Arena Finals (2)

The finals were certainly the finals.

Before the actual match began, there were various events.

A few days ago, they called us separately to do trash talk, and they took videos and photos from various angles.

In my case, it seemed the ground techniques were popular.

A video of me with a sphere acting as a camera wedged between my thighs was playing.

It showed me covering my eyes while stabbing with a dagger.

I was worried because I had never acted before.

But it seemed my stiff expression due to nervousness actually came across as a cool, cold impression.

Looking at it like that, it also seems a bit sexy.

The voice coming out with it feels a bit embarrassing too.

Well, I wonder if it’s okay.

– Cerberus… isn’t it a nickname that anyone who plays this game has heard at least once?

– But I’ve taken down quite a few famous people too.

– I don’t think you’ll be particularly different?

– Look forward to it. I’ll make sure to soak you in seawater.

I thought all of this was done with a script.

I remember struggling quite a bit when they told me to try it once.

There wasn’t such a trash talk culture in kendo.

Still, it was a fun memory.

I didn’t want to do it too weakly, so I went all out, and the staff seemed to like it quite a bit.

After the guest singer’s performance ended, the commentators’ voices started to be heard.

《 Welcome! The Infinity Arena finals have finally begun! This is Caster Ho-eun greeting you from the special stage. 》

The match prediction results surveyed before the game – predicted my defeat with a ratio of about 8:2.

It was natural. Even though I had risen by defeating Reaper, my opponent was Cerberus.

Not only is he a universally recognized player, but even just considering the class compatibility, I was at a disadvantage.

Rather, it means 20% bet on me, so this much is a good defense.

The underdog’s rebellion is always enjoyable in sports.

The next order was the player introduction with highlight videos, just like during the group nomination.

My video still had the archer being soaked in seawater, and somehow they even included the scene of Haruka caught in the silver thread.

Seeing that nickname ‘Korean Tea-bagging Girl’ appear again, it seems they have no intention of dropping it for a while.

It was because they were still enjoying that meme in English-speaking countries.

The match with Muse just as interest was waning was probably the cause.

I know it’s self-inflicted, but… still, can’t something be done about it?

The fortunate thing is that this is the finals.

Unlike then, there were many more scenes worthy of being called highlights.

The first round of the main tournament with Rime, where I used double doppelgangers to induce the spear knight’s weapon break.

The first engagement with Reaper using the chain sickle. The dagger exchange in the middle of the melee.

Beyond the ground battle with Muse, to the recent snowy undead bombardment.

Probably from Crow’s perspective.

The video ended with the image of me approaching to cut off his breath.

I went on stage with silence.

《 Yes, really… who could have predicted this! The nameless assassin from the Far East has come this far. It’s player Gawol! 》

《 She broke North America’s spear, scattered Britain’s nightmare, and caught South America’s dancer, the rising star. Until now, she hasn’t given up even a single set victory to anyone. 》

《 Now who can call this player a mere trickster or dark horse? It seems right to say she has clearly entered the ranks of recognized strong players, and we can look forward to what strategy Gawol will show next. 》

《 Next is… 》

Next was Cerberus.

The undisputed championship candidate walked out calmly.

With unwavering steps, as if just coming to claim what was already his.

Last year’s mid-season international tournament winner.

A name that’s never missed when discussing MVP, having won multiple championships in the European league.

Traveler and Luche fell under those feet.

Thinking about that much makes me quite angry.

It’s not that I liked Luche because she was the strongest.

But as a fan, it’s inevitable to feel a desire for revenge, right?

Appropriate anger becomes vitality and driving force. I came on stage to face Cerberus with fighting spirit boiling in my chest.

Cerberus, the culprit, chuckled and asked.

“I did another interview recently. I wonder if you saw it.”

“I did see it. Why?”

“I was thinking that now I seem to understand the opponent’s skills well.”

“Pfft… Yeah, I guess I have to admit that.”

Ah, this makes the desire for revenge a bit blurry.

But I still don’t intend to go easy on you.

Pro gamers always shake hands before entering a match.

I heard it’s a custom that started a very long time ago, and I liked it because it felt like a formalized duel.

I don’t like having to look up at this guy too because he’s tall.

How dare you look down on me so arrogantly?

* * *

[Infinity Arena Final – Match 1]

[Battlefield: Where the Storm Sleeps]

[vs AT Kelberos(Magic Swordsman)]

As soon as I was transferred to the battlefield, rain struck my body.

The screams of ships swaying in the ocean currents and twisted trees.

I took my first step in the gloomy night shade.

Is choosing a magic swordsman meant to be an exploratory battle?

After all, it’s a class better suited for various attempts than a dark knight.

There was a high possibility that it was an attempt to read me before the full-fledged fight.

‘You’ll regret it. If that’s how you want to play it, I’ll definitely take this match.’

I move between the wreckage of shipwrecks using ropes.

In this battlefield, darkness covers the eyes, and the sound of rain blocks the ears.

It’s nearly impossible to find an assassin moving without using magic power like now.

There’s no possibility of noticing the ambush first.

The important thing is how much damage I can inflict.

As soon as I found Cerberus’s position, I pulled the rope as much as possible.

I flew up from the ship’s bow and moved using centrifugal force.

Letting go of the rope midway, I brought down my dagger towards the nape of his neck.

“Kuk…!”

Cerberus’s reaction speed was certainly admirable.

His body immediately twisted, and my dagger only managed to stab near the shoulder blade. Immediately, the unique chill of the ice system targeted my ankle.

The thrust is sharp but has a narrow point of impact.

I pulled my foot back and counterattacked using the lowered posture.

The arm swinging up from below was blocked.

On the opposite side, the retrieved sword was filled with coldness.

I caught the tempo first. Should I attack now?

No. The method to deal with the counterattack is unsatisfactory. If I exchange health now, I’ll be at a disadvantage.

In the end, I had to be satisfied with stepping back and inflicting a shallow wound on the extremities.

“That’s a shame. I prepared as best I could. But I guess the first ambush can’t be avoided without damage after all.”

“If everything could be blocked by just trying to block, why would I be an assassin?”

“That’s not wrong. Not everyone can succeed, though.”

While analyzing Cerberus, Master and I came to one common conclusion.

This guy isn’t just someone who played games in his room.

I don’t know what he did in the past, but it seemed certain that he had systematically learned martial arts.

It’s not surprising just to say ‘learned martial arts’.

All combat in Infinity Black is based on movement.

Of course, pro gamers receive various types of education, and conversely, it’s not uncommon to see retired athletes entering the field.

But even considering that, Cerberus’s completeness was quite high.

It didn’t seem like he started learning late.

So, against this guy, even my past as an athlete isn’t such a special weapon.

[‘Ancient Sage’s Chill’ effect received.]

[All movement speed reduced by 15% and…]

[‘Artery Slash: Damage Enhancement’ effect successfully activated.]

[Enhanced bleeding poison effect applied to the enemy.]

Every single attack is tricky.

If I get close, kicks or blades with superior reach to mine come flying, and if I distance myself, it’s obvious that magic will pour down.

If I slip up even once, the structure will collapse and the situation will become frustrating.

Moreover, Cerberus was excellent at solidifying situations advantageous to him.

I absolutely must not create a rushed situation.

Still… I’m gaining an advantage for now.

I blocked the longsword and covered my body with the edge of my coat.

A position that shouldn’t be visible from Cerberus’s view.

I changed the weapon in my hand to a throwing type and immediately threw it at his instep.

An attack that missed as he naturally dodged.

At this point, it shouldn’t have been visible from Cerberus’s view yet.

It means it’s in the realm of prediction, not reacting to what he saw.

“As expected. Your low attacks are particularly fierce.”

“That’s an honor.”

“But it’s a curious thing. Actually, the completeness itself is higher for mid and high attacks.”

“Hm.”

Ice needles flying towards me as if testing me.

I jumped up to avoid them and used my guard to block the sword strikes.

After throwing a couple more hidden weapons, Cerberus also used Blink to create distance.

That was quite a plausible statement just now.

In sportified kendo, low attacks are not used.

The interval commonly called issoku itto no ma.

At the distance where you can jump in one step to strike the opponent, lowering your posture becomes poison.

The most important vital point, the head, is easily exposed to the opponent’s sword.

But this is just a game after all.

Sticking only to the unique style of kendo would be hindering my own development.

Especially since I would be in trouble if my left foot was attacked, I had to create my own style for low attacks.

It meant less absolute time consumption compared to high or mid stances.

Does that fact mean it’s a weakness? – Absolutely not.

“So? If you’re confident, prove it.”