CS: I’m Only 16, and You Want Me to Stage an Old Veteran Comeback?

The technique of pre-aiming was something Jiang Yang had only recently started seriously studying.

While his learning speed wasn’t exactly slow—he was at least faster than most players—time constraints meant his training was limited to merely practicing against a bot in a pre-aiming map, following basic instructions. He hadn’t delved deep enough to uncover the core logic behind pre-aiming.

During this period, Jiang Yang came to realize something: the fact that he could become a professional player at the age of 30, even without the system’s help, already proved his exceptional talent. If he put in the effort, he could definitely dissect and analyze the concept of pre-aiming on his own logic.

But what he lacked most right now was time.

The tools and rewards from the system shop allowed him to grasp gaming techniques faster, letting him step onto the professional stage earlier and challenge stronger opponents.

The item [NIKO’s Pre-Aiming Technique] came with a hefty price tag. But after a few trials, Jiang Yang felt that the items in the system shop truly lived up to the saying “you get what you pay for.”

Currently, he only had 10,086 Comeback Points, but the Hextech card [Buy Now, Pay Later] he’d acquired earlier could let him purchase the item for 0 points upfront. Although he’d have to repay it later, a signature skill from a player of NIKO’s caliber wasn’t something available every day.

Still, before making his purchase, he decided to check the other items in today’s shop—because once he bought [NIKO’s Pre-Aiming Technique], he wouldn’t have enough points for anything else.

Description: Enhances your understanding of positional play on Desert 2, helping Old Veteran secure better kills from optimal spots.

Cost: 1,000 Comeback Points.

Jiang Yang raised an eyebrow—what perfect timing. Just today, he’d been considering switching his ranking strategy by focusing on his most familiar map. Now there was a tool to improve his positional play on Desert 2. This was something he could absolutely use.

He kept scrolling.

[A Lighter]

Description: A simple one-yuan lighter. Can ignite objects, or serve as a chew toy for abstract entertainment when idle.

Cost: 10 Comeback Points.

Jiang Yang went silent. “Who on earth chews on a lighter for fun?”

The final item was [A Signed Blueprint by Danking]. Jiang Yang didn’t even bother reading its description. He knew about Danking—the sniper from Tyloo, who hadn’t made any major breakthroughs in years. Jiang Yang couldn’t imagine what use such a blueprint would have. A total waste.

After reviewing the shop’s items, Jiang Yang’s decision became clear.

[Would you like to spend 1,000 Comeback Points to purchase the Desert 2 Positional Guide (Beginner)?]

“Yes!”

[Hextech Card: Buy Now, Pay Later has been activated. Proceed with the purchase of NIKO’s Pre-Aiming Technique?]

“Yes!”

After completing his purchases, Jiang Yang glanced at his personal panel.

[Comeback Points: -90,914]

“Goodness,” Jiang Yang muttered. “The pressure just skyrocketed.”

But with so much debt already, he wasn’t too concerned. Having spent a fortune on two items, Jiang Yang immediately opened his inventory.

[Would you like to use the Desert 2 Positional Guide (Beginner)?]

“Yes!”

In the next instant, the map of Desert 2 appeared in his mind. From the CT phone booth near A-site, the rifle stack behind it, the fake doors, the short boxes, and beyond—he saw various CT positions across the map. Some of these positions were familiar, but others were obscure spots he hadn’t considered before.

The guide provided him with an overview of all the relatively common positions on the map, though he still had to figure out how to utilize them effectively for gaining an advantage. While he could’ve learned this over time through trial and error, it would’ve taken countless games or sporadic moments of discovery through videos. The system, however, had consolidated this knowledge, giving him a systematic way to study.

To Jiang Yang, this guide’s value far exceeded its 1,000-point cost. Though the system might’ve deemed such beginner tools unnecessary for a 30-year-old Jiang Yang, they now felt like a steal.

Now, onto the main event!

Rubbing his hands together with excitement, Jiang Yang activated the second item.

[Would you like to use NIKO’s Pre-Aiming Technique?]

“Yes!”

In an instant, Jiang Yang’s consciousness was drawn into a misty space. He found himself seated at a computer, with familiar text appearing on the screen:

[Please use any weapon to counter NIKO, who will emerge from A1.]

“Huh?” Jiang Yang was surprised. “So this is what 100,000 points buys—a simulation space?”

Thrilled at the chance to go head-to-head against a pro, Jiang Yang chose a sniper rifle and positioned himself to pre-aim A1. Confident in his reaction time, he focused intently, prepared to fire the moment NIKO emerged.

A second later, a terrorist stepped out of A1.

Jiang Yang immediately pulled the trigger.

“Bang!”

But the sound wasn’t from his sniper rifle—it was an AK-47. Before Jiang Yang could even fire, NIKO had already shot him down.

“What the—?!” Jiang Yang was stunned. He felt his reaction was quick, yet NIKO had taken him out with a single tap.

Presented with two options—[Try Again] or [Proceed to Next Stage]—Jiang Yang resolutely chose to try again.

This time, he positioned himself behind a longer box, continuing to pre-aim A1. Although this spot was risky in normal games, since enemies could attack from mid, it was safe in this 1v1 scenario.

As soon as NIKO appeared, Jiang Yang fired.

Yet NIKO ducked back just in time. Jiang Yang, pulling back to reload, peeked out again—only to be instantly headshotted by NIKO’s AK-47.

“Wait, he fakes peeks too?!”

With his confidence shaken but determination undeterred, Jiang Yang continued battling NIKO, each encounter revealing new techniques that made the fights increasingly challenging.

Through repeated defeats, however, Jiang Yang gradually honed his sniper skills, understanding the relationship between positioning and pre-aiming distance.

After dying 12 times, Jiang Yang finally managed to kill NIKO for the first time with his sniper rifle.

Feeling elated, Jiang Yang basked in the momentary victory. Though it had taken considerable effort, this single kill against a top-tier pro was a remarkable achievement.

The system prompted him once more:

[NIKO’s pre-aiming skills have pushed you to your limits, revealing the power of pre-aiming. Next, assume NIKO’s perspective and perform pre-aiming across an entire map.]

As the scene shifted, Jiang Yang saw a character navigating through Nuke, methodically clearing every possible hiding spot like a robot scanning for dirt.

Watching NIKO’s pre-aiming technique, Jiang Yang marveled at its precision. His crosshair moved smoothly, constantly aligned with the headshot level of each common position.

Suddenly, inspiration struck Jiang Yang. Pre-aiming wasn’t just about memorizing maps—it required an intrinsic understanding of spatial concepts and target alignment.

“Got it!” Jiang Yang exclaimed internally.

[Skill Unlocked: NIKO’s Pre-Aiming Technique (Intermediate)]

[Progress: 0/5000]

[Effect: Significantly increases first-shot accuracy when pre-aiming properly.]