, her fingers tightening around it. "Yeah, I'll read through it, and then... I'll let the coach know. Thanks again." She tried to sound calm despite the nervousness.
Ningshun nodded with a smile. "All good. Do it whenever you're ready."
As he turned to leave, she stood up. "I know I've thanked you already, but this—this changed my life. You've changed my life for the better. Thank you so much... I'll make you proud!"
"I'll make you proud, Father."
"By playing video games for a living?"
Ningshun blinked, shaken from a brief, painful flashback that was replaced by her kind expression. This caused him to cherish the warmth of the moment as if it might vanish if he looked away. His eyes stayed on hers a little longer than necessary, and he responded with the sentence he had wished to hear from his father: "I know you will." His eyes held hers for a moment longer, as if he had something more to say, but then he decided to leave.
She watched him go, her cheeks still warm from the interaction. Her eyes followed the line of his shoulders and the way his hair swayed with each step. Taking a deep breath, she sat down and forced herself to focus on the contract that had fallen off her lap and landed on the floor, as this step marked a significant move in her career. Yet, doubts crept in about her readiness to live in a dorm full of men, one in particular as gorgeous as an ethereal being she had seen in video games.
Meilin had a spacious yet cozy dorm room. It had a king-sized bed in one corner, a desk against the wall, and a large four-door closet. "All this space... is mine?" she mused, her voice trembling with excitement. She leaped onto the bed, laughing as she sank into the soft comforter.
After an hour of unpacking and adding her personal touches, the room began to reflect her style. She hung a poster of her favorite champion on the wall—an attractive, shirtless swordsman with long hair and a confident stance. He had well-defined muscles, intense eyes, and stood in a vibrant fantasy world. It was a bold choice for dorm decor, but it brought life to the otherwise plain wall.
"It's good that it's near the green screen, so I can cover it when I need to pray," she mused, eyeing the swordsman's bare chest. "Can't have THAT distracting me."
A team member leaned against the doorframe, holding a colorful flyer. He took in the changes, which had already begun to look like a girl's room. He instantly focused on the poster she had just put up as she admired the champion. He watched her with a playful glint in his eyes, amused by her daring choice of decor.
"He seems like tough competition," a smooth, masculine voice remarked from behind her, causing her to jump.
Meilin spun around, her heart racing, to find Ningshun standing close, a teasing smile on his lips. "Oh! You scared me! What are you doing here?"
He eyed the poster. "Really? This is why you main him?" He raised an eyebrow. "I must say, I see the appeal. He's got the abs for it, I guess."
Scoffing, she rolled her eyes but could not help the smile tugging at her lips, matching his teasing tone. "It's not my fault he's got great hair and... other qualities."
He chuckled, his tone hinting at playful sarcasm. "I see. So that's your type, eh? Long hair and big swords?"
"Yup!" she crossed her arms with a grin. "If I'm going to stare at a character for hours while I play, he might as well be easy on the eyes."
"Fair enough." He flashed her a naughty smirk. "Just don't get too distracted staring at his... assets."
"No promises," she joked, raising an eyebrow. "Besides, he's a great champion... What, you don't think he's cool?"
Ningshun pretended to think about it, his gaze drifting back to the poster. "Your crush definitely has a... unique style. I'll give him that."
"Crush? I don't have a crush. It's called appreciation, thank you very much." Meilin glanced at him, catching his smug look. "What? Should I put up a poster of you too?"
"Only if you want the room to be unbearably handsome. You'd have to charge admission," he replied with a wink and a laugh.
"Ha! Keep dreaming." She shook her head. "Arrogant Chads like you aren't even my type!"
He gasped and clutched his heart, pretending to be wounded. "Ouch! You sure know how to hurt a man's ego, don't you?"
"I call it tough love," she chuckled, her tension melting away.
He could not help but notice a certain spark in her banter—a rare quality that threw him off balance. He shifted slightly, as if trying to regain his composure. But his eyes stayed on hers a moment longer, and she felt a rush of warmth from the way he looked at her.
To distract herself from his gaze, she lowered her eyes and noticed the colorful paper in his hand, her curiosity piqued. She had seen it earlier but had not paid much attention to it. "What's that?" She pointed to the flyer, her brows drawing together with intrigue.
Ningshun glanced down at the flyer, suddenly remembering why he had come to her room in the first place. "Oh, that's right... Here, I almost forgot." He handed it to her.
Meilin's eyes lit up like a child's at the sight of the various pizzas. "We're having pizza?" her voice bubbled with excitement. "This day just keeps getting better!"
'She's so happy over pizza. It's kind of adorable.' He watched her reaction, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. 'It reminds me of how I used to be—' He quickly shut down the memory that started to surface, taking a deep breath to clear his mind of darker thoughts. Regaining his composure, he focused on the cheerful present. "So, Princess, care to tell me your favo—"
"I want them all!" her eyes lit up like fireworks, her enthusiasm bursting out of her, leaving him speechless.
He blinked. "You... want all of them?" His skepticism gave way to a broader smile. "I mean, it's a lot of pizzas. How do you plan to eat all that?"
"I don't. I just want to try a slice of everything. I've never had pizza from this place before, so I need to figure out which one's my favorite." The pizza place gained renown for its variety and premium pricing.
Ningshun chuckled, never taking his eyes off her. "Sounds like a plan."
"By the way, did I hear you call me 'Princess' just now?" Meilin quipped, her eyes daring him to deny it. She cocked an eyebrow, her lips curving into a sly smile.
He gave a sheepish grin, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks. He cleared his throat, trying to sound casual. "What's wrong with that, Princess?" He obviously attempted to hide his nervousness, his voice a bit shaky.
Her smirk grew, thoroughly enjoying the way he seemed flustered. "That's so cheesy."
He chuckled, pretending to take notes like a waiter. "No extra cheese on your pizza. Got it. Anything else, miss?"
She playfully rolled her eyes, her smile widening. "Hey! If we're using nicknames, you won't like the one I have for you!"
"Bring it on," Ningshun shot back, his voice smooth and full of confidence, but his gaze never left hers. He appeared to be daring her to step closer, even though his heart raced a little. "Call me whatever you want."
Her jaw dropped at his audacity. "You're so annoying!"
Without warning, Meilin grabbed his shoulders and yanked him toward her, intending to throw him off balance. He stumbled, but his reflexes took over, and in a single fluid motion, his hands slammed against the wall behind her, his body pinning her in place between his strong arms.
The sudden closeness felt like a jolt of electricity—intense and thrilling. The narrow space between them ignited as their bodies nearly touched. She could sense the strength in his arms, the subtle shift of his muscles as he gave her space, but this only made the moment more charged.
She could feel his breath, hot and shallow, brushing against her neck. It made her own breath catch in her throat as he lifted his head and locked eyes with her, the close proximity sending tingles through her nerves. His scent had a dark, masculine quality that sent her heart into overdrive. The pale green of his eyes held a raw intensity, his gaze so focused on hers that it felt like he could see right through her.
Ningshun's throat tightened, and he swallowed hard. His voice sounded low and rough, barely above a whisper. "I... didn't mean to—" He found it hard to focus, the muscles in his arms tense as he held his position. He tried to remain composed as his eyes darted from her lips back to her eyes, but the nearness made it difficult.
"N-no, it's fine," Meilin stammered, her voice barely a whisper. With their faces mere inches apart, her cheeks reddened as her eyes dropped to his luscious lips, her heart pounding loudly. She could feel the heat radiating off his body, a shiver running up her spine. "I, um, shouldn't have pulled you like that."
His pulse quickened, his shallow breaths growing more uneven. The closeness unsettled him, his cheeks growing warm as he tried to contain the rush of emotions. He did not move, his hands still pressed against the wall, enclosing her in a space that felt too intimate for teammates. He was all lean muscle and restrained energy, his presence overwhelming the small space between them. "Right. Well, I should get going," his whisper sounded strained, as if he tried to convince himself more than her.
She struggled to find her voice, and the way he held her gaze made her heart skip a beat. "Yeah, okay," she managed to reply, but the temperature in the room felt as if it had risen several degrees. She struggled to focus on anything but the way his eyes seemed to study her face, as if he were trying to memorize every detail.
Ningshun stepped back, slowly, his eyes never leaving hers. "Enjoy unpacking, and I'll catch you later," his voice unsteady, though the conflict in his expression said it all. He turned to leave, but not without throwing one last glance her way, the intensity in his eyes lingering for a moment before he looked away.
Meilin watched him go, her heart pounding in her chest. She could still feel the heat from his body and the raw power of his presence. What had begun as playful banter had escalated into something far more intense, leaving her breathless. "What... did I do?" she whispered, her cheeks burning as her eyes remained fixed on the doorway through which he had just exited.
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