[IKL; Summer Playoffs Round 3 - Match 2] [Battlefield: Silent Pine Forest] [Rules: 5-person elimination match] [Sigma eSports vs ACL]

Under the gloomy sky, the scent of pine needles filled the air.

The calmest and most serene battlefield in this game.

The players, having finished their preparations, began to step out into the silent forest.

The camera first showed ACL’s side.

It was a group of men and women dressed in dark robes.

"The match has begun. Playoffs, Round 3, Winner’s Bracket. The second set." "It seems like ACL has brought out their special weapon this time." "It’s been a while since we've seen these classes in IKL. In fact, it’s the first time we’ve seen both of these classes used together." "Against physically strong players like Sigma, this might be a better approach. Because..."

ACL made an unexpected class choice—two, in fact. They swapped out their main damage dealer, the Gunslinger, and brought in the debuff-specialized class, "Spiritcaller."

They also added another class with a similar role, the "Heretic," creating a composition with a strong concept.

If they couldn’t catch up to their opponent, the solution was clear: drop them to the ground.

Two classes focused on weakening the enemy. The tank and healer roles were condensed into the combat priest, leaving the rest of the team to focus on letting the swordsman and berserker run wild, free from synergy.

"Ga-wol must be facing a tough decision now." "The assassin will be directly hit by that debuff composition. As soon as he steps into the enemy territory, curses will rain down on him." "He’s keeping his distance and using his stealth passive to avoid detection. Is he going in?" "No. Even Ga-wol knows better than to charge in recklessly. There’s no need for urgency." "ACL’s composition isn’t particularly high on firepower. It looks like they’re waiting for a good opening to start the fight."

The stillness of the pine forest enveloped the battlefield.

The paladin’s sword cut through the ghost that had been wandering.

Not long after, the berserker’s axe flew toward the battlefield.

Holding my breath, I stepped into the enemy’s territory.

As soon as I entered the gray zone, my movements slowed.

[Entered the special area 'Dark Night Gathering'.] [All debuff effects from summoned spirits are increased by 30%.] [Caster: ACL Banshee (Spiritcaller)]

['Weeping Ghost Bride' reduces action speed by 12%.]

In old online games, controlling the character’s speed was simple. Just adjust the stats, and that was it. However, In-Blade is a VR MMORPG, where user movement directly affects the character.

It’s impossible to show "slowing" like that in In-Blade, where the player controls the character.

A solution beyond the traditional mechanics was needed.

After some thought, the breakthrough was found in using different senses. The player’s actions were kept free, but the sense of slowing down was conveyed through the senses.

For example, the frost mage's slow was represented by the sensation of the body stiffening as if frozen.

The necromancer or poison mage’s slow felt like sticky mucus pulling in the opposite direction.

For the Spiritcaller, it felt as though there was resistance, like moving underwater.

[Active: Silence Veil] [You are under the effect of stealth for the duration. The effect is canceled if you make any violent movements or enter combat.]

No matter how difficult the conditions, the assassin’s role remained unchanged.

Targeting the enemy’s backline—ranged dealers or supporters who are the team’s heart.

Maintaining stealth, I quietly walked through enemy territory.

From the side of the battlefield, slowly.

I moved cautiously, finding a path where I wouldn’t leave any trace, making sure to move silently.

As I advanced toward the enemy, I analyzed the situation.

‘The Spiritcaller is probably sharing sight with the ghosts. They can see me any time, and the Heretic is probably focusing on keeping the ranger in check.’

An assassin creates fear by simply being invisible.

Ranged dealers and supporters find it hard to move actively because they are unsure when or where the assassin will strike.

But on the flip side, the moment my position is revealed, I would be subjected to concentrated fire.

I had to walk the line between life and death.

It’s often said that it takes courage, but I had never been afraid to make my move.

I gripped my dagger tightly and lowered my stance.

It was the familiar position before initiating a surprise attack.

[Active: Ambush] [You attack from behind the enemy in the targeted area. The next attack gains 25% additional damage.] [Stealth is broken.]

The delay started as soon as my form was revealed.

My toes were swallowed by the black shadow, and I focused my mind for a moment.

Normally, I would have just dashed, but now using the skill was more efficient.

Yes, it was all about efficiency.

I usually don’t invest too much in active skills.

That’s why many people misunderstand me. I don’t stubbornly try to be a hero. I just believe that relying on my skills is more effective. There’s no need to invest in something I already know works.

In In-Blade, the system is fair to everyone.

If the enemy uses the system to restrict me, the way to break it is also in the system.

Slows are typically a type of crowd control that restricts movement.

In contrast, the Ambush skill lets me teleport behind the enemy, and with the right timing, it becomes a formidable tool.

I’d do whatever it took to win.

[You are affected by 'Whisper of the Black Moon'.] [All attack power, movement speed, and counterattack effects are enhanced.] [Some skills are enhanced...]

My first target was the Spiritcaller.

Let’s deal with this annoying area-wide debuff first.

As the surroundings changed, my dagger flashed.

The first surprise attack was successful.

With a stab to the back of the neck and a deep cut across the throat, I followed up with an attack aimed at the shoulder and eyes. However, the situation didn’t allow me to go that far.

It seemed they had already been wary of me.

The combat priest’s healing magic immediately covered the Spiritcaller.

The Heretic, summoning translucent octopus-like limbs, focused on me, and a ghost nearby scratched my back.

The layers of debuffs piled up.

[You are affected by 'Chaos Gaze'.] [All attribute resistance is reduced by 8%...]

[You are affected by 'Claws of Resentment'.] [You are affected by 'Seduction: High Priestess'...] [You are affected by 'Fog of Carcosa'...]

There are ways to resist debuffs, but...

Luche and Hekate had been consistently purging them whenever their cooldowns were up.

If I had been a bit closer, I would’ve benefited from their support.

But what ACL brought to the table were classes specialized in debuffs.

If I could have perfectly countered with a versatile class, that would be unfair.

I had no choice but to endure some losses and continue fighting.

A shadowy figure wearing a dark crown swung sharp claws at me.

It wasn’t a very powerful attack. It was easy to parry, but the problem was my weakened state.

I felt a sharp sensation in my wrist.

Right now, I was under the effect of the Black Moon buff.

My attack power wouldn’t be lacking, but my defense had dropped below the minimum threshold.

‘The enemy’s main force is engaged with Luche and Camellia. It’s not deadly, but...’

There was no point in taking unnecessary risks.

It was a difficult situation.

The enemy had already spotted my position, and resilient summoned creatures were being thrown at me to buy time.

Even if I broke through the wall, the combat priest would block my way.

But I was confident I could take down at least one of them.

It wasn’t arrogance; it was certainty. I could push through the summoned creatures and, if I accepted the risk, I could achieve something.

That alone would be enough to justify my role in the fight.

But I didn’t feel the need to take that risk.

It felt like a waste. I wasn’t about to throw away everything for a small victory in a place like this.

There were others better suited for hunting summoned creatures.

I spun the hook attached to the wire.

Perhaps aware of my flank, the shadowy figure turned left.

But my hook was aimed in the opposite direction, toward Luche’s shield.

“Pull it!”

Luche wrapped my wire around her forearm, tying it twice.

Did she catch on? The enemy swordsman tried to cut the wire, but Camellia’s spear covered for her.

The berserker’s axe was blocked by Hekate’s barrier.

Luche pulled the wire with all her strength.

At the same time, I kicked the ground and was instantly pulled forward.

I wasn’t about to waste this momentum.

Pulling the point of force inward, I shifted my stance.

I drew my dagger toward the swordsman.

With a sharp sensation, the swordsman was pushed back.

“Switch with me, Shinchae! Go quickly!”

“No! I have to block him, Igor!”

The berserker and swordsman were a solid frontline.

But a strong, immovable frontline doesn’t mean it’s impenetrable.

So there was no reason for me not to take the front.

Monster hunting? That’s something someone with better stats and resistance could do.

The moment my eyes met Camellia’s, she broke off from the line and charged toward the enemy’s ranks.

I blocked the berserker who tried to pursue her.

“I’m sorry, can you let us go? Our Shinchae is still going through her rebellious phase!”

“Stop saying weird things!”

“Shut up. Just go quickly!”

The enemies glared at me resentfully for getting in their way.

And for some reason, Camellia too.