The World Challenge, which had once brought a heated excitement to the Switch, has come to an end.
Contrary to the developers’ expectations that it would take a month, it took only two weeks.
Proving the indomitable spirit of the Korean people, everything about the event was uncovered in that short time.
The first, second, and third places were determined, and each received their respective prizes. This was the preordained procedure. The prizes would be delivered by contacting the respective streamers.
However, the developer, ATX, hoped to expand the event further. There was a suggestion for the streamers who enjoyed the game to gather and present awards to the players who ranked high.
By maintaining a close relationship with famous streamers, the company hoped to leave a good impression on viewers. Conversely, streamers could enjoy themselves for free and leave satisfied. For those with little recognition, it could also serve as a social platform.
Streamer Oks, who achieved second place in the World Challenge, was one of those.
“There’s a huge crowd.”
As he entered through the mob at the entrance, familiar faces that he knew greeted him. Although, they may not recognize him.
Given the scale of the game, there were few streamers who hadn’t played. It was said that everyone who had played was sent an invitation, so aside from those who didn’t attend, almost everyone was there.
It was no surprise that people gathered at the entrance. There hadn’t been any embargo, and rumors had spread far and wide.
For viewers interested in streamers, there was no reason not to come.
“Hey, can you please look here for a photo?”
While he couldn’t directly enter the area where the awards were being presented, access to the building was not restricted. Therefore, streamers could meet fans inside who were asking for photos.
“I’m envious.”
These were the cases of streamers classified as big companies. Those whose names were well-known. Even if their live view counts were low, their YouTube subscribers were overwhelming.
All of this did not apply to Oks.
Yet, he was not disheartened. If one doesn’t have expectations, there will be no disappointment.
Rather, he focused on the opposite direction. He looked around the place where the streamers were gathered, searching for someone.
“I wonder if ‘that person’ will come.”
An individual who could be called the very embodiment of the Korean Switch. Although they achieved third place in this challenge, ranks were irrelevant.
Even beyond the screen, their intense presence was undeniable. Just their appearance would captivate everyone’s gaze.
Mollu. Oks was searching for that streamer. He was a fan of Mollu as well.
“Looks like she hasn’t arrived yet.”
However, he couldn’t find Mollu. Turning around, he noticed others around him were also looking for her.
There were those who seemed to be streamers conducting broadcasts and merely viewers seemingly searching for her too. Oks felt a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of people.
Big-name streamers weren’t something anyone could become. The interest was comparable to that for famous celebrities.
Or perhaps it was just that Mollu was a unique case.
“She might not come after all.”
She always seemed to avoid the spotlight, so it didn’t seem like she would choose to show up where attention was so blatantly focused.
There were times when posts surfaced about people who had successfully met Mollu in person during league events, and how envious he felt at those times.
But today did not seem to be that day.
Oks quietly gave up on seeing Mollu.
<Challenge Third Place 'Mollu'>
The lovely Mollu, who got third place, if you understand this, please bow your head.
ㅇㅇ: I’m sorry for doubting you, Mollu. I can’t believe it.
<First place Tex, third place Mollu?>
And they say there’s a separate awards ceremony in the world… this smells strong.
ㅇㅇ: What smell?
ㅇㅇ: What else could it be? It smells like the gallery lord will suddenly make an appearance.
ㄴ ㅇㅇ: ?? What does that have to do with Tex?
ㄴ ㅇㅇ: Tex and Mollu are friends with different people; they might gather to meet this time.
ㄴ ㅇㅇ: Mollu didn’t leave a separate notice, though.
ㄴ ㅇㅇ: When has she ever left a notice before?
ㄴ ㅇㅇ: That’s true.
<Reasons why the moderator has a high probability of appearing at the awards ceremony.>
First of all, I have a master’s in Mollu studies. I’ll certify that before I start.
(Mollu broadcast follower count, subscription proof jpg.)
If you’ve followed Mollu’s broadcasts for a long time, you’ll know that the moderator isn’t one to go out often. Mollu is a self-induced loner.
The only times she goes out are usually when someone invites her. The closer the person, the harder it is for her to refuse.
Her reasons for taking breaks have been only to hang out with her younger sibling or to visit family.
This time, it’s highly likely that many from Mollu’s circle have made plans. Ryu-a will also take a day off around the awards, and although she hasn’t revealed the reason, it’s likely she’s heading to Seoul to meet Mollu.
Mollu, who can’t refuse favors from close friends, has no choice but to attend the awards given that Ryu-a is coming from afar. That’s my conclusion.
ㅇㅇ: Can you summarize it in three lines?
ㅇㅇ: So on the day of the awards, if you’re at the ATX headquarters, you might see the gallery lord’s face, right?
ㄴ ㅇㅇ: On that day, there are only two days left.
<Local Mollu fan bought a train ticket.>
After reading the article, it seemed reasonable, so I immediately bought a train ticket. Can I finally see the gallery lord?
ㅇㅇ: Are you really believing that? What will you do if she doesn’t come?
ㄴ ㅇㅇ: If she doesn’t come, I’ll just think of it as a sightseeing trip. It’s better than lounging around at home anyway.
ㄴ ㅇㅇ: At least take a photo while you’re there, Mollu fan.
ㄴ ㅇㅇ: If you actually take a photo, you’ll be a hero.
ㄴ ㅇㅇ: Wouldn’t it be faster to get sued by Mollu and serve time in prison?
Another opportunity to go out arose.
After the challenge ended, I received contact from ATX.
My final rank is third, and they politely asked if I could come due to our circumstances.
Although I felt it might attract too much attention, and I achieved third place merely by chance, I contemplated not attending.
But then there was Tex.
“Oh, Mollu, you’ll come, right?”
Seeing Tex reach out with excitement made me think that maybe going wouldn’t be so bad.
Regardless of my rank, it would simply be to congratulate him. Isn’t that what acquaintances do? Celebrating good things and mourning sad ones together.
The challenge rankings were released quickly.
When news spread that Tex and Mollu held first and third places, contacts poured in from all sides.
Mostly from those who were previously part of Jackie’s team. Since both Tex and I were in the challenge rankings, they wanted to gather this time.
All of them had participated in the challenge, so there was no issue with invitations.
Thus, our meeting came together abruptly, similarly to the Switch party.
As a driver and manager, Si-young accompanied me.
I was contemplating just taking a taxi, but she insisted on accompanying me.
“People will definitely gather to see the boss.”
“You’re overreacting. Aren’t there other streamers that people are coming to see?”
“No, that’s not it.”
Si-young spoke firmly as if she wouldn’t accept any disagreement. Even though she was driving at that moment, she looked straight into my eyes as she said this.
The way she spoke suggested that she found my reaction incomprehensible.
“The boss needs to experience her popularity. Experiencing it this time wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
Is that so? Maybe experiencing it would help me understand.
Although it still felt distant to me.
*
“Please give me a call before you arrive. Our staff will guide you.”
I’m not a three-year-old needing guidance.
Isn’t it just a matter of going inside? Once in, I could either look at the building guide or ask someone for directions.
Well, maybe there is a reason for that after all.
“Isn’t that Mollu?”
“Mollu, it’s really Mollu!”
“She’s so stunning…”
“Hey, don’t push!”
“Just one photo, please!”
“I love you, sister! You’re so beautiful!”
“Did she really come?”
It was when I got out of Si-young’s car and headed towards the front entrance.
The throng of people, like a swarm of ants, found me and widened their eyes.
What followed…I won’t explain in detail.
Concerned staff rushed out of the building with anxious expressions. Those wearing “staff” badges controlled the crowd, and someone who appeared to be in charge guided me through a back door.
Even sweating from the unexpected situation, there was no scolding directed at me for not giving prior notice.
Instead, just a sympathetic glance suggested I was having a tough time.
He finished explaining the building and then took his leave. Si-young looked intently at my face.
Her unspoken gaze seemed to say this.
“Do you still not realize your popularity?” Do you still not understand?
“People… are quite intense.”
I muttered while pondering that.
Indeed, I felt still bewildered, but I had at least indirectly experienced it once.
Now it didn’t seem so distant anymore.
