CHAPTER 6

ASHLEY POV

 I'm not sure if I should admit that I struggle with being a woman. for fear of hurting him. But surely, I should tell him, right? I should so I wouldn't struggle to explain it to dad if the head decided not to accept me.

I said, "There's still a problem, they didn't expect a woman, so I still need to assess."

(I'm confident, Ash, that even though you're a woman, you can keep up with men. Why, I've already watched how you easily beat your male opponents!) He remarked, which made me smile. (The only issue is that you don't take a bath. )

"Dad!" I hissed. He merely spoiled the occasion. (I noticed on G****e how attractive your groupmates are, so don't forget to take a bath, Ash,) he remarked.

I don't always understand my father's actions; he doesn't want me to have a relationship but constantly tells me to get dressed since there are men around. I'm beginning to believe that he was a woman. He is far more erratic than I am.

I ask him if he still remembers the siblings. "So you mean you saw Danielle and Blaire?" (Who?) he queried. He won't ever identify those two, I knew it. They have both grown to be extremely handsome.

"Well, when we used to reside in Rizal, they were my childhood pals. I used to play with them before we moved to Manila. "I clarified.

(Those two boys that pick you up to go play video games every time?)

"Yes, they are." I responded.

(Wow! The world is really round. Who would have thought that you will meet again and be in a group to play.) he remarked, remembering at last. Yes, that is true; I never anticipated running into them in this circumstance. "I will let you catch up on them when I call again.”

(Okay, I also want to forbid those two from making advances toward you.)

I rolled my eyes, wondering when I would be able to have a real conversation with my sober dad. "Dad, I came here to play," I remarked.

(Well, I'm just making sure Ash. You are surrounded by males in that industry, especially since you're the only female gamer,) he said with a warning tone. "As I said, I just came here for the game," I said which made me remember the reason why I got into this situation. It was Because the guy insulted me.

(Anyway, you should rest Ash. Make sure your bedroom door is locked, okay?)

"Don't worry dad," I responded, (Okay, I'll end it now, always be careful. Call me if you need someone to talk to soberly.) He added. My dad would never fail to make me smile.  

I smiled as I said goodbye before hanging up the phone: "You should be sleeping, dad, you seem to be lacking on it, you're mumbling nonsense". I snorted, laughing as I ended the call. He always manages to make me laugh and grin, and he never fails to alter my mood. I am fortunate to have him. He is my troop in addition to being my father. He is the kind of father you can get along with, such as to my problems. unlike some others.

Can I survive without him beside me? I already miss his mischievousness.

 No. Ash, you have to stick up for yourself. You must make him proud of you. I glanced at a sculpture on a shelf next to the bed before nodding. I can handle this.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

 I'm already in the CEO's office of the business that supports the group financially. As the committee continues to assess my gameplay, I am still awaiting the outcome. I smiled at the two but I still couldn't help but feel apprehensive. "Don't worry. I know you can get the role "Danielle encouraged me.

"Yes, you're so good, they won't hesitate even if you're still a woman," Jay replied.

The committee's CEO, an elderly guy, later made an appearance. They occupied the same seat as us and faced the entire space. In the middle was the CEO. I trembled as I rose to my feet in reverence. He motioned for us to sit down, so we did. He gave me a glance, which heightened my anxiety. I'm not sure if I'll turn my head or keep looking.  But he fixes his attention on Jay. He asks in a firm tone, "Are you sure that she was the one who played that match?"

 Jay said right away, "Yes sir, all of us, including Danielle, observed her gameplay.” He gave me one last glance before leaning back on the chair. "Then she must be pretty strong. I would really love to recruit you.” Hearing this made me ecstatic. Finally, people recognized my talent rather than my gender. "But... "he muttered. "Putting a girl on e-sport is such a risk," he continues. "If I hire you, this gonna be a huge blow in this industry."

What I heard made me sad. I appear to have failed. It's over for me when it comes to femininity, no matter what I do or how excellent I am at it. “Therefore, we have decided to conceal your identity, “ he continued. After hearing what he said, I turned my head in his direction. 

Wait... Does that imply that I'm accepted? Will I perform like a pro? Seriously?

He continues, "When going to a match you still have to wear what people see on your live stream. You still have to hide your gender. You can't be exposed."

Did I really pass the evaluation? I did?

He asked, "Ms. Hansons, is that okay with you?" and that brought me back to reality. I agreed and nodded. "Sir, I've got no problems with that."

I have no problem wearing men's clothing; the mere prospect of performing on a large platform excites me! It'll be entertaining!

Jay questioned, "Does this mean she passes the evaluation? " He didn't appear to comprehend the committee's choice.

The CEOs said, "I said it very clear Mr. Mendoza."

Oh, he sure is frightening. I smiled as the CEO said, "Welcome to BLKQ Gaming."

“Thank you for trusting my skills, sir. I promise to give my best." 

I smiled broadly at Jay and Danielle, " I'm now a recognized professional e-sports athlete! Danielle greeted me with "Welcome to the team!"

---=-==-=-=-=-

 We've arrived back at the residence where I'll be staying. They're going to teach me how to play professionally here. I get more excited about the idea. This is it!

Everyone gave me a warm welcome. Except for one, which I'm not very familiar with.

"Instead of celebrating why don't you practice on how to be more of a professional?" Justin asked me inanely without even looking at me. "Justin" Danielle calls in an authoritative voice,

He asked more irritably, "What? What's wrong with what I said? She should be practicing. Do you think her aggressiveness in the lane will help us?" My words failed me. Maybe when it's professional, the gameplay is different.

Blaire responded at the same moment, "You know there's time for practice Justin. let's loosen up for now." Justin shoves him swiftly, irritated. Jay responded, "But in fact, Justin is correct; the committee also instructed me to train her for 6 months so that he can adjust to professional gaming."

I said with a smile, "That's OK, I'm willing to be trained.” Everyone grinned in agreement. Danielle added, "But for now, let's celebrate! Let's eat outside! My treat." Blaire agreed with his brother and said, "Oh, I like that! Let's go, sushi brother." Sean whined, "I want shrimp! It's always sushi. ""Well, as long as it's free, I'm good with anything," Jay laughed.

I retorted, "I feel like eating shrimp.” Danielle gave me a smiling glance. "Then it's settled. Shrimp will be served."

 "Yeah!" Sean said with a fist in the air.

His brother yelled, "What the hell was that bro!"

“It's Ashley's day, so she takes the lead, so you can have sushi another day,” Danielle said.

Blaire poutedly said to me, "Ah, I hate you. You should vote for sushi, big sis," which made me chuckle. I told him, making him happy, "my treat next time, so better be ready to eat a lot of it."

"Oh, you already said it! You can't take that back now! I have so many witnesses here." Blaire says like he didn't throw tantrums previously.

 I replied, "Yeah, yeah, but probably when I get my salary." giving me a huge grin while continuing to dance. Sean questioned, "How about you Justin, aren't you coming?" He muttered "no thanks. I can buy what I want.”  while continuing to play, completely disregarding us. I glanced around to see if anyone was offended, but everyone just ignored me.

They appear accustomed to his demeanor. Since he is a member of my group, I suppose I also need to get used to it. All I can do is hope I can get along with everyone.

------ end of chapter 6 -----