Fenrir Translations
"…A special broadcast, you say?"
The news that Yujin would be hosting the broadcast spread quickly.
First to react were the analysts from each team, who eagerly gathered even the smallest bits of information related to Yujin. As the AP Tournament hosted by Icarus's Korea branch officially kicked off, the analysts scoured the newly created website for any announcements. They meticulously checked the schedules and details of the matches Yujin would be covering and promptly disseminated this information across their teams' internal networks.
Reactions varied, but the very fact that there was a reaction signified interest. And the analysts took this as a positive sign. It meant one thing:
In the world driven by money and responsibility, such opportunities were rare. Since Yujin was currently serving as a temporary coach at SSM, there was no chance of recruiting her to another team. So, this was effectively a free opportunity.
However, getting into the match Yujin was broadcasting wasn’t easy—only one out of sixteen participants would make it. And even if one managed to get in, winning against a hundred competitors was a daunting task, akin to walking on a bed of thorns. It was no surprise that analysts only recommended it as something to try "if the opportunity arises."
But, as always, the perspectives of analysts and professional gamers differed.
"Who wouldn’t want to give this a shot?"
"It’s not like we’re losing anything by trying. Why wouldn’t we?"
For professional gamers, their unmatched skills were their raison d'être. They were acutely aware of their strengths and weaknesses, especially in comparison to others. If the offer of feedback came from someone unknown or insignificant, they wouldn’t have given it a second thought.
However, if the person offering feedback was someone whose skills were so exceptional that even pros were eager to seek her advice, then even the pros would be willing to listen.
Yujin was one such person.
In less than a day, two distinct groups of users began fervently discussing Yujin's broadcast for different reasons. Regular Dark Zone players and viewers were simply excited, while those within or aspiring to enter the professional scene were eager for potential feedback.
Moreover, those associated with SSM, where Yujin was currently coaching, frequently posed questions, not just to the pro gamers on the team but even to the second stringers and trainees who had been under her guidance.
Of course, SSM was not immune to the buzz. They were the ones under Yujin's direct mentorship, and they had to at least show that they had improved under her guidance.
As always, she was the eye of the storm.
"If your reaction time or adaptability is lacking, you'll have to make up for it with experience. If you want to improve quickly, you’ll need to put in the effort. Moving forward, I’ll be gradually reducing the compensation for mistakes, so get used to it as quickly as possible."
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Again."
Beep!
Of course, Yujin was busy pushing Harmony to her limits.
It was just another day.
"Hello, everyone! Welcome to the final day of the weekend, and the approach of next Monday. The end of the six-day preliminary rank is finally in sight. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to all the viewers who have stuck with us throughout this journey!"
The stadium erupted in deafening cheers and applause.
It was the end of the weekend and the start of a new week, yet the crowd gathered there seemed to care little about such trivialities. They shared a common hope, desire, and joy, as if determined to burn everything to the ground rather than contemplate the ashes of tomorrow.
The stadium had expanded and expanded until it could now accommodate 150,000 spectators.
On average, it held around 30,000 people, with 80,000 during exceptional events. Even when Harmony brought in 35,000 viewers, the stadium wasn't filled to capacity. Considering that almost all 150,000 seats were occupied today, it was an unprecedented event.
The reason for this massive turnout was simple.
"Today, we have a large crowd gathered here. While many are here to support the players in today’s matches, I personally suspect that most of you are here for a special broadcast. Am I right?"
YESSS!!!
The roar of the crowd, if it were in the real world, would have been loud enough to burst eardrums. The collective voice and sonic wave of the crowd reduced in intensity by the time it reached the caster.
However, despite the overwhelming support from the crowd, unfortunately, the script dictated that she wouldn’t be appearing immediately, no matter how much they wanted it. Announcing that fact outright would surely turn those cheers into boos.
Considering this, it was natural to feel a bit apprehensive.
"Haha, but before we introduce the guest everyone’s been waiting for, we still have a few things to cover. It’s impressive to see such enthusiasm even before we’ve introduced ourselves. Let’s move things along quickly, shall we? I’m Liquid, your first caster for today’s broadcast. Pleased to meet you."
"I’m Meerkat, your second caster. Nice to meet you."
A mix of polite and genuine applause followed.
Once the introductions were over, the seats for the broadcasters began to transform, stretching horizontally, and a new chair materialized. Even those with little interest began to realize what was happening.
The person they had been eagerly awaiting was about to appear.
"Well then, we can’t introduce today’s special guest caster without a big round of applause! Please welcome Yujin!"
The stadium shook with thunderous cheers.
Silver particles rapidly converged at a single point, forming polygons that quickly condensed into the shape of a person. In a flash, her long hair, reaching just below her shoulder blades, took shape, and as you looked down, a tail swayed around her waist.
She had a sharp gaze, with vivid, sapphire-like eyes that seemed to pierce through the crowd. As she exhaled gently, the crowd's applause grew even louder.
With a slight smile, she faced the stadium and the massive crowd that had gathered.
The microphone, automatically generated near her collar, projected her voice.
"Hello, everyone. I’m Yujin, and I’ll be your special caster today."
The crowd responded with near-deafening cheers.
Tens of thousands of people were chanting her name. Even though the sound had been somewhat dampened, the vibrations in the air were enough to make the broadcast desk tremble. But as always, Yujin remained composed, showing no sign of nervousness.
She walked over and took a seat in the rightmost chair, where a futuristic cockpit-like setup awaited her. Holograms and virtual buttons were projected in front of her.
Thanks to her crash course, she had no trouble with the controls.
While she was adjusting various settings, the broadcast desk buzzed with conversation that the viewers couldn’t hear.
"Welcome, Yujin. I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Liquid, the first caster. This is Meerkat. There will be parts of the broadcast where you’ll take the lead, but don’t worry, we’ll help you out if you get nervous. Just focus on the broadcast."
"I’m Meerkat. Nice to meet you. I’ve always been curious how you’re so good at games. Mind if I ask about it after the broadcast?"
"Yes, yes, nice to meet you both, Liquid and Meerkat."
Most of the broadcast operations were handled by the professional casters, so Yujin simply sat back and focused on the match ahead.
Today's map was Atakaia Volcano Island. A map where a volcano randomly appears on the island, with lava and high-temperature gas rapidly flowing down its slopes, creating deadly kill zones. On the opposite side of the island, a massive volcanic bomb strikes the sea, triggering a tsunami in what’s known as the Revolution event.
As Yujin concentrated on the broadcast, the chat window popped up with comments and questions.
"──That’s all for the basic explanation of this map, but we can’t miss out on hearing from an actual player. Yujin, what are your thoughts on this map?"
"The basic concept is similar to Research Facility. AP maps can be divided into strategies based on whether you can survive in the kill zone or not, but here, the variety of deadly gimmicks makes it almost impossible to survive. I think it’s likely that players who secure the safe zones first will have a significant advantage."
"Haha, thanks for the response. What about your personal preference, Yujin?"
"Since the map heavily relies on gimmicks and the Revolution event, it often comes down to whether or not you have a safe zone, rather than pure player skill. So, I’d say I lean slightly towards disliking it. However, I do appreciate that the map includes skill activation zones near the kill zone borders to give those on the outskirts a fighting chance."
Of course, these activation zones didn’t appear immediately when the map started. They were designed to give those starting on the outskirts a chance to engage in intense battles for the safe zones. CQB (Close Quarters Battle) always favored the defenders, and those with lava and firestorms at their backs had no choice but to break through the fortifications of those in the safe zones.
The map was well-designed to avoid one-sided fights, even if it wasn’t Yujin’s favorite.
Next came the interviews with twenty out of the hundred players.
At this point, the interviews sometimes turned into one-on-one conversations with Yujin, but these players were all driven by the desire to climb higher.
There were only a handful of players whose names Yujin had memorized, mostly SSM users.
Unlike other players, they addressed her differently.
"I’ll do my best, sensei!"
"…Yes. I hope you finish with flying colors. Always think before you engage."
"Yes, ma’am!"
Unfortunately, Dice was in another session.
Clearing her mind, Yujin added one more comment.
"Of course, if you get eliminated early, there will be special training waiting for you. Does that motivate you?"
"Please, have mercy!"
Naturally, it didn’t work.
As the casters chuckled beside her, the interview wrapped up, and it looked like the match was about to begin.
The beautiful tropical volcanic island was about to turn into a living hell.
"Yes! The last of the interviews is complete. Now, it’s time to speak not with words but with bullets. Before we start, Yujin, as our special caster, what will you be focusing on during this broadcast?"
"Hmm…."
The answer was obvious.
She knew what people wanted, and she wasn’t foolish enough to miss it.
Grabbing the microphone, she added:
"First of all, I’d like to congratulate all the players who earned the opportunity to participate in the session I’m casting. I know what you’re all hoping for, and within the time available, I will do my best to evaluate your performance."
The participants couldn’t possibly know, but as long as time and energy allowed, her evaluation wouldn’t stop.
Her official role was as a special caster, but it was likely that Icarus’s Korean branch, which was hosting this event, anticipated this secondary objective.
There was no reason not to proceed.
"Even though this map is filled with hazards like the Revolution event and hostile natural environments, I don’t think it will diminish your skills. I hope you’ll give it your all in the match."
And she added one last thing:
"I’m watching you."
"Sigh…."
Of course, it seemed that no one here had any intention of behaving.
And so, Yujin gained yet another nickname.
Accompanied by chuckles from the other casters.