Chapter 139: Chapter 139

Before the shock of the opening match had fully settled, a strong wind of change swept through IKL.

In some ways, it was anticipated.

ACL had been actively strengthening its roster and had emerged as a top contender this season. With the growth of their ace players and roster adjustments for increased power, the team exceeded all expectations.

And today, their momentum continued unabated.

A flash of light sliced horizontally across the battlefield, splitting the wind and silencing the world. The battleground, once alive with fighting spirit, fell still as the combatant froze in his tracks.

As the divided world turned into a line and that line stained red upon contact with the man’s body, his strong frame crumbled, sealing the outcome of the match.

“Donghae’s sword draw! His brilliant slash slices the fighter in half!”

“Yes, that precise strike is what every sword master dreams of! And Igor takes out the last druid with a crashing axe—GG!”

“ACL secures their third consecutive victory by defeating Wild Spirits!”

“Considering the performance they’ve shown in this league… ACL is indeed a force to be reckoned with.”

The league was undergoing rapid transformation. ACL and Galaxy Gaming were undoubtedly the rising stars of late.

Each team solidified their standing—ACL with their aggressive team fights, and Galaxy Gaming with their refined teamwork. Currently, the IKL power ranking was commonly seen as three top teams, three mid-tier, and four bottom-tier. But questions remained.

Recently, Galaxy Gaming had beaten Q Prime, propelling themselves into the ranks of the strong teams. Similarly, ACL had earned recognition by scoring sweeping victories against mid-tier teams. But did these two truly deserve to stand alongside Sigma?

Experts and fans alike viewed Sigma as the superior team. But the early-season gap wasn’t considered as overwhelming as before. While Sigma’s recent schedule of matches with weaker teams may have contributed to this perception, the performances of ACL and Galaxy were also unexpectedly impressive.

In esports, there’s always the potential for the underdog’s rebellion. Fans couldn’t help but wonder, “What if?”

“Our broadcast team bids you farewell for now, and we’ll see you again tomorrow at the same time.”

“Join us next for post-match analysis and player interviews.”

“This has been caster Hoeun, with commentators Hwang Yul and Haehwa.”

As the broadcast team signed off, the analysis desk began reviewing replays. It was a display of the sword master’s swift offense-defense transitions and high lethality. With the key moments replayed, one favorite segment for the fans was still to come.

Soon, the familiar face of a beautiful announcer appeared.

“Today’s winner interview is with a player who recently showcased the true prowess of the sword master! Please welcome ACL’s Donghae. Hello, Donghae!”

“Hello.”

“Today’s match was intense. Could you share your thoughts on what tipped the scales in your favor?”

“Um, well, we’re a team that excels in chaotic fights, and we had plenty of those. Also, the sword master has such high potential…”

The first questions naturally focused on today’s match. He provided insights only someone on the field could know. Donghae, known for his love of the sword master class, gave an interview rich in detail.

“Thank you for your thoughtful answer. And of course, we can’t ignore this question: ACL’s next match is highly anticipated, as you’ll be facing Sigma eSports.”

With Q Prime having fallen to “mid-tier” status, the first clash between teams currently labeled as “strong” was now set.

For both teams, this match would be a test. Sigma wanted to solidify their dominance at the top, while ACL sought to etch their name on the ruins of the reigning champions. No matter the outcome, it would carry great significance in this season’s Summer League.

Moreover, a strong team matchup would have a major impact on league standings. In the long term, this match was the first step toward qualifying for the World Championship.

“Given that Sigma is considered the top contender, I imagine your preparations are thorough. Which areas will you focus on in preparing for this match?”

“They’re a tough opponent, but… they’re not unbeatable. We’re preparing in a way that maximizes our strengths.”

“Thank you. Finally, do you have anything you’d like to say?”

“To Ga-wol—make sure you pull out your sword master against me.”

“Such confidence! That was ACL’s Donghae.”

[Post by: Anonymous (961.94)]

[Title: So, what’s ACL’s strength level right now?]

Do they even have a chance against Sigma? I’m seeing quite a few people seriously thinking ACL could win.

Is it because Igor and Roger are that good? Or has Donghae just improved a lot? I genuinely don’t know.

[Comments]

“Forget last season; they’re hella strong now.”

“The new mercenary players are a perfect fit with Donghae.”

“They found the last puzzle piece.”

└ “Exactly, that vibe.”

[Post by: Anonymous (741.121)]

[Title: Honestly, Ga-wol’s still all hype.]@@novelbin@@

I didn’t like how everyone was making such a fuss after the opening match.

Q Prime was only a “prestigious” team when they had Traveler. Now they’re just a mid-tier team, so why is everyone still hyping that event win?

Sure, I admit, Ga-wol’s one-on-one skills are legit. He beat Cerberus and Hero, so yeah, he’s good.

But Infinity Black is a team game. What has he really proven? Do you really think Sigma is going to win the World Championship just because of that one player?

Get real. You got knocked out in the Round of 16 not too long ago. You’re not world-class.

[Comments]

“So, ACL’s world-class?”

└ “Better track record than a wannabe streamer-sniper.”

“So Holy doesn’t have a trustworthy career? LOL”

“Did this guy get beaten by Ga-wol or something?”

└ “There’s actually a chance that happened;”

└ “Oof;”

[Post by: BlueStripeWhite]

[Title: Ga-wol’s Highlight Moments in the Summer League Compilation.list]

(Attached photo: Ga-wol, close-up of his backside)

(Attached photo: Ga-wol, close-up of his chest)

…

(Attached photo: Ga-wol…)

Stop fighting over stupid stuff and just enjoy the eye candy.

[Comments]

“Thank you.”

“She’s the woman who’s going to become my mother.”

[Post by: BlackStockings20Den]

[Title: Reason why Sigma will win tomorrow’s match against ACL]

[Likes: 148]

(Attached photo: Han Daeun’s armpit)

Ga-wol, this seductive little fox, has already cast a debuff before the match even started. When a man is afflicted with this debuff, it becomes hard for him to move.

Because when a man’s “shadow” rises, he has to bow down himself.

With ACL’s high male ratio, it’ll be hard for them to beat Sigma.

[Comments]

“Play fair, you vixen.”

Even if the sky splits, time moves on.

The moment fans had eagerly awaited finally arrived.

“And today’s the day. This is expected to be the closest match of the week, right?”

“Sigma eSports versus ACL. Both teams are on a three-game winning streak!”

“One of those streaks will break today.”

“Galaxy Gaming must be grinning right now. When strong teams clash early, it’s easier to hold onto their ranking and scout hidden strategies.”

The camera zoomed in on the waiting players. While there was no official confirmation, pro gamers with eye-catching looks often got more camera time.

This trend was even stronger with more skilled and popular players. With Luche and Ga-wol together on Sigma’s team, they were a frequent focus of the camera crew. Ga-wol waved to the viewers with his characteristic, playful hand gesture.

“Earlier, the analysis desk predicted a 6:4 result, right?”

“Yes, but ACL might feel it’s unfair. They could be thinking, ‘We’re performing really well this season, so why are we still being underestimated?’”

“They’ve likely sharpened their swords. Igor, for example, faced Luche back in the Arena and was eliminated in the second preliminaries. This could be his chance for revenge.”

“Now, it’s almost time for these two teams to collide. Let’s reveal the battleground and rules.”

On viewers' screens appeared an old, crumbling ruin.

The field was surrounded by circular, partially collapsed walls. The terrain was mostly flat with unmaintained buildings—a bit cramped for a 10-player brawl.

The match format was a five-player deathmatch, with a target of just 10 kills.

“This is a rare setup.”

“ACL would likely welcome this environment. It’s a narrow, flat area with lots of obstacles. Plus, a deathmatch format easily encourages chaotic battles.”

“But Sigma has their own advantage here. For a deathmatch, the kill target is relatively low. Every life is precious in this match. It seems like an ideal stage for Ga-wol, with his high kill potential, to shine.”