NoveLight ™
Our team finished the final match, bringing the Summer League to a close. From the first match that marked the beginning of the season to the last, the 90th match, we decorated both the start and end with victories, setting an incredible record with a perfect, scoreless set.
After the long journey, it's time for the postseason. The playoffs, where the real champion is decided, are about to begin.
The playoffs of IKL are based on a double-elimination system, with 6 teams advancing. The 1st and 2nd place teams from the regular league directly advance to the second round. The teams ranked 3rd through 6th compete in a tournament, divided into the winners' bracket and the losers' bracket.
What's unusual is that you can somewhat choose which team to face. We sometimes gather to discuss our thoughts, and I've heard it's also intended to create rivalries for the fans to enjoy. So, today, I was here at the studio with Luche.
The filming began, and about 20 minutes in, the announcer walked around asking for comments. As I blankly stared at the camera, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. It seemed like it was our turn.
"Now, we have the player who always makes headlines, Ga-wol, aiming for the Royal Road. This is his first time advancing to the playoffs. Can we get your thoughts?"
"Ah... Royal Road. I hadn’t thought about that. Of course, my goal is to win, so I guess it's a bonus achievement if I manage to do that as well."
"Ah, a bonus achievement. You've been singled out as a key player to watch in many discussions today. How do you feel about that?"
"I’m not really surprised. Just because I’m being noticed, I don’t think anything will change."
At that moment, I started to respect the other players more. Just as I no longer envied streamers as much, the same applies to pro gamers now. After a game, I’d even go as far as to say, 'It was a good match' out of politeness.
But that’s a separate issue from confidence.
My image with the public is pretty solid, and if I try to change it awkwardly, it won’t be well-received. So, it’s better to make use of it. I had no intention of toning down my comments.
Besides, I had been in front of a camera multiple times by now. The hundreds of hours of broadcast time had already passed! The Hadaun who trembled in front of a microphone and camera was a thing of the past.
"So, Ga-wol, is there any player you're particularly cautious of?"
"Heckate and Camellia."
"Pardon?"
"Ye-won and Eun-chae are good, but they tend to trip up every now and then in strange places. You know, the most dangerous thing... is not the enemy, but… well, you get it."
"Hahaha. It’s great to see you bring up that point humorously. I hope your teammates won’t make any mistakes during the games."
Everyone, including the filming crew, burst into laughter.
Well, look at how they’re packaging it up. It was really just a little jab, but they made it sound like something else.
Both Hoh-eun and this announcer. I guess you need this level of skill if you’re going to make a career out of language. This industry has too high of a barrier for me to step into, it seems.
After me, naturally, it was Luche’s turn to continue the interview.
"Luche, you've always been a familiar face in the playoffs. Unprecedented! You’ve set a record of a perfect, scoreless season in the regular league. Do you think this record can be maintained?"
"I don’t put much significance on the record itself. I only think about winning every match."
"Can you share what strategies you’ve been preparing for the playoffs?"
"We’ve been preparing to counter whatever strategies other teams bring."
As expected, Luche’s atmosphere was quite different from mine. He answered like someone providing the textbook response for a pro gamer. Most of the veteran players gave answers similar to his.
After a round of interviews, it was time for the team selections to begin.
With the authority of being the top team in the regular league, we had the first pick, and it was already decided who we would choose.
"We’ll go with Q Prime."
"Breaking the expectations of many, you chose the 4th ranked team. Can you share the reason?"
"I’m confident regardless of which team comes up, but I thought Q Prime would be the team we have the best synergy with."
Luche’s words were just a formal response. In reality, he wanted to face ACL and Galaxy Gaming.
The playoff matches are more important than the regular league. The research on the newly buffed off-meta classes should be wrapping up by now, and each team must have a secret weapon or two. I wanted to see what cards they had prepared by matching them early.
Next, Galaxy Gaming chose Horizon, the 6th ranked team, and Q Prime picked Wild Spirits. As a result, ACL was left as our first opponent, assuming there’s no upset in the matchups.
"Holy, you’re up for the first match in the playoffs. If you win, you’ll face Sigma eSports. Any words?"
"You can’t think of it the same way as the regular league. That’s all."
[Author: Sigma Heckate] [Title: Daeun Said Something Bad in the Interview]
(Attached photo: Daeun holding up a sign saying "I won’t talk back")
Scolded her. Poor thing.
[Comments]
In the first round of the playoffs, teams ranked 3rd to 6th will compete. That means our team won’t have a game in the first week. It’s not like we’re going to rest, but we had a day to go out.
Especially when the person I had to meet wasn’t an ordinary one.
In front of the grill, the pork was sizzling. Master was expertly flipping the meat.
"It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other."
"We’ve both been busy. But, are you sure you’re okay with this?"
"This is the place that suits my taste the most."
Since the accident, I hadn’t properly treated Master to a meal. He’d refused before, and honestly, I hadn’t had the time or luxury to do so.
Just managing my own affairs had been overwhelming. So, I never had the chance to repay the favor until today.
"Pork is also well done at many places."
"There’s a place here that does it best. Stop talking and put the kimchi on there."
"Yes…"
I had recommended much fancier restaurants, but Master insisted on a simple samgyeopsal place. It wasn’t a place I didn’t know. We used to come here frequently before.
And there was one more thing. He had a request.
"That outfit looks good on you."
"Really? I don’t wear it often."
It was the uniform of my team, Sigma eSports, that I had brought with me. He asked me to show him wearing it, right in front of him.
So, I sat there wearing it. The smell of meat would stick, but it was a functional outfit, so it was fine.
His expression as he looked at me held a warm smile.
"I’m not just saying this. The outfit looks good. If there’s one with your name on it, send it over. Oh, I guess it’d be your nickname since you’re a pro gamer."
"Master, I don’t think they have your size."
"If they don’t, make one. You’ll send it to me, right?"
"It’s a joke. But just in case, I brought one with me. I’ll give it to you after we finish eating."
"Ah, you’re growing up, aren’t you? Now you even understand how to give hints. It’s been a long time, a really long time."
"…"
We talked briefly about recent news while eating. Master’s disciples had won silver medals in a domestic tournament. It was a great result. Kendo is no longer just a national sport; it’s now an elite sport.
He seemed to keep up with my news too. He said he knew I’d do well and gave me a lot of praise. It made me happier than other people’s compliments.
One thing I worried about though, was that I hoped he didn’t watch my broadcasts. That would be a bit embarrassing, especially the streams.
"You look a lot better these days."
"People say that a lot recently. It doesn’t feel like I’m walking around grinning all the time."
"Before, you were... a little like that. But now that you’re eating well, you look more presentable. Keep it up."
"I’ll try."
Maybe because it had been a while? The samgyeopsal with Master was truly delicious. I had been avoiding greasy food, but it went down easily, almost like a lie.
In fact, I think I ate even more than usual. Time passed quickly as we sat for over an hour.
After the meal, he handed me a peppermint candy.
Back in the day, it was always the three of us, me, my friend, and Master, who came here. And at the end, we always finished with this peppermint candy.
The sweetness of the candy tasted strangely violent.
"Now, go back. We’re done here."
"Already?"
"I’ve got a lot to do. You’ve got a tournament too."
"Okay, please pass this to your wife. And don’t open it."
I gave him the gift set I’d prepared. It wasn’t anything expensive, but it contained two hotel meal vouchers. I had asked Luche for the best recommendation for a place to visit together.
It should be perfect for a quiet trip.
I knew he wouldn’t accept it if I just handed it over, so I had to do it like this.
On our way back, Master turned around.
"Daeun."
"Yes?"
"About the tournament you’re doing. After it’s over, can you take a day off?"
"One day should be fine."
"Good. Then I’ll see you later. Prepare well for the tournament."
And so, the intense time flowed again.