Streaming Life After Paying Off Debt - Chapter 22

There was a unique system in Twitch’s suspension.

– Can we stream together?

– Who is that person?

– M… mmm

– Absolutely do not say that guy’s name.

From the moment a streamer is suspended, everything related to that streamer is suspended as well. If a suspended streamer appears on another broadcast, that broadcast would also face suspension, creating a joint punishment mechanism.

– Duntang has donated 5,000 won.

[Mari Mari, you also wanted to go on vacation for 3 days…]

– Mari = Love has donated 10,000 won.

[It seems like the collaboration partner has some controversies… how about canceling?]

Viewers who were aware of this fact were expressing their concerns towards Mari.

“Isn’t today a collaboration? Today’s broadcast isn’t a collaboration.”

Nonetheless, the broadcast continues relentlessly.

– Then who is that character dancing beside you?

“That person is a master I met during solo queue.”

I can see Mari shamelessly continuing her blatant lie without even moistening her lips. According to the manual, if a previously suspended streamer appears on another broadcast, that broadcast is also suspended. However, it was nearly impossible to suspend a broadcast watched by 8,000 people without clear evidence.

“I wonder if I really have to go this far…”

A sigh escapes my lips. I was worried about what kind of apology I should give if the broadcast were to become suspended because of me. However, this was a suggestion that Mari had brought up first.

“A sudden end to the broadcast is the most to be avoided.”

The broadcast is a play. Through its rising, climax, and falling, empathy and communication with the viewers must be maintained. However, a sudden ending is akin to an act that incurs distrust from viewers.

“Moreover, this is not the first time.”

There was already a precedent where Mari had abruptly ended the broadcast citing a phone call during a previous stream. Even if it wasn’t my intention, abruptly ending the broadcast again this time would mean misleading the viewers twice in a row.

That’s why Mari’s suggested method was a skilled move. Everyone knows it – including me, the viewers, and even the Twitch operators – but there was no clear evidence.

“Don’t worry and just follow me. I’m going to wrap up today’s collaboration properly.”

I look at the chat room after putting aside my thoughts of the past. The reactions of the viewers who caught on to the current situation become apparent.

– Can I ask about the duo’s breast size?

– Be careful. Just saying it out loud can get you suspended.

– By the way, does Miju play well?

– Who is Miju, you nerd!

“Please refrain from mentioning other streamers.”

– OOO has donated 5,000 won.

[Whoa, a mysterious expert! But when will you get first place?]

– The mysterious expert (10 hours played)

– I don’t know who it is, but I’ve never seen them play the shooting game!

– It seems like everyone knows, hahaha.

– Come on, notice it!

“It seems everyone understands, so let’s start the game.”

With Mari’s line, the game starts. Now, there’s only one thing I must do – show my skills.

– chijijijik

The shrinking safe zone again. With only five survivors left, the closest building has been designated as the last safe zone. However, there were no structures to take cover behind, meaning I had to run out in the open.

‘What about the smoke grenade…?’

I open my backpack while dodging the safe zone that has reached my back. The bag is considerably lighter after the previous battle. Inside are only an energy drink, a single grenade, and three smoke grenades.

‘First, I need to create a path.’

Running in a straight line would be s*icide. To counter the opponent, who is anticipated to be taking cover in the building, I also needed cover myself.

– shiiiiiing

I throw a smoke grenade to create a path to the trees where I’m hiding and the building. Now, all that’s left is to run in and take out the enemy. I give myself a last check by drinking the energy drink.

– clang

I toss away the empty can and leap from the tree. I was waiting for that moment when an enemy’s head peeks through the window.

– bang!

The b*llet pierces the enemy’s head. Now, there are three enemies left. However, it’s too early to relax. Unless it was a confirmed k*ll, there was a chance they could recover and return to the fight.

– puff!

Continuing the offense before the enemy can reorganize, I toss a grenade into the building and enter.

‘Is there no one?’

However, the grenade only blows up innocent furniture, with no enemies anywhere.

‘They must be on the second floor!’

Realizing this, I head towards the stairs. However, the grenade I should throw right before entering was the last one I had used earlier.

‘If I stall, I lose.’

As I make that judgment and start up the stairs, I spot an enemy sitting on the railing.

– ratatata!

‘Got one!’

Once again, the b*llet pierces the enemy’s head. Now, only two enemies remain. I try to predict the positions of the remaining enemies based on where the first enemy fell.

‘One must be sitting by the window, and the other…!’

I turn my head and fire.

– bang!

To target the rear of the enemy coming up the stairs, I pierced the head of the enemy standing on the opposite side.

‘That makes two!’

Now, only one enemy remains, who is sitting by the window. Quickly turning my aim, I spot the enemy in the expected location.

– bang!

‘That makes the last one.’

Including the first target, I have taken down four enemies. Yet, the game continues, proving that my fight is not yet over.

– clang!

Just then, I hear the sound of breaking glass. I turn my gaze towards the source of the sound, where a black grenade had found its place.

‘Where to hide…?’

– puff!

The grenade that fell right in front of me turned everyone, friend and foe alike, into cold corpses.

– Team rank: 2nd –

Along with the game ranking coming up.

“Ahhhhh! I did everything!”

I shout in frustration. My voice echoed throughout the silent PC bang.

– Duntang has donated 5,000 won.

[Wow, a mysterious expert! So when will you get first place?]

At that moment, the donation sound rang out. As I turn back to the screen:

– I’m seriously scared I might actually get first place, thumbs up hahaha.

– In solo queue, I took out four enemies and still lost hahaha.

– Getting second place is still an achievement!

– How many times have I gotten second place? Hahaha.

The chat room filled with mocking comments came into view.

“It really was a close call; it’s unfortunate.”

Following that, I hear Mari’s comforting words.

Hearing her sincere voice calms my heart. However, my face scrunches up again as I hear the voice that follows.

“Sister! Let’s duo together, okay?”

“I already have someone I’m playing with.”

“Don’t play with someone who can’t even get first place! Play with me! I’ll make sure you get chicken!”

‘Here we go, talking big when you died within five minutes of starting…!’

I shake my fists in anger.

– There’s that water buffalo again hahaha.

– It’s kinda embarrassing to watch;; haha.

– I think I understand the reason for male hatred; thumbs up hahaha.

This was a repeated scenario every game. Water buffalo immediately started their antics as soon as they heard Mari’s voice. Their behavior was not just about teasing; their trolling actions in every game fueled my anger.

– At this point, it might be better not to use the mic.

– How can you play this game without a mic?

Yet I couldn’t just turn off the mic, for in a constantly changing battleground, using the mic was indispensable. Relying solely on pings and chat had its limits in conveying the situation.

‘But I can’t use the mic…’

I tried to alert my teammates as soon as I spotted an enemy, but during the brief moment I was pinging, my allies were already falling. No matter how well I played, it was difficult to win in a 3-to-1 situation, resulting in three consecutive placements in 2nd place.

‘Seriously… I can’t even use my mic…’

Although it felt like a blindfolded game, my voice stood as clear evidence. The moment that was broadcast live, suspension was a foregone conclusion.

‘But continuing like this is also a problem.’

Even though I achieved three consecutive 2nd places, those were results I had achieved alone. Each game, dying early, I couldn’t find enjoyment in Mari’s stream when facing those water buffalo kids.

– Mari = Love has donated 10,000 won.

[Shall we play another game soon? hehe]

– Three 2nd places are impressive!

– What’s part two of the broadcast?

– Look at these kids trying to ride the wave?

– The water buffalo is getting too close for comfort with the lady, and it hurts! hahaha.

As proof of this, public opinion gradually shifted negatively. This wasn’t just the provocation of transient viewers; it was serious because it reflected the reactions of loyal viewers.

‘If only I could convey things faster…’

In this complicated scenario, I wrack my brain to find a solution.

“Let’s play one more round and then wrap things up.”

Ultimately, Mari steps back a step under the pressure of public opinion.

“Then let’s aim for first place this round?”

I voice my support for that suggestion. Then, a deep cavernous voice comes from the broadcast.

– ???? What’s this?

– What the hell is that guy’s voice!

– Oooh, that unicorn’s horn is hurting…

“Hello, I’m the mysterious master at battlegrounds, Misu.”

– Who the hell is this??

– Misu… the name sounds familiar.

– Do you happen to have the pain of liquidation?

Just with one line, I drive the viewers crazy. On my monitor, the guide for becoming a better player was open.