Paradise Lost (2)

Traveler’s transfer wasn’t just an issue for Q Prime alone.

The long-established power structure of the domestic league.

With the defection of a core force from one side, Sigma’s solo run was now almost certain.

This year is a bit better with Camellia’s joining, but it wasn’t just a bright and sunny future waiting.

When there’s a dominant strong team in the league, it usually leads to one of two results.

One is that other teams analyze and adapt to that strong team, raising the league’s level.

The other is that after grabbing a few championship cups, they reversely adapt and all decline in level together.

It would be ideal if other teams’ levels rise to match.

But the path Korea has walked so far has mostly been regressing together.

《 ACL is showing unexpected strength! 》

《 No, Eunha Gaming! Was it a team that could do this much? 》

《 I wonder what triggered this. Both teams’ performance has improved significantly. 》

So this year, many strong moves were made in various ways.

The foreign mercenary issue is already famous, and it seems there were several internal changes too.

A kind of crisis consciousness, you could say.

It was because they really had their backs against the wall.

People often think ‘This shouldn’t be like this’, but they don’t move easily until it really becomes dangerous.

But Traveler’s transfer stimulated a kind of trauma – wondering if it would become a ‘Second Phantom Incident’.

Thanks to that, it seems some teams are moving hurriedly.

I don’t know the specifics, but… what’s certain is that some kind of constitutional change did occur.

《 This semifinal. Whatever result you expected, you must have been satisfied! 》

《 It’s like Donghae player is saying this: Sigma, come out! We’re coming! 》

《 Isn’t this kind of unexpectedness exactly what symbolizes e-sports? Sigma is in top form right now, but they should be on their toes. 》

As evidence of that, potential started bursting from unexpected places.

On the other side of the semifinals, an unexpectedly great game came out, and they showed considerable strength in the finals too.

As if there’s not a single easy path in this world.

They say the ground hardens after rain.

Rough rain fell on the league that was splitting from storms.

Some were washed away, but some became stronger.

Some vitality returned to the dry and unsightly land.

《 The much-anticipated IKL finals! The match between Sigma and ACL has begun. 》

《 Although they grasped victory after a fierce battle, Sigma took an unexpected blow. Their next choice is… Player Luche has brought out the Lance Knight? 》

《 Ha! This is interesting. Priest and Lance Knight. The nightmare of Q Prime that dominated the league last season is being recreated in the hands of their fated rival – Sigma! 》

《 ACL’s response to this is – Holy Knight and Priestess. This is that, right? You weren’t wrong! 》

《 A familiar combination. A completely different team. The second match of the finals… 》

Amidst those changes.

I also took a big step.

The glass outer wall of the skyscraper, looking blue-green reflecting the clear sky.

In front of the wide main entrance, a woman with a sharp impression reached out her hand to me.

On one of her shoulders was a bag full of complex documents.

On the day of the domestic league finals.

I visited the game company with the legal team assigned by Sigma.

Our lawyer showed a kind smile.

“You’re nervous, right?”

“Yes…”

“Everyone feels that way their first time in this situation. Feeling scared, like you’re going to get scolded. Like when you were called to the teacher’s office as a kid?”

“Huh? That’s right. How did you know?”

“I’ve seen it a lot. But don’t worry too much. We’re the ones holding the rod this time.”

Looking back, I don’t think it was a kind smile.

However, she seemed confident.

“We’ve prepared thoroughly for today. Let’s go, I’ll show you the results.”

* * *

《 Notice of Temporary Measures for Brain Wave Driven Connection Device 》

Hello, customer ‘Gawol’.

This is a notice from Infinity Co., Ltd. Legal Team.

After reviewing your petition, the following has been decided:

1. Validity of Safety Recommendation

– The company’s safety recommendation is valid until the end of the temporary measure period.

– We ask for your special caution when using the connection device.

2. Risk Notification

– We have notified you several times about the risks of the brain wave connection method.

– We clearly state that this decision is a result of respecting your wishes.

3. Emergency Medical Support

– According to the content of your petition, the brain wave connection device connected to the game server must have a system that can receive medical support within 5 minutes in case of an emergency.

– As per the petition content, preparation for this should be done under your responsibility.

4. Disclaimer

– Infinity Co., Ltd. assumes no legal responsibility for any accidents that occur due to non-compliance with the above matters.

5. Data Collection

– During the temporary measure period, your play logs and vital signs may be collected by Infinity Co., Ltd.

– Collected data will be used for safety assessment and record management purposes.

6. Final Measure

– We approve connection from the designated brain wave connection device for 50 days.

– After the temporary measure ends, a final decision will be notified separately.

7. Temporary Approved Connection Device Identification Number

– 66F26BC449…

– UKN141H…

Thank you.

Infinity Co., Ltd. Legal Team

* * *

Near the Cradle of Delusion.

In a place that has now become a farming spot for high-level users as time passed, a greatsword warrior moved his weapon.

The motion of blocking the Minotaur’s axe is quite clean.

Receiving enough force with the hind legs, and pushing back the vicious weapon with increased strength stats.

In an instant, magic and power were imbued in the greatsword that retreated.

The heavy blade moves from bottom to top.

A vertical line drawn with a red effect split the Minotaur in two.

One overwhelming powerful strike. This is exactly why you play a greatsword warrior – Sulbbang grinned.

[Title: Ox Head Soup Accessory Farming]

[‘Sulbbang’ is streaming.]

Quite a long time has passed already.

If not for them disappearing as the field was cleared, the number of Minotaurs killed so far would be uncountable.

Sulbbang clenched and unclenched his fist a couple of times and muttered.

“It should be about time for one to drop.”

Sulbbang was engrossed in what every RPG user experiences at least once.

Farming to obtain items.

This time, he was endlessly killing Minotaurs to get a rare accessory.

It’s a lonely task when done alone, but it’s not so lonely when streaming.

After all, games are more fun when played together.

However, in this game called InBull, the presence of others isn’t always welcome.

For a very brief moment at the edge of the minimap.

When a white dot signifying another person appeared, his eyes narrowed.

“What was that? I think I saw something just now?”

Somehow feeling a sense of déjà vu.

I think there was a time like this before…

At a moment when vigilance should be raised. Sulbbang gripped his greatsword tighter.

But nothing appeared.

Was it just his imagination after all?

Looking around, there was no one to be seen.

The white dot didn’t appear on the minimap again either.

He must have seen wrong, or it was just someone passing by.

─ Just as he thought that.

His vision turned black and his health bar decreased at an insane speed.

“Mmph, mmph?”

The fingers holding the greatsword were cut, loosening his grip.

Next was the back of his knee. As his Achilles tendon was cut in turn, he lost mobility.

It took just a moment for the tendons of major parts to be cut.

Sulbbang couldn’t even remove the cloth covering his face.

Countless warning messages popped up saying something was damaged or couldn’t be used.

– What is this? What’s going on?

– ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

– Isn’t this that person?

– Haven’t seen Tenryeon in a while

It doesn’t seem like there would be many skilled players like this.

A somehow not unfamiliar sensation.

A slender leg that he had clearly experienced before touched his neck.

Two legs crossed, gradually choking him.

The glimpse of black clothes and stockings. And the breathing that seemed audible even without hearing.

At this point, it was impossible not to guess whose doing this was.

“Phew. It’s been a while.”

Unlike before when it sounded like something was ringing, a fairly clear young voice rang out.

It was still a voice that seemed to melt some part of a person.

However, it didn’t feel as dangerous as before.

“Hey, you… Didn’t you agree not to kill anymore…”

“That’s right. But isn’t it okay as long as I don’t kill? Can’t I play a little more?”

“You call this…”

“It’s a joke. I’ll let you go.”

The legs that were tightly squeezing finally loosened.

Though she didn’t kick him away with her foot like before, there was a strong push as if telling him to get off quickly.

Sulbbang, fallen face-down on the ground, coughed several times, clutching his throat.

Gawol, reflected in his eyes, grinned.

The dagger that was playfully weaving between her fingers went into her clothes.

“What’s this. Have you returned now?”

“It’s not all finished yet, but for now.”

“So you came to kill me first as soon as you returned?”

“I didn’t kill you. I just dropped by briefly to say hello, that’s all.”

That day.

Gawol left “greetings” to nearly twenty streamers.