Indeed, it was the final.
Before the proper match began, there were various events.
A few days ago, they had called us separately for some trash talk and took videos and photos from many angles.
In my case, it seemed that ground techniques were popular.
A video taken with a camera orb wedged in my thigh was currently playing.
It showed me plunging a dagger while covering my eyes.
Never having acted before, I was unsure of what to do, but my tense and stiff expression seemed to come off as cold and impressive.
However, watching it now, it felt a bit risqué, and the accompanying voice made me feel slightly embarrassed.
Oh well, I guess it’s fine.
– Cerberus… isn’t this a nickname that anyone who has played this game has heard at least once?
– Nevertheless, I’ve also caught some famous players.
– Do you feel particularly different?
– Look forward to it. I’ll definitely dunk you in seawater.
I thought all of this was scripted, but when they asked me to try, it took a lot of effort.
Since kendo didn’t have such trash talk culture, it was unfamiliar.
Still, it was a fun memory. As I didn’t want to be too weak, I went all out, and the staff seemed to like it quite a bit.
After the invited singer’s performance ended, the commentators’ voices began to be heard.
“Hello! Finally, the curtain has risen on the Infinity Arena Final! Caster Ho-eun from the special stage greets you.”
The match prediction results surveyed before the game showed a ratio of about 8:2 in favor of my defeat.
It was natural. Even though I eliminated Reaper, my opponent was Cerberus.
He was a player recognized by everyone, and simply looking at the type relationship between our Classes put me at a disadvantage.
On the other hand, the fact that 20% was still placed on me meant I had done well enough.
In sports, the rebellion of the underdog is always entertaining.
The next order was introducing the players along with a highlight reel, similar to the selection ceremony.
In my video, there was still the Archer being dunked in seawater, and somehow, they also included Haruka caught in Shadow.
Judging by the appearance of the nickname ‘Korean Tea-bagging Girl,’ it seems they have no intention of letting go anytime soon.
It’s because the meme is still being enjoyed in the English-speaking regions.
Had it not been for the match against Muse, the interest might have faded by now.
Though I know it’s self-inflicted… can’t it somehow stop?
Fortunately, this is the final. Unlike before, there are far more highlight-worthy moments this time.
The first round of the Main Tournament against Rime, where I used a double decoy to induce a Weapon Break from Lance Knight.
The first battle with Reaper and his Chain Scythe, including a dagger exchange during the mayhem.
Beyond the ground battle with Muse, the recent Undead bombing on the snowy field.
Perhaps from Crow’s perspective, the clip ends with me closing in to cut off his path of retreat.
With that, I stepped onto the stage in the ensuing silence.
“Yes, indeed… who could have predicted it? An unknown Assassin from the Far East has made it this far. It’s Gawol!”
“They broke the spear of North America, shattered the nightmares of the UK, and captured the rising star, Muse, from South America. Until now, they have conceded not a single set victory to anyone.”
“How can anyone now call this player merely a trickster or dark horse? It seems only right to consider them among the ranks of the clearly recognized strong. You should definitely look forward to the strategies Gawol will show.”
“Next is…”
Next was Cerberus.
A championship contender without a word needed walked out calmly, as if simply retrieving what already belonged to him.
The winner of last year’s mid-season international tournament.
A name never absent when discussing MVPs within the European League and someone who claimed numerous championships.
Traveller and Luche fell under his strides.
Thinking about it made me quite angry.
It wasn’t because I loved Luche as the strongest.
Still, as a fan, it’s inevitable to feel a sense of revenge.
An appropriate amount of anger can transform into vitality and motivation. I walked to the stage with resolve burning in my chest to face Cerberus.
The main culprit, Cerberus, smirked and asked,
“Recently, I did another interview. I’m not sure if you saw it.”
“I saw it, but why?”
“Because I feel like I understand my opponents’ capabilities well now.”
“Ah… indeed, I may have to admit.”
Ah, so this slightly dulls the desire for revenge.
But I’ll have no leniency.
Professional Gamers always shake hands before the match. It’s a very old custom, and it resembles a formal duel, which I liked. Still, I don’t like how I have to look up at this guy who is so tall.
Don’t dare to look down arrogantly!
—
[Infinity Arena Final – Match 1]
[Battlefield: Where the Storm Sleeps]
[vs AT Cerberus (Mage Knight)]
As soon as we were transported to the battlefield, raindrops hit our bodies.
The cries of a ship trembling in the currents and twisted trees.
In the eerie night shadows, I took my first step.
Choosing Mage Knight must signify a probing battle, right? After all, among Knights, this class allows for more versatility compared to a Dark Knight.
There is a high probability that Cerberus was attempting to read my moves before the main fight.
‘Then you’ll regret it. Since you’re taking this approach, I’ll take this match for sure.’
I move between the wreckage of the ship using ropes.
In this battlefield, darkness obscures vision, and the sound of the rain masks all hearing.
Without using magic, it’s nearly impossible to detect an assassin moving like me.
There’s no way anyone could guess an ambush in advance.
The only thing that matters is how much damage you can deal.
As soon as I located Cerberus, I pulled the rope to its maximum tension.
From the bow, I leapt with immense force, riding the centrifugal motion, then released the rope mid-jump and drove the dagger toward the neck.
“Ugh…!”
Cerberus’s reaction speed was indeed miraculous. His body twisted immediately, making my dagger only pierce near his shoulder blade. Immediately after, a chill from the freezing magic of Mage Knights aimed toward my ankles.
The stab may be sharp, but its hitbox is small.
I pull my leg back and use my lowered posture for a counterattack. However, the arm aiming from below is blocked.
On the other side, the retrieved sword was now infused with cold.
I had seized the tempo first, but should I attack now?
No. There’s no good way to counter his retaliation. If I trade health now, I’d be at a disadvantage.
In the end, I had to settle with a shallow wound on the extremities.
“Too bad. I did prepare, but it seems impossible to completely evade the first sudden attack.”
“Assassins wouldn’t exist if everything could be blocked.”
“That’s fair. Though not everyone can succeed, it’s true.”
Both me and Master concluded one thing after analyzing Cerberus:
This guy isn’t someone who just played games in their room. While I don’t know what he did in the past, it’s clear that he systemically trained in martial arts.
It’s not surprising that someone “trained in martial arts.” The battles of Infinity Black are fundamentally based on movement, and pro gamers often receive various trainings. On the other hand, many retired athletes have entered the scene.
Still, even considering that, the level of completion in Cerberus’s skills is remarkable.
It’s clear that he didn’t start his martial arts training late in life. So, against this guy, the fact that I used to be an athlete doesn’t give me much of an edge.
[‘Cold of an Ancient Sage’ effect activated]
[All movement speed decreased by 15%…]
[‘Arterial Slash: Damage Enhanced’ effect successfully activated]
[A more potent bleeding poison effect applied to the enemy.]
Every single attack is difficult.
If I get close, superior reach kicks or sword blades from him can overwhelm me; if I stay far, I’ll inevitably face a barrage of magic. Any slip-up will collapse the balance and create a desperate situation.
Moreover, Cerberus is exceptionally skilled in solidifying his advantageous situations. I must never create an anxious situation for myself.
Still… for now, I have the upper hand.
While blocking the longsword, I used my cloak to obscure my body. From a position hidden from Cerberus’ view, I immediately threw a weapon toward his foot.
A natural and missed feint. It was still at a point where I was out of Cerberus’ sight. This means it wasn’t a reaction to sight, but rather prediction.
“Indeed. Your low attacks are particularly fierce.”
“That’s an honor.”
“But it’s paradoxical. Your upper and middle techniques have higher completion.”
“Hmm.”
Ice spikes flying toward me as if testing me. I jump over them and guard against the sword strike, expending my defense. I throw a couple more throwing weapons, which prompts Cerberus to expend his blink skill, increasing the distance between us.
The sound just now was quite convincing. In a sportified version of kendo, low attacks are not used.
Commonly called “one-step and one-sword” – in the distance where one step allows you to strike your opponent, crouching is a disadvantage. It exposes the most important vital spot, your head, to your opponent’s blade.
However, this is still a game. To stubbornly stick to the kendo style is to block my own progress. Specifically, if my left foot is attacked, I’m in trouble, so I had to develop my own style for low attacks.
Compared to upper and middle stances, less time is expended absolutely. Does this mean it’s a flaw? – Definitely not.
“So? If you’re so confident, prove it.”
