I Became a Malicious Streamer

A heavy silence hangs in the air.

The director’s voice, which had previously assured us everything was fine upon entering the game, has also gone silent.

During the preparation time before the game officially starts, everyone instinctively goes to their positions, but no one speaks.

Breaking the silence first is Ryuah’s trembling voice.

“What should we do…? We can’t restart, right?”

Her tone is filled with anxiety.

Among the team, Ryuah, who has the least experience with games and broadcasts, seems to be in the deepest panic.

Tex, usually speaking in a lower tone, tries to answer calmly.

“If we restart… it would disadvantage us. I remember something about the ban cards disappearing or something like that.”

“Then, shouldn’t we pause until Mollru logs in?”

I quickly adjust the settings for the barbarian and turn to everyone, trying to stay calm and loosen my mouth, forcing myself to not show panic. If I appear flustered here, it will only increase the team’s anxiety.

“Can you hear me? I’m back. You don’t need to pause.”

“Ah, you’re here!”

Unlike Ryuah, who visibly brightens, the rest of the team’s atmosphere remains heavy.

And rightly so. The situation is unexpected, completely out of line with the countless rehearsals and simulated scenarios we’ve practiced thus far.

It’s natural to feel anxious after so much practice.

“I’m sorry. I spilled some water, and the computer turned off for a moment.”

You can’t scoop up spilled water.

Still, grateful the computer is back on, I resolve to do my best with what I can right now.

First, let’s assess the composition.

The plan for a standard combo of one tank, two dealers, and two supports has changed because I’ve turned into a barbarian, resulting in a heavier combo of two tanks, one dealer, and two supports.

The advantage is that we can focus on holding our ground without moving too much, but the downside is the burden on the dealers.

Tex, who is now solely responsible for dealing damage, hasn’t said a word since earlier.

Knowing he’s not stupid, he must understand the role he’s been assigned.

The weight and pressure on his shoulders are understandable, but he’ll need to shoulder a bit more.

“The situation is critical, so I won’t say much. But don’t worry. We can win with this composition.”

“But you’re a barbarian… can you handle it?”

“I can handle anything.”

I respond nonchalantly to Cheolwoo’s question.

It’s not a lie—I’ve played the barbarian often before, even if I haven’t done so recently. Despite that, I say it confidently and arrogantly.

I erase the anxiety steeped in the team and boost morale. Only I can show the path to victory.

“Cheolwoo, stay close to me at the front line. Just do it as we practiced.”

“Got it.”

“Ryuah, please go back and forth with Cheolwoo, caring for the health when things get rough.”

“Okay!”

One by one, I go through each role, giving detailed orders. If things had gone according to plan, they would have naturally taken care of these details. But this is an emergency situation.

“Papi, focus on the incoming enemies, and if you have spare time, please also harass the opponents. We need your damage since we’re low on it.”

“…Can I really do that?”

“Since you’ve been practicing your aim, you’ll do it just fine.”

Papi Joah, sounding weak with an increased workload compared to practice, is met with no impossible orders from me.

I understand my team’s abilities well enough to give these orders.

Finally, Tex—the unlucky man who must carry my role.

But it’s not quite that simple.

They say a crisis is an opportunity.

With added pressure, he’ll earn even more praise when he proves himself.

I believe he has the skill to do so.

Once the tension is eased, he’ll contribute his part.

“Tex.”

“Yes?”

“I think I’ll be quite busy this round, so I might not be able to give precise orders like during the semifinals. But I believe you can do well even without my commands.”

“Even when I’m the only dealer?”

“Yes. Just do it like you practiced.”

“Ugh, I’m so nervous.”

“This is your chance to be the main character. I set the stage for you.”

“Main character? I’d be lucky if I didn’t end up as the criminal.”

Tex, joking around with good humor, has returned to his familiar self.

At last, all preparations are complete.

I glance back at my teammates, feeling their previously slumped backs and heads straighten up.

Even though they are just game characters made of graphics, it feels like they’re more alive now.

Leading this massive group, I step forward and shout.

“Then, shall we go?”

To the battlefield.

*

Crack-!

It’s not so much the sound of being cut by a blade as it is being hit by a blunt object.

At the same time, the figure in front crumples down.

The body of the assassin that was flying in has become a pile of mush.

Such descriptions can be unnecessarily detailed.

Who would look at this scene and think this game is suitable for all ages?

I input the commands to retrieve my swinging axe and take a ready stance.

The axe swinging system unique to the barbarian.

Charging it allows for a powerful strike, but the more powerful the attack, the longer the recovery time becomes.

It’s a common issue with blunt weaponry—the attack speed problem.

While the damage is strong, it’s also sluggish.

Thus, as you climb the ranks, you see it become less preferred.

Powerful but lethargic attacks are hard to land.

Still, it wouldn’t be so useless that it can’t be used even in these event-type tournaments.

Particularly because there are some lower-tier players sprinkled in.

Just now, I took advantage of a gap and landed a massive hit.

The assassin, who had already lost some health, was utterly finished in one blow.

Because of this blunt damage, some low-tier users intentionally pick tank characters and use them as dealers.

It’s a pleasant experience, or so they say.

Still, it’s undeniable that the odds of the game are increasingly stacked against us.

It’s not a huge difference, but it feels like we’re being slowly worn down.

The enemy team coolly targets our chronic weaknesses.

A character that should have died due to lack of firepower lives with just a sliver of health, or we struggle to counter unconventional movements due to inadequate mobility.

We’re being pushed back, point by point.

Something needed to turn the tide of this game.

Many thoughts crossed my mind, and the decision was quick.

The speed is crucial for a strategy to work, after all.

With the assassin down, there was a strategy we could attempt.

Though calling it a strategy might be a stretch.

But still, it could be considered a strategy as it involves utilizing the advantages of our composition.

“When I give the signal, Cheolwoo, drop your shield and go in immediately. The rest of you move in too. Ryuah, focus on killing enemies instead of caring for others.”

With a combo made up of two bulky players, how would it be if both charged at once?

In front are high-health and durable meat shields, leading the charge.

It could be called a reckless charge, yet the combination of a tank and barbarian was a favored one back in early North America.

The default skill of the tank involves a “charge,” combined with the barbarian’s ultimate, “Charge! Forward!”, creating a capable combo.

While the other teammates would also need to be nimble, it was a planned move when picking the barbarian, so it couldn’t be helped.

“I’ll be stepping back for a moment.”

I subtly take a step back to leave the enemies unguarded.

Like a runner getting into position, I intentionally step back, and the barbarian suddenly roars.

“Woooaahhh—”

At the sound of the roar, the enemies in front flinch for a moment.

“Now!”

Immediately, the character’s eyes flash red, and the screen begins to shake.

As if a heartbeat, the vision pulses to the rhythm.

With quads bursting with strength, the barbarian jumps straight into the fray.

– Barbarian (Mollru) has cast ‘Charge Forward!’

*Enemies are temporarily paralyzed with fear!

*Allied team members receive additional effects for a limited time! (Increased speed by 20%)

The barbarian, the last survivor of the black-haired barbarian tribe, couldn’t suppress his instincts.

Recalling memories of wandering tribesmen who lived with the ground beneath their feet and the sky above their heads.

The barbarian, once running the grasslands with brothers, now charges into battle alongside comrades.

Wielding his own two legs and a massive axe instead of reins and flowing mane.

In the heart of the enemy, the barbarian swings his axe wildly.

With blood dripping down his head, the barbarian slaughters the foes, living up to his name.

“Kill them all, kill them all!”

“Yeah, kill them all!”

“Get rid of them! Just kill them!”

Forgetting it’s a tournament, I raise my voice in excitement.

Together with my teammates, who echo my enthusiasm, we butcher the enemies.

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