I Have a Reason to Hate Streamers

Chapter 30

How long has it been since I started this game?

I've spent most of my time here alone.

The few conversations I've had were almost exclusively about "work."

Other than that, it was mostly just trivial banter with targets right before they died.

And even then, most of them just spat curses back at me—boring.

But things are different now.

Humans are evolving creatures, after all. Somewhere along the line, my social connections have, too.

Now, I can even assemble a full party from the people on my friends list!

[Party Members List]

[Party Leader: Eldorin (Mage)]

[Gawol (Assassin)]

[MountainBird (Bard)]

[Sulbbang (Warrior)]

[AboojiDolgwolRogayu (Berserker)]

Sulbbang and I are... well, not exactly the typical crowd...

Actually, Eldorin suggested we all get together again.

It was nice meeting up like this, but all we had to do in the game was either chat or go hunting.

Naturally, everyone leaned toward party hunting.

I called MountainBird, who then pulled in Dolgwol to complete our roster.

In the end, it was the two ordinary people who had gathered around that SSA Guild incident reuniting again.

"So, Sulbbang, was there a story behind your username? I remember asking on your stream once, but I never got an answer."

"Oh, that? Well, my parents used to bring home steamed bread buns all the time. When I was young, I wondered why anyone would eat those..."

"Hahaha! I get it; it's an old-fashioned food. They don’t sell them much these days. Do they have some special meaning to you?"

"No, not really... I was just going to joke about it not having any sentimental story... It was actually just a food item in a game I used to play... Sorry about that."

"Uh-huh..."

Dolgwol, our berserker, was a fan of Sulbbang's.

MountainBird, too, seemed to be a regular viewer of Eldorin’s stream, so the party vibe was good from the start.

MountainBird and Eldorin made a particularly good pair.

Both of them had that social butterfly vibe and kept chatting endlessly.

I couldn’t keep up with that and just listened instead.

Still, there was a peculiar joy in just watching others have fun.

Just knowing that those two didn’t exclude me made me feel like I belonged.

This is how a lone wolf stockpiles warmth, I suppose...

"So, what did you used to do, Gawol?"

"Yeah, I’m curious, too! I saw on Yurang’s stream that you’d probably be good at sports."

"You sure watch a lot of streams, MountainBird..."

"Well, I work alone, so I often have streams playing even when I’m not gaming. I watched all of Gawol’s matches too! You were amazing."

"Ahem."

It feels good to hear praise like that.

I don’t really enjoy talking about my past, but there's no reason to tremble at the thought of it.

It’s something I’ll have to face someday. I just haven’t managed it yet.

I chose my words carefully.

"Yes, I used to play sports. Not anymore, though."

"Got it. Are you flexible, by any chance? There’s talk that you might be... you know... really agile."

"Hmm... I wouldn’t know. I’ve never compared myself to anyone. But I don’t think I’m stiff or anything."

Compared to my original body, this one is definitely more flexible.

I used to wield a bamboo sword all the time as a kid.

Still, it’s a woman’s body. Softer than a guy with muscles etched into his torso, I guess.

Either way, the conversation was veering too much toward real life.

That made me uncomfortable.

My vision went dark for a moment, then cleared to reveal a pristine-looking stage.

A few people had already gathered, chatting in small groups.

Unfortunately, I didn’t see Luce anywhere.

I must have looked a bit lost because a familiar figure approached me.

"Hello! First time here, right?"

"Ah, yes."

"Please take a seat and wait. I’ve shared the order and rules earlier, but if you missed it, you can check them again. First of all..."

Caster Hoeun—a familiar face in local tournaments.

Hearing his voice in person was strange, having only ever heard it through broadcasts.

I listened as he explained the details.

"So, your seeding is 11th."

"Thank you. That helps."

"A highlight reel will come out before the draw starts. You... can expect a lot of attention. You’re popular overseas, you know?"

"Excuse me?"

"Oh, you didn’t know? Well, enjoy it this time."

He sounded a bit cryptic.

I’m popular overseas?

Maybe he had me confused with someone else?

No matter how I thought about it, I couldn’t make sense of it.

I hadn’t done anything to draw attention from abroad.

Even when I searched for "Gawol" or "Kawol," nothing special came up.

The most I found was a months-old post about some player raging in ranked matches.

That was nothing new—just another day in the life.

"Everyone’s here! We’re starting the rehearsal. Does anyone need more time?"

Once everyone had arrived, a quick rehearsal ensued.

The point was to get a feel for the order and flow.

They mentioned highlight reels and player interviews, only giving us the sequence and moving on.

I spaced out through most of it.

I’d done plenty of rehearsal back in my player days.

Still, it felt strangely unfamiliar now.

Maybe it was because this was a game, not the real thing?

"We’re going live shortly!"

I sat in my seat and watched the other players as the producer called the start.

Some seemed like they wanted to talk to me but held back for some reason.

"And now... Acid Gaming Reaper!"

The introduction of the finalists began with a highlight reel.

Players from around the world—names I’d heard at least once.

The North Americans, Europeans, Japanese, Chinese, and Middle Eastern players all made their appearances.

And in the midst of those names, there was me.

"And next up... someone who’s been making waves recently. Known in English-speaking circles as the Korean Tea-bagging Girl!"

"......?"

"Main class: Assassin! Subclass: Sword Dancer! Here’s Gawol’s highlight reel!"

The moment the announcer spoke, everyone’s eyes turned to the screen.

The reel started with me dunking an archer into the ocean.