The Netflix Climber

    By Storybird

    The Netflix Climber cover image

    03 Aug, 2023

    Brandon was a die-hard fan of the popular online game, League of Legends. He loved the thrill of battle, the strategy, and the camaraderie it fostered. However, his approach to the game was pretty unorthodox and, to say the least, troublesome.

    He was known for his erratic play style and non-cooperative behavior. Often, he would throw his team under the bus, much to their annoyance. It seemed as though he got a kick out of creating chaos in each game.

    From spamming the chat feed with unnecessary messages to intentionally losing games, Brandon managed to turn every game into a circus. His in-game etiquette was appalling, putting off teammates and opponents alike.

    His behavior didn’t go unnoticed by the community and game administrators. As a consequence, he would frequently find himself chat-banned, unable to communicate with anyone. But that never seemed to deter him.

    Brandon had a twisted sense of amusement about this. A smirk would appear on his face every time he was reported. He exhibited a knack for being the most unpopular player in the room.

    His infamous losing streak finally led him to the game’s lowest rank - Iron 4. Here, players were known for their low skill and lack of understanding of the game’s complex dynamics. Brandon found himself in their midst.

    This rank was not a place for a player like Brandon. Despite his antics, he possessed a keen understanding of the game’s mechanics. Nonetheless, he wore his Iron 4 badge as if it were a medal of honor.

    But one day, Brandon decided to switch things up. He chose to play a support character named Yuumi in his next ranked match. This was a departure from his usual aggressive play style.

    Yuumi was a healing character known for her ability to attach herself to teammates. Her role in the game was to assist and ensure the survival of her team. This was a stark contrast to Brandon’s usual destructive approach.

    Instead of focusing on the game as he usually would, Brandon decided to multitask. As he queued for a match, he opened up Netflix to watch his favorite shows.

    He was more engrossed in the ongoings of his favorite characters on-screen than the in-game characters he was supposed to be supporting. His focus seemed to have completely shifted.

    As Brandon handled his duties as Yuumi with one eye on the game and the other on his show, a strange thing happened. He started winning games. Not just one or two, but a string of victories ensued.

    The irony wasn’t lost on him. He was doing better when he wasn’t even giving the game his full attention. It seemed Brandon had stumbled upon a winning strategy, at least for him.

    Brandon had found harmony in this strange gaming and Netflix-watching routine. He finally began to appreciate the value of a support role, despite not paying full attention to the game.

    The wins kept on coming. His rank began to climb, and so did his confidence. Brandon, the infamous troll, was seemingly on a path to redemption.

    As he progressed, his reputation started to change. Players began to recognize him for his improved gaming and less destructive approach. Brandon’s name was beginning to hold a different weight.

    Eventually, he reached the rank of Challenger, the highest honor in the League of Legends community. This was a rank that many players only dreamed of. And yet, he had achieved it while half-watching Netflix.

    His unconventional strategy had turned the tides in his favor. Players began acknowledging his skills rather than his antics. From being the community’s most infamous troll, Brandon had become a respected player.

    The transformation was stark. This was no longer the same Brandon who reveled in chaos. His rise to Challenger rank was the ultimate testament of his newfound respect for the game.

    His story serves as a reminder that change is possible, even in the unlikeliest of conditions. Brandon's unique strategy changed not only his rank but his reputation within the gaming community.

    A poignant learning from his journey is reflected in his evolution as a player. Even when not fully dedicated, understanding roles, respecting teammates, and reducing toxicity can lead to unexpected victories.

    Brandon's tale is now whispered among the League of Legends community. A tale of a troll who turned around his game, not by trying harder, but by being less of a nuisance to his team.

    The story isn't about how being indifferent can lead to success, but about how being considerate to teammates can work wonders. Brandon learned this in the most unconventional way.

    Today, Brandon continues to juggle his passion for Netflix and League of Legends. His playstyle is no longer marked by trolling. Instead, he's known as the Challenger, who climbed from Iron 4 with Yuumi Support.

    His transformation is an inspiration, a testament to how patience, respect, and understanding can pave the way to success, even in a virtual battlefield.