Chapter 81
“Because it’s going to succeed anyway.”
The confident declaration resounded from the stream. Un Hyang’s eyes sparkled as she looked at the screen.
“As expected!”
She was already satisfied, though nothing had been achieved yet. That confident demeanor and the consistent ability to realize that confidence. This was the biggest pleasure of watching Lee Suhyuk’s stream.
‘The response is good, too.’
Un Hyang didn’t just enjoy the stream casually. As a manager, she did not forget her role, and she closely monitored the progress of the stream from time to time.
How the public opinion in the chat was. How the number of viewers was changing moment by moment.
『Viewers: 9,372』
Over 9,000 viewers had already gathered.
At this rate, reaching 10,000 viewers seemed only a matter of time. If the content’s sustainability was good, surpassing even 15,000 seemed quite achievable.
Now, 10,000 viewers didn’t seem that difficult anymore.
This meant that more and more viewers were looking for the streamer Lee Suhyuk.
‘There’s only one thing left now.’
Crunch.
Having recorded the viewer trends, it was time to enjoy the stream while snacking.
‘To complete this challenge perfectly.’
Much hinged on the success of this challenge. If he failed here, a potential video clip would be lost. The failure of one content meant that the streamer’s lifespan would be shortened accordingly.
That wasn’t all.
“To be honest, Lee Suhyuk is a dangerous streamer.”
This was the words of John Dale, a seasoned veteran in the field.
“Why?”
“Because he’s too outstanding.”
“Is that a problem?”
She couldn’t understand. Being good was an advantage. Especially for a player, having outstanding skills is the best advantage. And Lee Suhyuk was such a gem-like streamer born with that best advantage.
But.
“People who have always shown their excellence must continue to do so.”
Un Hyang couldn’t find any words to refute John Dale’s statement.
“Such types of streamers stream with absolute faith. And their viewers think this way: this streamer never fails. They will show something great today, too.”
Faith.
A beautiful, nice word. But the name of a trust that has been broken once is doubt.
“A single failure. That will be the turning point.”
That’s why John Dale said Lee Suhyuk was a dangerous streamer.
“The moment he fails once, he will lose everything on his stream.”
Every word was true. From that moment, even if Lee Suhyuk succeeded as a player, he would never be able to become a top-tier streamer. He would likely become just one of the many, moderate streamers.
But.
“There’s nothing to worry about.”
Un Hyang didn’t feel worried at John Dale’s words; instead, she felt even more anticipation building.
“I know someone who has accomplished what you mentioned, Team Leader.”
“Are you talking about real Suhyuk?”
“Yes.”
At Un Hyang’s answer, John Dale had a vague expression. And John Dale asked. Could he really become like Lee Suhyuk?
“See for yourself, Team Leader.”
This content was for those like John Dale, who had such doubts. And for the countless viewers who shared the same thoughts as John Dale.
“This person will go even higher.”
*
– Are you really doing it without Sky Walk?
In response to a chat, Suhyuk nodded.
“Yes. Would you like to see?”
Then he showed his bare feet, which had nothing on them.
“Look. See, nothing.”
Step by step, he walked slowly towards the scarecrow. Suhyuk started the Lee Suhyuk challenge.
– Oh, looks like he’s starting.
– Can you really do it without Sky Walk?
“I can.”
Unlike before, Suhyuk now had the leisure to watch the chat. It was an obvious difference. Suhyuk now was in better condition than before, and above all, the opponent wasn’t Ferius but a scarecrow.
Crackle.
『’Thunder Lv.5′ imbues his feet.』
His steps, which had been gradually speeding up, gained acceleration. The scenery shown on the screen changed in an instant. In the blink of an eye, he reached the front of the scarecrow and continued his commentary.
“Run forward.”
Flash.
Crackle.
With thunder imbued in his feet, he leaped high into the sky.
Swoosh.
Cleanly, he beheaded the scarecrow.
“Just like this.”
Thump.
And then smoothly landed back down.
“And then you come back down.”
– ???????
– ??????????
– ????
– What?
The events that unfolded in the blink of an eye filled the chat with question marks.
– Is this… right?
Other people are struggling so much with this.
– Did you do something else?
– It’s correct but… is it really?
Suhyuk asked the bewildered viewers, “Should I show you again?”
– Yes yes
– Re- go go
Suhyuk called another scarecrow. He then said, “This time I’ll do it a bit slower than before.”
Sssssss.
He performed the same movements at a slightly slower pace than before.
– Wow…
– It’s absurd how easily he does it.
– It’s the gear, it’s the gear, it’s the gear, it’s the gear, it’s the gear.
– Is this really possible? lololol
They thought the challenge was about succeeding in one try. In reality, Suhyuk demonstrated not just by succeeding on the first try, but mastering the speed to his liking. He proved that he could succeed no matter how many times he tried.
– How did you do that?
At a viewer’s question, Suhyuk furrowed his brows under the mask.
“How did I do it?”
Finding it difficult to explain, Suhyuk created another scarecrow.
“Just like this…”
Paaat-.
This time, without using lightning, he ran quickly and jumped high.
“Jump.”
Swipe-.
When he reached the height around the opponent’s head, he sliced its neck with a blade.
“Slash.”
Tap-.
He landed softly with balance.
“Balance yourself, and then stand up again.”
– This is serious. I don’t understand anything..
– Aha! I perfectly understand! (I don’t understand.)
– I said I understood! Hahaha, really!
– Someone seriously needs to nerf this guy.
– Simply put, you just have to do it.
And it was indeed like that. He wanted to share the method but there was no way to teach it.
‘I’m not really good at teaching.’
Unless there was some special tip, there was no way to explain what came naturally to him.
Suhyuk scratched his head for a moment, then said, “Anyway, the challenge is complete…”
Waving his hand lightly, he concluded the stream.
“That’s it for today’s stream. See you tomorrow.”
– ?????
– Wait a moment
– Is it really ending like this?
『’Lee Suhyuk’ has ended the stream.』
***
The stream ended. As he often did, Suhyuk called Un Hyang right after the stream ended. Late evening. Un Hyang stepped outside the dorm and answered Suhyuk’s call.
– Wasn’t that too abrupt?
“You did well. The video angles were good, and the team leader mentioned not dragging out content for too long.”
It served as a feedback session of sorts. They would discuss whether the stream went well, if there were any issues, or if anything needed improvement.
– It’s a bit disappointing that I couldn’t answer properly earlier.
“No, it’s better this way.”
– Better, huh…
“I’m not just saying it. It looks more genius-like if even you don’t know how you do it, doesn’t it?”
Suhyuk readily agreed with Un Hyang’s words.
– You’re right.
Suhyuk had vaguely sensed it too. Seeing him avoid detailed answers fit the image the viewers have of Lee Suhyuk. Although he thought explaining a bit more would seem friendlier.
“I’ve told you many times, Suhyuk, just keep being yourself. No need to put on any act. No.”
Un Hyang spoke with utmost certainty.
“That’s how it must be.”
– Is that so?
Reassured by Un Hyang’s words, Suhyuk felt confident again.
“Yes. I’ll be back a bit late because of a promise. Rest well.”
Click-.
With those words, Un Hyang ended the call. It was the first time she had ever ended a call with Suhyuk first, something she didn’t realize at the moment.
She slowly walked into the alley. She met the person she had promised to see.
“You came fast.”
With one hand in his pocket and the other fiddling with a kit as usual, Cheon Ryang stood there.
“Why are you so late?”
“Work. Sorry.”
“Sorry, huh? You must really feel sorry if you’re buying food first.”
Un Hyang couldn’t say anything to Cheon Ryang’s remark. She had no right to. No matter how thick-skinned she was, she had sent Cheon Ryang to take care of something on her behalf, so she had no excuses.
“Pick whatever you want to eat. And drinks too.”
“I’ll choose something really expensive.”
“Sure, sure. Choose something expensive. Your nuna’s rich.”
Un Hyang responded playfully. She knew that Cheon Ryang’s words were meant to ease her guilt. Their banter lasted only a short while. Suddenly, Cheon Ryang’s expression hardened, and he spoke in a changed tone.
“We… might not be able to stay here much longer.”
Cheon Ryang had spent a lot of time contemplating before bringing this up. And eventually. He said it.
“That damned old man found out everything. Where you are and what you’re doing.”
***
9th Floor.
A world that only a very select few players, who possess chosen talents and exceptional effort, can reach. If reaching the 8th floor earns a player the title of Ranker, those who make it to the 9th floor are so rare that they are called High Rankers.
In the heart of the busiest city in that world, the Blue Zone executive house was located.
“So, it’s a rejection again…”
A man with short, spiky hair and a tattoo on one arm mumbled while resting his chin on his hand. In front of him was a nameplate.
Vice-Guild Leader of Blue Zone, Lee Wonjae. Just to be sure, he looked at the screen in front of him once again.
“I promised treatment equivalent to a semi-ranker. This message came not from me, but from the higher-ups of the guild!”
Paul Rimen. He was a lower-floor player belonging to Blue Zone. Though he was quite a low-ranking member, he had two important missions. The first was to serve as a catalyst for Omar Schneider to conquer the Thunder Cave.
The second was to bring the streamer Lee Suhyuk into Blue Zone.
However, “There’s no way there isn’t.”
“I’m rejecting that offer.”
He had defiantly rejected the proposal. And he did so during a stream. So, it was only natural that news articles spread.
『Streamer Lee Suhyuk Rejects Blue Zone’s Recruitment Offer.』
『What’s Next for Lee Suhyuk? Will He Continue as a Streamer?』
『New Lightning Lord. The Missed Connection with Blue Zone.』
Lee Suhyuk. Blue Zone.
It was a combination that would naturally draw high viewership. Rejecting the guild’s recruitment offer during a stream was as good as drawing a clear line, stating he would never team up with them.
“Talking won’t do…”
The investment named Schneider to tackle the Thunder Cave had failed. After a moment of contemplation, Lee Wonjae dialed a number on his kit. The recipient was Kim Ilsoo.
The master ruling over the vast world known as Blue Zone.
And when he answered, “Yes, Guild Master.”
Lee Wonjae spoke immediately about the matter.
“It seems we need to resort to more aggressive methods.”
TL’s Corner:
Kim Ilsoo is a fucking bitch.
It has become a habit to me to call any character I don’t like a bitch.