Going Out (1)
After I started streaming, discussions about me—about Gale Wind SION—exploded across the community.
It felt like I was getting mentioned more than Alice, who had steadfast popularity, or even Mac Bass, the jungler flaunting the highest star power among rankers and pros combined.
The posts uploaded about me roughly fell into three categories.
The first category consisted of earnest analyses of the Speed Swordsman build, showering me with unstinting praise—posts brimming with pure fandom.
"...Feels good."
Seeing them diligently researching builds based on what I'd taught in my streams filled me with indescribable pride.
The era where Speed Swordsman devours every share of the meta might not be far off at all.
The second was the die-hard haters who despised me and the Speed Swordsman build...
Speed Swordsman had a notorious rep as a troll build in low tiers anyway, and plenty hated it from the start. But the direct attacks on me personally felt like they'd multiplied exponentially since I began streaming.
Well, these were the ranker fandoms, vicious enough to earn the "hooligan" label, constantly on guard and tearing into each other.
Now that I'd started streaming, drawing ire from rival fans was inevitable. It wasn't just me—every other ranker, even Alice, dealt with it. All I could do was suck it up.
No point obsessing over those posts anyway. Best to chuckle and scroll past.
"...Ha."
The last bunch... for some reason, obsessively digging into Gale Wind's true face—my real appearance.
"......"
They'd debate my looks all day, spinning wild fantasies among themselves.
Some insisted I was a classic "voice goddess" with a disastrous face; others staunchly defended that I must be pretty irl too.
Just look at the community fashion—style sense is confirmed lol. And girls with fashion sense are pretty irl too lol. Disagree? Stealth dog
"Sigh..."
There were just so many posts that drew a sigh.
Why obsess over someone outside the game? Why stir up another fight? Why stress themselves out?
I truly couldn't understand it.
"Hm..."
...It even made me dwell on my own appearance.
The real look of rank 6 SION—or rather, my completely transformed self.
Silver hair cascading down, emerald-green eyes,
plump red lips and perfectly harmonious features,
flawless white skin and ideal proportions to boot.
"...Not bad, at... all..."
Strictly speaking... I thought I was on the pretty side. I'd meticulously customized this in-game avatar to forget my old, bloated real body—and if it turned out ugly or average, that would be the problem.
Of course, the unique silver hair and green eyes drew stares wherever I went.
— Just look at the community fashion—style sense is confirmed lol
"Fashion sense..."
But on that one point, I sadly couldn't agree.
Even now, heading out to buy ingredients for green onion pancakes, I was in a plain white tee and jeans—the epitome of unemployed slob fashion.
"Maybe I should research it..."
Sure, dressing up nicely would make Gale Wind's looks shine even more... but sadly, I was a total novice at women's fashion.
I'd have to look up some outfits later. Couldn't wander around like a bum forever.
"......"
Lost in such random thoughts, I hopped along toward the mart with bouncy rabbit steps.
It was quite a walk to the mart... but that meant a nice long stroll, which was actually welcome.
"Maybe try a marathon sometime."
The idea popped up—build stamina and enter a marathon race. Seemed not bad. Running with a goal would make it worthwhile.
After hitting rank 1 as top priority, I'd seriously consider it.
"...Feels refreshing."
Whoosh.
A cool breeze suddenly brushed my cheek, stirring an inexplicable peace in my heart.
Smashing foes in Legend Frontier was great, but outings like this for a mood refresh weren't bad either.
No more whispers about my looks or wheelchair.
Sure, some might murmur at the silver hair and green eyes... but that was tolerable.
Plus, whether it was the last outing to buy underwear downtown or chatting via streams, I felt a bit more confident in myself.
"...Not bad at all."
...In many ways, it felt like I was slowly moving forward, leaving the past behind.
Shwaaa—
"...Good thing I brought the umbrella."
The moment I stepped out of the mart with ingredients for green onion pancakes, a downpour started as if on cue.
— What do we do?!
— What, buy an umbrella.
— Sigh...
"......"
The people nearby, caught off-guard by the rain, scowled in dismay.
But unlike them, I smirked inwardly and unfurled the plastic umbrella I'd grabbed from home. A victor's leisure from Legend Frontier seeped in unbidden.
"Should've checked the forecast."
Maybe from those times in the wheelchair, stuck during sudden showers? At some point, checking the weather before leaving became habit.
Today's rain chance: 70%.
Even if it wasn't pouring yet, bringing an umbrella was smart—especially with those brooding dark clouds.
"...This isn't bad either."
Walking in the rain was a novel experience.
Splash, splash—the feel of puddles underfoot.
Others might gripe about wet shoes and socks, but to me, even this was a precious first.
...I even jumped in puddles on purpose, savoring the downpour stroll to the fullest.
Sure, passersby might call me crazy... but who cares.
"Wonder what snow feels like..."
Stepping in rain puddles sparked curiosity about snow—would it really crunch softly?
I wanted to experience it this winter for sure.
Hope it snows buckets.
"......"
On the way home.
Pedestrians had all fled the rain indoors, leaving the alley to my villa completely deserted—not even an ant's shadow.
Rumble.
No people, thunder cracking, sky dark, rain pouring, alley dim and shadowy.
"......"
The vibe screamed ghosts or murderers. Even on this familiar route, tension prickled inexplicably.
Rustle.
"...?!!"
Already spinning wild imaginings, a strange presence timed perfectly from behind.
"Wh-who...?"
...I stiffly craned my neck,
slowly turning to peer into the gloomy back alley.