Kaiserst's First Recruit
All pro gamers feel this way to some degree, but it's especially true for rookies: the team you join matters immensely.
Your growth trajectory and future career hinge on it. That's why Siwoo needed to choose his first team carefully.
But was it worth turning down a 200 million won annual salary? It's not like success depends on anyone else—if he performs, that's all that counts. Plus, he could debut straight in the first team without any trainee or second-team stint.
There was some risk, sure, but the rewards matched it. Salaries don't lie.
"I'll do it."
Siwoo made his decision without a second thought.
"You're deciding just like that?"
Lee Siyeon looked at him in startled surprise.
"It's fine. I want to start here."
Siwoo nodded with a small smile.
No other team had offered better terms than Kaiserst.
"Still, maybe we should look around a bit more... Aren't you just chasing the money?"
Lee Siyeon muttered worriedly.
"It's not just the money—I can play in the first team right away. The other teams wanted me to start as a trainee or in the second team. I want to compete in tournaments now."
But Siwoo was firm. No team was offering better than Kaiserst at the moment. The others weren't willing to take the risk of throwing him into the first team.
"Alright, if you're sure..."
Lee Siyeon had no choice but to agree.
What could she do when the person involved had made up his mind?
"Excellent choice."
Coach Shin Seung-hyun smiled warmly.
"Here's the contract outlining the terms from the organization. It's all legally binding, so I'll walk you through it from the start. The first clause is..."
After that, Siwoo and Lee Siyeon listened closely to the detailed explanation of the contract terms before signing.
The community buzzes with heat the moment stove league season kicks off.
And it's literally on fire. Team officials drop breadcrumbs that set the boards ablaze, and fans from every squad spin wild "happy circuits" like "No renewal news on OO—coming to us?" There's no quiet day.
Like this, the domestic Overlant community was already abuzz with all sorts of rumors.
(Lee Siwoo photo)
After a massive flop in the Summer season, Kaiserst cut ties with their existing roster and brought in Lee Siwoo as their first signing.
Having shone brightly in the Overlant Series Cup, the organization has high hopes for the player.
...
Even E-sports news sites picked it up.
Siwoo was red-hot merchandise in this stove league, drawing massive attention.
He'd dominated the Series Cup like it was nothing—a top-tier prospect, no question.
Despite the attention, most fans weren't thrilled.
Siwoo had shown promise, but pro first-team play was a different beast.
Even academy dominators often flop in second team or fail to shine.
So, doing well in Series Cup meant he'd hack it in pros? Fans' verdict: NO.
Where there are haters, there are fans too—Overlant supporters love a rebel streak.
Then a post summed it up:
Lately everyone's hyping Siwoo. Is he really that good? Series Cup looked solid, but is that it...?
Insiders say he's a high schooler with insane mechanics due to age, rated higher than current pros.
What do you think—is Siwoo that good?
Reactions split between "some hype" and "pros are different."
Debate raged on, so fans checked Siwoo's debut matchup.
[EG – Kaiserst]
First opponent: EG (E-sports Galaxy).
Attacker: Kim Hyunsoo, the gatekeeper.
Fans waited.
For the day Siwoo's talent would be tested.
A few days passed.
Siwoo met with the school alongside his guardian big sister and submitted his withdrawal application.
Being second in the whole school shocked the teachers.
Some even begged him and Siyeon not to stray. But Siwoo was resolute—the process went through. School issues resolved.
And so.
Siwoo arrived at Kaiserst HQ with his big sister. He'd live in the team dorm from now on.
"Welcome, Player Lee Siwoo! Leave your bags here—we'll handle them."
"You sure?"
"Haha, of course. Let us know if anything's off."
Thankfully, the front office vibe was welcoming. The managers helping with onboarding seemed solid.
Time to head to the dorm, so he parted with his sister there.
"Siwoo, call if it's tough. If you can't hack it, don't suffer alone—come home, okay?"
She treated him like a kid. Siwoo chuckled awkwardly, patting her shoulder.
"I'm not a baby. You're worrying too much."
"Still..."
She smiled softly, hugging him and stroking his hair.
Anyone with siblings knows—this defies norms. Big sis hugging little bro and petting his head? Wild.
But with their seven-year gap, it fit perfectly.
"Sorry and thanks, Siwoo."
"Enough. And quit your job, sis."
"Then who feeds the family?"
"Me."
Siwoo grinned.
"Do the design you always wanted. I'll handle the money."
"Siwoo..."
"No more money worries. Cut back on those Friday drinks too."
"Got it. Thanks, Siwoo."
She ruffled his hair again.
Her eyes sparkled extra today—probably his imagination.
Shaking it off, he pulled away.
"Heading up."
"Text soon."
"Yeah."
Under her gaze, Siwoo boarded the elevator with the team manager.
"You and your sis are close."
"She's always looked out for me. I follow her lead."
Siwoo smiled sheepishly.
Back when Mom worked, his big sis and brother cared for young him. Bonds tightened—no big fights since.
Short chat later, the doors parted, revealing the familiar dorm.
Siwoo glanced around. Spotless, homey vibe.
"Here we are. Player Lee Siwoo's space is the Overlant team's second floor."
"Spacious. Other players not here yet? Feels empty."
"Contracts ongoing. One's arrived; you'll meet the rest later."
"Got it."
Kaiserst was mid-rebuild. Probably bunk with the early bird till mid-stove league.
"Rest easy. Hit us up for questions or issues."
"Thanks."
Manager smiled and took the elevator back up—to the office, it seemed.
Seventh floor offices...?
Building's huge—still adjusting. Map it out later.
Anyway.
Siwoo unpacked and picked a room he liked.
Nice big bedroom.
Private room. Queen bed, desk—plenty space.
Kaiserst's welfare was top-notch, as rumored.
Two bathrooms, separate dining...
As Siwoo toured.
Click.
Front door opened—someone entered. Siwoo froze, turning.
At the end of his gaze—
"Yo. You SniperSiwoo, Lee Siwoo? Nice to meet ya."
A guy in a creepy 2D anime girl T-shirt stood there.