Our team finished the final match, bringing the Sumr League to a close. From the first match that marked the beginning of the season to the last, the 90th match, we decorated both the start and end with victories, setting an incredible record with a perfect, scoreless set.
After the long journey, it's ti for the postseason. The playoffs, where the real champion is decided, are about to begin.
The playoffs of IKL are based on a double-elimination system, with 6 teams advancing. The 1st and 2nd place teams from the regular league directly advance to the second round. The teams ranked 3rd through 6th compete in a tournant, divided into the winners' bracket and the losers' bracket.
What's unusual is that you can sowhat choose which team to face. We sotis gather to discuss our thoughts, and I've heard it's also intended to create rivalries for the fans to enjoy. So, today, I was here at the studio with Luche.
The filming began, and about 20 minutes in, the announcer walked around asking for comnts. As I blankly stared at the cara, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching. It seed like it was our turn.
"Now, we have the player who always makes headlines, Ga-wol, aiming for the Royal Road. This is his first ti advancing to the playoffs. Can we get your thoughts?"
"Ah... Royal Road. I hadn’t thought about that. Of course, my goal is to win, so I guess it's a bonus achievent if I manage to do that as well."
"Ah, a bonus achievent. You've been singled out as a key player to watch in many discussions today. How do you feel about that?"
"I’m not really surprised. Just because I’m being noticed, I don’t think anything will change."
At that mont, I started to respect the other players more. Just as I no longer envied strears as much, the sa applies to pro gars now. After a ga, I’d even go as far as to say, 'It was a good match' out of politeness.
But that’s a separate issue from confidence.
My image with the public is pretty solid, and if I try to change it awkwardly, it won’t be well-received. So, it’s better to make use of it. I had no intention of toning down my comnts.
Besides, I had been in front of a cara multiple tis by now. The hundreds of hours of broadcast ti had already passed! The Hadaun who trembled in front of a microphone and cara was a thing of the past.
"So, Ga-wol, is there any player you're particularly cautious of?"
"Heckate and Callia."
"Pardon?"
"Ye-won and Eun-chae are good, but they tend to trip up every now and then in strange places. You know, the most dangerous thing... is not the enemy, but… well, you get it."
"Hahaha. It’s great to see you bring up that point humorously. I hope your teammates won’t make any mistakes during the gas."
Everyone, including the filming crew, burst into laughter.
Well, look at how they’re packaging it up. It was really just a little jab, but they made it sound like sothing else.
Both Hoh-eun and this announcer. I guess you need this level of skill if you’re going to make a career out of language. This industry has too high of a barrier for to step into, it seems.
After , naturally, it was Luche’s turn to continue the interview.
"Luche, you've always been a familiar face in the playoffs. Unprecedented! You’ve set a record of a perfect, scoreless season in the regular league. Do you think this record can be maintained?"
"I don’t put much significance on the record itself. I only think about winning every match."
"Can you share what strategies you’ve been preparing for the playoffs?"
"We’ve been preparing to counter whatever strategies other teams bring."
As expected, Luche’s atmosphere was quite different from mine. He answered like soone providing the textbook response for a pro gar. Most of the veteran players gave answers similar to his.
After a round of interviews, it was ti for the team selections to begin.
With the authority of being the top team in the regular league, we had the first pick, and it was already decided who we would choose.
"We’ll go with Q Pri."
"Breaking the expectations of many, you chose the 4th ranked team. Can you share the reason?"
"I’m confident regardless of which team cos up, but I thought Q Pri would be the team we have the best synergy with."
Luche’s words were just a formal response. In reality, he wanted to face ACL and Galaxy Gaming.
The playoff matches are more important than the regular league. The research on the newly buffed off-ta classes should be wrapping up by now, and each team must have a secret weapon or two. I wanted to see what cards they had prepared by matching them early.
Next, Galaxy Gaming chose Horizon, the 6th ranked team, and Q Pri picked Wild Spirits. As a result, ACL was left as our first opponent, assuming there’s no upset in the matchups.
"Holy, you’re up for the first match in the playoffs. If you win, you’ll face Sigma eSports. Any words?"
"You can’t think of it the sa way as the regular league. That’s all."
[Author: Sigma Heckate] [Title: Daeun Said Sothing Bad in the Interview]
(Attached photo: Daeun holding up a sign saying "I won’t talk back")
Scolded her. Poor thing.
[Comnts]
Hierarchy has been established.
Hahahahahahahaha
Why is her face so red? → Sigma Heckate: Teased her a lot.
In the first round of the playoffs, teams ranked 3rd to 6th will compete. That ans our team won’t have a ga in the first week. It’s not like we’re going to rest, but we had a day to go out.
Especially when the person I had to et wasn’t an ordinary one.
In front of the grill, the pork was sizzling. Master was expertly flipping the at.
"It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other."
"We’ve both been busy. But, are you sure you’re okay with this?"
"This is the place that suits my taste the most."
Since the accident, I hadn’t properly treated Master to a al. He’d refused before, and honestly, I hadn’t had the ti or luxury to do so.
Just managing my own affairs had been overwhelming. So, I never had the chance to repay the favor until today.
"Pork is also well done at many places."
"There’s a place here that does it best. Stop talking and put the kimchi on there."
"Yes…"
I had recomnded much fancier restaurants, but Master insisted on a simple samgyeopsal place. It wasn’t a place I didn’t know. We used to co here frequently before.
And there was one more thing. He had a request.
"That outfit looks good on you."
"Really? I don’t wear it often."
It was the uniform of my team, Sigma eSports, that I had brought with . He asked to show him wearing it, right in front of him.
So, I sat there wearing it. The sll of at would stick, but it was a functional outfit, so it was fine.
His expression as he looked at held a warm smile.
"I’m not just saying this. The outfit looks good. If there’s one with your na on it, send it over. Oh, I guess it’d be your nickna since you’re a pro gar."
"Master, I don’t think they have your size."
"If they don’t, make one. You’ll send it to , right?"
"It’s a joke. But just in case, I brought one with . I’ll give it to you after we finish eating."
"Ah, you’re growing up, aren’t you? Now you even understand how to give hints. It’s been a long ti, a really long ti."
"…"
We talked briefly about recent news while eating. Master’s disciples had won silver dals in a dostic tournant. It was a great result. Kendo is no longer just a national sport; it’s now an elite sport.
He seed to keep up with my news too. He said he knew I’d do well and gave a lot of praise. It made happier than other people’s complints.
One thing I worried about though, was that I hoped he didn’t watch my broadcasts. That would be a bit embarrassing, especially the streams.
"You look a lot better these days."
"People say that a lot recently. It doesn’t feel like I’m walking around grinning all the ti."
"Before, you were... a little like that. But now that you’re eating well, you look more presentable. Keep it up."
"I’ll try."
Maybe because it had been a while? The samgyeopsal with Master was truly delicious. I had been avoiding greasy food, but it went down easily, almost like a lie.
In fact, I think I ate even more than usual. Ti passed quickly as we sat for over an hour.
After the al, he handed a peppermint candy.
Back in the day, it was always the three of us, , my friend, and Master, who ca here. And at the end, we always finished with this peppermint candy.
The sweetness of the candy tasted strangely violent.
"Now, go back. We’re done here."
"Already?"
"I’ve got a lot to do. You’ve got a tournant too."
"Okay, please pass this to your wife. And don’t open it."
I gave him the gift set I’d prepared. It wasn’t anything expensive, but it contained two hotel al vouchers. I had asked Luche for the best recomndation for a place to visit together.
It should be perfect for a quiet trip.
I knew he wouldn’t accept it if I just handed it over, so I had to do it like this.
On our way back, Master turned around.
"Daeun."
"Yes?"
"About the tournant you’re doing. After it’s over, can you take a day off?"
"One day should be fine."
"Good. Then I’ll see you later. Prepare well for the tournant."
And so, the intense ti flowed again.
Reviews
All reviews (0)