Fiery flames erupted from all around.
Blocking me directly was a slow but sturdy Draconian.
Using its roughly sprayed flames as a shield, it swung its heavy spear.
Avoiding it wasn’t difficult.
If I wanted, I could even counterattack.
Just now, the left shoulder was exposed as a weakness during the attack, and after the next attack, the lower body would be open.
Ordinarily, I would have pushed the spear aside and started my assault focused on the shoulder and arm, but there was only one reason I couldn’t: Haruka’s presence, waiting for an opportunity with predatory intent.
[“Resentful Flames” brands the target with the mark of ‘Oni (Ghost).”]
[“It will last for 30 seconds, and flame resistance will additionally be…”]
This was trickier than expected.
I thought I had suffered enough, but it seems I underestimated it—leading to trouble.
A skill without a defined form, hurling a violet flame.
Of course, parrying such a form of skill is impossible, since its slow casting time and long cooldown are what should be countered.
In one-on-one situations, using a move like that would risk showing the black screen of defeat right away.
However, the value of numerical superiority lies in the ability to alternate high-value techniques, something impossible to completely avoid with skill alone.
[“‘Salvu’ is empowered by the strength of Kijinryōkon (Demon Person Ghost Soul).”]
“Here it comes…”
The techniques of a Kunoichi, while not individually very threatening, are certainly not to be underestimated.
A slash from the katana would undoubtedly be dangerous, but the skill itself focuses solely on “hitting the target.”
However, the return from landing all four stacks cannot be dismissed.
Salvu:
Three blade strikes delivered at the location and timing the user desires.
Once activated, a Kunoichi with Salvu is arguably the strongest class in this game.
Moreover, Haruka was a renowned Kunoichi master in Japan.
Even last time, I couldn’t defend perfectly.
This is clearly going to be the most dangerous moment in this game.
“This is quite different from last time. It looks like they’ve been diligently sharpening their sword… but isn’t it a bit strange?”
A plaintive mutter escaped my lips.
Even now, as I focused on the battle, I scarcely glanced at the chat window.
Still, knowing that someone was there to listen brought considerable peace of mind.
Haruka was someone who had pushed me quite fiercely in the past.
Had I not met her too early, she might have climbed quite high in the Arena.
I understood the spirit with which she sought me out, brimming with defiance.
Then again, Camellia was similar as well.
But I feel a little let down too.
Analyzing opponents is part of a professional gamer’s discipline.
Reviewing past matches is part of that as well.
“Why do you think I’d just stand still? Isn’t that too convenient? …I’ve also been working hard to improve. I won because I’ve done so.”
A better match.
Pursuing higher skill is something I aspire to as well.
In matters of defiance and competitiveness, I would never lose to anyone.
I wouldn’t have simply overlooked the technique I couldn’t fully block before.
Advancing isn’t just your privilege, you know.
I’ll admit it where necessary. I was complacent last time.
During the second preliminaries, while it was impossible to analyze opponents ahead of time, there was room to study the Kunoichi class further.
So this time, I’ve covered it.
The initial delay of the Salvu skill.
The timing difference between visual effects and actual character movement.
The preconditions and warning signs before the user appears. The time interval until the attack is fully operational.
The usage patterns of the user ‘Haruka,’ a reputed top Kunoichi player.
All of this is stored in my mind. I can do better than last time.
I’ve been improving as well.
There wasn’t a need to rush towards you directly.
[Active: Shadow Chains]
[Summon indestructible chains to a specified location.]
Summoning multiple chains to create obstacles.
Done in complex, irregular patterns to make intentions difficult to discern.
The Draconian, who is stubbornly keeping tabs on me, can also serve as an effective cover.
Since this game allows damage from allies,
Salvu’s mechanism isn’t teleports but rather high-speed charges.
These are entirely separate judgements; failing could result in double-edged consequences.
Thus, inevitably, now,
I must wait for the perfect moment when the obstacles between Haruka and me vanish.
It’s easier to prepare when you know when it will happen.
The kunochi cloaked in flames turned into a violet flash.
“Ughhh…”
KAAANG! The violent sound pushed me back.
Even though I blocked it with both hands, the sheer force propelled my entire body backward.
But there was no health lost.
I successfully blocked the most difficult skill in this game – against a professional gamer!
A chilling sense of euphoria rippled through my lower back and shoulders.
Is this going to be archived in the chat again?
It must stay. I’ll check everything.
– Do you hear me now? I’m getting closer.
– I’m almost there.
– Please bear with it a little longer.
A piece of good news arrived amidst the situation.
The arrival of my ally is much faster than expected.
It isn’t possible with a swordsman’s mobility… how did they do it?
It’s a mystery I still can’t solve.
For now, I’ll focus on the battle in front of me.
Avoiding the Dragon Buster of the Rice-eating Knight while moving to the side.
They probably intended to corner me, but they were wrong.
The emitted flames served as a smoke screen, granting a brief moment of time.
The second Salvu comes as Haruka’s figure disappears.
Even though it’s faster than the shadow movement’s initial delay, thanks to the time created just now, the timing matched precariously.
The view switched instantly; climbing onto the back of Rice-eating Knight, I struck the nape of his neck several times with a dagger.
Though I was launched off due to the unfolding wings, the damage dealt wasn’t insignificant.
What can I say, though? It’s not my place to talk.
As soon as I got back on my feet, the third Salvu was already incoming, slamming me into a rock.
“Ahhh… Seemingly, that last one was a bit greedy.”
I should have just focused on pure defense.
The clear opening tempted me to overreach.
Although I lost quite a bit of health, it wasn’t an entirely poor exchange.
A magic circle appeared around Rice-eating Knight.
The dragon’s roar began to emanate from the center of the circle when—
a horizontal slash split the dragon in half, and the Draconian fell heavily.
[‘ACL Dong-hae’ has defeated ‘Rice-eating Knight’.]
Dong-hae, my ally, uses a favored build of a swordsman.
As long as you can endure the long setup time, you’ll witness firepower rarely seen in close-range classes—
I merely needed to scratch the Draconian, and Dong-hae could easily finish them off.
It was an unimaginable time for a swordsman to arrive that quickly.
Neither of them could have noticed him approaching from behind while their attention was on me.
After completing the blade draw, Dong-hae sheathed his sword quietly.
Though not a particularly stylish move, I chuckled.
“That person is pretty relentless, too.”
Judging from how he crossed what seemed to be ‘boiling lava,’ his neatly crafted costume was charred black.
Even without direct combat, his health bar was already empty, but still, he didn’t die—so it’s all good.
Now we are two, and they are one.
I lunged toward the Kunoichi whose Salvu was finished.
“Rabbit again this time?”
Haruka’s face turned pale.
*
[Title: Minotaur’s Training Method of Time and Psyche]
[‘Soobin’ is live streaming.]
A warrior clutching a heavy greatsword looked blankly at the sky.
The blue sky speckled with white clouds was beautiful, but it didn’t register in his eyes—not because something prettier was in sight.
But because something serious was.
“SantaAndSnowman has donated 50,000 won.”
“(Attached: Video of Haruka bound with chains)”
“Just calm her down, will ya?”
A scene unseen during the second prelims due to spectator views.
Back then, the event went unseen, but now, Gawol herself was showing it from her own perspective.
“Hmm. Foxes this time?”
The camera showed only a struggling Kunoichi.
A mischievous smile naturally crept onto Soobin’s face as he struggled to refocus his wandering gaze.
“…What am I supposed to do about that? And why is Gawol’s name coming up so much today? Is there something happening to her?”
“Broadcast isn’t on, so no bait can be tossed.”
“She comes every day lately, but suddenly disappeared.”
“No notice has been posted.”
“Do you know anything?”
“Such things are better directed at Elderlyn-sshi… Ah, she’s not live right now. Shall I just give her a call? Timing’s good since my hunting’s slowing down.”
Well, it was a good excuse.
Gawol’s popularity was steadily growing, so even Soobin felt no hesitation in riding the wave.
Just since the topic came up, it wouldn’t hurt to piggyback on it a bit.
She helped significantly in the beginning.
Now it’s time to get some crumbs.
[Calling ‘Gawol’… 00:00]
Not long after initiating the call, Gawol picked up.
“Hello? I’m live right now, but calling is okay?”
It’s a sign of courtesy to announce that you’re live to avoid any uncomfortable situations.
“Live? Yeah, it’s fine. Hmm… Haa… Haa. Huh… Anyway, why?”
What is this?
You said it’s okay to talk, but why does your breathing sound like that?
