Four Split Personalities

Finally, under the watchful eyes of countless people, the Red side finally reacted after a period of brief silence, which was almost a crime against its own troops under the current rhythm, though it wasn’t very long.

It was a completely unsurprising and quite ordinary reaction.

First, as La Ersi said, Teresa recalled the few mobile units around the positions that automatically engaged after scouting, having them promptly return to the two important positions codenamed "Nut" and "Ribbon." At the same time, the Red side also conducted some highly frequent military maneuvers, indistinguishable from before, which, although could be considered exquisite and seamless in others’ eyes, had already become basic operations in this exercise, and then... there was nothing else.

There was no satisfying retaliatory strike, no large-scale mobilization causing panic, and certainly no astounding maneuvers with the brilliance of playing the fool to lure the opponent into revealing their bottom card. The Red side simply made the so-called best choice previously mentioned by La Ersi, smartly issued a retreat order, recapturing the two positions breached by the Blue side at an extremely low cost, and then did nothing particularly impressive.

At least in the eyes of the vast majority, that’s how it was.

Honestly, the cost-effectiveness of this timely stop-loss was indeed quite high. From the result, although two rather important positions were temporarily lost, the Red side’s price was merely a small troop and some resources. Not only did they ultimately reclaim the positions, but they also discovered two elite Blue side forces, skillfully consolidated some time unnoticed, yet without significant presence.

On paper, it’s true they suffered a loss, but upon careful analysis, what would have inevitably expanded into severe losses was reduced to less than one-tenth, which can be considered a small gain.

Spectators, who didn’t witness any strokes of genius, inevitably felt a little disappointed, not only because the Blue side, which delivered an exciting assault, didn’t reap any benefit, but also somewhat disappointed that the Red side behaved so conventionally even when the opponent played unconventionally.

This kind of psychology, whereby one feels disappointed even though the players did the right thing, is utterly unreasonable. But people are often like this; many audiences prefer to see glamorous skills, flashy operations, miraculous turnarounds, and so forth. Winning or losing, in a certain sense, is not very important.

Just like in many sports, a goal that’s plain and simple compared to a tomahawk dunk or a scissor kick evokes vastly different applause and cheers, yet from a win-loss perspective, both sides gain the same score.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of spectacle.

And something that can perfectly combine spectacle, miracles, madness, and other words with winning and goals, that’s enough to ignite the entire venue with victory and scoring, making people exclaim in satisfaction isn’t unheard of, such as, um... the national football team?

You have to admit it’s a rather sad story.

It’s worth mentioning that, from the writer’s personal insight, the fundamental reason we vehemently criticize such examples is that we still hold a sliver of hope, no matter how slim. Yet people are willing to waste time, energy, and words to criticize it not necessarily out of malice. On the contrary, I believe many people hope those in the related fields don’t flounder, but rather use results to silence everyone, a face slap many long for day and night.

If it’s at a point where it doesn’t even deserve to be despised, then it’s genuinely ’dead’ because no one will hold expectations towards it anymore.

Perhaps neither direct criticism nor underlying insinuations can prove our love for it, but it’s enough to show we haven’t let it go.

If that day comes when we all truly let go, that would be the saddest thing for it.

Now, let’s get back on track.

In many people’s eyes, the result of that recent confrontation was very straightforward, namely: Foster wisely implemented a timely stop-loss, while Black Vatican Priest failed to seize the opportunity resulting in limited success.

But actually, no one quite trusts what they’ve seen; emotionally, it stems from a longing for grandeur and reversals; rationally, because no one thinks that two people capable of such a level are genuinely that straightforward.

Just because I didn’t see a stroke of genius doesn’t mean there wasn’t one on stage!

This sentiment is shared by most, including La Ersi and Lei Er Si at the commentary table.

...

"Well, what do you think, brother?"

Gently ruffling Black’s hair, Her Highness Elisa Logan, uncharacteristically not overly affectionate with him, elegantly crossed her legs and softly asked, "Can you tell anything?"

Black shook his head, smiling wryly, "Sister, you’re really overestimating me. Honestly, this exercise is already beyond what someone like me can understand. See those people just watching the fun in the audience? I’m not much different from them right now."

Sitting behind, Fyari clicked her tongue, leaning against the backrest and muttered softly, "This kid is really exaggerating a bit, huh..."

"It’s not an exaggeration, sister Fyari."

Black didn’t ignore the sarcastic comment, which wasn’t deliberately low in volume, but turned to this Wealth Saintess, who was quite responsible when he was ’unconscious,’ and smiled, "I’m really just telling the truth, without any intention of belittling myself."

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