Chapter 13: Luxury Berserker and Cheap Saint

“Good evening, viewers. Welcome to the broadcast for the 2021 2nd Streamer Tournament Team Selection and Match Lineup, hosted by SETEC and sponsored by Ace. I’m your host, Jang Gi-yong, joined by commentator Kang Jun-tae.”

“Hello, everyone. This is ‘Scholar’ Kang Jun-tae.”

“Wow, this Streamer Tournament is featuring a vibrant lineup of streamers and will be conducted under new rules. It’s shaping up to be an incredibly exciting tournament.”

“To give viewers a quick rundown, the changes include a manager and auction system, and the tournament will proceed with eight teams, each representing one of six colors.”

“As mentioned, the eight managers introduced in our last broadcast will use allotted points to bid on streamers. With 48 streamers from Orange to Purple ranks, they’ll form teams with no overlapping ranks, so expect some intense strategizing from the managers.”

“With unique managers and streamers, keeping an eye on how the teams come together will make this broadcast even more enjoyable.”

“For more detailed rules, you can check the SETEC homepage.”

“The main tournament will take place exactly one week from now at this same time. Today’s broadcast will focus only on team selection and bracket arrangements.”

“Alright, then… let’s move on to the player introductions and auction!”

“Before we begin, there’s a small change in the tournament ban rules. Jun-tae, can you briefly explain?”

“Certainly. Given the large number of specialists with signature builds, known as ‘masters,’ participating this time, main traits are not banned to ensure both fairness and enjoyment.”

“During the cross-selection process, players can ban up to three sub-traits per participant!”

“According to tournament rules, once a player’s chosen build’s main and sub-traits are picked, they’ll be revealed to both the Red and Blue teams and can’t be changed.”

“So it’s strategic to save critical selections for later; opponents might bring counter-traits, or sub-traits supporting key picks might get banned as the draft proceeds.”

“Alright, let’s get started with the auction!”

“As mentioned, the auction runs for 15 seconds. If any manager bids, the timer resets. The minimum bid is 5 points, and each bid must be at least 5 points higher than the previous.”

“The managers have confirmed they’re ready, so let’s dive right in!”

“We’re starting with an Indigo 2 player!”

“Player ‘Tecto.’ They primarily play a straightforward sword-and-shield warrior. They’re a steady player without strong preferences in builds, so they could potentially develop greatly depending on their coaching.”

“Bidding starts! 15…14… Oh, ‘Endai’ manager goes in with 15 points!”

“‘Salim’ manager follows up with 20 points.”

“The bid is quickly climbing… 45 points! Will ‘Salim’ manager go any higher?”

“Each manager only has 1,000 points, and the real competition is likely to heat up over Orange, Yellow, and Green players, so it’s understandable they wouldn’t want to spend more than 50 points on an Indigo player.”

“‘Endai’ manager wins the bid! We’re looking forward to seeing some strong performances!”

“The next player is Yellow 1, ‘Muscle Man.’”

“The in-game nickname is… well, a bit crude. He’s known as ‘6-Year Body Optimization’ and is an excellent pick if the team needs a tank.”

“Starting right away, he sells off all his gear, including his shield, to buy two emergency recovery potions and charges in bare-handed! Rock solid!”

“He’s somewhat vulnerable to magic attacks, but as a tank, he’s sturdy enough that it’s not a huge concern.”

“His relentless line-pushing style is both a headache for opponents and, with his proficiency in grappling techniques, a serious threat—once he catches someone, they’re not escaping alone.”

“He’ll be especially effective against single-player-focused teams centered around Orange or Yellow players.”

“Auction underway! ‘Hyundong’ manager with 100 points! ‘Yogyurang’ manager goes up to 120 points! 125! 130! 150! 200! 250! 300! It’s heating up!” ‘Yogyurang’ manager raises it to 430 points. 4…3…2…1… Sold!

“Aren’t they being a bit too bold this early in the game?”

“As the auction progresses toward the end, things will likely get more heated, and managers may find themselves having to buy players they’re not that keen on at steep prices. Plus, a Yellow 1 player offers plenty of value.”

“‘Yogyurang’ manager has taken a strong stance early on; hopefully, they’ll form a solid team.”

“Next up is the Purple 1 player, ‘Nanitl.’”

“Wasn’t the in-game nickname ‘NaniI’veFailedNow’? Just because he’s in Purple, he shouldn’t be underestimated. This player is deeply invested in a large shield warrior build, and if things go south, their playstyle of blocking all day is perfect for stalling. For Blue and Green, cracking that fortress-like defense will be no easy feat, though Yellow ranks might be a different story.”

“Why is such a player in the Purple rank?”

“The issue is a lack of offense. He invests entirely in stamina and defense, which makes it tough for him to deal with mobs. Still, he’ll be worth more than a Purple in this tournament. With a bit of coaching, he could excel as an anti-carry.”

“‘Salim’ manager goes in with 50 points! ‘Maryang’ manager enters the bidding too!”

“Since they’ll need a Purple player anyway, and this is a Purple 1, it adds some value. Things are getting intense! Is ‘CatDai’ manager testing the waters?”

“More bids coming in, one after another! 155 points! 160 points! We can practically hear ‘Nanitl’s’ price soaring! 180 points! Anyone else?”

“‘Salim’ manager takes the win. Looks like they’re feeling slightly regretful, but there’s no need. With the right approach, this player is worth every bit of the 180 points.”

“Next is a warrior player with the nickname ‘Berserker.'”

“The chat is exploding! Has this player always been so popular?”

“They were always a big name in personal broadcasts. Recently, reaching the Orange rank has only attracted more fans to their dynamic playstyle.”

“As soon as the game starts, they charge straight in, wiping out any enemies in their path with reckless abandon!”

“Though their style might seem thoughtless, they’re actually a highly strategic player in battle. Reaching Orange proves that. In this tournament, I doubt anyone can take them down in a one-on-one. The only player who might stand a chance is ‘Muscle Man,’ recently acquired by ‘Yogyurang’ manager.”

“Can any manager hope to rein in such a wild warrior? The auction starts… not even one second in, and ‘Salim’ manager declares 600 points!”

“An Orange player deserves that. Especially one who has mastered the Berserker build. Unlike other specialists, their strategy can’t be easily countered by banning a few key traits, making them highly valuable to managers.”

“Once they’re on a roll, there’s no stopping them!”

“You’re absolutely right. With the skill ‘Undying Rage,’ they delay death to keep smashing enemies until the last possible moment. It’s a nightmare to face. They do have a vulnerability to ranged attackers, but even with that in mind, this player could easily decide the course of this tournament.”

“The bidding is still climbing.”

“It makes sense, but… wait, isn’t this getting a bit too pricey?”

“Final bid goes to ‘After’ manager with 920 points! 920 points! Isn’t that way too expensive?”

“The competition is just too fierce. ‘After’ manager—this was their first auction entry, and it looks like they put in a bit too much effort. With only 80 points remaining, they’ll need to find players who match the Berserker’s intensity.”

“Remember, Lete is not a one-person game!”

“Next up is the Blue 3 player, ‘Sduck.'”

“This player is also known for attracting large audiences. They frequently play dual-wielding rogue, ambush rogue, sword-and-shield warrior, greatsword warrior, and shield warrior.”

“Having mastery over multiple weapons means they’re less likely to be targeted in a ban-pick, which is a nice advantage!”

“It’s not quite like that… each trait is somewhat vague. To be honest, it’s hard to understand how this player is even in Blue.”

“But isn’t this the player who has confidence on a Rainbow level?”

“That’s part of the problem; their overconfidence could drag down the team.”

“Jun-tae, the analyst! I can hear the managers dropping out one by one! Can’t you phrase it a little more nicely?”

“I’m sure both viewers and managers will understand… I even coached him one-on-one recently, and every time, he acted as if he understood everything. But after each lesson, he’d go right back to the same playstyle, losing seven matches in a row with that inexplicable confidence of his…”

“Sounds like Jun-tae has a lot to get off his chest. Viewers in the chat unanimously say if anyone can say this, it’s Jun-tae. It’s all out of love, after all! And the auction has started!”

“3…2…1… Pass, it’s passed.”

“Just because it’s passed doesn’t mean it’s over! They’ll be moved to the end of the list and will be auctioned again when their turn comes. Managers who missed out on this player might come to regret it.”

“Really? Could that happen?”

“Jun-tae, you’re being too harsh on this player!”

“Has the Orange player ‘Golden Sun’ entered?”

“It says here they were the last of 48 streamers to decide to join. This player isn’t typically interested in tournaments; they’re a hardcore PC café gamer and even have short streaming hours.”

“What could have motivated them?”

“Who knows, but one thing’s for sure—their skill is proven. When it comes to knuckle warrior experts, this player’s name always comes up. They’re unusually calm for a warrior, with a knack for analyzing the battlefield and responding to surprise strategies. They’re a great fit as a main shot-caller despite fighting on the front lines.”

“That’s quite unique!”

“They have formidable battle instincts, making them a tricky opponent. They can quickly assess the ebb and flow of battle, either stalling for allies or making a swift escape if there’s no chance of victory, minimizing critical losses. Thanks to this clever playstyle, they maintain an unusually high KDA for a warrior.”

“A strategist warrior, indeed!”

“No one can deny that Rainbow Tales is a team game. Individual skill matters, of course, but this player prioritizes team movements, which is crucial for this tournament.”

“With an Orange rank score of 198, it’s no wonder they have the highest rating in this tournament!”

“Given that the Red threshold is 240, they’re almost at Red level. This is possibly the best player in the tournament.”

“The auction begins! Manager ‘Endai’ declares 400 points!”

“Since we’re further into the auction, most managers have fewer points left. They’ll have to spend whatever they’ve saved. ‘Afu’ manager follows up with 450 points.”

“‘Maryang’ manager jumps in with 535 points! It’s sold; no one has more points left!”

“Now onto Purple 3’s player, ‘HoldMedic!'”

“This player might be the lowest-ranked in the tournament, but they mainly use the Elohim Priest build, which is worth noting. As you might know, the Elohim Priest is genuinely easy. It’s the go-to primary trait for newcomers to the priest class. It could attract managers who don’t expect much impact from their priest.”

“5…4…3…2…1… But it’s passed!”

“It seems managers are looking for players with specific roles, even in Purple ranks, like ‘Nanitl.'”

“Next up is Yellow 3’s longsword expert, ‘Hase!’ Even I know this player!”

“They’re famous for their skill with the Battoujutsu command. If you let them take the first move, you’re in for a tough battle. They’re a master of Iaijutsu, which ends fights in an instant. However, they tend to over-invest in early-game traits, making them weaker in long fights.”

“The auction begins. ‘Salim’ manager starts at 200 points! Any higher bids?”

“The player is awarded to ‘Salim’ Manager.”

“Green 3’s player, ‘Sorama!’ Specializes in the ‘Lineage of Dark Magic,’ right?”

“They use decay, curses, and necromancy-type magic. While they can’t unleash powerful attacks like the elementalists, they can cast debuffs on enemy players, making them tricky to deal with.”

“They can also summon minions, with abilities like ‘Raise Dead,’ ‘Summon Skeleton,’ and ‘Living Armor Summon,’ making for a potential war of attrition.”

“As for their ultimate skill, ‘Summon Death Dragon,’ although the activation conditions are extremely strict, it can turn the battlefield to ashes in a single breath.”

“‘Catdaije’ Manager bids 150 points! ‘Yogyurang’ Manager is hesitating—will they match it?”

“‘Afu’ Manager joins with 190 points. 200 points.”

“‘Hyundong’ Manager jumps in with 220 points!”

“The bid ends with ‘Catdaije’ Manager at 240 points.”

“Green 4’s player, ‘Mohe!'”

“They’re also a longsword user like ‘Hase,’ but the notable thing about them is their inconsistency.”

“When they’re performing well, you wonder why they’re in Green 4, but when they’re struggling, you wonder how they’re still in Green 4.”

“Can we find out why that is?”

“I watched them play a bit, and they seem too fixated on parrying.”

“When it works, they dominate their opponent, but if they encounter someone of even slightly higher skill, they often crumble.”

“They’re like a roll of the dice.”

“A roll of the dice? Then just roll a six! Managers just have to aim for a six!”

“4…3…2…1… Passed.”

“It seems none of the managers feel confident in rolling a six.”

“Oh, this player is…”

“Is there a problem?”

“They’re quite a hot topic lately.”

“Jun-tae, have you seen the five-person resurrection video?”

“Anyone interested in priest characters would have seen it.”

“I was a son of Mother Gaia once myself.”

“You quit that right away!”

“The controls were just awful.”

“Anyway, this player, ‘Saint,’ is renowned as a master of the Gaia faith.”

“They specialize in a very high-difficulty build requiring precise timing and aim for healing.”

“If you watch this player in action, their accuracy is impressive, and their mana management is so on-point that even pros can’t match it.”

“But there’s an issue…”

“What’s the issue?”

“I’m sure most people know…”

“What’s that? Am I the only one who doesn’t?”

“Ahem. I’m sure the viewers know.”

“And there’s another issue.”

“Not long ago, they were ranked Yellow 1, but now they’re at Yellow 4 with just 11 points since declaring for the tournament.”

“That sounds like the ‘OneShotArrow’ player, so why’s it a problem?”

“That player intentionally stayed in Yellow 4.”

“In ‘Saint’s’ case, however, many say their actual skill has drastically declined.”

“Even viewers on their stream say it, so managers will need to decide carefully.”

“Alright, the auction begins!”

“15…14…13…12…11…10… The managers are silent!”

“It’s true that support players like this tend to be prioritized lower.”

“Plus, being Yellow rank is more of a disadvantage here.”

“But isn’t Yellow considered skilled?”

“Most managers likely think the same.”

“With a priest, they could pick a Purple or Indigo player, give them the Elohim Priest build, and have them stay in the back healing.”

“In that sense, ‘Saint’ lacks appeal for a Yellow who’s expected to share carrying responsibilities with the Oranges.”

“I see! And as we speak, ‘Saint’ is passed.”

“And that concludes the auctions.”

“Jun-tae, which team do you think has the best shot at winning?”

“Hmm, with a tournament as unpredictable as this one… But there is a team I’d like to root for.”

“Which team is that?”

“‘After’ Manager’s team.”

“They spent 920 points to draft the ‘Berserker’ early on, then tried their best to secure good picks with the remaining 80 points.”

“You can’t help but feel a bit sympathetic.”

“‘After’ probably didn’t expect to end up with a team of four passed-over players.”

“But considering the situation, the lineup isn’t actually that bad, right? Especially with ‘Saint.'”

“The ‘Berserker’ and ‘Saint’ combination is indeed strong, but… considering the rumors about ‘Saint’ not being at their peak and the strong personalities of the other members… there are reasons why each player was passed over.”

“It will come down to how well the manager can bring the team together.”

“How about a word of encouragement!”

“To ‘After’ Manager’s team, comprised of ‘Berserker,’ ‘Saint,’ ‘Mohe,’ ‘Stark,’ ‘Parfeccino,’ and ‘HoldMedic.'”

“I look forward to seeing their impressive performance.”

“This concludes the auction!”