Chapter 62: Sheldon Cooper, Vindicated
Sheldon paused, then shook his head: "Of course not. Training data from the past two weeks clearly shows that our team's collaborative efficiency and tactical execution accuracy have improved by at least 300%. But Quantum Ghosts was last year's champion, and we must maximize our win probability. This is rational optimization."
"Then hear me out." David walked to the center of the living room. "First, I don't care about Alex Chen's academic issues at all—that's between him and the ethics committee. I won't object to you reporting him, as long as the evidence is solid."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "But what I want to do is validate the results of our intensive training during this period in a head-to-head match on the battlefield, and test our team's true strength—by defeating last year's champions at full power."
"Also," David continued, "in strategy games like this, situational performance and RNG play huge roles. Even if you use a report to tank Quantum Ghosts's morale and we manage to beat them, can you guarantee we won't face an even tougher opponent later? Maybe there's a team whose playstyle hard-counters ours, and that team's worst matchup happens to be Quantum Ghosts, whom we eliminated early through psychological warfare."
Leonard mused, "David's got a point. There are way too many variables in tournament play."
Sheldon frowned: "But the risks from those variables are far smaller compared to the risk of getting stomped again if we go head-to-head. I repeat, I'm not saying this because I doubt our training results, but this is war, not a scrimmage! We must use every available advantage!"
Howard, siding with Sheldon, added: "While I agree with David's point—beating a team that comes in with last year's championship title better proves our skill—I still can't help wanting to mess with their heads. Come on, Alex committed academic fraud, something everyone should condemn. Reporting him is totally legitimate; it just happens to also be a strategic move to wreck their morale!"
"Since we all have different opinions, how about this," David began, "although we agreed that I have actual command authority in-game, meaning I could decide whether to use this tactic, we're not in a match right now. So, let's vote—whether to use the reporting tactic before the tournament to damage the opponent's mental state. Democratic decision."
Sheldon immediately agreed: "Fine. Those in favor of my proposal, raise your hands."
He and Howard immediately raised their hands.
"Those opposed, raise your hands," David said.
Raj, Leonard, and David raised their hands.
"Three to two," David announced. "The proposal fails."
Sheldon's expression froze.
He looked at Leonard, who had raised his hand, and suddenly said: "Hold on. Leonard is not an official member of our team—his name isn't on the roster. He can't vote."
"First," Leonard said calmly, "you called me out of my room, interrupting my paper writing, saying it was critical and required full team discussion—which means you've implicitly granted me decision-making rights. Second, I was a team member last year, and this discussion concerns the team that destroyed us last year, so I have every right to voice my opinion."
David nodded in support: "Sheldon, even though Leonard isn't on the official roster, come on—we all consider Leonard part of the team. Don't you agree, Sheldon?"
Sheldon opened his mouth, then suddenly said: "I propose a new vote: those who disagree that Leonard belongs to the Justice League Squad, raise your hands!"
He immediately raised his hand after speaking, then looked expectantly at Howard.
Howard sighed in exasperation: "Come on, Sheldon, knock it off. Even though I was on your side just now, of course I agree that Leonard's on our team."
Sheldon looked at Raj and David, both shaking their heads. He stood there, hand raised alone, and the scene became awkward.
A few seconds later, Sheldon lowered his hand and reflected: "Fine, according to democratic vote... my proposal was rejected."
"However," Sheldon suddenly said, his eyes lighting up, "David, I have a compromise—or rather, a more optimal strategy."
Everyone looked at him.
"We won't use the report as a pre-match tactic, but we can use it as... post-game 'justice delivery.'" Sheldon's lips curved upward. "First, on the battlefield, we will defeat Quantum Ghosts head-on through pure skill, completing our revenge. Then, after our victory is confirmed—I, under my real name, will submit this report to Stanford and the journal."
He grew more animated as he spoke, beginning to pace the living room: "Picture it! After they're demolished by us in their most prized competitive arena, their captain is then immediately exposed in another equally important academic arena! This is a double-knockout! It's a complete victory in both competition and ethics!"
David looked at Sheldon and suddenly smiled: "Looks like you won't rest until you get your revenge for last year's humiliation!"
"Naturally. I, Sheldon Cooper, always settle my scores!"
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