The online chatter was undeniable. Hashtags like #LeapingLizardReturns and #GoblinsAndChaos began trending within hours of the collaboration announcement.

Fans dissected every frame of Owen’s livestream, analyzing his carefully worded hints.

In the mix were memes—lots of them. A particularly popular one featured a reflection in a cracked mirror with the caption: "LeapingLizard's true form revealed." Another meme showed a goblin in a mirror trying to look serious, with the words: "When you’ve been hiding behind a screen for too long."

Some fans had a blast poking fun at Cayden’s appearance—always wrapped in 'playful jabs' that compared him to the goblin aesthetic central to the Goblins & Guillotines brand. But Cayden couldn’t help but notice how many memes were based on his looks rather than his skill. The harshness stung more than he wanted to admit.

“LeapingLizard? He was overrated even at his peak.”

“And an omega? Please. Goblins and Guillotines deserves better.”

"Not even a cute omega... How is that possible?!"

The words cut deep. He slammed the laptop shut, his eyes lingering on the blank screen, a tightness in his chest growing as anxiety began to curl its familiar fingers around him. His phone chimed beside him.

Cayden hesitated before picking up his phone. It was a text from Sebastian, SnakeEyes from his local group.

Sebastian: "Have you seen this?" Attached was a screenshot of a goblin in front of a cracked mirror, with the caption: "LeapingLizard’s biggest reveal."

Cayden couldn't help but snort, his eyelid twitching. Another one.

Cayden: "Yeah, I’ve seen it. Some are funny, but I’m getting tired of the mirror jokes."

Sebastian: "Ignore the trolls. People are loud. Just be louder."

Cayden: "Can’t fake it. I’m a laughingstock."

Sebastian: "People love to hate, but remember, chaos always wins. You’ll come out stronger."

Cayden stared at the message, feeling a brief flicker of hope. Maybe Sebastian was right. He’d weathered worse storms.

Back at the Goblins & Guillotines office, Owen was on his third cup of coffee, scrolling through the event’s social media feed. Most of the comments were overwhelmingly positive, with fans hyping up the Nyxara expansion and speculating about Cayden’s involvement.

But then he saw it.

“LeapingLizard? More like LeapingLard. I can’t believe an omega like that got top stats. Embarrassing.”

Owen’s jaw tightened as he read the cruel words. He considered letting it slide—ignoring it like so many creators do. But then, the thought of Cayden—vulnerable and misunderstood—stopped him cold. He couldn't just stay silent. This wasn’t just some faceless insult; it was an attack on someone he admired, someone who had poured so much into the community.

Taking a deep breath, Owen opened a post and began typing.

Goblins_and_Guillotines: "To anyone questioning LeapingLizard’s place in Goblins & Guillotines: skill isn’t measured by your appearance or your secondary gender. It’s measured by creativity, strategy, and teamwork—and on all counts, LeapingLizard is unmatched. That’s why I’m proud to work with him. 💪 #GoblinsAndChaos"

He hit post before he could second-guess himself. Almost instantly, notifications flooded in. Fans retweeted his message, adding their own words of support, others sharing their personal stories of how LeapingLizard had helped them.

“Let them say something now,” Owen muttered, leaning back in his chair.

Cayden’s phone buzzed with a flood of notifications. When he opened it, Owen’s post was the first thing he saw. His breath hitched as he read the words, the warmth of Owen’s praise sinking in.

The replies were just as overwhelming.

“YESSSS! We’ve missed you, LL!”

“Can’t wait to see you back in action!”

“LeapingLizard carried me through some dark times. So glad he’s getting this recognition!”

Cayden hesitated for a moment, then opened his own social media account. He stared at the blank text box, his fingers hovering over the keys.

Finally, he began typing.

LeapingLizard: "Thank you all for the kind words and support. I’m excited (and a little nervous) to be back in the Goblins & Guillotines world. Let’s make some chaos together. 🐉🎲"

He hit send before he could chicken out, his heart racing as the post went live.

The response was immediate. Fans flooded his post with encouragement, sharing their favorite moments from his streams and expressing excitement for the collaboration. For the first time in years, Cayden felt something he hadn't in a long time—a flicker of pride.

Late that night, Cayden sat in his dimly lit apartment, his laptop open again. This time, the comments he read felt different. They weren’t just empty noise—they were reminders of why he loved this community in the first place.

When his phone chimed again, it was a text from Sebastian.

Sebastian: "Told you, chaos always wins. 😉"

Cayden chuckled softly, texting back.

Cayden: "Yeah, yeah. Don’t let it go to your head."

A second chime. This time the message was from Owen. He felt his cheeks flush as he scrambled to read the message.

Owen: "I hope you don’t mind, but I couldn’t just let it go. You’re worth more than they’ll ever know."

Cayden felt a warmth spread through him, something he hadn’t felt in a long time. Hope. It felt like a small spark—flickering, but alive.