The finals were definitely the finals.
Before the real match started, there were various events.
A few days ago, I was called in for some trash talk, and they filmed and photographed me from different angles.
It seemed like my ground techniques were quite popular.
A video was playing where I had a camera sphere tucked into my thigh.
It showed me blindfolded, stabbing with a dagger.
I had never acted before, so I was a bit worried.
But it seemed like my tense expression actually came out with a cold impression.
Looking at it like that, it did seem a bit risqué.
The voice accompanying the visuals felt a bit embarrassing too.
Well, I hope it’s okay.
– Kelberos… isn’t that a nickname anyone who plays this game has heard at least once?
– But then, I’ve caught my fair share of famous people.
– I wouldn’t say there’s anything particularly different about them.
– Just wait. I’ll definitely dunk you in the seawater.
I thought all this was scripted.
But they made me try it out, and I remember struggling quite a bit.
There’s no trash talk culture in Kendo.
Still, it was fun to remember.
I didn’t want to hold back too much, so I went for it, and the staff seemed to enjoy it.
After the performance by the invited singer ended, the commentators’ voices started to be heard.
“Hello! The moment we’ve all been waiting for, the Infinity Arena Finals! This is your caster, Ho-eun!”
The predicted match results from the pre-match investigation showed an 8:2 ratio favoring my loss.
That was expected. Even though I defeated the Ripper to get here, my opponent is Kelberos.
He’s a player recognized by all, and just considering the class dynamics, I’m at a disadvantage.
On the other hand, having 20% betting on me means I did pretty well.
The underdog’s rebellion in sports is always enjoyable.
Next up was the player introductions rolling out with highlight videos just like during the group selection ceremony.
In my video, there was still the archer getting dunked in seawater, and somehow caught was Haruka under Silver Magic.
Seeing that nickname “Korean Tea-bagging Girl” again means they’re not planning to let it go anytime soon.
It seems they’re still enjoying that meme in the English-speaking world.
The timing of my match against the Muse must have been the cause.
I know it’s my own fault… but still, can’t I do something about it?
Thankfully, this was the finals.
Unlike back then, my highlights were far more impressive this time.
The first round against Rime, who led the weapon break with a double clone.
The first engagement with the Ripper using a Chain Scythe. The exchange of daggers during a brawl.
The ground battle with the Muse, and the recent bombardment of the undead in the snowy fields.
Probably from Crow’s perspective.
The video ended with me approaching to finish him off.
With a silence, I stepped onto the stage.
“Well, really… Who could have predicted this? The nameless assassin from the Far East has made it all the way here. It’s Gawol!”
“Defeating North America’s spear, scattering England’s nightmare, and taking down South America’s Muse, the rising star. Until now, he hasn’t given a single set victory to anyone!”
“Who can still call this player a mere trickster or dark horse? It seems right to say he has clearly entered the ranks of acknowledged strong players. Let’s wait and see what strategy Gawol will showcase next.”
“Next…”
Next up was Kelberos.
The top contender for the championship walked out calmly, no words necessary.
The winner of last year’s mid-season international war.
He has claimed numerous victories in the European League and his name is never absent when mentioning MVPs.
Under his feet, the Traveler and Luce had crumbled.
Thinking about that makes me quite angry.
It’s not that I particularly liked Luce being the strongest.
But as a fan, I can’t help but feel a surge of revenge.
A little appropriate anger has a way of becoming vitality and momentum. With that fiery spirit boiling inside, I stepped onto the stage and faced Kelberos.
The arch-nemesis Kelberos smirked and asked.
“I recently did another interview. I wonder if you saw it.”
“I did see it. Why?”
“Just curious if I’ve gotten better at reading my opponent’s skills.”
“Ha ha… I must admit, that’s true.”
Ah, this makes my revenge feel a bit blurry.
But still, I wouldn’t let him off the hook.
Professional gamers always shake hands before entering a match.
It’s a long-standing tradition, almost like a formal duel, and I liked that.
I didn’t like having to look up at him because of his large stature.
“Hey, where are you looking down at?”
*
[Infinity Arena Final – Match 1]
[Battlefield: The Place Where the Storm Sleeps]
[vs AT Kelberos (Mage Knight)]
As soon as the battlefield shifted, raindrops struck my body.
The cries of a ship swaying in the current and the twisted trees.
In the eerie night shadow, I took my first step.
Choosing the Mage Knight likely meant it was a test phase?
This class is certainly better suited for trying out various approaches than the Assassin.
There was a good chance he was trying to read my moves before the real fight kicked off.
‘You’ll regret it. If you’re coming at me that way, I must win this match.’
I moved through the wreckage of a ship, using the ropes.
In this battlefield, darkness blinds the eyes and the sound of rain blocks the ears.
Right now, it’d be nearly impossible to find an assassin moving without using mana.
There’s no way he’d spot an ambush in advance.
What matters is how much damage I can inflict.
As soon as I located Kelberos, I pulled the rope as tight as I could.
Launching off the prow, I swung through using centripetal force.
I released the rope in the middle and plunged my dagger toward the nape of his neck.
“Kuuh…!”
Kelberos’ reaction speed was indeed astonishing.
His body twisted as my dagger barely grazed near his scapula, and soon, the unique chill of freezing magic targeted my ankle.
The stab was sharp, but the hit zone was narrow.
I retracted my foot and, using a lowered stance, retaliated directly.
My arm that was coming up from below was blocked.
From the other side, the retrieved sword exuded a chill.
I began with the tempo; should I attack now?
No. I have no solid counter for his retaliation. Trading hits now would only lead to my disadvantage.
In the end, I had to settle for taking a single shallow scratch as I stepped back.
“That’s too bad. I was prepping for this. I guess the first ambush can’t go by without damage.”
“If you could block everything, why would you even be an assassin?”
“That’s not wrong, I guess. But not everyone can succeed.”
My Coach and I came to a shared conclusion while analyzing Kelberos.
This guy isn’t just some gamer who plays in his room.
I don’t know what he did in the past, but it’s obvious he studied martial arts systematically.
It’s not surprising to say, “I learned martial arts.”
The battles in Infinity Black are based on movement.
Naturally, pro gamers receive various training, and it’s not uncommon to see former athletes entering the scene.
But even considering that, Kelberos’ execution is exceptional.
I can’t imagine he just started learning late in life.
So, my background as a former player isn’t some special weapon against him.
[You are under the effect of ‘Old Sage’s Chill’.]
[All movement speed decreases by 15%… ]
[You have successfully triggered the effect of ‘Arterial Slashing: Damage Enhancement’.]
[The enhanced hemorrhagic poison effect applies to the enemy.]
Every single attack is tricky.
Up close, his superior reach means kicks and blades will be flying my way, and if I fall back, spells will definitely rain down.
The moment I slip even a bit could lead to a collapsing situation.
Moreover, Kelberos is outstanding at solidifying his advantageous positions.
I absolutely must not create a situation that makes me anxious.
Though… for now, am I gaining an advantage?
While blocking a longsword, I used the tails of my coat to cover myself.
A spot that would be unseen by Kelberos.
Transforming the weapon in my hand into a projectile, I threw it directly at his feet.
Naturally missing to create a diversion.
At this point, it wouldn’t have been visible to Kelberos yet.
It means I wasn’t acting on what I showed him, but rather predicting his response.
“Indeed. Your low attacks are particularly sharp.”
“That’s a compliment.”
“But it’s odd. The overall execution seems most proficient in the mid and upper levels.”
“Hmph.”
With an ice spear flying toward me as if testing me.
I leapt up to dodge it and used my guard to deflect the sword strike.
Firing off a couple more spells, Kelberos distanced himself, expending his Blink.
That was quite a decent exchange.
In sports-style Kendo, low attacks aren’t used.
Commonly known as the distance of the ‘one step’.
In the range where I could leap in and strike, lowering my stance can become a weakness.
The most crucial target—my head would be easily exposed to the opponent’s sword.
But this is, after all, just a game.
Sticking solely to the style of Kendo would be blocking my own improvement.
Particularly, I needed to create a unique style concerning low attacks since taking a hit to my left foot would be troublesome.
Since it consumed significantly less time than upper-level and middle-level strikes.
That fact doesn’t mean that it’s a weakness—absolutely not.
“So? If you’re confident, prove it.”
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