Chapter 60: The Strongest Unranked in History (Part 2)

“…So, you’re saying Kim Kuma requested the collaboration because he wants to team up with me?”

I asked as soon as I heard the general explanation.

“It’s not certain.”

“But it’s the most likely possibility, right?”

“…Yes.”

At those words, I closed my eyes briefly.

‘The collaboration was bait.’

Of course, this Kim Kuma person wasn’t trying to deceive me maliciously. It’s just that there wasn’t a direct connection, so he used the collaboration as an excuse to meet me.

Compared to what I’ve been through in ‘that world,’ this was nothing. I’ve been driven to the brink of death and trapped in life-threatening situations numerous times.

Honestly, I found this rather cute.

‘Hmm.’

Therefore, I stopped dwelling on that aspect. More important was the tournament, the TSC.

TSC.

The Tricky Streamer Cup was a tournament exclusively for streamers, modeled after the WCC (World Championship Cup) and officially recognized by Arfellium Corporation. As a result, they had professional broadcasts of the tournament and awarded a trophy to the winning team.

‘A tournament…’

Frankly, I was intrigued.

I had given serious thought to the pro offer from ML Masterpiece. Of course, I ultimately chose to pursue streaming and joined Five Star. However, I still held an interest in tournaments and official matches.

And now, as if perfectly orchestrated, an opportunity(?) to participate in an amateur tournament had fallen into my lap.

Would I be human if I wasn’t interested?

I tapped the glass of cider with my chopsticks. A clear, ringing sound resonated. Listening to the sound, I organized my thoughts.

‘First, TSC is Tricky’s streamer tournament. It would be natural for a Tricky streamer to participate.’

Of course, I also wanted to participate. In a way, it could be considered an honor. It’s a chance to participate in a gaming tournament alongside streamers I used to only watch from behind a screen before I fell into ‘that world.’

‘And if it’s an amateur tournament, not a professional one…’

It seemed like I could enjoy the best parts without experiencing the usual troublesome issues.

In short, this offer felt very appealing.

As I remained silent to gather my thoughts, Manager Kang Ara hurriedly spoke. She seemed to have interpreted my silence as a negative sign.

“Of course, you can refuse the collaboration offer. It’s not something you absolutely have to do, and their intentions are quite clear.”

“Ah, wait a moment.”

I raised my hand to interrupt Kang Ara.

At my action, Kang Ara tilted her head.

“Shihyun?”

“Ah, just organizing my thoughts.”

I put down my chopsticks and stared at the glass of cider I had been tapping. The cider, now lukewarm from the passage of time. Naturally, it wouldn’t taste good.

Therefore.

‘I can’t accept this offer.’

Kim Kuma’s offer was lukewarm, tasteless, and not even something I created. Just like this cider.

“Oh, okay. Go ahead.”

I poured the cider into another glass and ordered a new one. Soon, the staff brought a chilled cider, and I filled my glass.

Then, I drank it all in one gulp.

“……!!”

Perhaps because I tried to drink it too quickly, some cider spilled onto my lips. Wiping it away with my left hand, I met Kang Ara’s gaze. I saw her flinch slightly.

“TSC is fine. I intend to participate. I don’t mind joining Kim Kuma’s team either.”

“Oh, is that so? Then I’ll contact Kim Kuma…”

“However, I’m not accepting the collaboration offer.”

“You’re refusing the collaboration?”

Kang Ara blinked.

I swirled the cider glass and said,

“Their goal isn’t the collaboration itself, is it? Then is there a need for a collaboration? We could just arrange a separate meeting.”

“A meeting? Why…?”

Manager Kang Ara asked with puzzled eyes.

Didn’t I already agree to join Kim Kuma’s team? Is there a need for a meeting to discuss further? Wouldn’t the practical matters be naturally coordinated between the managers?

Her gaze seemed to hold such questions.

I shrugged and smiled.

“Well, because…”

“She refused the collaboration?”

Kim Kuma asked with a bewildered look, and Son Jaehyuk nodded.

Hearing those words, Gentry rolled right off the sofa and started rolling back and forth on the floor.

“Aaack! I knew it! I knew it wouldn’t work!”

“Hey, hey. What are you doing? The floor is a dust pit.”

Range Shot, who was cleaning his VR headset, looked at Gentry rolling on the floor with an absurd expression. But Gentry thrashed around, oblivious to his gaze.

“Is dust important right now? What about our team!”

“Hey, is Shihyun the only person out there? We can find someone else.”

“Then we’ll just end up in 4th place again.”

Son Jaehyuk, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, clapped his hands to get their attention.

“Hey, hey. Quiet down. I haven’t finished yet.”

At his words, Kim Kuma blinked.

“She refused, right? Isn’t that the end of it?”

“The thing is, they seem to have figured out our intentions. They want to have a meeting about the TSC team.”

“Huh?”

This was completely unexpected.

Kim Kuma opened and closed his mouth.

“So, what? We succeeded?”

“Almost? Judging by the manager’s tone, it seems like it’s confirmed that she’ll participate in the tournament with your team.”

“R-really?”

Hearing that, Gentry, who was rolling on the floor, jumped up.

“Woohoo! Then it’s settled! We won!”

“Won what? We haven’t even played a game yet.”

Kim Kuma lightly scolded Gentry for counting his chickens before they hatched. Gentry grumbled in response.

“At least we won’t end up in 4th place.”

“Be quiet.”

“Yes, sir.”

After silencing Gentry, Kim Kuma turned his head back to Son Jaehyuk.

“But then, why the meeting?”

“That’s the thing. I’m wondering about that too. Judging by her attitude, it seems like she wants to negotiate…something? Is there anything to negotiate here?”

“Negotiate… negotiate…”

Kim Kuma stroked his chin and pondered.

To negotiate means she wants something.

But Kim Kuma couldn’t figure out what it was.

A mega-streamer with an average of 21,000 viewers, the strongest Arfellium player ever, and visuals that rival celebrities. Isn’t it too difficult to guess what such a perfect person could want?

‘Money? No. That’s bull.’

If she needed money, she would have joined a professional team.

Considering fame, advertisements, and even post-retirement prospects, joining a pro team is better than streaming. But Sung Shihyun chose broadcasting, the life of a streamer.

‘She has a different mindset than ordinary people. Definitely.’

So, what does she want after all?

“I really don’t know.”

Kim Kuma pondered hard until the day of the meeting arrived, but he couldn’t find the answer. He even had to take painkillers in the morning because he had a headache from thinking too much.

‘Well, there’s no point in thinking about it anymore.’

Kim Kuma shrugged, thinking so.

The meeting place was a popular franchise cafe.

Kim Kuma quietly opened the door and went inside. As befitted a popular cafe, there were quite a few people inside. Kim Kuma looked around for Sung Shihyun and realized something strange.

‘The atmosphere is…’

Odd?

And he soon understood why.

Most of the male customers, and about half of the female customers, were constantly glancing somewhere. Following their gaze, he saw the backs of two people with black and brown hair sitting at a table in the corner.

Kim Kuma chuckled.

‘It must be them…’

Kim Kuma walked towards where the two were sitting.

‘Just how pretty is she to cause this kind of reaction?’

He had seen her on the broadcast screen. But honestly, Kim Kuma thought there must have been some visual enhancements.

Of course, he didn’t believe Shihyun’s appearance was customized. He knew Euning was an acquaintance, and she confirmed it through a VR call.

But he didn’t think she would be this stunning.

Therefore, without a second thought, Kim Kuma plopped down across from the two at the table.

And then he raised his head.

“Huh?”

What is this? What is this?

How can a person look like this?

‘This isn’t just rivaling celebrities, this is beyond.’

His face flushed instantly.

Kim Kuma quickly pinched his thigh. It hurt so much he yelped, but thankfully he was able to regain his composure.

Glancing to the side, he saw Son Jaehyuk, who had come to the meeting with him, already had hearts popping out of his eyes. This level of beauty is practically a strategic weapon. Kim Kuma muttered to himself and cleared his throat.

“Ahem, ahem. Hello. I’m streamer Kim Kuma. My real name is Choi Sangyong.”

After briefly introducing himself, Kim Kuma nudged Son Jaehyuk. Finally snapping out of it, Son Jaehyuk introduced himself. Although, it was almost a mumble.

“Hello, I’m Sung Shihyun.”

Shihyun bowed her head slightly. After Manager Kang Ara finished introducing herself, Kim Kuma cautiously asked.

“First of all, what’s the reason for requesting this meeting? I heard you’ve already decided to join us for the TSC.”

Shihyun smiled at his words.

“Yes. But I’d like to change the terms of that agreement.”

“Terms?”

Kim Kuma tilted his head.

What terms is she talking about?

To the puzzled Kim Kuma, Shihyun dropped a bombshell.

“I want the team leader position.”