It’s not that kind of malicious broadcast

The First Clash Tournament, “Frozen Throne.”

Total Prize: 1 Billion Won.

Despite being relatively small compared to other KoK tournaments, the number of applicants was not insignificant. The prize did not have to be split into sixths like in other tournaments, and it presented an exceptional opportunity to increase one’s recognition.

With or without a choice, it was natural that many internet broadcasters who prided themselves on their skills would flock to sign up.

For those confident in their abilities, there was no reason not to apply. Conversely, those who qualified but did not apply faced increased ridicule for allegedly being afraid.

Scotch, who was struggling to grow his broadcast on SafariTV, eventually clicked the apply button after going through a similar process as others.

The difference between him and others, however, was that his initial reluctance, expressed with excuses of being a “retired body now pressured by a tournament”, was not genuine.

The title of a former pro from PoAgle was his biggest promotional means, and his seemingly hesitant act was part of a calculated plan to secure the mission bonus.

“Even reaching the finals would be brilliant. The boost in followers, and the opportunities with major corporations in the future—”

His thoughts of a rosy future made the corners of his lips curl involuntarily.

“Great start.”

On the day of the preliminary round, nearly double the usual number of viewers flocked to Scotch’s broadcast. Since only the finals were broadcasted for the overpopulated regional preliminaries, this situation drove viewers to individual streams.

Scotch was not one to miss such an opportunity.

So the first two matches began. Against masters who jumped into the competition without knowing their place, he staged a massacre and raised his energy levels.

“Look, everyone. What did I say? Solo queue is solo queue. Pro is pro. Solo is solo, pro is pro. Remember that. When I start going hard in solo queue, it’s the end for real. Just look at the skills of those high-ranked folks— Ahem. I’ll stop here.”

『LOL true』

『LOLOLOL LOLOLOL』

『LOL true』

『He’s good』

『Who are those amateurs LOL』

『LOL true』

『Is it fair to call those two amateurs?』

『Solo is solo, pro is pro, agree LOLOLOL』

『This is a pro』

『Yep, solo is solo, pro is pro』

Even major supporters who rarely visited his KoK broadcasts came rushing in, attracted by the buzz of PoAgle-style one-on-one duels.

-Orai Orai sponsored 859 items!-

【Scotch, let’s hit the accelerator like a rampaging train today】

Caught in a whirlwind of donations from older viewers who preferred the familiar PoAGle over the newly released KoK.

It reached a point where there was no need to forcibly raise the tension. The overflowing support from fans stirred his heart naturally.

“Oh my, our Orari Hyung is rampaging again! Thank you! I will really give it my all this time! To be blunt, I have no intention of losing today.”

Shouting in such manner, a wave of confidence surged from deep within his chest.

‘Yeah. No matter what they say about those so-called pros, they’re just kids who are more familiar with useless maps and operations. If it comes down to a one-on-one fight, I won’t be intimidated. Just how experienced are they when it comes to real duels?’

“When people ask, ‘What will you do if you meet an active pro?’ I say, that’s even better. You need two hands to clap, and you have to clap to get applause, don’t you? I’ve been through enough one-on-one duels myself.”

In all honesty, he wanted to avoid real pros for as long as possible.

However, showing weakness was not an option. From now on, even if he lost, he had to go strong to catch the viewers’ attention.

– “HonorandGlory has donated 1,000 units!” –

【You can’t beat an OG PoAGle player LOL ㅇㅈ】

“Ah- our HonorandGlory Hyung has donated another thousand! Thank you. I will make this sacrifice clean, and show a great reaction. So, who is the next opponent- Oh, what is this? A greatsword knight?”

As donations kept pouring in, he smiled and expressed his gratitude once more, entering the next qualifying match right away.

The moment he, Scotch, who was holding a relaxed stance, accessed the game, his forehead furrowed.

Greatswords were challenging to wield. Even though they were filled with romance, only a few users actually used them, and there were valid reasons for it.

Nevertheless, his opponent brought a greatsword to the tournament. If this were solo rank, one could write it off as trolling—but bringing it to a tournament deciding matches in best-of-three means they were confident.

Was it a pro messing around in the early qualifiers? Or someone who had used greatswords since PoAGle days?

Either case wouldn’t be an easy opponent.

『PoserLOL 』

『No shield equipped』

『? No-shield greatsword with that customization, isn’t that GetDevoured?』

『Wrap it up quick, let’s go up~』

『Greatsword length looks like full spec build』

“So, onto the second match! Let’s go. Oh, that greatsword is intense. Maybe they are hoping for a lucky shot because they lack skill? Just kidding—oh. I am not mocking my opponent? And definitely not hating on greatswords. I used to use greatswords in PoAGle too. It’s just a fact that among those using greatswords in KoK, there’s a high chance of them resorting to cheap tricks, right?”

To such an excited Scotch, the chat responded with ‘ㄹㅇ’ and ‘ㅇㅈ’. The flow was noticeably faster than usual. Indicating the high number of viewers.

Every moment was a precious promotional opportunity incomparable to before the tournament.

With this much interest now, how many more would gather as he approached the finals?

“So, I’ll concentrate now.”

Scotch, fervently quelling his excitement, bowed his head and sprinted forward swiftly.

In one hand, he wielded a massive shield; in the other, a nimble one-handed sword. It was a classic sword-and-shield build. For a moment, Scotch wished he could use a more entertaining, almost comedic build, but he quickly dismissed the thought.

Now was a time to focus solely on victory. How long had he been walking? Before even reaching the center of the map, a black armor-clad figure standing idly in the distance came into view.

A greatsword knight.

Judging from the speed, it meant the opponent had also sprinted towards the center as soon as the match started.

In Clash Mode, the one who dominated the center held a significant advantage. Perhaps his opponent had realized this, or maybe he was simply impatient. He might not even understand how precious stamina was in skirmishes involving a greatsword.

Nevertheless, Scotch continued to walk slowly—utterly cautiously—towards the enemy.

The knight, with the enormous greatsword resting on one shoulder, silently watched Scotch approach. It was an arrogant stance, as if to say he was ready for a fight whenever Scotch desired to begin.

As he raised his shield and continued to inch forward, the space between the two knights vibrated with tension.

Clearly, Scotch was more agitated.

His opponent exuded a peculiar intimidation with just his heavy movements.

Scotch steadied his breath and took a few cautious steps, entering and retreating from the enemy’s range several times. It was a movement inviting attack opportunities.

Even so, the opponent merely adjusted his grip on the greatsword a few times. As expected, he was not an amateur responding to a light bait. To catch him, Scotch would have to rush in directly.

Twisting the rhythm of his breath for a split second, Scotch lunged forward unexpectedly.

Then came the first attack.

-Whooosh!

The sound of the initial thrust missing its mark rang in his ears. It was a jab aiming for the opponent’s helmet, almost as a greeting. Yet, the enemy made a significant sidestep to evade it.

‘He doesn’t seem adept at dodging. His movements are overly large.’

There was no reason to let up. The moment he gained control of the breath, it was time to stack up the advantages.

-Clang!

As the opponent sidestepped, Scotch’s one-handed sword chased after him, scraping across his armor. A narrowly missed attack. However, this was anticipated. Scotch’s lips curled up to the right as he heard the sharp metal clank.

The opponent, briefly looking at the trailing sword from the dispersed strike, retracted the greatsword handle towards his body, assuming a defensive stance.

It didn’t matter that the attack missed. What was important was that the flow of offense continued to belong to Scotch.

“This person doesn’t seem to be from POAGLE. There’s no counter-motion.”

Scotch, who had regained his composure, moved laterally with his shield held high once again. He felt like a matador cooking up a raging bull.

Several times he went back and forth, staying at a distance where he could avoid the greatsword’s swing. His steadfast opponent, however, simply held his greatsword upright without even a fake motion.

For the sword-and-shield knight, this was endlessly fortunate.

It was time to chip away at his stamina. He continuously entered and exited the opponent’s range, occasionally going in deeper and showing feinting motions.

How stylishly he could handle this greatsword knight depended on how dramatically he could provoke the first attack.

“Shall I make him a bit anxious first?”

-Thrust!

With a lunge, he delivered a shallow stab, feeling a thrilling sensation in his hand. An unexpectedly superb situation—truly the best. With fluid movements, Scotch’s sword pierced once more. The tip of his sword, performing a series of continuous strikes, aimed at the opponent’s still-stiff left arm.

The opponent, who subtly flinched, awkwardly turned his body, pulling back his left shoulder, but—

-Thunk!

There was no way such clumsy movements could avoid the attack.

A smile danced on Scotch’s face. All he had to do now was retreat and lure his opponent into a charge. This set would practically be over. He could manage the rest from an overwhelming position of superiority.

However.

“What? The greatsword—”

It was a moment when stiffness should have still been there. Despite that, the greatsword of the opponent moved. Though Scotch didn’t understand how, he instinctively retreated and raised his shield.

Sadly, it wasn’t enough to escape.

-Thud!

The greatsword, cleverly maneuvering under his shield, struck Scotch’s left thigh. More impact than he expected. His leg, off balance, staggered beyond his control.

It dawned on Scotch then; the greatsword had been freely flying around this whole time.

“Damn it, did he throw the greatsword? When?”

Perhaps it was habit ingrained from the days of POAGLE, where weapon throws were virtually impossible. Regardless, even if he were used to weapon throws, he couldn’t have predicted a play involving a thrown greatsword.

However, what did the reason matter?

Caught off guard by unexpected tactics, Scotch hesitated for a moment—

-BANG!

The brief hesitation was enough time for the opponent’s fist to crash into his face.

* * * *

“……What? It seems like the opponent lacks some, um, experience in this type of one-on-one battle. Anyway……if the opponent is fencing with sword and shield, you can lure them into a thrust and then throw your weapon just before getting hit. It will fly into their blind spot and get them at least once.”

“What if it misses…… Well, if you throw it properly, it can’t miss. Originally the opponent would block with their shield, and there’s a defensive countermeasure against that. It’s ultimately a mind game.”

“I’ll show you in the next set. They’ll probably be ready this time. I’ll throw it again but with a slightly different timing.”

TL’s Corner:
This is probably final arc.
On the side note, it’s not a pronoun issue, Scotch doesn’t know who his opponent is or what their gender is, so he’s assuming it’s male, hence the he/him pronoun.