It’s not that kind of malicious broadcast

A pro gamer. Someone who made a living playing games and earned money from it.

If you define it that way… then aren’t game broadcasters a type of pro gamer as well? It seemed like a reasonable argument, but that thought didn’t quite sit right.

Perhaps it was because I didn’t want to play word games with the title “pro gamer”.

In any field, the gap between a professional and an amateur was vast. When someone dedicated an extraordinary amount of effort to something that seemed trivial at first glance, there was often a sarcastic remark along the lines of “Are you trying to go pro?”

There was a reason for that.

People called someone ‘pro-level’ when praising an amateur because of the same reason. And because the common retort to that praise was, “If they were pro-level, they would’ve gone pro.”

All of this pointed to the same conclusion: the barrier to becoming a professional was high and solidly built.

Only those who had experienced it could truly understand.

Like me.

From the first season of KoK to the beginning of season 3, I aspired to be a pro gamer—failed and gave up. I could probably have cracked the dwindling talent pool of a declining league around season 5 or 6, but by then, I was too scared to go back to being a pro gamer trainee.

I thought it was even more out of reach now.

So, why hide it?

To me, the title of a pro gamer carried a slight intimidation and a bit of admiration… it was a word with that kind of power. The more it was impossible for me to attain, the more it stood out.

And when a pro gamer said they wanted to learn something from me, it naturally made my heart race.

To be honest, I was a little thrilled… so much so that I wanted to turn on my broadcast and brag to my viewers. But I held back, thinking I shouldn’t reveal any strategies if it was for a professional match.

『SYSTEM: (Revan) has invited (CravingWarmAmericano) to the group chat! Enjoy your chat 😊』

『Revan: Hello』

『CravingWarmAmericano: Hello』

『Orthodox: Good evening, I am Orthodox from GP Hustlers. Thank you very much for your time today.』

『Orthodox: We have a huge fan of yours on our team, GetDevoured-nim. We’ve heard a lot about you.』

『CravingWarmAmericano: Oh, it’s my pleasure.』

『Revan: To introduce properly, CravingWarmAmericano is a broadcaster on Tw*tch and prepared most of the strategies for our tournament. She’s quite skilled.』

『Revan: Extremely skilled.』

『CravingWarmAmericano: That’s too kind. Thank you for your compliment.』

『Revan: ??』

『Revan: Anyway』

『Revan: You two can start your discussion now』

Revan’s response seemed less than enthusiastic.

『Revan: If you feel uncomfortable, let me know.』

『Revan: You can cut it short anytime.』

『Revan: Don’t feel burdened.』

I wondered why he was sending private messages when the chat room was just fine. I responded with an emoji and shifted back to my conversation with Orthodox.

『Orthodox: Thank you once again for making time!』

『Orthodox: Honestly, I couldn’t just let it pass; GetDevoured’s strategy seemed too promising and viable, I couldn’t ignore it.』

『Orthodox: So, can we ask a few questions through voice?』

『Orthodox: Ah, our coach will mainly be asking. I’ll, of course, listen in, but our coach specializes in combinations and strategies.』

『CravingWarmAmericano: Sure.』

After a brief ringing tone, a somewhat flippant voice was heard.

<>

“Yes. I can hear you.”

So this is Orthodox, huh. A gamer I hadn’t heard of in my past life… but their image is a bit different from what I saw online.

<>

Ah, so it’s not them. Then this must be—

<>

“Yes. Hello.”

<>

Visit… visit, huh.

It might not be impossible. I’ve already been out for a gathering. It’s good to force myself to create opportunities to go out… and it’d be interesting to visit a pro gaming team’s practice room after such a long time.

But for some reason, I felt reluctant.

“Due to circumstances, it would be difficult.”

<>

“Yes.”

<>

“Pardon?”

<>

Overseas league… if I said it was, would that be right? In my past life, it was the European powerhouse V7 that used it for the first World Series and won.

But I was the first to come up with the 2-Underground strategy centered around rogues…

And the first World Series hasn’t been held yet.

“… To my knowledge, it’s not.”

<>

Why do I feel a slight discomfort in my chest?

Is this withdrawal? I drank a lot yesterday, so I was trying to take it easy today.

Next to the Polaroid photos that StarPork handed me in a bundle, I filled a tiny espresso cup with soju and took a sip.

Ah, that’s a bit better.

“It’s because of the rules. It’s ideal for a knight or a mage to take on the farming role.”

<>

“Pardon?”

<>

It’s not wrong.

Having the roamer handle some of the interference would be a big help. It depends on the composition and traits.

But, a bit.

Just a bit, isn’t it.

“Uh, coach? What I meant was whether we could adjust the ratio of roles midway, and-”

<>

“…Traits can be varied based on the composition. Yes. In extreme cases, the rogue might pick stealth.”

<>

“Well… Stealth becomes a more favorable trait as the tier increases. And for the other traits… except for acceleration, all high-level traits can be useful depending on the composition.”

<>

Ah, I understand now.

“Coach Bringer.”

<>

“Before explaining, it might be better if I do a demonstration.”

<>

“Orthodox-nim?”

<<…Yes, GetDevoured-nim. What I wanted to say is->>

“See you underground. I’ll create the room.”

I, can’t tolerate this anymore.

* * * *

『CravingWarmAmericano: Can I apologize in advance?』

『Revan: Oh』

『Revan: What’s it this time』

『CravingWarmAmericano: I feel a bit sorry because I might get the necks of those you introduced cut off』

『CravingWarmAmericano: I’m a bit sorry』

『Revan: ??』

『Revan: What’s going on』

『CravingWarmAmericano: No, it’s nothing in particular』

[Revan: No, your tone of voice has completely changed.]

(Revan is typing a message…)

[Revan: I’m sorry.]

[Revan: I introduced him to you because I never thought he would do anything strange.]

[Revan: I’m not sure what happened yet, but I’ll check and take care of it.]

[CravingWarmAmericano: No.]

[CravingWarmAmericano: He hasn’t done anything yet.]

[CravingWarmAmericano: Take care of it later.]

(Revan is typing a message…)

[Revan: Anyway, from the sound of it, it looks like you’re going to duel him.]

[CravingWarmAmericano: Yes.]

[Revan: Well then…]

(Revan is typing a message…)

[Revan: Go win.]

[Revan: I have a feeling you’ll win even without my support.]

[CravingWarmAmericano: Ah.]

[CravingWarmAmericano: Can I capture this and post it?]

…

[CravingWarmAmericano: Ahri.]

[StarPork: ???? Yes, yes, yes, yes.]

[CravingWarmAmericano: Are you busy?]

[StarPork: No? Not at all? I’m off today!]

[StarPork: But when are you going live?]

[StarPork: It’s too much to not give any notice about streaming…]

[CravingWarmAmericano: … I should go live soon.]

[CravingWarmAmericano: Anyway.]

[CravingWarmAmericano: If you have time, please join the Discourse screen share.]

[CravingWarmAmericano: And also]

(CravingWarmAmericano is typing a message…)

[CravingWarmAmericano: If you can play, please get ready.]