It was a match like that last round when you say, “Just one more game before bed.”
A fierce mental battle ensued, with the lead dangerously shifting back and forth. In the end, the victory was mine—a match where our expectations were exceeded.
I felt like entering the tournament had been worth it just for this. Meeting the pros wasn’t a first, but their behavior was completely different from solo rank.
It was a time when I could satisfy a competitive spirit that could never be fulfilled in solo rank. You know, they say it takes two hands to clap.
For the first time, I clashed with a pro who didn’t let their guard down and came at me with full force. Until now, the pros I faced in solo rank had either been holding back or… showed some form of complacency.
It was only because it was Orthodox, who I’d pre-sparred with, that he came at me with full effort. And persistently picking the Rogue class.
Moreover, when we sparred using the Rogue class, he wasn’t putting in full effort since he was in a learning mindset. He was much better in this recent match…
It was enjoyable.
There were many reasons, but fundamentally—it was simply enjoyable.
Hence, a palpable sense of anticipation was building.
Apologies to Orthodox…but he was, after all, a retired player and coach. Regardless of everything, it’s hard to maintain the same skill level as when he was in active play due to time investment issues.
How good will Pagol be?
He’s an active pro. Besides, it’s the finals, so there’s no way he’d let his guard down. Especially after watching the recent match.
-His main character was…a knight, I believe.
I liked that aspect as well. After all, in KoK, the most satisfying opponent to slash through was the knight. Whether or not I could defeat him would depend on actually facing him, but as a target, it was sufficient.
-Knock Knock
“Entering in 10 minutes!”
While trying to calm my throbbing heart and doing some image training, a staff member momentarily entered the waiting room to inform us of the match time. Was it already that time? I needed to decide on the build… the build strategy.
Would it be sword and shield? I hadn’t seen the actual match, but based on the records, he seemed to favor sword and shield the most.
What should I use to counter?
The first thing that came to mind was the Rogue. When cornered, it’s natural to think of the character you are most familiar with; I was no different.
But—
The finals would be best of five, so…
There were at least three opportunities. And deep in my heart…there was still an incompletely burned-out Great Sword Knight.
I wanted to clash once more. Especially since I had lost. Even if I couldn’t redeem myself, I wanted to face it again while I still had another chance.
***
“The two players have entered the arena! Now, let’s find out who will claim the Frozen Throne representing South Korea! How do you see today’s match, mr. Raquel?”
“Ah, it’s a tough one. Though Pagol is impressive today, GetDevoured’s momentum is extraordinary. Even though GetDevoured recorded her first loss against Orthodox, the process of that defeat was anything but ordinary. In this match, her tenacity and foresight—immediately looking ahead even when her plans falter—are noteworthy traits that stand out.”
“Yes, indeed! It looks like we’re in for a very close match! Excuse me, viewers, my voice is a bit raspy today. So, both players have to contemplate their character choices carefully! As both sides proceed cautiously, what choices will they make? Ah, just now! Pagol selects the Holy Knight! What do you think, mr. Moose?”
“Pagol’s choice of the Holy Knight is a solid and stable one, essentially acknowledging GetDevoured’s skill. Given her formidable ability, Pagol can’t afford to experiment with unfamiliar characters, despite GetDevoured being an amateur. However, GetDevoured is yet to know her opponent’s pick of the Holy Knight!”
“Ah, GetDevoured is still mulling over her decision. You know the saying—’A fox with over a hundred tricks often ends up using none of them.’ But GetDevoured is different! She’s the fox that showcases all her tricks at once!”
“Absolutely! And—ah, right at this moment! GetDevoured selects the Holy Knight! It’s a classic knight duel! Let’s see if she’ll demonstrate her signature greatsword skills today!”
With the commentators’ enthusiastic voices in the background, Yena stretched lightly after completing her pick. She looked sincerely focused, even taking off her outer garment and tossing it aside.
『Who decided the knight is her trademark』
『Does the Rogue Revival Movement look like a joke』
『No』
『Wow』
『WTF』
『Definitely a cunning fox LOL』
『This is unnecessarily cool』
On screen, as expected, the greatsword knight appeared. She wore standard armor, indicating she wouldn’t use previously exposed strategies.
The duel knight and the greatsword knight—while the audience’s expectations were similar, so were their concerns. Though it would be thrilling to witness mighty sword swings, it seldom happened that way.
Typically, the greatsword knight would measure the distance for a single decisive strike, while the duel knight would rely on their shield and fence cautiously. Matches with higher skill levels could be either highly entertaining or incredibly tedious, and this matchup leaned towards the latter.
Thus, as grumbles filled the chat, suggesting it would have been better to see a rogue instead—
About 30 seconds into the first set—
-Crunch!
“……Ah! GetDevoured delivers a clean parry followed by a decisive blow! With meticulous strategy, she takes the first set! Outstanding performance!”
“Is GetDevoured really a rookie? The psychological warfare leading up to the parry was exceptional. Ah, here’s the replay. Watch here, she twists her left foot, opens her body, and deliberately exposes a weak spot—it was a trap. As Pagol lunges, convinced of an opportunity… Look at her left arm—by that time, she was already swinging the greatsword. She was four moves ahead of Pagol!”
“Alright, Pagol needs to stay calm. It’s just the first set! There’s still plenty of time to recover!”
The match quickly heated up, contrary to expectations of a tedious standoff. The audience cheered, enchanted by the romantic notion of a single decisive greatsword strike.
Meanwhile, inside the game booth, Yena, the player herself, was baffled, tilting her head in confusion.
‘What’s this,’ she muttered to herself, inaudibly to anyone.
『Author: Queen GetDevoured Devoured King GetDevoured』
『Title: Great——–King』
『(Photo)』
Hey, it’s nuna.
Nuna tears people apart.』
– King———King
– It really doesn’t match her face.
– Is it you again…
– Isn’t the bloody mess too tragic?
– ㄴ It’s karma.
– There was a head before, but now there isn’t.
『Author: Anonymous』
『Title: Is this a finals?』
『What did I just see』
– I think the second set was different.
– ㄴ It was torn apart differently.
– ㄴ ㄴ People are seriously overreacting because a single round was given away. That’s why you can’t lose a single round to amateurs.
– ㄴ ㄴ Blood was just pouring.
– As long as the great sword was cool, it’s fine~
– ㄴ No, it should be in sync to look cool. Even GetDevoured looked flustered.
– ㄴ ㄴ That’s just her normal expression.
『Author: Anonymous』
『Title: Please, undress one more time』
『Hehe』
– Reporting.
– GetDevoured’s sins run deep.
– ㄴ The way she took off her outerwear was a bit too much like stirring the pot.
– ㄴ ㄴ What can she do if just removing uncomfortable clothes makes them boil over?
– ㄴ ㄴ I’m a fellow 육순 (육순?) and removing clothes does stir things up.
– No, no, seriously I got weird after seeing that…
– No, no, seriously, these guys are consistently idiots. I’m proud of them.
『Author: SwordDefenseIsGod』
『Title: No, but Pagol didn’t fail, right?』
『Even if the idiots at KoK forum don’t know which tier it is, they have no eye for the game at all, so let me tell you.
Pagol played in a very regular way.
But GetDevoured was on another level.
It’s absurd to parry a counter from SwordDefense’s restraint move with a greatsword.
For those thinking of switching to greatsword after watching this, please just let it go.』
– Is it okay to use great-great-greatsword then?
– No, nabung, please get a grip.
– No, there’s romance in great-great-greatsword.
– It just looked relatively bad because of the surprise move, yes, next round will be different.
『Author: ㅇㅇ』
『Title: Priest?』
『Is she really crazy?』
– ???
– No, theoretically it’s good. With healing and buffs, it becomes more advantageous the longer it goes.
– No, how can it go long with that, you idiot?
– Please, don’t solo rank anymore.
– If you have the skill to go long as a priest, just play a knight, damn it.
– GetDevoured originally did one-on-one as a priest.
– But that was just one time when she beat the boss.
– No, no, she did beat him well.
Thus, the second set began.
The screen showed GetDevoured with a deeply contemplative expression, and Pagol with a face clenched in determination—
“Uh… there was a mistake! Despite her poker face, did GetDevoured get a little nervous? She accidentally cast a heal on her opponent.”
“Yes, well… it’s not significant enough to affect the overall outcome… but, she has to be careful! A priest’s heal doesn’t discriminate between friend and foe!”
“Still, the priest remains in a favorable position. Not just in health, but the priest managed their stamina much better. It’s hard for the knight to close the gap.”
“Oh, another blow! GetDevoured’s staff deflects Pagol’s sword and strikes his shoulder! How many times has this happened already?”
The commentators struggled mightily to make this match sound exciting.
TL’s Corner:
Revenge is here.