[Suspicious Horn]
[Item Grade: Rare]
An extremely sturdy Minotaur horn.
It displays magical properties unlike water spirit horns from other regions.
As a material, it seems highly valuable and likely usable for crafting high-tier equipment.
It can be obtained very rarely from Minotaurs inhabiting the Ancient Kingdom Territory.
[Shop Sell Price: 300,000 Gold]
[Acquisition Method: Monster Elimination]
[Uses: Material, ???]
When I held it, the horn felt considerably heavy.
The cross-section was cleanly cut, and the tip was so sharp it could draw blood if touched with a finger.
As I examined the horn, Soobin came to the same conclusion as me.
“Isn’t this likely a quest item?”
While continuing our exploration, we didn’t avoid the monsters that blocked our path.
It’s useful to know the item drops from monsters for future opportunities.
Despite the slight annoyance, we didn’t evade any monsters we encountered and eliminated them all.
With the exception of overly dangerous situations, of course.
If we mistakenly got ourselves killed, all our efforts would be meaningless.
Anyway, the item obtained during our hunting was this ‘Suspicious Horn.’
The shop sell price was set rather high for an ordinary material.
The explicitly suggestive name and the unknown use left much to speculation.
The gamer instinct within me sent out a strong signal.
Somehow, it felt like we were heading in a direction that promised a rewarding bounty.
“Is the siege battle going to start?”
“It’s possible. If that’s the case, uploading recorded videos will have to be delayed further.”
The first siege battle on the New Continent Zephyrion is scheduled for a month from now.
But it’s impossible to wage war on uncharted land.
To unlock the siege battle, certain conditions had to be inevitably met.
Those conditions varied depending on the region.
From simply defeating field bosses to undertaking long, epic-level quests in complex cases.
The larger-scale conditions, similar to quests, were typically found in the center of the continent.
Given that we were on the outskirts, it was likely that our condition would involve dungeon exploration or boss elimination.
However, Soobin’s words piqued my curiosity.
“Hey, by the way, how much does the video income come to?”
“In my case, broadcasting is the main focus, so it’s not much. On average, something around this much per month?”
“Ah, I see.”
Numbers scribbled and then erased on the dirt floor.
The amount was quite impressive despite the casual mention.
Then again, Soobin wasn’t exactly a small-scale streamer.
“Ask Serin for more on the video side. She’s the expert.”
While Soobin placed emphasis on broadcasting, Elderlyn had a balanced focus on both videos and broadcasting.
That’s why the live broadcast during the second preliminary round was handled through Soobin’s channel.
But the edited footage was uploaded to Elderlyn’s account.
I realized anew how much I had yet to learn about streaming.
Maybe it was only natural.
I had merely watched a lot without ever trying it myself, and I certainly wasn’t arrogant enough to mistake my casual cameos for “appearances.”
As a professional gamer and streamer, I harbored vague aspirations.
Those dreams began with starting a PK without prior preparation, and perhaps, I wasn’t ready at all.
One day.
Maybe, just maybe, one day.
I might get my chance.
It seems I was unintentionally showing how much I was pondering.
Soobin chuckled and nudged my shoulder.
“Are you interested in streaming now?”
“…A little.”
You really are clueless about others’ thoughts, aren’t you?
No, knowing might make things even more awkward.
“Then why not appear as a guest sometime? You’re capable of it now, right? Haven’t you received any offers?”
“There are, but being a guest is one-time thing. Does it really have meaning?”
“Of course, it does. What exactly are you saying?”
After the Arena championship, multiple streamers naturally suggested collaborations.
I rejected them, partly willingly, partly reluctantly.
This current popularity is just a flash in the pan.
Ultimately, the reality of not being able to handle streaming hasn’t changed at all.
I feared that indulging in an ill-fated dream might even eliminate curiosity about me.
But Soobin casually dissipated my worries, speaking as though stating the obvious.
“At least, this way, you can figure out which type of stream suits you best. Just look at me and Elderlyn; our audiences are clearly different. By appearing on both sides, you’ll know which set of viewers you resonate with better. It’ll reduce the chances of failure in various ways.”
“Ah…!”
“Seriously, you’re too stubborn about the wrong things. If you need help, let me know. I’ll do what I can.”
“Tha, thank you.”
Suddenly, Soobin seemed different to me.
When we first met, I thought, “This guy looks decent but has an odd lack of assertiveness.”
I reflected on my ill-mannered thoughts.
What was Soobin’s behavior like at the karaoke place back then?
He was the one sitting beside me, unable to properly sing or even stand confidently.
Out of pity, I joined him in singing, and even played the tambourine when it was his turn to perform.
Maybe because he appreciated it, he stared at me for a long while.
But so what if a person lacks assertiveness.
If their heart is kind, that’s enough.
Bravo, Soobin!
“Then, I’ll ask you later.”
At that time, I didn’t know.
I had no idea that this “later” would come in just a few hours.
*
The efforts of Soobin and me bore good fruit.
Through hunting the abundant Minotaurs and fleeing when we were outnumbered, we thoroughly explored the area and found a dungeon in a hidden corner.
Just as we’d initially predicted, this “Suspicious Horn” served as a key for entry.
But there was one issue.
[Dungeon “Ancient Minotaur Habitat” can only be entered at night.]
Unfortunately, the dungeon we found had a time restriction for entry.
We discovered it just as dawn was breaking.
Considering joining other party members, it became an awkward situation to move further.
Thinking we might take a short break, Soobin suggested it was a great opportunity to start streaming.
He argued that if we positioned ourselves appropriately, our location wouldn’t be visible, making it a good way to gain experience.
I couldn’t refuse.
Before I realized it, I’d nodded, and the notification went out.
[Soobin has started the broadcast!]
The number of viewers quickly began to rise.
Paralyzed with nervousness, I stared at the chat window.
I took a deep breath, then exhaled.
Fortunately, my nerves didn’t shake as much this time as they did last time.
Is it because I’ve become somewhat accustomed to streaming from the Arena?
– Where are we?
– This guy said he couldn’t stream but what’s this?
– Is that Gawol beside him?
– Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go!
– (Message blocked: When I saw her armpit, she reacted)
“Hello, everyone. Today, there’s no particular plan. Just bringing along Gawol.”
As Soobin organized the broadcast, I watched the chat window.
Most of the viewers here were familiar with me.
It’s thanks to my increased recognition after the Arena championship, but I’ve also made impromptu appearances several times on Soobin’s streams.
Most were here to kill Soobin,
but that means they weren’t seeing me for the first time.
I also spotted some familiar nicknames.
「GrapplingKingSpanking has donated 10,000 won」
「Won’t Gawol kill Soobin today?」
「(Attached video)」
The donation video showed me choking Soobin with my leg.
The sender seemed to be someone from that time.
While I don’t remember clearly, it’s probably them.
Beside me, Soobin, after seeing the video, immediately erupted in protest.
“Hey, we’re on the same team now! You can’t kill me since I invited you as a guest, right?”
“Well, if you ask nicely, I could maybe do it once more. As long as I don’t outright kill you.”
“True. One more time… What?”
“Can’t just swallow such valuable donation, right? Money is important. That’s someone’s hard-earned cash they spent for this.”
“Where did you get such a meticulous professional ethic?”
That’s inappropriate.
If you receive money, you must do the work.
That’s a principle I’ve followed since starting gaming, no, ever since I was born.
Fencing became classified as an elite sport only recently.
And athletes can sustain their livelihood entirely due to taxes or donations from fans.
If you’ve been paid, you need to fulfill your minimum obligations.
If you’re incapable due to ability, you must at least make the effort to do your best.
That’s how I was raised since childhood.
“Anyway, today, I’ll just be hanging out with Gawol, chatting lightly. All donations aimed at Gawol will be forwarded to her, so feel free to ask questions and all.”
– What is that about “fan service”?
– Is “selection” real???
– Is Kelbeuros based on fencing, really?
– Show the swordsman! Show the swordsman! Show the swordsman! Show the swordsman! Show the swordsman! Show the swordsman!
– (Blocked message: How many “experience transferrers” did you get?)
– Just show your face already?
– So, is Gawol pretty? We’ve asked 23457218 times!
– Why is everyone fawning over her?
– Can I politely suck on soft black stockings on her thighs? Just saying.
The chat window immediately went berserk as soon as Soobin spoke.
Personal broadcasting, huh.
They really dive right into their curiosity here, unlike our party members who intentionally avoid asking.
Still, this level of inquiry feels okay.
Maybe I could answer while setting some boundaries.
“I did practice fencing, but I’m not practicing anymore. ‘Selection’ is secret. Also, I won’t be answering any questions about being a swordsman.”
「BunnyGirlStockingTheif has donated 10,000 won」
「Do you have plans to reveal your face?」
「ChaosIsAFemaleGrace has donated 50,000 won」
「How do you practice these difficult movements like I saw in the tournament?」
The questions came quicker than expected.
There were even sizable donation amounts popping up frequently, which was quite surprising.
Nevertheless, they are money, and I intended to answer all the questions I could.
“I’m not planning to reveal my face anytime soon. And concerning the practice question, this is definitely related to the game, right? How I approached it… umm.”
It started to feel enjoyable.
I will pass on personal-related questions.
There was an informative question, so my interest grew.
The character’s strength is significantly adjusted through stats, but controlling it falls upon the player themselves.
Balance and posture adjustment must be honed through direct practice.
And from my athlete days, I once came across a suitable practice form for such situations.
Maybe demonstrating would be best.
The floor was flat, and it looked suitable for a demonstration.
“Have you seen apparatus gymnastics before?”
