Former Hero Streamer – Chapter 84

Chapter: Dancing in the Dawn

After the tournament ended, I found myself repeatedly exiting the arena one by one, and before I knew it, I was the last one left inside.

Being alone like this felt oddly empty, and I hesitated to log out.

Well, how can I put it?

Being alone in virtual reality, especially in a place like this, felt quite different.

If I had to describe it, it was an opportunity for deep contemplation.

Inside the arena, the enclosed space had little to offer, but stepping outside was a different story.

“Ooh!”

Stepping out of the arena, I was awestruck by the broad bridge that spread wide before me.

This bridge, connecting to a massive fortress ahead, was the only way out of the arena.

Now that I think about it, I remember hearing that there was some lore behind this arena, but what was it again?

‘Ah, right!’

It was a place where the most glorious knights, adventurers, and noble heroes gathered to showcase their skills.

As I rummaged through my memories for that specific recollection, I suddenly realized I had walked to the middle of the bridge.

Just stopping here.

This was an illusory space, and I could go no further.

But just seeing the view was quite picturesque.

And then…

“Hm?”

I spotted a lotus flower precariously perched on the edge of the bridge, looking around.

Well, since it was a graphic-rendered illusion, there was no danger of falling, and even if it did, the risk would be minimal.

Was it there deliberately to clear its head like me?

It seemed like it hadn’t sensed my presence yet, so I cleared my throat and gently called out.

“Nice to meet you, Lady Lotus. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Startled at my greeting, she turned her head.

What’s with that moldy expression?

“Friede?”

“Yes. It’s a lovely dawn, isn’t it?”

The sky, which would typically be full of gloomy energy matching the lotus flower’s expression, was instead shining with bright starlight.

Trying to capitalize on the weather commentary had its reasons, you see.

It’s rare to see such weather in Soul Warfare.

What was it called again? Oh yeah, like that sunset that unexpectedly got me back in the day.

I settled down next to the lotus, leaning against the wall as I tossed a question.

“If I were to ask what you’re doing here alone… would that make me oblivious?”

“Oh, not at all. It’s just that I’m feeling a bit regretful.”

“Regret?”

“Yes, it’s not because of you, so don’t worry.”

Lotus gave a bittersweet smile in response to my question.

“I feel like I was just being stubborn… Wondering why I kept buried feelings about using equal weapons and giving my best. That obsession just crept in over time. Then I picked up a weapon that I had never used before, and it turned out terribly. I must have looked ridiculous before, right?”

“Well, it was a bit odd that you chose the Broken Greatsword in the end. I figured someone as professional as you would pick a weapon based on performance.”

That was a rather blunt remark, but what could I do?

The final set definitely felt out of place.

Sure, the Broken Greatsword was one of my main picks, but that wasn’t true for her, right?

There’s no way a pro would use a Broken Greatsword as their main weapon, except for me.

“I’m sorry if I disappointed you because of me…”

“Well, it’s true I was a bit disappointed, but the ending was good. The first set was stunning too.”

Lotus turned her head away, seemingly hiding her discomfort.

She seemed to have had quite a few expectations for this duel beyond what I imagined.

What can I say?

‘Cute.’

She seemed a little pouty for not getting the outcome she wanted, so it felt refreshing to see a new side of her.

After all, my image of Lotus was the stereotypical image of a pro, cold and aloof, proud, and possessed of skills to match.

To meet those expectations, matching my moves with hers was vital, but it seemed that my choice of direction wasn’t quite right.

If only I had gone with a 2 Holy Sword 1 Self Sword tree instead.

But there’s no rewinding; it can’t be undone.

Still…

“Hm, I’m not a professional, so I’m not sure if what I’m saying makes sense.”

But maybe I could at least offer her a comforting thought.

“I think you’re really cool, Lady Lotus.”

“Eh?”

It might have been unexpected to hear such a compliment out of the blue, but so what?

Compliments should be straightforward.

“Regardless of the criteria, it’s about your consistent hard work. The way you moved with the Self Sword in the first set. You were imitating me, weren’t you?”

“Ah, that… yes, that’s right.”

Lotus, twiddling her fingers, looked like a child wanting to be praised.

“It might be weird for a pro to say this, but your play was so amazing that I wanted to catch up even a little, so I reviewed and practiced after every match.”

“Hm, it’s embarrassing for me to say this, but I take pride in my play being not easily replicated. That’s why I was surprised by your skills. I realized, ‘Ah, this person has put in tremendous effort.'”

“…Ugh.”

“So…”

As our gazes met, I removed the hindrance that had been blocking my face, the helmet.

The refreshing air tickled my face, and I felt the soft morning breeze slip through my hair.

Right in that moment, when I revealed the full view to the lotus, I smiled gently and said.

“You are truly a wonderful person, Lady Lotus.”

The starlight in the night sky began to fade, and on one side, a golden light began to rise slowly.

Was the sunrise about to happen at dawn?

With the warmth of golden sunlight now behind me, the expression of Lotus, shrouded in shadows, was truly remarkable.

“So, don’t let it get to you… Ah, right!”

I suddenly thought of how to lift the spirits of this cat-like professional gamer, Lady Lotus.

After a brief moment of contemplation, I arrived at a plausible suggestion.

“Can you dance?”

“Yes?”

“Well, since it’s just the two of us, let’s just enjoy the vibe, right? Whenever you feel down, dancing usually helps.”

As I extended my hand, Lotus hesitated for a moment before taking it, her demeanor shy.

“W-well then… nice to meet you.”

As she stepped down from the edge of the bridge, she began to move gently according to my lead.

But oh boy… this is a problem.

“Not to bring it up now, but…”

“…Yes?”

Looking into her round eyes, I confessed with an awkward smile.

“Actually, I don’t know how to dance either.”

I’m just a hero trained in swordsmanship.

Well, as soon as I jumped into it, I found myself in a tricky situation, realizing that planning was essential.

But Lotus smiled and said with cheer.

“Then let’s just go with the flow!”

Her smile brimmed with the liveliness of the rising sun.

* * *

The bridge, stained by the sunrise stretching far from the arena entrance.

There was someone watching the two figures dancing together.

It was none other than the STK marketing team leader.

“F-Friede Onee-chan is with the Lotus player…!”

His mouth watered at the sight.

He exhaled heavily, feeling luck wash over him.

He wanted to toast to his luck for witnessing such a scene.

Initially, he merely delayed logging out to see the splendid victory of Friede until the very end.

The moment he logged out would surely coincide with when Friede logged out.

‘That was incredible, Friede Onee-chan.’

Though it was a pity that Lotus lost, it was a fair contest.

Even if the churn of emotions regarding the team might ache a bit, witnessing such a magnificent victory from Friede made it all seem trivial.

As he kept his eyes glued to Friede without missing a second, something unusual caught his attention.

‘Why isn’t she logging out?’

The awards, interviews, and farewells had all wrapped up, and the tournament was over.

As spectators, audience members, and others related began to log out one by one, Friede still remained in her spot.

While two curious eyes searched for information, pondering why she hadn’t logged out…

Friede finally moved.

Instead of logging out, she stepped outside the arena.

And there, on the bridge, she was seen whispering to Lotus in what seemed an intense conversation.

It was from that moment onwards.

There was an unmistakable tension in the air between the two.

He instinctively felt that this would create a remarkable promotional effect.

With the filming crew already logged out, he couldn’t just sit idly.

Almost like a substitute, he hastily started filming himself.

The two, who had initially been whispering, soon escalated as Friede removed her helmet, heading towards the climax with the rising sun.

Despite being far away and hidden behind the sunlight, he could tell that Friede had revealed her face.

As the two of them began dancing with awkward yet adorable steps, a feeling of frustration surged within him over that beautiful sunrise.

Perhaps, he could have included himself among the first witnesses of Friede’s dazzling moment alongside Lotus.

Yet, he didn’t stop filming.

‘Not a single scene can be missed.’

This would surely become a key highlight to conclude the STK brawl tournament, a fulfillment of the true desires of fervent fans.

It was undoubtedly a blend of both public and private interests,

So while internally shedding tears of blood, he kept filming relentlessly.

Of course, he needed to ask Friede and Lotus for permission beforehand for any public release.

But even if he didn’t get their consent, it would still hold undeniable personal value for him as a dedicated fan.

“Friede Onee-chan… and Lotus…”

He wished they wouldn’t fight and would just enjoy this.

A thick, profound struggle began to bubble up within the heart of the marketing team leader, so intense it could make even a devil’s tongue wag.

Just a few days later, this video that capped off the STK brawl tournament with an incredible vлог would be released.

* * *