NOVEL NEXT Chapter 35
“Hello, dear viewers! The awaited day has arrived. The 1st EOW Streamer Championship is about to begin its glorious opening. I am your host, Bang Hyeongjae. Next to me are streamer Maple and commentator Kang Seonghun.”
Bow the three men lower their heads.
The official broadcast, filmed in a similar frame to last time, had a neat atmosphere different from personal streams.
Yet, true to its internet broadcast nature, the banter among the three was free and delightful.
“Well, the official streaming count just surpassed 30,000. Such numbers right from the start, it seems the viewers’ interest in this tournament is evident.”
“What does ‘Gongsipi’ mean?”
“Oh, it’s a blend of official broadcast and KOSPI index. It means the number of viewers exceeded 30,000.”
Bang Hyeongjae, who has hosted various tournaments on the switch’s official broadcast, lightened the mood with casual words.
“On the tournament day! With little time left until the start, let’s decide the matchups for the four teams and conduct a brief pre-game interview.”
“Since the opposing teams will be decided on the day, there’s no way to prepare specific strategies or tactics.”
“For a more thrilling tournament, I must remind you all of the designated rules.”
“And as they say, ‘dobbang.’ To prevent players from secretly watching the official broadcast, there will be a 5-minute delay on both the official and streamers’ broadcasts.”
“Additionally, to prevent proxy play, participating streamers must have a cam setup that shows at least their upper bodies, so please keep this in mind.”
After the calmly but softly explained cautionary notes, it was time for the much-anticipated matchup determination.
“This time, the fate of the four teams lies in my hands. Let’s find out which teams will face each other from within this box.”
“I heard you received some complaints last time, caster Bang Hyeongjae.”
“Even anti-fans count as fans. I hope my fan base will grow from this opportunity.”
“You’ll be living long, I’m envious.”
Hahaha!
The chat room fills with reactions like “The trio is smooth sailing.”
With a pleased expression, Bang Hyeongjae received the PD’s okay sign, reached into the box, and pulled out the matchup paper.
“The 2030 1st EOW Streamer Championship will proceed with Groups A and B. The winners will be classified as Group C and the losers as Group D for matches next week.”
“So, without further ado, let me reveal the real matchups. Which teams will face each other…?”
Dugudugu— a childish sound effect echoed, and the results were revealed from Bang Hyeongjae’s hand.
Two papers unfolded, revealing the names written inside.
“It’s the Kimgun team and the Jacky team! These two teams have been classified into Group A and will play their match first!”
“Naturally, the remaining teams, the Panoro team and the Hose team, will be grouped in B and will compete against each other.”
The chat buzzed.
Bang Hyeongjae skillfully picked and read the chat messages that were engaging yet seemed controversy-free.
“Ubaek-colored Yoon Sua fighting, Kimgun team has won, Hose Jacky team to the loser’s group… Seems like some are already convinced of the winning and losing teams.”
“It’s too early to make such assumptions. Unexpected results can happen.”
“This isn’t just going to be a spectator sport, right? There’s an event currently ongoing where those who predict the rankings of the four teams correctly will receive a small prize. If you wish to participate, type ‘!Deity of Victory’ in the chat room.”
“Now, let’s go ahead with a short pre-interview with the Group A, starting with the Kimgun team.”
As he spoke, the streamers appeared on screen.
The streamers who usually turn their cams on now showed their faces.
Those who previously did not show their faces were configured to display only their upper bodies.
“There’s been a two-week practice time, long or short. Kimgun director, what rank do you expect from your team?”
“Isn’t that a boring question? Obviously, 1st place.”
“Right, if the director shows a lack of confidence, that will bring down the players’ morale.”
Behind the unhesitatingly answered Kimgun director, the confident faces of his players beamed.
Bang Hyeongjae nodded, proceeding with questions.
“DeadSong, it’s heard that you’ve really stepped up during this tournament preparation. I hear you’ve earned the grand title of ‘Iron Shield DeadSong’.”
“Ugh, that nickname is a bit overwhelming. It feels undeserved. It’s true I’ve improved. After the tournament, my rank in solo queue has risen due to how my vision for the game has changed through the director’s harsh training—.”
Interviews continued with DeadSong and team members.
Bang Hyeongjae’s questions were directed towards Sua as well.
“Yes, I heard you. ‘Our Sua, can we hear your voice?’ Let’s meet the fervently requesting Sua player.”
“Yes, it’s Sua.”
“Oh, Sua, what do you predict your team will rank?”
“I want to say 1st… But since other teams are formidable, we’ll just focus on doing our best regardless of the outcome.”
“Good words. You’re in the ace position as the top tier of the team; are there any specific players from other teams you think will be targeting you?”
“Hmm… Two people come to mind.”
Sua pondered for a moment before speaking.
“I find it difficult to face O Daesik from the Panoro team and Mollru from the Jacky team.”
“If we consider O Daesik, he’s on a winning streak in scrims, so that makes sense. But Mollru is supposedly in the wrong team, and people say his team is crashing down. That’s unexpected.”
“Both have good skills.”
“And it’s been said you have a special connection with Mollru. You mistook him for a user of illegal programs but then confirmed his skills and took him on as your mentor.”
“Yes… It was a big mistake on my part, but I’m fortunate he forgave me.”
“Interestingly, you’re now facing him as opponents, how does that feel?”
“It’s true that it feels burdensome, but EOW is a team game. I believe our team’s teamwork is a bit more outstanding.”
“Yes, well said. The Kimgun team showed unique interviews with all their distinct personalities and overflowing confidence.”
“Next, let’s meet the A group, the Jacky team, who will face off against Kimgun team.”
As Bang Hyeongjae spoke, the screen and audio connected.
“Hello—” Various greetings echoed through the broadcast.
The team was lively, a perfect example of the phrase “a bustling atmosphere.”
Bang Hyeongjae focused on the voices and images of the streamers, then let out a small hmmm sound.
“Ah.”
He had witnessed something unexpected among the streaming visuals.
A bit surprised, he maintained his composure like a pro.
However, not all were as collected.
Bang Hyeongjae nudged the person next to him who was gaping.
“Kang Seonghun commentator, your jaw is going to drop.”
The appearances of Bang Hyeongjae and the other two were being broadcast live.
Kang Seonghun was caught staring blankly at someone’s cam feed.
Bang Hyeongjae teased him to snap out of it and gave him a gentle reprimand.
Snapping back to reality, Kang Seonghun waved his hands defensively.
“Oh, that’s not it. I’ve been a fan of Mollru, you see. But, I never imagined seeing such a sight.”
“What sight are we talking about?”
“…She’s incredibly beautiful.”
And indeed, she was.
The appearance of the streamer ‘Mollru’ on the cam had a significant impact.
Even Kang Seonghun, known for being stiff and aloof, showed a different side.
“She’s a guy, Kang Seonghun commentator.”
“No, it’s fan sentiment! Fan sentiment! That’s not what I—”
“We got to see a different side of Kang Seonghun.”
“I’ve heard that the interview preparation is finished. Let’s proceed with the interview with Mollru, who stole Kang Seonghun’s heart. Mollru?”
“Yes.”
With a languid voice, Mollru’s cam filled the broadcast screen as the chat room began to frenzy.
Most reactions were directed towards Mollru’s revealed upper body.
“Um… it seems you had to turn on the cam due to this tournament, but are you planning on doing cam streams in the future as well?”
“…Is that a question?”
“It was an ad-lib to gauge the audience’s needs.”
Bang Hyeongjae navigated the atmosphere with playful evasiveness.
The PD appeared slightly annoyed by the sudden turn of events, yet this was necessary.
After all, asking about the game now when everyone’s attention was solely on Mollru’s cam wouldn’t hold much purpose.
[ㄲㅂ]
[The commentator is doing well, lol]
[No way she didn’t show her cam with that figure?]
[Wait, why hasn’t the cam been on until now?]
[Oh my, I can’t handle this…]
[Teacher, I’m having bad thoughts… ?]
[It’s hard to hold back]
[Aaah, this is why she hadn’t been on cam]
[Crazy creepy dudes]
“This is the real question. It’s actually a customary question for all the ace players. What do you predict your team will rank?”
“1st.”
“Oh, you answered without hesitating! However, the current viewers seem to disagree. The live voting shows that the Jacky team is predicted to have the lowest rank.”
“I guess everyone’s just lost their minds.”
When the words came from her sweet voice, Bang Hyeongjae found himself stunned.
“Uh? Yes, yes. That’s what she said. Yes, you can still change your votes until the start of the Deity of Victory match, so if you’d like to make changes, please do so.”
With that banter, the interview concluded.
*
“Well, it was a dynamic interview showcasing the vibe of both teams. The 2030 EOW Streamer Championship, eagerly awaited by 40,000 viewers, has just wrapped up preparations! Let’s dive straight into the match.”
Game, start—!
And thus, the opening ceremony began!