Former Hero Streamer

[STK! Riding a storm of consecutive victories!]

[All players have completely raised their form. Even if it seems like a low point, it’s still on par with the high points of other team players, so the game just can’t happen.]

[Especially Lotus, this season is crushing it, overtaking Warden to claim the MVP points first place. You could say it’s truly the Lotus season.]

[Rumor has it that he honed his skills with the help of a famous, skilled streamer in secluded training….]

In the audience, amidst the countless analyses from the caster and commentators, Lotus and Galaxy became the hot topic of discussion.

Thinking about the super carry that happened today, even this level of push feels insufficient.

Especially in the final 3:1 fight, Lantelt’s Self Sword cleanly sliced through the opponent’s neck, reminding viewers of someone.

Just like the streamer, Friede, who shattered the boundaries between professional and amateur with an overwhelming performance.

“It was epic.”

Unlike the team members who were ecstatic with victory, a deep sigh escaped me as the tension melted away.

It was a game performance that could be crowned as the best I’ve ever had, nothing short of legendary.

With every bit of energy spent, a sense of fatigue washed over me, but the fulfillment of accomplishment filled my spirit with joy.

I happily wrapped up the victory with a solo MVP interview and a splendid victory ceremony.

If I were just an ordinary professional gamer, I would’ve relished this glorious moment to the fullest.

“You’re in top form today. Really impressive. Let’s keep it going for the next match.”

As we arrived at the dorm, I noticed his comments were slightly out of place.

Warden, Chanhyuk, remained calm as always, nodding toward Galaxy.

His praises were usually succinct, but today he seemed to go on a bit longer, a clear sign that he was quite impressed with Galaxy’s play.

Yet, there was no hint of mockery or jealousy in his encouragements.

Seeing him humbly show respect as a teammate, Galaxy responded simply.

“You too.”

“Yeah, next time, I’ll carry.”

We’ve always exchanged such encouragements.

Honestly, if I hadn’t met my sister, Chanhyuk would have been someone I could have considered quite alright among others.

This isn’t about romantic feelings—it’s about being in the same profession—but it’s rare to find someone as trustworthy as Chanhyuk.

So, confident that he would carry next time, Galaxy smiled brightly.

“Yeah, you can do it. Just like you always have.”

“Huh? Well, I’ll have to work hard.”

He hesitated awkwardly for a moment, which made Galaxy chuckle softly.

Is he losing his composure with such sweet compliments?

Well, still….

‘This much is heartfelt.’

You’ll continue to shine as STK’s superstar.

Yunsoo and the rest of the team will all do well too.

As Galaxy headed toward her room, she suddenly muttered to herself, seeing something ahead.

“Ah, a bit disappointing.”

“Huh? But you carried and got MVP!”

“Yeah? No, it’s nothing….”

Lost in her emotions, a small regret bloomed within Galaxy, giving her a bittersweet smile.

She just wanted to be a professional gamer a little longer.

To be with her sister just a bit more.

To live in her everyday life for just a while longer.

“See you tomorrow. Sleep well.”

“…….”

At Chanhyuk’s words, Galaxy could only reply with a smile, feeling the presence of something drawing nearer once she entered her room.

“Now it comes back to me.”

A bit… no, feeling quite wronged.

As the door fully closed, she couldn’t hide her bitterness while watching the black mist rising in her hands.

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“Haah….”

Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm my mind as much as possible.

I hadn’t understood what my sister meant when she said the Demon King took the soul until this moment.

‘That guy is aiming for this world.’

Why didn’t the Demon King kill Galaxy in the last fight?

Did he really return only the remnants to Earth after absorbing his true body?

Reflecting on what my sister had told me, the purpose was clear.

To destroy the world that gives birth to heroes.

‘To descend on a world with no ties, to a place we don’t even know, I must have been necessary.’

The Demon King could be seen as a conduit for descending onto Earth. Through his traces, he must be stepping toward Earth little by little.

By absorbing Galaxy’s soul, he strongly bonded the connection between hero and Demon King, using that bond to descend upon Earth.

At this point, it became a sort of navigation system made from heroes to Earth.

The hallucinations and voices I experienced were signals to indicate that the Demon King was getting closer.

The issue lies with the fork in the road given to Galaxy.

As my sister said, in order to be saved, the true form of the Demon King who possesses her soul must descend into this world.

However, as I think this through, I find myself hesitating.

The Demon King descending on Earth means innocent people might get hurt.

‘I can’t let that happen.’

I can’t allow others to suffer because of me.

I’d rather not be saved and even fail if I can just stay next to my sister.

If I die here, the Demon King would eventually lose his navigation.

‘Though my soul would be in bondage and my afterlife might be hell.’

Compared to the issue of innocent lives being harmed and lost, this feels like a way to minimize the sacrifices.

Pausing momentarily, Galaxy eventually picked up her phone. Having called during the day, a simple text in the evening should be understandable.

[Sis, sorry for contacting you out of the blue….]

What should I say? Can I just ask if I can escape and be by your side?

I hastily sent the message but found myself fumbling for words.

Luckily, her response came back calmly.

[It’s okay. Galaxy. I told you before, didn’t I? I’ll protect you.]

Ah, what should I say here?

Feeling light-headed for a moment, Galaxy gathered her composure and awaited the next message.

And then….

[Move in the direction you really want, don’t worry about the aftermath. I’ll be with you.]

[Okay, thank you.]

At her words, Galaxy felt a wave of relief wash over her.

Looking back, she thought she must be quite a troublesome younger sister for her.

Having received comfort and encouragement multiple times, she just kept whining like a child.

Yet, through all the sincere feelings she recalled, all she could think was how grateful she truly was to her sister.

Galaxy steadied her heart and waited as she sat on her bed.

Even though she wished to be by her sister’s side right now, she held back and waited in her room.

If she just rushed to her sister’s side, she’d notice and definitely wouldn’t descend.

She wouldn’t risk ruining everything by being exposed during the time it takes to descend.

How much time has passed?

The tightening pressure around her heart and the bone-chilling cold that froze her soul made her curl up.

And soon….

“Ah….”

The entity she saw in hallucination before and remembered now was staring at her.

Twisted forms of dried human bodies intertwined like trees.

It was as though a being was twisted in a vortex accumulated over long ages, cloaked in a darkness deeper than the abyss.

Its face was buried in the dark, leaving only a chilling gaze probing Galaxy.

It raised a finger toward Galaxy and spoke in a spine-chilling voice.

―You’ve reached the limit of your pitiful abilities, Light Hero.

Her vision blurred, spinning chaotically.

She could see it, yet she perceived her own image reflected back through its gaze.

As the entity that could be called the true form appeared, everything went awry in her perception….

‘No….’

Shaking her head, Galaxy gathered her resolve.

It said this was it, but she was certain it was not the end.

‘I can do this again.’

She firmly believed her sister would come to save her.

So….

“Take this, idiot.”

Raising her middle finger, she gathered her last bit of strength.

As she regained her memories, she squeezed every ounce of power she had left for one final desperate attempt, which was to teleport to a location as isolated as possible.

In that last moment, a dazzling darkness burst forth, and Galaxy’s consciousness and vision slipped into oblivion.

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