Choi Hana backed away in shock.
Lilyda.
Her face was definitely half-covered, and the unique dim lighting of the VIP viewing seats hid her appearance, but it was definitely Lilyda.
Even if her appearance was somewhat similar, there are hardly any cosplayers who can mimic her voice.
Lily’s voice has a remarkable beauty and is definitely not an ordinary one.
I grabbed her hand again.
“…Is it you, Lady Lily?”
“Well, I’m seeing you for the first time…”
“…….”
As I looked at Lily in disbelief, her eyes, peeking between the hat and mask, widened roundly.
When her sea-like eyes locked onto mine, I averted my gaze and observed Lily instead.
Identical.
She didn’t have the signature white outfit and spear of Deoen, but her body definitely represented Lily.
In fact, the more I made eye contact with her, the more strange pressure I felt.
It was a feeling not found in reality, but only in Deoen.
‘What on earth…’
“…Liar.”
“It’s not a lie, you know?”
“You are Lady Lily.”
One could concede that her body looked similar and her face was alike, but it was possible that a cosplayer had the same voice.
The world is vast and bizarre things happen.
The Devil of Angel, who turned the world 180 degrees upside down after three years, is one such example.
The problem is why such a cosplayer is here with Yena and via the ticket I provided.
“It is true that this is our first meeting. ‘Outside’.”
Saying that, Lily slightly pulled down her mask.
‘Wow.’
I was amazed.
I pinched my cheek. It was definitely real.
Even if she wasn’t Lily, the existence of such a person in reality would already break the balance.
Choi Hana, or Choco, who was considered somewhat pretty, would be swept away by looks that could strike her cheeks ten times in a row.
I’ve rarely compared anyone’s looks, but I doubt anyone, even the most popular celebrity, could compare.
If this fact were to spread, it would certainly create a ripple effect double, no, ten times the current popularity.
“I didn’t think it wouldn’t be a character… so how’s the hair…?”
“That’s for later. Good luck in today’s match! I’ll be cheering for you.”
“Uh… okay.”
As I released her hand, I lowered my head.
It felt like I had a wall in front of me that I could never overcome.
I think I need to go back quickly.
“I’ll see you later, Miss Yena…”
“Yes! Go for it!”
…Suddenly, I felt angry.
‘Baekseol… I’ll tear her apart.’
I’ll shred her to pieces.
■
After Choco had completely disappeared, I sat back down.
I couldn’t help but laugh at her amusing reaction.
I couldn’t help but burst into laughter at the funny reaction.
In a way, it was a natural response.
Lily Elbrite has been praised as the absolute number one character among Deoen’s countless character creations.
Even if some people with unique tastes don’t choose me as number one, it’s safe to say I’m at a top-tier level that everyone can agree on.
When I first appeared, my character caused quite a stir, and many characters with blue hair and blue eyes were created in an attempt to replicate me.
Yet, they still can’t really capture my essence.
Lily Elbrite is not just any person.
Even at this moment, hundreds, even thousands of emails asking for tips on character creation are flooding in, but I’m ignoring them all.
I didn’t create my character myself, nor do I plan to share how; even if I could, I wouldn’t want to.
“Why would I want to churn out copies of myself?”
Unless I go completely insane and spin out of control for the third time, that’ll never happen.
Yena shakes her head as she sits down.
“That really packs a punch. If Choco’s getting that kind of reaction, she must be really surprised.”
“Well, she has every right to be surprised.”
Especially since my mysterious character was modeled after a real person?
The ripple effects would undoubtedly grow beyond what I could imagine.
At 15 years old, when I first emerged as a Saintess, I received an immense amount of attention.
While I should consider my “Saintess” status, the biggest factor people focused on during my debut was my appearance.
Alongside that appearance, I faced a lot of nasty malice.
In fact, half of my notoriety came from that malice.
“But is that really okay?”
“What’s up?”
“Um, it’s just… I’m not saying I don’t trust Choco… but… if more people know…”
Truth be told, Yena had received prior notice that Choco was coming for a visit, and she asked me to keep her whereabouts under wraps for a bit while we chat.
The only reason we get to watch from the VIP seating is entirely thanks to Choco, but revealing my identity is a different issue altogether.
Still, I didn’t leave.
“It’s fine. Choco’s not the type to blurt things out.”
“That is true, but…”
“Besides, Choco won’t say anything.”
“?”
I turned my head.
– I will definitely win and lift the third trophy!
The giant screen was showing Choco’s pre-interview.
Choco’s voice echoed throughout the entire stadium.
“Just as Choco knows my face, I also know a secret about Choco.”
“? What is it?”
As Yena tilted her head, I shook mine.
“That Choco is Candy Star.”
No one in the media or community knows that Choco is Candy Star.
Most people are aware that Choco has an alternate character, but almost no one suspects that it’s Candy Star.
Even Yena, who has met both Candy Star and Choco, is in doubt.
If anyone knows, it would probably be a friend or family member of Choco.
So, Choco will never blab about my face.
“Because the fact that I’m a ‘magical girl’ is something I absolutely don’t want to reveal.”
I placed my finger on my mask and smiled.
“It’s a secret.”
■
6 PM.
It’s the time when the sunset begins and signals the start of Deoen.
The lights of the massive stadium go out simultaneously, and the light converges to one side.
A gigantic, gray shrine stands as if representing the thrones of the gods, with connectors angled and dazzling effects expanding around it.
If it were Deoen, it would be an effect made by magic, but in the real stadium, it’s a product of science.
Glamorous effects created using cameras, lights, and drones capture the attention of the people inside the stadium.
Doom. Doom. Doom. As the tremendous drum sound resonates and all gazes finally meet in one spot.
Click.
In the center of the shrine, a single trophy shines under all the lights.
Behind the light, there is darkness.
Step. Step.
Someone walks out from the shadows.
“A fight for the throne. A journey spilling blood and sweat. And rivals.”
It’s Kim Yong-woo.
The exclusive caster for DCK who was in charge of the mock siege war and the actual siege war.
He emerges from the darkness dressed in a black suit.
Everyone holds their breath as they look at him.
“It has been a long journey. Behind the glamorous glory lies profound darkness. Among the twelve fierce warriors, only two teams remain.”
Drones move and create the logos of the two teams in mid-air.
One logo consists of three dark brown squares painted darkly, standing tall like a shrine.
The other one is a pure white bird enveloping a blue and red sphere.
The two teams rise spectacularly, then face each other.
“To claim the throne of summer, the two teams stand here. They shed their blood and sweat in this endeavor.”
Step.
Kim Yong-woo stops walking.
In front of him, the trophy shimmers with light.
“And rivals.”
As I touched the trophy, a dazzling effect erupted, and the lights of the stadium brightened dramatically.
With the main music announcing the DCK summer season, the entire shrine that had been shrouded in darkness revealed itself.
In front of the gigantic connection device, players from both teams faced each other.
“Hello?”
“……”
The captains of both teams glared at one another.
“Historically, the two teams have fiercely clashed. They exchanged victories and defeats as if in a dance.”
The screen displayed the stories of their past encounters.
Countless conflicts between the two teams.
The history of victories and defeats that unfolded in the process.
“And today! The victor of this contest will be decided.”
Click!
A square logo descended atop the CO.
“This is a team led by the ranker ranked 4th! Experienced hunters aiming for a third victory that has never existed in history! Team C~~~~ O!!!”
Whoa!!!
The cheers echoed as if the stadium would burst.
Once the cheers settled, Kim Yong-woo cleared his throat.
“The opponent is a team led by a player with a strong connection to the captain of CO. This is also a top-ranked team.”
Beep!
A dazzling bird descended upon the WoW.
“This time, we will definitely win! Team Wo~~~ W!!”
Once again, the cheers erupted.
Drones buzzed around, painting beautiful pictures, and the heightened atmosphere was enough to amplify the excitement.
“What do you think?”
“…I’m glad I came.”
I nodded at Yena’s quietly asked question, immersed in the electrifying atmosphere.
It certainly felt more vibrant than watching on screen or in Deoen.
Of course, it didn’t mean that the sensations in Deoen fell short.
But it was nice to purely feel without external factors like mana, holiness, or magic.
“Who do you think will win? Since I was invited, I’m rooting for CO.”
“Well… I’m not sure.”
To be honest, while Choco’s talent is outstanding, it’s significantly lower compared to Leo, Yena, and the alternate character Candy Star.
It would have been better if she had made her professional debut as Candy Star instead.
“We’ll have to wait and see.”
Whether they have broken through the wall they previously forced during the mock siege war.
Or if things remain the same.
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