NoveLight ™
After I finished my rambling, I bought a bottle of soju from a convenience store. This was a luxury I could finally afford now that my financial situation had improved. Sitting on a bench with a cool breeze blowing, I took a sip—and nearly choked.
“Ugh. Gross?”
My reunion with soju after several years was a disaster. Did it always taste this weird? It wasn’t as if I drank it for the flavor before, but the taste now was overwhelming.
The distinct chemical taste of the alcohol was hard to handle. If it were at least sweet, I might’ve been able to tolerate it… Ah, so this is why women go for fruit-flavored soju.
I felt a strange realization dawning on me. I hadn’t expected to feel the effects of my body’s changes in this way. But I wasn’t about to waste what I’d already bought.
[Posted by: ㅇㅇ(259.25)]
[Title: Can Gawol beat Reaper?]
[Posted by: TalkingPigeon]
[Title: If Gawol beats Reaper tomorrow, I’ll eat mint chocolate with rice]
[Posted by: SlickShooter]
[Title: Mint choco fried rice? I’ll throw in some pine nuts]
While I drank, I browsed the online community and saw posts about me popping up here and there. It seemed most people didn’t believe I could win. I thought beating Rime would change that, but apparently, it wasn’t enough to match Reaper’s reputation.
Well, European teams have shown strength against Korean players in the past, so it was understandable. With that history, there were all kinds of bizarre promises being made. I took screenshots of the posts and downed more soju. I’d make them eat their words.
[Posted by: ㅇㅇ(438.58)]
[Title: Even Sparrow was put in his place, and now Gawol is acting up lol]
[Posted by: ㅇㅇ(420.324)]
[Title: Korea can never win an international match]
“Hmph. Of course I can win. There’s no one in this world who’s unbeatable.”
Am I just weak with alcohol? The emotions were hitting me fast. I wasn’t sure how much I’d had, but the soju bottle was already empty.
Thinking back, my friend really was a monster. He was the first opponent who made me feel completely helpless. I had no clue how to beat him. I felt despair, but soon after, I began to search for a way to win.
I’d tried everything I could think of—playing from a distance, charging in like a madman, overtraining to the point of getting scolded…
Every time, he exposed every flaw I had, and I’d lose. Then, I’d fill those gaps and try again with a new strategy.
Reaction speed, dynamic vision, strength, endurance, agility—all those physical aspects? Of course, I had to keep up. If I was even a little lacking, there was no way to compete. My opponent wasn’t exactly human, so I had to push myself to my limits just to get close.
Next, I had to see what others couldn’t. No matter how strong someone is, they can’t hide everything. Before pulling an arm back, back muscles move first. Before a feint, you have to check the attack position.
In the end, mind games come down to who can pick up on the most clues. From brute strength to stamina, from psychological warfare to sheer brawling… engaging in every field helped me catch up in some areas.
So, my greatest strength wasn’t just relying on physical prowess. In fact, it was the opposite. My pro days were all about finding ways to beat opponents who surpassed me in every way. Playing by exploiting openings, like Reaper does, was the direction I’d aimed for since my pro days.
“Pff…”
I felt oddly good today. Probably because of the alcohol. So I did something I wouldn’t usually do.
I logged into an account I’d created but never used, and clicked on the “Post” button.
[Posted by: Gawol]
[Title: Hello, this is Gawol.]
[Upvotes: 1,695]
(Attached photo: Infinity Black account link)
It seems like a lot of people have made promises about my victory. Unfortunately, most of you seem to be betting on my loss. Nevertheless, I’m glad you’re taking an interest.
I’ve taken screenshots of all your promises, of course.
Just to add some fuel to the fire, I’m making my own promise. If I lose to Reaper tomorrow, I’ll do whatever the top-voted comment says. Naturally, it can’t be illegal or cause harm to others.
[Comments]
Today, the matches from the losers’ bracket came first, before my match in the winners’ bracket. In Group E, Rime, fueled by anger, defeated Fury, earning another shot while one player was eliminated.
After the final match of the losers’ bracket, it was finally my turn. The commentators raised their voices as soon as they saw my name.
《 Next up… the match you’ve all been waiting for. It’s Gawol versus Reaper, who’s been making waves since yesterday. 》
《 This already thrilling match has drawn even more attention from the fans. I’m excited to see how it’ll go. 》
Looks like even the commentators saw my post. I felt a bit of heat in my cheeks, but I calmed down quickly. I couldn’t let myself get distracted if I wanted to beat Reaper.
Slowly, I gathered my focus and prepared for the battle ahead, shutting out the commentators’ voices.
[Infinity Arena Finals – Group E – Match 8]
[Battlefield: Grand Fairy Forest]
[vs Acid Gaming Ripper (Mist Assassin)]
This was the same battleground where I’d faced Camellia in the second round. With plenty of branches for cover and enhanced mana recovery, it was a good place for aerial maneuvers.
Even though Reaper and I were both assassin classes, I held an advantage in a scouting match. If I knew Reaper, he wouldn’t walk into a disadvantageous fight.
Starting off by eliminating one of his strengths would be beneficial. Sure enough, thick mist hung over the center of the forest. He wasn’t hiding completely; instead, he was luring me into the mist.
But I had my own plan. I wondered if he had analyzed me as thoroughly as I had him. I decided to test it out.
[The ‘Melody of the Black Moon’ effect is applied.]
[All actions using the Chain Scythe will receive positive effects for 30 seconds.]
[Damage dealt with the Chain Scythe increases by 16%...]
This was only the second time I’d used it in the Arena, but I hadn’t let my Chain Scythe gather dust. It was a good card to play, and I’d practiced with it extensively. Just as he avoided the danger of a scouting match, I wasn’t planning on entering his mist.
Dodge if you can. I’m going to swing wildly.
I unleashed one of the assassin’s few area attacks like a bombardment. Several black chains struck the ground, turning it into a swamp of red and green. My Chain Scythe cut through the mist, homing in on Reaper’s position.
[The ‘Ancient Demon’s Curse’ effect is applied to the enemy.]
[All enemy stats decrease by 8%, movement speed by 20% for 4 seconds.]
[Deals damage equal to 2% of max HP per second.]
Got him. A tingling sensation shot through my fingers as the cursed chain drank his blood.
Yeah. It had to be this way. The attack was haphazard, even I couldn’t track every detail. With mana recovery boosted, there was no way he’d see and avoid everything.
I adjusted the skill toward the spot where the chain had struck. A bit further than expected, as he’d probably try to close the distance. I began retracting the chain, pulling it back toward me.
Unlike in reality, my Chain Scythe’s blade was used on the chain’s end, giving it incredible reach. But there’s no weapon without a drawback. Once in close combat, it becomes harder to handle.
Just like this.
“You’re fast.”
“...”
“I’m not slow, but...”
Reaper appeared at the edge of the mist, even faster than my chains. The boy’s figure flashed before disappearing, and he lunged at me, aiming from my neck to my heart. The vicious claws struck without mercy.
I didn’t need to dodge. I lightly flicked the dagger in my free hand forward, stopping his attack just short, the two weapons hovering at a hair’s breadth apart.
Reaper’s form dissolved into mist as if it had been an illusion, and shadow chains dug into the space where he’d been. He reappeared above me, claws ready for another strike. I leaned back to dodge, waited half a beat, and parried.
Clang! The chains I’d retracted whipped toward Reaper’s head. Though they missed, his assault was over. Realizing this, he retreated to a safe distance.
Reaper’s face emerged from the mist, grinning. I smiled back. We both looked like we were enjoying this.
“Is this funny to you?”
A giant mist-formed figure raised a hammer, swinging it at me, while tree shadows like thorns emerged, reaching for Reaper.