NoveLight ™
Traveler’s transfer wasn’t just an issue for Q Prime alone.
The long-standing dual dominance of the domestic league, which had been set in stone for years, was now disrupted with one of the key players departing. From this point on, Sigma’s dominance was almost certain. Although the addition of Camellia to the league this year has balanced things a bit, the future wasn’t entirely bright and sunny.
When a team stands out as the undisputed top in the league, it usually leads to one of two outcomes: either other teams analyze, adapt, and raise the level of the league, or the dominant team wins a few championships, adapts in reverse, and the overall level drops for everyone.
It would be great if other teams could rise to the challenge, but the path that Korea has walked until now has mostly been one of collective decline.
《 ACL is showing unexpected strength! 》
《 Wow, is this really the same Galaxy Gaming team? Have they always been capable of this? 》
《 What was the turning point? Both teams have improved significantly! 》
This year, many bold moves were made. The signing of foreign players is already well-known, but there have also been several internal changes.
You could call it a sense of crisis. The fire under everyone’s feet had finally reached a point where they had to move.
People often feel that something is wrong, but they don’t take action until it’s truly dangerous. However, Traveler’s transfer triggered memories of the “Phantom Incident” — a sort of trauma — which led several teams to move in a hurry.
Though the specifics were unclear, it was certain that something had indeed changed within the structure of the league.
《 The semi-final was truly satisfying, regardless of what outcome you were expecting! 》
《 It’s like Donghae is saying: "Sigma, we’re coming for you!" 》
《 This kind of unpredictability is what esports is all about, right? Even though Sigma is currently on fire, they need to stay on their toes. 》
Proof of this change started to surface in unexpected places. On the other side of the semi-final bracket, an unexpected masterpiece of a game was played, and even the finals were showing signs of surprising strength. It was as if there were no easy roads left in this world.
They say the ground hardens after the rain.
A fierce storm had hit the league, which had been splitting apart. Some were swept away, while others became stronger. The previously barren, lifeless ground began to show signs of new growth.
《 The grand finals of the IKL! The match between Sigma and ACL has begun. 》
《 Sigma won the bloody battle, but they took an unexpected hit. What will they choose next... Luche has brought out the Lancer? 》
《 Ha! Now this is interesting. The Priest and the Lancer. It’s like reliving Q Prime’s nightmare from last season, but now it’s Sigma's turn to face their destined rival! 》
《 And ACL’s response? The Paladin and the Priestess. They’re saying, “You weren’t wrong!” 》
《 A familiar combination. A completely different team. The second match of the finals is... 》
In the midst of this change, I also took a significant step forward.
Under the clear blue sky, the glass walls of a skyscraper reflected a soft blue hue. In front of the large entrance stood a sharp-looking woman, her hand extended toward me. A large bag filled with complicated documents hung over one shoulder.
On the day of the domestic league finals, I visited the game company with the legal team Sigma had provided. Our lawyer smiled kindly at me.
"Are you nervous?"
"Yeah..."
"It’s always like this for first-timers. It feels scary, like you’re being called in for a scolding. Kind of like when you got called to the teacher’s office as a kid, right?"
"Oh? That’s exactly how it feels. How did you know?"
"I’ve seen it a lot. But don’t worry too much. This time, we’re the ones holding the switch."
Looking back, maybe that smile wasn’t as friendly as I had thought. But the confidence was unmistakable.
"We’ve prepared thoroughly for today. Let’s go. We’ll show you the results."
《 Notice Regarding Temporary Measures for the Brainwave-Driven Connection Device 》
Dear 'Ga-wol',
This is the legal team of Infinity Corporation. After reviewing your petition, we have reached the following decisions:
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Infinity Corporation Legal Team
Near the Cradle of the Forgotten, a high-level farming spot where a lone greatsword warrior was in action.
His movements, blocking the Minotaur’s axe, were clean and precise. He braced with his back legs, absorbing the impact, and with his increased strength stat, he pushed the monstrous weapon away. Power surged into his greatsword as he briefly withdrew.
The heavy blade swung upward with force. A vertical line of red effects split the Minotaur in two. This overwhelming power, this single, devastating blow — this was why one played as a greatsword warrior. With a grin, Sulbbang reveled in the moment.
[Title: Farming for Bullhead Soup Accessories]
[‘Sulbbang’ is now streaming.]
A considerable amount of time had passed. The field had been cleared, and though the bodies had vanished, the number of Minotaurs Sulbbang had killed was beyond count. Flexing his fist a couple of times, he muttered to himself.
"It should drop soon."
Sulbbang was deep into that familiar RPG grind — farming endlessly for rare accessories. It was a lonely task to do solo, but having a stream running kept him from feeling too isolated. After all, games are more fun when shared with others.
Though, in a game like Infinity Black, the presence of others wasn’t always a welcome sight. For just a split second, a white dot, representing another player, appeared at the edge of the minimap. Sulbbang frowned.
"What the... Did I just see someone?"
A strange sense of déjà vu washed over him. He’d been in a similar situation once before... At this moment, his wariness spiked. Gripping his greatsword tightly, he prepared for anything.
But nothing happened. Maybe it was just his imagination?
He scanned the area, but no one was in sight. The white dot never reappeared on the minimap. Maybe he had just seen it wrong, or it was someone passing by.
That was what he thought — until his vision went black, and his health bar began to plummet at an alarming rate.
"Ugh, ugh!"
His fingers, gripping the greatsword, went numb as they were sliced. Then his knees buckled as his hamstrings and Achilles tendons were severed, robbing him of mobility.
It had taken only a split second to cut through the tendons in his critical joints. Sulbbang never even had a chance to remove the cloth that had covered his face. Warnings flashed across his interface, indicating various injuries and disabled body parts.
There couldn’t be many players with this level of skill. That familiar sensation — he knew it all too well. He had felt this before — the slight touch of a slender leg against his neck.
As the two legs crossed, his breathing became labored. He caught a glimpse of black clothing and stockings, and even though he couldn’t hear it, he could almost sense the soft breathing. At this point, there was no mistaking who it was.
"Heh. It’s been a while."
This time, unlike the faint echo he had heard in the past, the sweet voice was much clearer. It was still a voice that could melt anyone’s resolve, though it no longer felt as dangerous as before.
"Hey... Didn’t you promise not to kill me anymore..."
"I did, but as long as I don’t kill you, it’s fine, right? Can’t I have a little more fun?"
"Is that... really something you should say..."
"I’m kidding. I’ll let you go."
The legs that had been squeezing him so tightly finally released. While she didn’t kick him like last time, she gave him a hard shove, as if telling him to get lost. Sulbbang fell to the ground, coughing and clutching his throat.
Ga-wol stood over him, grinning. The dagger that had been weaving between her fingers disappeared back into her clothes.
"What’s this? Are you back for good now?"
"It’s not completely over yet, but for now."
"So, you came back just to kill me first?"
"I didn’t kill you. I just stopped by to say hello."
That day, Ga-wol left a "hello" for nearly twenty streamers.