Question Mark (2)
…The world's number one streaming platform, Xwitch.
Even though its atmosphere is relatively freewheeling compared to other platforms, most viewers are heavily influenced by the streamer.
If the streamer aims for a chill broadcast, the chat calms down a bit accordingly. If it's a chaotic, meme-filled stream, the viewers get hyped and go wild.
So, if Gale Wind here went with something like, "Oh? Alice showed up?" or "Looks like even Alice is interested in Speed Swordsman!" in a mocking tone toward herself, the chat would instantly explode with ridicule aimed at Alice.
No matter how tough Alice was, she wouldn't enjoy getting roasted by thousands. That's why she focused every nerve, waiting for Gale Wind's reaction.
"Phew…"
Of course, she wasn't expecting much. Hadn't Alice herself jumped on the chance last time, mocking Gale Wind and Speed Swordsman the moment the vibe shifted?
Even if Alice were in Gale Wind's shoes right now, she'd absolutely address her own donation and the Speed Swordsman question, turning it into a full-on roast fest.
Didn't ancient victorious generals belittle enemy commanders to boost their own glory? If Sion cared even a little about her reputation and honor, she wouldn't pass up this golden opportunity.
"Um…"
"……."
"Please refrain from mentioning other streamers."
"Huh…?"
……But the words slipping from Gale Wind's mouth were completely unexpected.
"……."
A stark contrast to her calm lecture on Speed Swordsman moments ago—this was a cold, sharp voice. She was warning them not to mention other streamers—like Alice—with unmistakable edge.
For a newbie streamer who could easily get swayed by chat, this was impressively resolute body language and tone.
"Ahem, anyway, great question no matter who asked. To wrap it up…"
The viewers kept spamming Alice's name with mockery, but Gale Wind ignored it all, steadily explaining Speed Swordsman counters as if it didn't exist.
With Gale Wind showing zero reaction and even threatening permanent bans, the Alice-flooded vibe gradually died down.
Sure, it'd probably bubble up later on communities and forums, but if she'd fanned the flames here, it would've been way worse.
"Hmph, tch, just acting like she saw something…"
Gale Wind's intentions were unknown, but thanks to her, the incident passed relatively quietly. Alice muttered, cheeks flushing.
"Thinks I'll thank her or something…?!"
She definitely owed her one… but her sky-high pride wouldn't let even a solo mutter of gratitude escape.
'Yeah… I am grateful, though…'
She just quietly swallowed it down inside.
"…Alright, that's the lecture for today. For the rest of the time, let's review yesterday's game."
After finishing explanations like Speed Swordsman weaknesses to early invades, Gale Wind announced she'd review yesterday's match—the ranked game where Alice got crushed.
"Ugh…"
Alice grimaced at the words.
Was the reason she glossed over the donation fiasco just now to legally roast her during the review?
A strategic retreat for a two-step advance?
Makes sense—it was probably that. A chance to rightfully and thoroughly mock the rank 1 Alice? No way Sion would let it slip.
Either way, Sion was a ranker too, and rankers instinctively burned with rivalry.
"Annoying…"
The thought killed the flicker of gratitude toward Gale Wind.
She wanted to scream, What kind of review is this?!… but right now, Alice was just another viewer. Nothing she could do.
Sending another donation on the topic? That'd be diving headfirst into a sea of shame.
Her only option: meekly watch how Gale Wind—Sion—handled the review and evaluated yesterday's her.
"8 minutes 32 seconds… That really surprised me. Smashing the ground to remove footing? Never seen that before…"
"Huh…?"
But Sion's reaction during the review, tossed out casually about Alice, missed expectations again.
"Her movement was insane too. A split-second later, and I'd have failed the kill—snowball could've gone anywhere."
"Wh-what…"
Contrary to predictions of public mockery, Sion was genuinely praising Alice.
"No, really. Without our plain ally, I'd have been the one killed."
Despite viewers saying no need to act or suck up to Alice, Sion waved it off, insisting it was sincere as she praised her again.
Watching that, Alice muttered blankly.
"What the hell is with this girl…?"
She figured someone rocking a weirdo Speed Swordsman build with such erratic moves must have a screw loose personality-wise—but was that just her own misconception?
"Huh? Would've won easier without Speed Swordsman? …Banned. Reflect on that and come back."
"……."
"Anyway, moving on to the coast phase…"
Unlike Alice's dumbfounded expression, Sion smoothly continued the review.
But after that unexpected respect, the rest barely registered in Alice's ears.
"Seriously, what…"
How long had it been since another streamer showed her this kind of respect and praise?
Her style—trash talk paired with mocking plays—always drew tons of enemies. As many haters spewing venom as ecstatic fans.
Someone purely, sincerely praising her live like this… felt like forever.
A strange emotion stirred.
"…Alright, that's it for today."
"…!"
As she wandered in confusion, snapping back, Gale Wind's stream was already winding down.
The silver-haired, green-eyed beauty with flawless customization smiled brightly to end it.
"Man… what a fun game."
"Thanks to Alice and Metia, it was a tense one after so long."
"…If we get the chance, it'd be great to play together again sometime."
"……."
That line from Gale Wind about playing together next time.
…She knew Alice was watching. It was a message straight to her.
Yeah, definitely.
An inexplicable certainty bloomed.
"That's all for today, then. Review what you learned, or I'll get mad."
Gale Wind signed off in her usual soothing, relaxed voice. "Broadcast ended" filled Alice's monitor.
"Hmm…"
Alice stared at the blank screen for a long while.
Her thoughts were a mess.
She'd tuned in just to snag some Speed Swordsman intel, but now this tangled mess of feelings had spread to the player herself—Sion.
"Ugh, why is this happening."
Maybe because she'd gotten such shoulder-shrugging praise from someone she thought would mock her? The churning emotions showed no sign of settling.
Gale Wind. Sion.
Impossible to pin down.
"Hmm…"
Then Alice blankly replayed the closing remark.
— If we get the chance, it'd be great to play together again sometime.
"Play together…"
Hated to admit it… but Alice felt the same. She wanted to watch that Speed Swordsman play up close this time, intensely.
"Hmph, well,"
Suppressing her twitching lips, Alice donned her VR headset and logged into Legend Frontier.
She pulled up yesterday's match history, clicked Gale Wind's profile card, hit messaging, and started typing a short note.
"If you want it that bad…"
…Her avatar, Alice wielding the massive Reaper scythe. In those signature red eyes, the awkward two letters "duo" from the message stood out glaringly.