SIU Shout and the Invitation Home
Hiss—.
Siwoo logs out and rises from the capsule. What greets him is—
WAAAAAAAAAAH──!!
A roar that shakes the heavens and earth. With 30,000 seats in the stands, this is the kind of thunderous cheer it produces. It's always astonishing, no matter how many times he hears it.
Good thing it worked out.
And on another note, he's relieved.
This game was far tougher than against A1. Not that Hanhaseong Life was better overall—their skill levels were comparable.
What made it hard was their solid fundamentals and orthodox operations, unlike A1's variable-creating playstyle.
Given Kaiserst's reliance on momentary senses and mechanics, facing Hanhaseong Life's rock-solid basics was bound to be tricky.
How long can I keep carrying?
It'd be great if he could always secure these wins, but that's impossible rationally. The other teams aren't idiots.
Once round 1 ends, they'll have us analyzed.
Right now, he's dominating because he's a rookie with no info out there. Can't ignore that.
Plus, after clashing once, they've gathered data and figured out how to counter him.
Until then, he needs to elevate his teammates. Take Chanseong hyung, for example. His skills are improving daily, but he needs a dramatic leap.
Next is Hojong hyung.
Unlike rookie Chanseong hyung, this hyung has tons of experience and skill, but as the same attacker position, he needs more growth.
No, actually. As he ages, his prowess dips, so maybe it's about regaining his peak form?
Anyway.
To prepare for GZ and round 2, he needs to boost both.
The silver lining: Yongtaek hyung and Su-hyuk hyung are supports who were already strong, so no worries there.
"Hmm."
But how to pull up Chanseong hyung and Hojong hyung's levels remains a question.
They won, yet the worries deepen.
Hiss—.
"Phew, that was tough."
"This match was brutal."
That's when the others log out and stand up.
"Siwoo carried us sweet today too!"
"Siwoo's forward sniper is the win condition."
Lee Soo-hyuk and Kim Yong-taek, rising from their seats, ruffle Siwoo's hair with grins.
"Ah, cut it out. You're messing up my hair."
"What's wrong with a little mess, you punk."
"I've got an interview."
Lee Soo-hyuk snickers. His hand tousles Siwoo's hair even rougher.
"Look at this guy, already acting like POM before the votes are in? How do we handle this arrogance? Everyone just gonna sit there?"
He turns, waiting for arrows to fly.
"……."
"……."
But Kim Ho-jong and Park Chan-seong just give bitter smiles, saying nothing.
The mood sinks.
Hard to believe this is a winning team.
"……What? Why the long faces?"
Suddenly awkward, Lee Soo-hyuk scratches his cheek.
"We're just thinking a lot."
Kim Ho-jong answers.
"I kinda sucked in today's game."
"Me too."
Kim Ho-jong and Park Chan-seong—both pros. Their competitive drive is leagues above normal.
For them, this match bruised their pride. Though Park Chan-seong feels this way often.
"Eh, feedback time later. Let's enjoy the win for now."
Kim Yong-taek shrugs.
"Yeah, you're right."
Kim Ho-jong nods with an awkward smile.
Who’s today’s POM?!
Unanimous again!
Aaah, we all know without asking!
That’s right! Player Lee Siwoo!
WAAAAAAAAAAH──!!
The fans' voices boom through the glass walls.
"I'll go do the interview."
"Yeah, put in a good word for us."
Siwoo smiles lightly, draping his jacket over his shoulders. He exits the capsule booth and heads to the arena center.
The interviewer, now familiar from weekly sights, beams and hands him the mic.
"Yes! Today’s POM, player Lee Siwoo!"
WAAAAAAAAAAH—!
"Player Lee Siwoo, another perfect carry for the win and your 8th straight victory! One word on your thoughts?"
"Uh……."
Siwoo pauses. Should he do the SIU Jiyeon requested? Nah, might look weird here.
Think post-celebration. Shouting SIU then continuing the interview would make his face burn red. Save it for last.
"The match was tough, but I'm glad we won."
Siwoo gives a light impression.
"Indeed! You've beaten two of OCK's top three already! Can't help but hype the GZ match—confident?"
GZ, undisputed domestic kings.
No great Masters results, but domestically, they're hegemons—four straight league wins.
Lumped with Hanhaseong Life and A1 as top three, but a cut above.
But he's confident.
Against anyone, he won't lose.
"Of course. Shin Jin-woo, if you want first in the league back, step it up. I'm different from other attackers."
The moment Siwoo grins—
WAAAAAAAAAAH──!!
The stands erupt, fans' frenzy and hype soaring.
And—
The chat explodes.
Siwoo sees it all on the central arena screen.
The interviewer beams.
"Such confidence! From the player riding an 8-win streak, Lee Siwoo! No pressure?"
"No pressure. Even if I lose, I won't crumble."
Siwoo smirks faintly.
"Losing doesn't end the world, right? Lose this one, win the next. Don't care about the ridicule. Prove it with results."
The interviewer nods with a laugh.
"Right! Lee Siwoo's just starting, plenty of time left! Finally, a word to the fans!"
Siwoo grips the mic firmer.
Time for Jiyeon's requested celebration.
Why am I nervous over this?
It'll loop eternally on community clips. Gotta nail it to avoid embarrassment.
"Short time, but thanks to all who've cheered me. I'll show more good plays, so keep supporting. SIUUUUUUUU!!!"
Siwoo's voice echoes through the arena.
"SIUUUUUUUUUU!!!"
"SIU!!!!!!!!!"
"SIUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!"
The stands turn to laughter, chanting SIU.
The chat floods with SIU.
Koreans love a good bald head, after all.
Even after no-showing at Sangam, they sent him to 2022 World Cup round of 16.
"That was player Lee Siwoo! Thank you!"
And the interview ends.
Post-match between Kaiserst and Hanhaseong Life in Overlant round 1, the community ignites as always.
Separately, as expected from a community of hot-blooded youth, the flame war World Cup erupts.
But it's routine.
Sports = fandom fights, right?
Of course, flame wars aren't great culture.
This twisted fandom tires viewers, escalates to crossing lines with player abuse, leaving hate over cheers.
Thus, hate chains among fans, now unavoidable.
Anyway.
Fan hype builds further.
Domestic top attacker Shin Jin-woo vs rising star Siwoo.
On the way home.
Siwoo checks his smartphone.
For messages.
Siwoo snickers and replies.
Siwoo closes his eyes, nods slowly.
Hmm, got it.
Wanted to see the SIU celebration.
Son celebration's been memed forever, so yeah fun….
Names match too….
Son as Overlant team owner makes him big here….
Freeze.
Siwoo's fingers halt mid-type, body stiffening.
Her house? Meet parents? Already that stage? What to wear?
A whirlwind of thoughts. Not dating yet? Is Jiyeon aggressive? Full throttle no brakes?
Then it hits.
Siwoo ducks his head, covering his mouth. Teammates would roast him. Face must be beet red.
Whatever the intent.
I must go.
A man doesn't run from what he must face.