Forward Sniper Annihilation
Right after the game ends, in the capsule booth.
Red Force's Kim Jinyoung stares at the opposite capsule booth in disbelief.
Through the large transparent glass window, he sees the Kaiserst players beaming with bright smiles.
And at the center, naturally, is Lee Siwoo.
'Monster.'
It's mechanics that defy logic.
To land a sniper shot from that distance in one go.
He lost the psychological war because of aim searching.
Only Siwoo could hit head and chest without trial and error from that range.
Sure, overseas pros might pull it off. But Kim Jinyoung hasn't met one yet.
Anyway, Siwoo's flawless sniping made psychological warfare inevitable defeat.
No data to predict the next shot.
'Coldly speaking... the next set looks tough too.'
Kim Jinyoung squeezes his eyes shut.
Truth be told, Red Force isn't a strong team. Their attacker line is weak compared to other positions.
Defender, supporter, and healer are league third-tier—third best in the league.
But attackers are bottom-tier. They had no options, so they rushed a rookie into the lineup.
With such a weak attacker line, facing a sniper like Siwoo meant no chance of winning.
"Damn..."
His fist clenches tight.
Nails dig into his palm.
Is this the gap in talent? Kim Jinyoung feels a wall against a rookie who just debuted.
All from one psychological play using aim searching.
The feedback session arrives as always.
But Coach Shin Seung-hyun's feedback is different from usual.
"Yes, Chan-seong! That's the aggression I wanted! They panicked and fell back because you pushed so hard!"
It's thanks to Park Chan-seong's changed playstyle.
Until now, Park had been passive in fights, held back by the thought that he couldn't match opponents.
He relied on teammates' orders. But this time, no such thing. He took initiative on his own tasks.
Not perfect, but he's found the right direction.
'Definitely improved.'
Siwoo smiles in satisfaction. A teammate's growth is worth celebrating.
Park Chan-seong grins.
"Feels like I'm getting the hang of it. Game went well too."
"Chan-seong, this isn't just getting the hang of it."
Shin Seung-hyun hardens his expression.
"You're the helmsman. You steer the whole ship. But until now, you were heading weird places, like sailing with the anchor down. Now? Anchor's still down, but you've got the right heading."
What's the feedback this time?
Siwoo listens intently, intrigued.
"Now just unfurl the sails and lift the anchor. Good stuff. Keep it up. Form and skill come with steady practice and matches, so hold that direction."
The metaphor's a bit odd, but it's praise. He's doing well.
"Okay, next feedback."
Shin Seung-hyun spins the monitor to show the first set replay.
"Rest was solid. Diamond formation to pressure them? Good. Sniper-led range fights? Good."
But, he continues.
"You're too reliant on Siwoo right now. I get his efficiency per investment is top-notch. But prep a Plan B for when it matters."
Kaiserst does lean on Siwoo. Lots of plays banking on sniping. Shin Seung-hyun dislikes that.
Siwoo's sniping is reliable, yielding far more than invested. But it won't win championships.
"Everyone needs carry potential. When Siwoo can't, Ho-jong, you step up. Attackers short? Soo-hyuk and Yong-taek, you handle it."
Same as past team game feedback. Everyone covers for each other.
"Ho-jong, Yong-taek—show your own plays. Not just tailing Siwoo. Got it? Too dependent now."
"Yes."
"Siwoo, all good. Thought your aim searching was psychopathic. But push bolder. Need data collection."
"Yes."
Clap!
Shin Seung-hyun claps his hands.
"Feedback done! All good. Next set, take it easy. Loss is fine. Goal's data and growth."
"Yes."
"Okay, fighting! Rest till next match. Time left before start."
"Yes."
With that, Shin Seung-hyun leaves. Players remain. Siwoo pokes Park Chan-seong's side.
"What'd I tell you? You're doing great, hyung."
"Haha, seems so. Thanks, Siwoo."
"No biggie. Just stating facts."
"Still, thanks. Feels like I shook off that obsession to perform."
"Glad to hear it."
Siwoo shrugs.
Park, always slumped since scrims, seems energized now.
Anyway.
'Today's matches look promising.'
If second set goes like the first, POM—Player of the Match—is certain.
Contract has bonus pay for POMs, so motivation surges.
And POM interviews draw eyes—thrilling.
'Let's go.'
Siwoo smiles, closes eyes.
Meditation essential for second set POM.
The second set map is decided.
Hibana Museum.
A museum interior littered with objects everywhere.
Complex paths slow object grabs and merges. Glass-heavy but pillars and walls make cuts hard.
Objective: Cargo transport to goal point.
Win by hauling cargo from inner warehouse to exit. Split into 1st and 2nd rounds.
⊳ Shield Defender – Sniper – Rifle Attacker – Sniper Healer – Smoke Supporter
⊳ Shield Defender – Rifle Attacker – Rifle Attacker – Standard Healer – Smoke Supporter
Smoke supporters essential for cargo Hibana, so both picked them.
Red Force's rest counters Siwoo's sniper. Kaiserst funnels to Siwoo again.
Thus.
Team fights and plans using map structure key.
Object gaps huge, perfect for skirmishes.
But.
Kaiserst's positions odd.
Normally, occupy high ground near cargo, defend dragging time.
But Kaiserst goes opposite.
All-in on forward sniper.
High-risk strategy. Unlike standard fallback, failure irreversible.
Teams avoid unless experimenting or massive skill gap.
Game starts.
Red Force rushes attack, pauses at formation.
"What the hell?"
Kim Jinyoung's brow furrows.
"Forward sniper?"
"Overconfident from set 1 win?"
Red Force feels insulted. Forward sniper screams unbridgeable gap.
"Go defender center. Both smokes block angles, rifles deny sniper freedom."
Red Force tweaks lightly.
Forward snipers have gaping holes.
But...
Bang—!
Siwoo slices Kim Jinyoung right at start!
Red Force strategy crumbles at kickoff.
Siwoo exploits thread-thin angle.
"Damn...!"
Kim Jinyoung scowls.
Snipe through that slice? Right after respawn move? Absurd reaction.
'No way to win like this...!'
Just steadied mind, now crumbling at set 2 start.
Numbers even. Both at four.
However.
Bang—!
Siwoo snipes again! Supporter down!
Couldn't win 5v5, no chance 4v4.
Cargo active, Red Force still pinned.
One word comes to mind.
Defeat.
Red Force defender expands shield.
Height/width growth trait, solid ally cover.
Used vs snipers/rifle attackers.
However.
As if waiting, Siwoo Grapple Hooks skyward.
And.
Bang—!
Meaningless.
Bigger shield? Sky shows heads.
Finally.
Red Force defeated.
Zero successful attacks in round 1.