“Can you see it here? The order is a bit different from what we saw.”
“The skill has a delay before activation, so I used the Chain Scythe to pull the opponent in beforehand.”
“If you look closely, even Gaway had limited room to move.”
“This combo being executed so precisely is certainly impressive, but I’d like to give higher marks for the strategic planning behind it.”
“Hmm……”
The recording kept playing pleasant-sounding effects continuously.
I had secretly felt quite upset that no one appreciated my efforts, but finally, it felt like my hard work was shining through.
I had practiced hard too. The effects attached to the new items looked promising.
Still, I didn’t plan to use the Chain Scythe for a while.
The more you showcase a weapon, the more counterstrategies will appear.
I’ve already left a strong impression with its existence; that should be enough.
Given that the main tournament progresses through group stages, I need to conserve it.
Because the opponents I’ll face then will definitely analyze me thoroughly.
It’s better to have as many cards to play as possible.
“Do we really need to go over rounds two and three?”
“They didn’t quite measure up to Camellia, right?”
“Let’s just skim over these.”
“To be honest, I feel these victories were more about brute physical force.”
Indeed, the opponents after Camellia weren’t very remarkable.
They weren’t bad, but they lacked distinctiveness.
And their nicknames were so convoluted they didn’t stick in my mind.
So, before I knew it, we had reached Round Four.
By now, Soobin and Elderlyn were probably starting their broadcasts, probably chatting about some trivial things.
At first, the fact that my match was being broadcast live made me quite nervous, but now it’s become familiar.
Enough so that I can casually watch other matches’ videos while waiting for my matchups.
To be honest, compared to their streams, this one felt more peaceful.
It’s a matter of pressure. Knowing that all those people are watching me can make me feel nauseous.
So, I found it much more enjoyable to check the reactions after the broadcast was over.
Of course, if I lose, I won’t bother to watch.
And if the reaction seems bad? I won’t watch in that case either.
[Infinity Arena – Second Preliminary Final Phase Matchups Completed.]
[Do you accept the match? Y/N]
[…Will transport to the battlefield in 20 seconds.]
I didn’t used to be this weak in spirit, did I?
Maybe it’s because I’ve been living too long in isolation.
If I win this tournament, will it quench my thirst?
I don’t know. I’m afraid it might just be like drinking seawater.
No. If I start drifting into these thoughts, there’s no end to it.
I consciously cut off these stray thoughts, but perhaps it’s time to acknowledge the truth.
My mind is no longer as strong as it once was.
I get nervous easily, fall into melancholy quickly, and get swept away by emotions.
It looks like my mind is rusted and decayed in many places to the point where it’s almost unrepairable.
…Hmm. I told myself to stop thinking about this, yet I’m digging again.
Luckily, Elderlyn’s private message came in just at the right time, breaking the train of thought.
[Private Message from Elderlyn]
– Gaway, do you have a moment to talk right now?
– Sorry to bother you, but I know you have a match upcoming.
“It’s fine. The match hasn’t started yet, so what’s up?”
– It’s just that I received a message from Luche.
“Luche? Pro-gamer Luche?”
The slackness in my mind was immediately filled with tension.
– Yes. She’s currently live-streaming and wanted to know if she could watch your match with us.
– She mentioned that donations could be channeled through our side.
– We’ll do whatever you ask.
– What would you like to do?
It wasn’t something that needed much thought.
Luche was going to watch my match?
And she’d be streaming it?
My eyes widened involuntarily.
All I needed was a bit of calm.
Just manage my expression and voice so that my excitement doesn’t show.
“It’s fine. Thank her for me.”
– Got it! I’ll pass that along.
– Oh, and come back victorious!
Of course.
I’m definitely going to win.
[Battlefield: Shadow Arena]
[vs Haruka (Kunoichi)]
[Alert: Automatic translation function is activated.]
*
[The battle begins in 5 seconds… 00:02]
[Wishing you victory.]
The battlefield was dark and damp.
The moment the fight began, the torches mounted on the walls emitted a faint glow.
The reconnaissance phase began to locate each other first.
By now, the opponent was surely moving among the shadows, searching for me.
Moving silently, hiding sometimes behind pillars or the ceiling, inching forward slowly to give no clue of my presence.
This arena, “Shadow Arena,” lived up to its name with stark contrasts between light and dark.
All external light was blocked. Without specific tools, one could only rely on the torched for visibility.
However, some of the arena’s torches would randomly dim, and without warning, the entire space might fall into complete darkness.
Successfully managing the rapidly changing light was the key.
In a situation where both sides are stealth-based classes, even the smallest variable could tip the scales.
‘Have we crossed paths already? Or is the opponent close by?’
The floor of the Shadow Arena made no sound if tread upon lightly.
But there were hints to find the enemy.
For example, dust on the ground.
Ash residue from the burning of torches would leave faint footprints.
I paused my movement momentarily, catching my breath.
I had the advantage in the first reconnaissance phase.
A Kunoichi class sacrifices some assassin abilities in favor of ninja techniques.
In terms of stealth and close-range combat traits, I should have the upper hand.
That is, assuming there are no variables.
“!”
“Tch.”
The arena’s torches lit up in unison.
The flames burned away all darkness, revealing both our positions.
The opponent was much closer than anticipated.
Draped in flowing white robes over a highly revealing outfit.
We discovered each other at a distance where one leap would suffice.
The element of surprise was lost this way.
I closed the distance immediately.
Parrying with daggers to block their throwing stars.
I managed to deflect all three shurikens, but one rebounded with an attached talisman.
A small explosion pushed my body back with the wind pressure.
[‘Oni Flames’ imprints the mark of ‘Liang (蜽)’.]
[For 30 seconds, fire resistance decreases by 12.]
[When all four marks of ‘Gui Ren Liang Hun’ are complete, you will suffer fatal damage.]
That’s why being small in stature can be inconvenient.
The damage I just received was about 3% of my total HP. Considering natural regeneration, it’s a mere scratch.
Still, my body was thrown back because it’s too light.
As a result, I couldn’t close the distance with the Kunoichi.
For an assassin class, that’s enough time to prepare an appropriate skill.
Compounding the issue, half of the torches dimmed, shrouding the Kunoichi.
This is bad.
I should’ve been able to foresee the next move to properly prepare.
Looks like my arena luck is bad today.
[‘Ghostly Steps’ imprints the mark of ‘Gui (鬼)’.]
[For 30 seconds, dark resistance decreases by 12.]
“You can consider this bad luck.”
The voice from behind.
My mental calculations had completed.
[‘Fox Claws’ imprints the mark of ‘Ren (人)’.]
[For 30 seconds, physical defense decreases by 18.]
Even if I die in this one blow, it won’t end here.
With attacks this hard to evade, I might as well close the distance and protect only the vital areas.
Sacrificing my right shoulder while attempting a counterattack from the other side.
A scorching pain like being branded with a hot iron surged from the hit shoulder.
It’s fine. It’s bearable.
[‘Weakening Curse’ imprints the mark of ‘Hun (魂)’.]
[For 30 seconds, physical defense decreases by 18.]
Still, I felt a satisfying sensation in my left dagger.
I likely hit either the thigh or the ribs. Though the exact mark is unclear, it doesn’t matter.
From here on out, I won’t need to worry about these minor injuries.
Let’s settle this into a messy brawl.
I’ll make the opponent regret narrowing the distance.
Pushing my body backward forcefully, I pressed close to the Kunoichi.
At this proximity, neither of us can use our primary skills.
Anyone with skills like ours wouldn’t have made it this far without knowing the cast time.
The desire for victory has dulled my senses like a drug.
The thrilling sensation exceeds the sharp pain from my shoulder, warming my blood.
“We’re locked?”
“You’re insane…!”
Twisting my body, I grabbed the opponent’s waist and threw her to the ground.
My waist was stabbed repeatedly, but I managed to slice from the ankle up to the thigh on the other side.
Soon, my right arm became immovable.
It seems a tendon or something critical has received a fatal injury, rendering the arm unusable.
By the feel of it, it seems my entire wrist is useless.
During this time, I had rendered the opponent’s left arm useless as well—so it was a good exchange.
“You should consider this bad luck too!”
Why am I doing this?
Despite the pain all over my body, my lips curved into a smile.
Now we are locked in an ultra-close combat.
We both hold our weapons, unable to defend against each other’s attacks.
The only outcome is an endless massacre until one side dies.
With a chilling sound, daggers—and kunais—tear through the opponent’s body.
Dodging vital points as much as possible, every attack counts!
I feel the sickening sensation of tearing flesh and muscle in my left hand.
Simultaneously, I feel something horrid pierce between my ribs on the right side.
The pain makes it difficult to breathe.
With each stab, our HP depletes at an alarming rate.
Finally, when my dagger pierced the Kunoichi’s neck, the bloody kunai stopped right in front of my face.
The lifeless arm slumped, dropping the weapon to the floor.
Only then could I finally stop my arm.
[Round 4-1 Victory.]
[The next battle starts in 3 minutes.]
[Battlefield: Shadow Arena.]
“Fuhh…”
[Remaining HP: 1.7%]
The pain vanished as if everything that had happened was an illusion.
Still, I couldn’t stand, holding my trembling arms for a while.
However…
Even so…
Feeling elated beyond words…
I hugged my arms tightly and laughed.
