Chapter 56
Channel Lase was inundated with an endless stream of videos uploaded non-stop. Yet, only a scant few managed to survive; most videos vanished, failing even to hit double-digit views.
To stand out amid the flood of content, a video had to be either astonishingly unique or precisely tuned to the audience’s desires. Among the most popular categories were “Raid” videos—viewers’ favorites in the RPG realm.
-“As always, raids are the true pinnacle of RPGs.”
└ “You say that every time. Wasn’t it PvP you called ‘the pinnacle’ last time?”
└└ “There can be more than one peak, okay? Don’t stifle our guy’s passion!”
└└└ “But it’s true, raid videos are thrilling. They have a power that other content lacks.”
Raid content was, by nature, intense and challenging, often beyond reach for most players—either due to lack of skill, inadequate gear, or the absence of high-level teammates. While early-region raids were manageable, the more advanced raids that appeared after second-job transitions were daunting. If a team fell short in control, equipment, or teamwork, the raid boss would remain undefeated.
Driven by the allure of vicarious victories, many players flocked to raid videos. In fact, live-streamed high-difficulty raids were among the top attractions offered by the “Top 10 Guilds.”
However, six months post-launch, Channel Lase’s repetitive raid videos were beginning to feel stale.
-“Ugh, all we get now are rehashed videos of teams following existing strategies. Is there anything fresh out there?”
└ “You know even that takes skill. You’d get wiped out by Phase 1.”
└└ “Lol, spoken like a true raid star. Too bad your control skills waste such good gear. If I had it, I’d solo-kill.”
└└└ “Hey, !&^%@&*!”
Most of the raid videos on Channel Lase followed in the footsteps of the strategies pioneered by the “Top 10 Guilds.” Initially, this format was still enjoyable, but as audiences became desensitized to repetitive content, they craved something more original and stimulating.
-“As much as I gripe about the elite guilds, I have to admit— their video quality is top-notch.”
-“I guess we’ll just have to wait for the Top 10 to unlock a new area? Rewatching the same stuff gets old.”
-“Oh, wait! A solo raid video just dropped! Here’s the link.”
Solo raids, at least, offered a different kind of thrill. Performing at the level of four players alone, solo raiders often faced unpredictable challenges. The visuals were captivating. But that was only when it was a legitimate solo raid.
-“Oh, seriously?”
-“Another Necromancer? Is there anyone left who considers a Necromancer solo raid worth watching?”
-“It’s all Lucan’s fault. That guy ruined everything for everyone.”
Unlike earlier days, most solo raid videos on Channel Lase now featured Necromancers, who used hordes of zombies and skeletons to overwhelm bosses. While it worked, audiences yearned for the tension and tactical finesse of a true raid, not a mob overwhelming the boss.
-“Necro again? And he dares to call it a solo raid?”
-“At least Lucan fights himself, unlike these other Necros hiding behind their minions, only buffing from the back.”
-“Snooze fest. Absolute bore.”
The prevalence of Necromancer raids gave rise to the derisive nickname “Necro-again,” signifying their current standing.
-“Hey, this time it’s a real solo raid video!”
└ “If it’s another Necro video, I’m blocking you.”
└└ “No, seriously. It’s on Heavenblade TV.”
-“Whoa, Heavenblade’s latest video? Gotta watch this.”
Heavenblade TV’s new release quickly stirred the community, offering a breath of fresh air in a stagnant landscape. Subscriptions surged daily.
-“But hasn’t Heavenblade been gaming only briefly? The last video was from the Sea Cave, right?”
-“Then this raid is likely Elder Trent. That’s one tough solo kill.”
-“Breaking its defense solo is nearly impossible unless you’re a Spellblade or something.”
-“Why are you still talking here? Just go watch!”
Heavenblade TV’s fourth video was as short as the rest but packed an intense punch.
Thwack-thwack-thwack!
-“Insane…”
-“This time it’s fists, not a sword? What’s this guy’s class?”
-“How is the boss even staggered by bare-handed strikes? Those are basic hits!”
-“And not just any boss—an elite one. This is a full setup!”
-“Heavenblade Punch! Heavenblade Punch!”
The video exceeded all expectations, delivering the fresh excitement viewers had yearned for.
-“Unbelievable movements. Does he have eyes in the back of his head?”
-“My friend’s a top-tier guild raider and a pro gamer… This guy’s even better.”
-“Maybe Heavenblade’s a pro gamer too.”
Awe turned to shock when Elder Trent entered Phase 2, and the video defied all conventional understanding.
Thwack-thwack-thwack! BOOM!
Even as Elder Trent fortified itself in Earth Power Mode, the relentless assault continued.
At this point, most assumed Heavenblade was oblivious to the right strategy.
-“Sigh, he’s screwed now. No stun?”
-“Is he really going for a Phase 3 solo kill? That would be a legendary video.”
-“Come on, that’s impossible. Not even the top 100 ranked players have done that.”
-“Didn’t he pull off that Hell Beast 9-second kill too? Heavenblade can do it!”
The outcome shocked everyone: just as Elder Trent powered up, it suddenly faded into a gray mist and vanished.
-?
-???
-“What just happened?”
Every viewer flooded the forum with “?” after “?”, struggling to process what they’d just seen.
-“Wait, so it’s really dead? Without a stun? Did he actually break through the Earth Power defense and self-healing?”
-“Heavenblade… he’s a god!”
-“What a letdown. I thought he was a legit hardcore controller, but turns out he’s just a pay-to-win freak in full Unique gear.”
-“No way Unique gear alone could do that…”
-“It’s an exploit.”
-“A hack.”
-“Just reported it as a bug.”
Despite being constantly scrutinized, Heavenblade TV’s latest video sparked unprecedented discussions. Interest wasn’t confined to Channel Lase; even the broader guilds, excluding the fanatical Mamonism, took notice of the enigmatic Carpe.
Whoosh.
Snow whipped across a vast, white expanse.
“Haaa!”
A man, bare-chested with a colossal greatsword, fought fiercely against a Yeti.
Even high-ranking players hesitated to face the 130-level “White Mountain” monster, notorious for its ferocity and ice magic.
“It’s over!”
But to this man, the Yeti was mere child’s play.
Thunk.
The blade struck true, and the Yeti turned gray, fading without a sound.
“Good work.”
A woman bundled in furs approached, inspecting the Yeti’s remains.
“Hmm… no Ice Crystals this time either. Are we sure it’s even on the drop list?”
“Relax, Kait. We haven’t even been here a week.”
“It’s easy for you, Guild Leader. You have the fights to keep you entertained. I’m bored.”
“Then fight too.”
“My class isn’t suited for these snowy mountains, you know that.”
“Then why’d you come along…?”
The man called “Guild Leader” looked at her, exasperated.
“To see the great Gunter Lauhel fall, of course.”
“Sorry to disappoint, but that’s a wish I’ll never grant. Anyway, what’s keeping you so occupied?”
“Just watching some top videos on Channel Lase.”
“Is that even fun? You could kill a few more mobs in that time.”
“It’s partly for fun, but also to scout talent.”
“Any prospects?”
Gunter spun his sword through the air, savoring the lingering rush of battle, then grinned and sheathed it.
“There is one. Quite the sensation lately. Want to see?”
“Hmm?”
Kait opened a video for him to view.
After five minutes, Gunter gave a slight nod of admiration, a rare response from him.
“Didn’t expect Trent could be beaten like that. Impressive, isn’t it?”
“Definitely.”
“Do you think you could have taken down Trent at that level, like he did?”
After a moment’s thought, Gunter raised four fingers.
“If I had four tries, I could probably manage it once. I was pretty weak back then.”
“Great. I’m recruiting him.”
“Let me know if you need funds. Take what you need.”
Gunter resumed hunting the Yetis, a faint smile lingering.
“A promising new talent has arrived.”
North America’s elite guild, The Sun, had set its sights.
Meanwhile…
“Heavenblade?”
“Yes, seems he’s from the same raiding background as you. A Korean, I think.”
“Hmm. Heavenblade…”
At the same moment, Eden, an elite guild known for its top-tier members, though not one of the Top 10, had also taken interest.
“Track him down! How long are we going to keep trailing?”
Even Pluto, the smallest of the South American guilds within the Top 10, was keenly watching Carpe.
The first-ever talent war was just beginning.
[Level up! Bonus points awarded.]
“Amazing. This is paradise.”
-Damn it! This area usually takes endless grinding!
Unbothered by the clamor around him, the man at the center of the storm continued blissfully leveling up in an unknown world.
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