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**[STK Rumble Tournament, The Long-Awaited Event Finale! Lotus vs Friede! Intensive Exploration!]**

Author: SweetGuy

At long last, the much-anticipated event finale of the Rumble Tournament has arrived.

In comparison to this event finale, the finals of the previous Rumble Tournament are merely a faded mid-stage battle.

Moreover, this match is a face-off between two stars, generating enough buzz to capture the attention of all Soul Warfare users.

Interestingly, the weapons used by Friede in the Rumble Tournament overlap with the main weapon set of Lotus.

Both players pursue swift and agile play styles using self swords—rapiers, straight swords—longswords, and curved swords—scimitars.

Isn’t this a scene where the ultimate showdown of female gamers in Korea… no, the world of Soul Warfare takes place?

Friede, clad in noble Valkyrie armor, previously claimed her ID as the Hero of Light.

Lotus, an Amazon with a rogue flair, wears the unique STK armor that combines black and red.

Who will the So-Sweet Goddess of Fate choose to bless?

As the eyes of the Soul Warfare world focus on this battle right now!

Stay tuned!

yaSergei: Is this dude trending in the FG lately?

ㄴㅇㅇ: For real, lol!

ㄴZikGaterbelt: What’s with the engagement talk last time… honestly, it’s kinda scary looking back.

ㄴNumEatingMidir: At first, he was just a generic mob A, how did he end up so twisted?

ㄴWash Basin: Unbelievable!

ㄴKimBrokenLacoo: That psycho is going off, for sure.

—

**[Keep an Eye Out, Newbie]**

Author: KimBrokenLacoo

It’s the Broken Club time.

I’m gonna give that Lotus a solid education with my Broken Club!

ㅇㅇ: For real, if you bring the Broken Greatsword, that will be a Lotus Team vs Friede Team smackdown!

ㄴhope5555: Our FG can wipe the floor with a clumsy Lotus! Bring it on!

ㄴSpearGeneral: Do you… believe in Friede’s Chaos?

ㄴhope5555: No way! I’m not buying Chaos!

ㄴLightSword: Go, more Friede!

—

**[Lotus Might Have a Headache]**

Author: P.P. Guy

My sister is gonna get wrecked when she wields the Broken Greatsword.

She’s probably praying for some OP weapon instead.

ㄴSpearGeneral: I’d love to see my sister wield the Great Sword of Rebellion.

ㄴyaSergei: Hey, looking back, she hasn’t even touched the katana yet.

ㄴㅇㅇ: Katana’s just for the tryhards, lol. Our Sensei is too classy for those convenience store weapons.

ㄴLAmpadu: Is Warden a convenience store too?

ㄴZikGaterbelt: Isn’t that guy old enough to know better?

—

* * *

While all communities related to Soul Warfare were blazing hot,

The STK Gaming Team’s Soul Warfare practice room was eerily calm.

Only the virtual reality devices running for the players hummed as they powered up.

Although not as top-tier as Friede’s Moses limited edition device, they were operating capsule devices, set up at about 20 million won each.

Long-term practice is essential for team play and individual skill honing.

With the use of good devices, the burden on the players’ bodies is lessened, showcasing the club’s support that is exceptional compared to any other club.

This clearly shows the club’s strong will to aim for the league championship.

—Chik.

As the glass of the capsule opened, Lotus—Chae-eun, headed nervously toward the lounge, her legs trembling slightly.

‘How many days has it been?’

She paused, retracing her memories.

It couldn’t have been more than two weeks since she had closely observed and copied Friede’s playstyle and further honed her skills.

Ah, it’s been quite a while since I’ve gotten this immersed during the off-season.

‘This was how it was before my pro debut.’

Engrossed in virtual reality, burning with pure passion with no strings attached.

It felt just like going back to those days; even if her body was tired, her heart’s excitement wouldn’t stop.

That was when.

“Aren’t you going home?”

A voice from behind her, carried softly into her ears.

Ah, he’s here.

“Chan-hyuk, you came back early? I figured you’d max out your break having fun.”

“Honestly, there’s nothing to do at home. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to warm up for the next season.”

Well, that means I have to head back to the team dorm anyway.

Lotus smiled lightly at Warden—Kim Chan-hyuk, who shrugged his shoulders.

That’s just typical practice bug.

He may think he’s a hard worker, but compared to Chan-hyuk’s passion, it’s like a firefly in front of the sun.

“Want a drink?”

“Thanks.”

As she took the coffee Chan-hyuk brought from a convenience store onto the dorm balcony, the cool wind welcomed them.

“I heard the news. You’re facing Friede, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you okay with that?”

“What do you mean? You think I’m gonna lose?”

“Uh, maybe.”

Sensing the intense pressure in Eunha’s gaze, Chan-hyuk brushed it off nonchalantly.

Even though his words could be seen as somewhat insulting, Eunha couldn’t say anything back.

In the end, she was the first to turn her gaze away, retreating.

‘What a boring guy.’

He’s always like this. He just lets everything flow like water.

As Eunha sulkily turned away, Chan-hyuk, who was staring ahead, said without much enthusiasm,

“Eunha, honestly, I think it’s impressive for a woman to be a pro gamer. Especially in a team full of men.”

“……”

“You could have been a pretty face, but you proved yourself with your skills. Honestly… not many are suited to be professional gamers like you.”

“Out of the blue flattery… so what are you trying to say?”

Finishing off the remaining coffee in one gulp, Chan-hyuk met Eunha’s eyes.

Her gaze was not just demanding but almost stubborn, looking as if it could defy gravity.

Without avoiding her penetrating glare, Chan-hyuk continued calmly.

“Being pro is all about results. So it’s natural to obsess over fair victories. That’s true. But those words are only meant for official matches.”

“Are you saying I should fight Friede with no effort?”

Eunha frowned at his reaction, forcing a grin from Chan-hyuk.

“No, I mean without getting hung up on what weapon Friede uses.”

“…?”

“Because if Friede shows up with a Broken Greatsword, we all can already see the humiliation, whether you win or lose.”

With the blow of Chan-hyuk’s comment striking her heart like a sharp dagger, Eunha’s eyes were wide with indignation.

“Do you think I’m some idiot who’s gonna break mentally just from internet opinions?”

“Rather than the opinions… I think you’ll break down after fighting Friede alone. If that happens, it won’t be the fans’ fault. Because you couldn’t accept it and imploded.”

With her chin resting on her hand, slightly turning her face, those words from him felt oddly provoking.

But, what does that make of me, not being able to give a good answer and being anxious?

Unlike Eunha, who pressed her lips tight, Chan-hyuk’s calm gaze was fixed as he articulated his thoughts.

“If it’s you, you wouldn’t just sit back when Friede pulls out a Broken Greatsword, right?”

“……”

“If you win, you’ll be left wondering why you didn’t go all out, and if you lose, you’ll feel ashamed of your skills. It’s obvious.”

—Hoo.

The wind was chilly.

Chan-hyuk, bracing himself, shook off the tension and stood up.

“Don’t get caught up in weird standards and suffer alone. Mental care is also a pro’s virtue. No matter how much support you have outside, in the end, you have to protect and overcome it yourself.”

Chan-hyuk finished giving advice to his teammate.

I’m hungry, I should eat something. Is there anything left in the fridge?

Just as he was about to leave,

“Hey. Kim Chan-hyuk.”

“…Huh?”

At the sound calling him, Chan-hyuk turned his head.

Before him stood her, cold and expressionless, her eyes reflecting hidden emotions.

“What the hell are you acting like that for?”

“Ah….”

At Eunha’s question, Chan-hyuk let out a small laugh.

Always a robot, meticulous to a fault, and yet burning with a fierce desire for victory, this dual natured man… the world’s best gamer,

Today he spoke with an unusually deflated smile.

“Because I’m the Captain.”

—

* * *

On the day of the final event.

The STK Rumble Tournament’s most epic matchup.

Countless viewers attempted to connect to witness this match, even more exhilarating than the previous showdown between the former champion and Warden.

It just happened to be Sunday, causing the chat room and the spectator seats of the arena to be packed with users.

As expected, it was streamer and interviewer, Jiyé-yang, who announced the start.

“Hello, everyone! The day has finally come!”

[Underground!]

[Isn’t the noona streaming on the STK official channel? Why is it so laggy?;;;;;]

[Wow, it seems like even more people than back when that scrub was here.]

[Look at the viewer count, damn, you’d think it was the Soul Cup finals!]

[For real, lol!]

“It’s time for the match between Friede and Lotus, the finale of the Lotus vs. Friede event match! Who will be crowned the greatest female gamer? The anticipation for the result is rising. Which side will claim the glory of victory?”

[Why are you asking us that!?]

[Hey, Ji! Hurry and pressure the hosts to start!]

[Let’s lie down until it starts!]

[Lay down… forever lay down…]

“Ahem, and now, the players will be introduced!”

With Jiyé-yang’s announcement, an earthquake-like buffering flooded in the audience and chat simultaneously.

Friede descended from the sky like starlight.

Lotus emerged from the fiery bloom of flames.

As Jiyé-yang, handling the tournament, and the commentators shared exciting information to the viewers,

The weapons of both players were decided.

Lotus’ chosen weapon this time, if you’re familiar with watching Friede’s matches, should feel quite familiar.

The epitome of grandeur and elegance, forged from pure gold.

The Self Sword of Rantert.

On the other hand, the sword in Friede’s hand appeared disappointing at first glance.

Though it wasn’t as shabby as the Broken Greatsword she used, it was a clearly inferior longsword wrapped in white cloth.

Yet, no one watching could belittle the weapon that Friede chose.

Because…

“Whew…”

As Friede raised her weapon with closed eyes, a small sigh escaped her red lips.

At the moment that breath touched the shabby blade,

—Flash!

In a brief moment, a brilliant light emitted from the sword blade.

Like the sun’s solar flare, the golden blade blazed,

In the world of Soul Warfare,

This game, shining as the sun amidst descending darkness and despair,

Was the very weapon that had earned the title of Holy Sword in this game.

This weapon’s name…

“The Holy Light Sword.”

From Lotus’s lips, the true name of this weapon was revealed.

Friede.

As the Hero of Light, the virtual version of the holy sword, contrasting the real one, was now firmly held in her hands.

 

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