NOTICE: Many of the novels have been removed because they might cause violations, which we were not aware of earlier.
Episode 320 – P-5 (1)
After a short break, Jeong So-yoon cleared her throat.
"Now, the crux of today's broadcast! All that remains is to decide the bracket. But before that, let me first explain the tournament rules."
The screen changed with her words.
The rules are the same for both the men's and women's divisions. Each team's players compete in a 3-on-3 match, following the rules of the Grand Masters' Tournament. Mr. Doelka, some of you may be unfamiliar with the Metal Punch tournament. Could you briefly explain this Grand Masters' Tournament format?
"Yes, I understand. Afterwards, the order of the draw for the bracket will determine the players' positions: 'Sunbong,' 'Mid-Rank,' and 'Captain.' Each match will be a best-of-three series."
Slots appeared on the screen in order according to the description.
"Yes. It'll probably be easier to understand if you look at what's on the screen now. But the fight doesn't end just because it's over, right?"
"That's right. The loser is eliminated, but the winner gets a brief rest and moves on to face the next player in line. For example, after a duel between the vanguards, the victorious vanguard moves on to face the opposing midfielder."
As if to show an intuitive example, one of the slots at the front was closed and connected to the mid-level slot below it.
"Theoretically, it's possible for the vanguard to take on all three opposing teams on their own. But realistically, that's extremely difficult. The mental fatigue accumulating from each match is more significant than you might think."
"But I don't know. If you're motivated, wouldn't you gain strength you never had before?"
When Genome interjected, Jeong So-yoon averted her eyes. This wasn't an impromptu ad-lib, but a planned introduction.
“Oh, Genome. What kind of motivation are you talking about?”
As she gently changed the subject, Genome curled his thumb and index finger into a circle.
"What could be more compelling than this? The prize money!"
Soon, bills began to pile up at the bottom of the screen.
"A whopping 30 million won in total prize money! The winning teams in the women's and men's divisions will each receive 10 million won. The key is how that prize money is distributed!"
“There’s another way to divide the prize money!”
"That's right! The law of fighting games is ruthless! Losers have no say? No! No money! Winners take all! Only the winners get to enjoy everything!"
Genome raised his voice, raising his tension.
"Even the winning team is no exception! Each player will receive a share of the prize money based on their contribution to victory and the number of 'rounds' they won!"
"Oh, that's right! Even if you're on the winning team, if you don't even win the first round? Then you've essentially done nothing! You have to win at least one round to get the prize money!"
Viewers also accepted the distribution method.
-If you win 0 times, you shouldn't get paid, right? LOL
-Really ㅋㅋ If you don't get even 1, isn't that actually a hindrance to the team?
-Ah haha, are you really motivated?
-In fighting games, winner takes all, Imariya.
– Wouldn't you rather hope that your own team loses?
-Oh lol I'm confident, it seems plausible lol
-Is it competition even between members of the same team?
He glanced at the chat window, wondering if it would work, and then opened his mouth.
"Oh, right now, there's a chat within the team where players are hoping for a loss. I guess that's understandable. But the team's victory comes first! Even if I win two rounds on my own, if the team loses, it's all for naught!"
"Hey, everyone, no matter what, this is a team competition! Now, if you listen closely, something seems off. The total prize pool is 30 million won, but 1 plus 1 is 2? Where did the remaining 10 million won go?"
Genome continued his explanation. After deducting the prize money for the women's and men's divisions, there was still a remaining amount.
"This amount is the prize money for the MVP of this tournament! So who will be the MVP? It will be decided by you, the viewers!"
"Yes, that's right. I dare say the players will show outstanding performances in this tournament. Shouldn't we then select the player who performs the best?"
As Jeong So-yoon spoke, a trophy appeared on top of the stack of money, flashing with light.
"That's right! One MVP from each of the women's and men's divisions will be selected, each receiving a prize of 5 million won. Even the losing team can receive this MVP award. So-called "loser-than-fearing" players, those who lost but fought well, also have a chance!"
"That's right. As those who know know, this prize money is paid for by the shoulder players themselves, right? Even if the team seems doomed to lose, this MVP prize money will give the players a chance to pull out their last bit of strength!"
Even if neither team had a chance of winning, they could still aim for the MVP prize.
Viewers gasped at the explanation of whether it would work.
-Huh? Did you pay for the shoulder part yourself?
-Isn't platform sponsorship everything?
-This is the best of the fighting game world, Imari.
-You're a godfather who only thinks about the success of the game boardㅠㅠㅠ
-As expected, you have experience in planning competitions!
– Seriously ㅋㅋ If you do this, you won't be properly motivated until the end ㅋㅋㅋ
As the chat window filled with emoticons expressing emotion, Jeong So-yoon nodded slightly.
"Yes, that's good. Both teams are now ready. Watching the draw and the reactions of both teams in real time is a small part of the fun of this broadcast."
"That's right! Of course, the audio is muted to prevent strategic exposure, but there's something else you can sense just from their facial expressions, isn't there?"
“Also, each team has finished organizing their opinions and comments from the team representatives, Shoulder and Purple, have been prepared, so please look forward to it.”
In response to the question, "Will it work with Genome?", Jeong So-yoon nodded and smiled brightly.
"Good! Then we'll begin the draw right away!"
* * *
The lights came on with a thumping sound.
The screen captured the vast stands illuminated by floodlights and the centrally located stadium. It was a fairly large stadium.
Jeong So-yoon and the commentators took their seats and greeted the cameras again.
"Serengeti and Try, Try and Serengeti! Welcome to a special stadium prepared by two major broadcast platforms!"
“Wow, seeing it in person, the scale is truly incredible!”
“Hey, I’m not sure if this sense of realism will be conveyed well on screen.”
As the three people looked around, the camera rotated 360 degrees to show the inside of the stadium.
-Wow;;; You really prepared it well
-I tore it upㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-What is it! Let me connect too!
-As expected, every company is different, Imari.
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-This is the invincible ticket lol
-The cheering match was so fun, right?
The chat room was also very enthusiastic. The larger-than-expected scale and facilities naturally piqued my interest.
At that moment, an inverted pyramid-shaped electronic scoreboard came down from the ceiling with a dull sound.
"Well, I think it would be best to come and see the stadium in person on the day. Now, let's begin the raffle in earnest!"
As Jeong So-yoon began her presentation, the women's division contestants appeared on the scoreboard. The screen then split to reveal the commentators, the bracket, and the waiting rooms for both teams.
"The draw will begin with the women's division. First up is the player who, as the name suggests, will take on the role of 'vanguard.' Is that right, sir? The vanguard role has its own unique characteristics, isn't it?"
"Yes, that's right. The vanguard is the one standing at the very front, so they're responsible for the morale of their teammates. If they lose here, the team members left behind will inevitably feel the burden."
"But it could also be a chance. Theoretically, you could win the biggest prize pool. If you're the first to kill, you'll get 10 million won for nothing!"
The serious explanation of "Will it be okay" and Genome's light-hearted speech livened up the atmosphere.
The viewers burst into laughter at him.
-5252, Are you only thinking about money?
-Is that the guy?
-Immediately. Vulgar
-Look at him just throwing it away saying he won't participate lol
-Ah haha I almost missed the all-kill because I didn't know that!
Soon the vanguard slot began to rotate rapidly.
"Okay, the draw has begun! The system will randomly select the winners! No one knows who will win!"
Jeong So-yoon quickly regained her composure. Her words drew everyone's attention to the slot.
“Who is it!? Who is coming out?!”
“Slot speed is reduced!”
“Both teams are leading the way!”
The slot stopped immediately.
[Seonbong – <Gyurani> VS <Maktasuni>]
The matchup was written below with the Qtube logo. Then, as if by appointment, a simultaneous cheer erupted.
“Ah! Serengeti team has player Gyulani! Try team has player Maktasuni!”
“Hey, this is…”
“Maktasoon is the vanguard…”
"I wonder if it'll work," Jinom said, rolling his eyes as he trailed off. Jeong So-yoon quickly helped them both up.
"Well, since the order hasn't been decided yet, it's not time to say whether it's good or bad. I'll put off the commentators' detailed comments for a moment."
“Yes, but let me tell you something. I think Maktasoon would personally be happy.”
Genome made a brief comment.
"As I said, this is the position with the largest prize pool! Maktasoon said on the broadcast that he was after the wedding fund. At least, I think the motivation is clear."
-Oh lol that's true lol
-Oh, lol. But it seems like you really like it. lol
-In the waiting room for Try, Maknu is laughing for the first time lol
-Why is this happening?
-Let's just have a chance to get married, lol
Viewers who saw the waiting room screen burst into laughter. The commentators also laughed lightly, and Jeong So-yoon resumed hosting.
"Now, next up is the mid-level lottery. This time, let's hear Genome's explanation."
"There's an old saying: 'If you don't know, just go with the flow.' This is truly a valuable tip, accumulated through human experience over many years. The mid-level position is similar."
“Oh, does it even include the long experience of mankind?”
"Of course! Isn't this also a kind of big data? There will be individual differences between players, but if you look at the order, the middle position has the least pressure."
Jeong So-yoon burst out laughing, but Genome calmly continued his explanation.
"Of course it's great if the vanguard wins. But even if they lose, the opposing vanguard is exhausted, right? Ultimately, the midfielder feels less pressure because they're fighting against a tired opponent. And even when things get tough, they look back and think, 'Huh? I'm not the end, am I?' There's always another captain to support them at the end!"
“Oh, so you’re saying that since I’m not in a position to be responsible for the team’s victory or defeat until the end, there’s less pressure?”
“But it is also a place where you can become psychologically comfortable.”
"I wonder if it will work," he added.
“All the players are excellent, but this position would be good for someone who is a bit less skilled but has good motivation and mentality.”
"That's right. In terms of the company, it's perfect for a new employee or a junior."
When the commentators commented, one person immediately came to mind for the viewers.
-Oh? Isn't that exactly the position of Denunna?
-That's right lol It would be nice if Degu went into the middle class
-But then, is Haja the captain?
-Originally, the youngest is the leader and the youngest is the vanguard.
-The best has already gone over the river, Imari.
-Right now, it's best for Denunna to go to the middle class lol
Meanwhile, the slot machine began spinning again. Jeong So-yoon cleared her throat slightly and turned her attention.
"Okay! Back to the slots! Once the mid-level positions are decided, the captain position will naturally be decided too, right?!"
“That’s right! It’s a really important moment!”
“Stop! Stop! Standing in the middle is justoooooooooooo!”
With a click, all remaining slots were decided.
[Mid-career – <Durun Durun> VS <Hasoyeon>]
Everyone's eyes opened wide.
"Mid-level players! Durundurun and Hasoyeon!? No, if this happens, the captain's position will be decided?"
Jeong So-yoon raised her voice in genuine surprise. Everyone, as if by agreement, turned their attention to the last slot.
[Captain – <Mom Queen> VS <Decibel>]
Although it was an expected result along with the mid-level decision, the shock did not easily subside.
“Oh, this matchup is really…”
Even Jeong So-yoon, who was supposed to be neutral, couldn't easily shake off her luck. So, Doekka took the lead.
"I think it's a bit embarrassing for Try. Our mother, Queen, is a golden troupe aiming for Omega. It must be quite a burden for Decibel."
"Oh, yes, yes. It seems like the Try Team waiting room is a bit busy right now. Everyone's talking with serious expressions on their faces."
At Jeong So-yoon's words, the screen in the Try Team waiting room zoomed in. Lee Kyung-bok was explaining something to his teammates, while the other three nodded with stern expressions.
-Oh, this was really unlucky.
-If I get caught, it's Mom Queen who gets caught in the captain's seat.
-Oh my gosh lol why doesn't our hyung Kangwoon apply!
-The patch hasn't been applied, but it's still unplayable?
-Baekseop f*ck lol
-It would have been different if King Jikjik had personally chosen Godple ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
-I'm going crazy because of the pressure.
-I don't know because I'm in good mental health though
The chat window became confusing.
Genome cleared his throat slightly and gathered attention.
“I think everyone is forgetting something right now.”
"yes?"
"The draw might look bleak, but our Tri team has a trump card that the Serengeti team doesn't!"
“Oh, that’s right! That’s right! There was a chance card!”
The existence of chance cards, a variable that was overlooked in the revealed bracket.
Jeong So-yoon clapped her hands at Genome's words.
"The situation could change depending on how Purple uses the Chance Card here. In fact, that's why I prepared the Chance Card, right?"
-Ah haha we have two chance cards!
-???: There's no such card in Serengeti's house, right?
-The original point of the ticklish jag lol
-???: Hey! Spring Chance is delicious!
-What the hell is this spring chance? ㅋㅋㅋ
The stagnant atmosphere shifted again. Jeong So-yoon felt a sense of relief. If one side were to lean too far, anticipation for the event could plummet.
"Okay, so now that the women's division bracket has been decided, I'd like to ask the commentators for both teams to give us some general comments. Would you like to start with me, Doe-kka?"
"Oh, yes. It turned out so well that I'd say it's the best bracket we've ever had. First of all, with Mom Queen as captain, she'll be able to serve as a support for the other players."
"It'll work," he explained, his expression much more relaxed than before. Genome counterattacked.
"Even a support beam has a load limit. I doubt it can withstand the pressure our team is under."
“Oh, Genom. You’re so confident, aren’t you?”
"Of course. As I mentioned earlier, there's the chance card, and above all, you're the one who's leading the charge, right? Right from the start, you can put pressure on the other players with a 'squeak, squeak, squeak girl!' You can even gain the upper hand!"
The chat room erupted in laughter at Genome's pitiful imitation. Jeong So-yoon covered her mouth and laughed, then cleared her throat.
"Ah, as expected from a biased commentary, both sides have sharply divided opinions. Now, let's hear the opinions of the people involved! The team leaders! Let's hear their thoughts!"
As he spoke, the screen zoomed in on the Serengeti team's waiting room. He lightly tapped the microphone on the shoulder.
“Ah, can you hear me?”
“Yes, Shoulder! I can hear you!”
To prevent exposure of the strategy, the audio in the entire waiting room was blocked, so voices were only transmitted through the microphone.
After confirming, Shoulder smiled leisurely.
"I actually performed poorly in the Chance Card battle, so I felt really sorry for my teammates."
“Oh, but it was still a really good match.”
"Haha, thank you. But I think there's something called the law of conservation of luck. I think the luck I couldn't use back then just came back this time. I think this sequence best demonstrates the strength of our team members."
"Ah, I had a similar opinion to yours. It seems there's no disagreement that this is the best course of action for the Serengeti."
Jeong So-yoon nodded at his words.
-Look at the shoulder-shaped smile lol
-The goddess of luck has balanced it out?
-Still, Try wins anyway!
-Ah haha Godple will do everything
-Right, lol I'm going to give you a perfect chance!
Viewers had high expectations for Lee Kyung-bok. Jeong So-yoon also continued the show after watching the chat response.
"Okay, so what's your position on the other side? This time, I'll hand the mic over to Purple!"
The screen in the Try Team waiting room zoomed in. Lee Kyung-bok was standing in front of the camera, holding a microphone.
There was still a smile on his face.
"Well, Mr. Shoulder seems very satisfied with this bracket. What do you think of the Try Team?"
At Jeong So-yoon's question, Lee Gyeong-bok opened his mouth and then rolled his eyes for a moment.
"Well, before I answer, I need to confirm something. As far as I know, I'm not allowed to reveal where I used my Chance Card, am I right?"
The question returned, leaving everyone, including Jeong So-yoon, bewildered. Why was that topic suddenly brought up?
“Huh? Oh, yes, yes. That’s right.”
If the use of the chance card was revealed in advance, the strategy would have been exposed, and expectations for the main event would inevitably have fallen.
There was no way Lee Kyung-bok wouldn't have known that. In fact, he did.
“Then is it okay to say that I won’t use the chance card?”
“You’re not using it?”
The first question was meant to be this one. But still, no one understood its intention.
“Oh, yes, yes. That’s fine, but…”
Jeong So-yoon responded immediately after receiving confirmation from the organizers. Lee Gyeong-bok continued, his expression significantly more relaxed.
"Oh, that's great. I saw this bracket and talked to our players."
“Oh, right. You were talking with a pretty serious expression.”
“Yes. Fortunately, all the players agreed.”
Lee Kyung-bok smiled at him and declared.
“The ‘Ban/Pick’ card will not be used in this women’s match.”
For a moment, time seemed to stop at that single word. It was because the unexpected remark required a moment to comprehend the situation.
And the reactions came out simultaneously.
-?????????
-Huh?
-You're saying you don't use ban pick cards?
-No;;; Isn't this the most important time to use it?
-How did it happen, how did it happen!?
Question marks flooded the chat window like waves. The commentators were also flustered.
“Oh, what a surprising statement!”
“Are you saving your ban pick cards here?”
“No, you don’t use a card!?”
Even the biased commentator Genome was shocked.
-Ah lol this is a bluff
-No;; I won't lie here, right?
-Really lol I don't know if he's ugly
-If it's a genie, then do it lol
-King! I'm going to make it difficult!
-There must be a reason for thisㅠㅠㅠ
Although the viewers were confused, their faith in Lee Kyung-bok was strong.
-Is it possible that we can't talk about it because it's related to strategy?
-Have you been triggered by the HOXY fury?
-If you have a good sense of humor, you have the potential to be king lol
-Really lol If you're going to spread the word, there must be some basis for it, Imari
– Doesn't reaching an agreement with your team members mean you've already made them understand?
There was always a reason for his confidence.
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