I Have a Reason to Hate Streamers

Chapter 124

As time passed, the outline of the Prelude tournament became clear. The group stage had concluded, and the intense Round of 16 was also over. Now, only the strongest remained, with the quarterfinals having started just a few days prior.

Most of the teams that had been seen as strong contenders for the championship had survived. AT Cerberus, Reaper and Traveler’s Acid Gaming, and Phantom’s Veiled Nightmare all showed the results expected from top-tier teams.

Of course, there were teams that exceeded expectations.

Japan’s Falcon team, led by Insane, was one such team. Phantom had noted Insane as a player to watch out for, and Falcon proved themselves as an emerging powerhouse. Insane even went toe-to-toe with Hashashin, showcasing top-tier Swordmaster skills.

Looking at their roles, it would make sense to consider Hashashin superior. Assassin classes generally lack the raw combat power of Swordmasters. But it seemed Insane was quickly closing the gap to join the same ranks.

The rapid growth was extraordinary, almost incomprehensible. Perhaps something had sparked that growth.

"Well, I didn’t watch the match, though."

Even I can’t keep up with every match. Once Sigma was eliminated in the Round of 16, there was even less reason to follow. Their opponent was North America’s LB, an overwhelmingly powerful team.

And it was a Swordmaster. Naturally, that wasn’t a match I was keen to watch – after all, I still couldn’t wield a sword freely.

If only I hadn’t started Kendo. If I hadn’t clung to my parents as a kid. If I could have expressed myself openly. If I’d just studied and gone to college like other kids. If I’d had the courage to tell my parents I loved them even once before they passed. If I hadn’t been born. If I’d died during that childhood illness. If I’d fallen off that rooftop instead of crying in fear.

"Wait, scratch that last one – that was after the accident, so it wouldn’t matter anyway."

Whenever I pick up a longsword, these sticky thoughts creep in. Watching someone else’s Swordmaster match would only bring jealousy. Still, I hadn’t removed Swordmaster as my subclass, so my lingering attachment was just as persistent.

One day, I’d have to overcome this issue. I planned to visit my parents’ gravesite soon – there were things I wanted to tell them.

And... hmm...

“Da-eun, Da-eun?”

“Huh... Oh, yes?”

“We’re here. You’ve been pushing yourself too hard lately, haven’t you? Are you really okay?”

“I’m fine. Just spaced out a bit and nodded off, I guess.”

When did I even fall asleep? Coming to my senses, I realized Elderin had already parked in the underground garage.

It wasn’t the familiar studio I’d visited before. Unlike the sleek, clean studio, this building had an old, neglected air. Somewhere, it seemed there was a leak, as the air felt damp and smelled of mold.

Some pointed out other “attractions”... but I didn’t pay it much mind. Most of the constant harassment was probably just to tease me. I suppose I had enough bad karma to deal with.

It was something I’d have to tolerate. Occasionally, I wondered if they meant it sincerely.

Anyway, I didn’t mind webcam streams all that much. While there were some embarrassing memories, it marked a fresh start for me. Maybe I’d show my face more often in the future.

“What do you think? It’s one of the biggest stores in the country.”

“It’s huge. Honestly, the parking lot was a bit rough, though.”

“It’s an old shopping mall building. They have recording studios and filming spaces upstairs too.”

I planned to borrow Elderin’s studio temporarily. But I couldn’t rely on her forever, so I’d have to get my own setup eventually. That was why we’d come to this store selling streaming equipment.

I felt a surge of excitement. Buying gear always has a special thrill. The equipment filling the store looked almost as if it were glowing.

Today, I was set on buying a new microphone. There were so many options, I didn’t know where to start.

“If you’re unsure, you can test some out. Want to try?”

“Really? I can?”

“That’s why you come to a physical store. It’s hard to click ‘buy’ online with these prices. Better to use it and hear it for yourself.”

“Then, yeah, I’d love to try.”

“Alright, let’s go test it out together.”

I remembered the quick recordings I’d uploaded from my phone before. Compared to professional broadcasters, the sound quality was terrible. Remembering how people still enjoyed them warmed me inside.

Elderin and I toured the store, even checking out the recording studio. She had mentioned wanting to take a photo with me one day, so the filming area could come in handy.

Not right now, but maybe someday I’d grant her wish.

When the elevator reached the fourth floor, Elderin waved, looking surprised. She’d spotted someone she knew.

“Long time no see! Who’s this with you? She’s so pretty.”

“A close friend. She recently started streaming. Were you recording?”

“Yeah, just taking a short break.”

“Mind giving her a quick tour?”

“Sure! Shall we go?”

At first, I thought it was fine. How often would I get a chance to visit a recording studio in my life? The microphones here were supposed to be far more advanced than any broadcasting mic I’d get.

So, I’d eagerly followed along. But things were not quite as I’d expected.

“Is... is this how you’re supposed to do it...?”

I placed a silicone ear replica in my mouth, moving my tongue to gently tickle it, as I’d been shown. When I puckered and sucked on the earlobe, ASMR streamer “Ryeohee” gave me a thumbs-up from outside.

This was not what I had anticipated at all.