NABC Chapter 41
Chapter 41
[Posted by: Peropero]
[Title: Translation of Reaper's Round of 16 Interview]
Q. You had a bloody battle against Lime. How do you feel about it?
A. It was a valuable victory. For a veteran of Lime’s caliber to improve so much in such a short time is impressive. I came to respect him even more through this match.
Q. Since there’s no post-match interview for the group stage, we couldn’t ask this before. What do you think was the reason for your previous loss?
A. There’s never any other reason for my defeat. My opponent was well-prepared and skilled. I simply couldn’t overcome them.
Q. You’ve been vocal about your high regard for Gawol since the early rounds. Any particular reason?
A. I happened to watch her qualifying match footage. I simply made an accurate evaluation.
...
Q. Is there anyone you’d like to face next?
A. Since the tournament rules make it impossible to choose, I haven’t thought about a specific opponent yet. Whoever it may be, I’ll give it my all.
Q. Your ground technique in the final round of the second match has become a hot topic.
A. ... I think it was a good move. I don’t have much more to say on it.
Q. There’s a rumor that you had personal motives.
A. Absolutely not!
The camera panned to a man whose hands were trembling.
The scene appeared to be a modest room, likely a folding table in a studio apartment. In front of him was a white bowl filled with a scoop of mint chocolate ice cream and a serving of rice. He poured a can of soda over the concoction.@@@@
I skipped through the eating process—I didn’t need to see that. I only needed to confirm that he endured the hellish meal to completion. Satisfied, I crossed one more name off my hit list.
If you make a promise, you better keep it. Trying to escape only creates unnecessary noise.
There's always a price for betrayal. I left a comment: “Confirmed~.” A happy ending.
This year different? Luce, Traveler, and Gawol advance to the winners' bracketReaper advances to the Round of 16 after a bloody battle
In the losers' bracket, Reaper managed to defeat an enraged Lime and advanced to the Round of 16. I heard it was a fierce match, but I didn’t need to check. In the Round of 16, players don’t face off against others from the same group.
The referee decides the next opponent by random draw. Winners’ bracket entrants receive a No. 1 seed, and losers’ bracket entrants get a No. 2 seed, all mixed together. My opponent will be the No. 2 seed from any group except E.
One thing stood out from Reaper's interview.
‘Who to face next...’
At the moment, I couldn’t think of any standout players. They all held their own, but none seemed like Reaper or Cerberus level threats. With the average skill level so high, no one really stood out.
The test results show definite improvement.The changes are still minor and not yet meaningful, but there is overall progress.Putting too much strength in the right hand, which weakens the left-hand support. Should try using something like Menari for correction.Lacks basic strength.Has good natural physicality but lacks fundamentals and is showy. Won’t last long unless they change their mindset.
“Are you here alone? I was just about to leave. I could give you a lift if you’d like.”
“Oh, thank you.”
“Should I drop you off at the usual bus stop?”
“Actually, could you take me to the mall instead?”
“Of course. No problem.”
As we exited the building, Luce adjusted her pace to match mine. Being next to her made me feel at ease.
It’s because she doesn’t pity me. She’s been where I am and doesn’t give me those looks that make you feel wretched. She simply reaches out a hand when I need it.
“If it’s a mall nearby, the one by the terminal might be best. Shall we head there?”
“Yes, please. I don’t need to buy much, so anywhere is fine.”
“Shopping, huh? No one’s joining you?”
“I’m fine on my own.”
After a short walk through the parking lot, the door to an elegant car opened. I didn’t know much about cars, but I could tell this one was expensive—its luxurious look alone was enough, and I rarely saw cars like this on the street.
Hesitantly, I settled into the passenger seat, and the engine roared to life.
“Da-eun.”
“Yes?”
“We’ve known each other for quite a while, haven’t we?”
“Well, yeah. Since the first time I came for rehab.”
An occasional conversation or the rare ride—that’s the extent of our connection. Yet, it had already been years.
Still, I couldn’t get used to this car. I knew the wheels were moving, but there was hardly any vibration. Just how expensive was this thing?
Does this mean pro gamer salaries in Korea can afford cars like this? The thought made my head spin.
“So, could I come along to the mall too?”
“Of course, I don’t mind... wha-?”
“You seem surprised! You can turn me down if it’s too much. I know I’m being a bit sudden.”
“No, it’s just that I thought you’d be busy. I’d hate to impose...”
“Not at all. I want to join you. I’m not that busy today.”
I nodded. It’d probably be better than wandering alone.
Since I’d become a woman, this was my first time going to the mall. Shopping centers were always the last place I wanted to be. They felt like dungeons crawling with monsters.
“So, I’m officially invited now?”
“As long as you’re there to shop, too.”
“Me? Of course, I need to shop. It’s been ages since I last went.”
Wait, ages? A glimmer of hope crossed my mind.
That’s right. Luce is a pro gamer. After spending so much time in games, she must be intimidated by these social spaces. Maybe she, too, finds malls uncomfortable, despite her flashy exterior. We were comrades walking a dangerous path together.
But I should confirm just in case.
“When was the last time you went?”
“Hmm, maybe a month ago? I meant to go earlier, but time just slipped away.”
...Traitor. You’ve betrayed me.