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[Open the Broadcast Room!]

[Accept New Members]

[New members are just annoying… despite being worn out and used up.]

[Wow, the arena is packed.]

[For real, if someone saw this, they’d think the regular league has started, lol.]

At the signal from the staff, the broadcasting team made their appearance, marking the official start before the event.

[“Hello, everyone. We are now starting the Pro vs. Streamer showdown hosted by STK and sponsored by Apibelno! I’m caster Shin Seung-hwan!”]

Typically, the Warfare Mark stadium would remain silent until the next season’s league begins.

But now, such talks disappeared as a feverish cheer engulfed the arena.

In the stands, the crowd was divided into supporters for the STK Team and those cheering for the streamers, waving various cheer placards and tickets, stirring up a ruckus.

And the endless cheers in chat flooded the official STK channel.

It’s no wonder, as the base is none other than the STK Team.

With the reputation of being the world’s best team, they’ve got a massive fan base, ensuring a large number of spectators.

As for the streamers on the opposing team, most also boasted a significant following.

The combination of the game team’s fans, streamer fans, and those wandering around during the off-season resulted in a successful event.

However, the hosts did have a small complaint about not being able to execute the best buildup they initially intended.

“If only the schedule had been more generous, we could’ve given the streamer team some practice time… It’s a pity.”

A staff member muttered disappointment while scanning the roster.

With the event being pushed forward hastily, the streamer teams had no time to sync up, unlike the pro teams.

If time had been ample, they would have included streamer team training beforehand.

With everyone meeting for the first time, they would inevitably have to align, create rivalry, and cooperate, causing all sorts of human dynamics to unfold.

This could have produced emotionally charged, exceptional content.

Well, that’s all irrelevant now.

“It can’t be helped. The time to gear up for the next season is approaching, so we can’t drag this on too long.”

“Still, it’s disappointing. Looking at the line-up of streamers this time, it’s truly the crème de la crème.”

“Alright, alright. Let’s save the complaints for later and get the schedule rolling! Nonstop, hard-hitting!”

“Yes.”

After all, there’ll be opportunities again.

They can plan a more ample schedule during the next off-season.

For now, let’s think of this as a sort of demonstration.

The broadcast process was progressing smoothly.

The only part that seemed concerning was the chat window.

Since it was a space combining fans from both the game team and individual streamers, it was boasting the firepower of a league match.

The number of people waiting before the broadcast even started was already in the tens of thousands.

When it finally kicked off, the influx kept rising endlessly, making it difficult to enjoy a normal chat service.

Ultimately, they set the chat re-entry time to three minutes, but even then, various messages and emojis flooded in.

Has there ever been such a vibrant unofficial gaming tournament? Oh, think about it, there has been.

I remember the chaotic tournament when Friede and the Lotus battled—it was just like this.

Actually, it seems even more packed than that time.

And speaking of which, Friede is also participating this time; I wonder how it’ll turn out.

‘It’s her first offline broadcast; I hope she’s alright.’

If STK’s standout player is the Lotus, Friede holds that title among streamers.

The Lotus is an experienced pro gamer, having faced everything, so she’ll be fine, but can Friede, who’s only streamed up to now, handle such a stage?

Of course, based on her past performances, it seems she’ll manage without any issues.

‘Oh, it’s already this far…’

Lost in thought for a moment, I realized it was already time and pulled myself together.

I shouldn’t mess up in a place like this; it’s time to introduce the main players.

[“Let’s welcome the STK players!”]

As the announcer introduced them, dazzling effects mixed with flashing lights and smoke, and the members of the STK Team appeared from one side.

[Warden, I’m counting on you! Protect my position!]

[Lotus, you have to get revenge against Friede this time.]

[Lol, seriously, how are streamers even supposed to win?]

[As long as Friede’s there, it’s not impossible.]

The cheers from the audience and the excitement in the chat could be felt.

Particularly, Warden and Lotus dominated the spotlight.

[“Here comes STK, stepping in confidently like the strong team they are. What do you think, commentator Joo Seok-hyun?”]

[“Yes, STK is undoubtedly the strongest team. They’ve conquered both domestic and international leagues—the reality is, there’s hardly a team that can challenge them. With Warden, Seokgulsam, and Lotus, they call this line-up the miracle generation, right? But STK, though this is an unofficial tournament, faced some significant humiliation. It was the incident where Lotus lost to Friede at the chaotic tournament. It will be interesting to see if the Lotus can avenge this time, and how the team will assist her in that.”]

As the commentator explained, the camera zoomed in on each STK member’s face.

Whenever a specific fan cheered for a player, the close-up drew loud cheers from the audience.

They had already become used to the camera’s gaze.

[“Now, let’s take a look at the other side! Team Streamers!”]

[“Team Streamers is made up of hastily assembled streamers. Naturally, their team cohesion might be weak. But they are all ranks of challenger-level players. In other words, they are amateurs capable of going pro. I’m curious to see how they’ll showcase their brave and clever plays against pro teams.”]

[“Particularly, Friede is well-known for surpassing the gap between amateurs and pros. She already fully defeated the Lotus, making her a top-tier Soul Warfare player. Besides Lotus’ revenge match, I can’t wait to see how Warden will tackle Friede.”]

[“Indeed. Recently, Friede, Lotus, and Seokgulsam have been dominating ranked games, and their teamwork is the talk of the town. With Friede at the forefront, I can’t wait to see if Warden can match her gaming prowess for an epic showdown.”]

[Here comes something big!]

[Friede Onee-chan ㅠㅠ]

[Let’s see how much makeup Tenshiren is using.]

[Is it true that Friede, the one tiered in looks, is showing up in jammies?]

[Nah, she looks cute. ]

[The way they speak makes me wanna throw them off the stage, lol.]

While the lighting announcing the players’ entrance and the commentators’ explanations continued, members of Team Streamers began to show up one by one.

As the camera switched to reveal the streamers, adequate cheers erupted from the other side of the stands.

They must be fans of the streamers.

While not as enthusiastic as the game team’s supporters, the reaction was quite intense.

I was worried there wouldn’t be much reaction, but this was pretty good enthusiasm.

The only strange thing, however… was the peculiar way they walked.

Depending on how you look at it, it might seem like they’re waddling like penguins instead of streamers.

For one person, it might be excusable, but when the entire team appears like that, it’s just bizarre.

Just as I thought it wasn’t too big of a deal, I heard a sharp voice from a corner where the streamer fans were seated.

“She’s coming out!”

The piercing voice rang out, echoing through the audience, commentators, the players on stage, and even reaching the ears of those watching the broadcast.

What could it be that’s coming out?

Ah, a common question popped up in my head, and then I quickly figured it out.

Soon, she would appear as the final member of Team Streamers.

* * *

The outfit is revealing.

People can’t concentrate because of me.

If I keep hearing such remarks, no matter how stubborn I might be, I’d start to care.

Jiye-young optimistically suggested that this could all be part of the appeal.

However, people turned their eyes away from me to maintain their composure.

If this situation continues, especially as the competition is about to start, it might turn into a problem.

I am a participant in this competition, not a troll who’s here to ruin it.

‘What am I supposed to do about how I look.’

Feeling a slight sense of grievance and unable to voice it next to my teammates, I grumbled inwardly.

Of course, I’m not without feelings of injustice.

It’s not like I designed my character in the game; this is a forced appearance.

[“Now let’s take a look at the other side! Team Streamers!”]

As the announcer’s pronouncement echoed, the door opened on stage.

Watching them rush out as if to escape, I took a deep breath.

With everyone so focused on me, I also felt the camera’s pry from the side.

Ah. Did they already start filming?

If my presence is causing such a commotion, it’s also my responsibility to calm things down.

That’s the virtue of a hero, so I stepped forward and smiled brightly at the camera.

“Hehe!★”

 

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