A Swordsman’s Stream

Chapter 98

“The Demonic Cult ties up the Orthodox Faction, and the regional difference is overwhelmingly widened!”

Ark used the current game as a backdrop to commentate on the overall strategy, and an air of excitement filled the room.

How long had it been since the Battlefield unfolded this clearly?

Originally, a Battlefield was content that highlighted one’s ability to make moment-to-moment decisions due to the constant bluffing and backstabbing.

However, this Battlefield was different.

While the Orthodox Faction behaved complacently, the Demonic Cult and the Unorthodox Faction had orchestrated a grand strategy.

That plan was precisely laid out, leading to the current clash between the two, each fighting for their objectives.

The game would undoubtedly be entertaining.

“Increasing the regional gap this way ensures that regardless of how the battle between the Demonic Cult and the Orthodox Faction concludes, the Unorthodox Faction’s victory remains unchanged. That was the Unorthodox Faction’s grand strategy!”

The Demonic Cult would simply overpower the region. Within that, there were meticulous preparations that Ark had explained earlier.

Now, Ark discussed the Unorthodox Faction.

“So, even if the Orthodox Faction succeeds in defense today, the Demonic Cult devised the map in a way that ensures they still have a chance should the Orthodox Faction leave the area untouched. Look at how the Unorthodox Faction has left those regions open.”

Ark drew a line with his hand on a part of the map, showing the route from the Demonic Cult to the Unorthodox Faction’s base.

– Why there?
– What’s going on?
– What has the Unorthodox Faction done?

Viewers were puzzled why the region was left untouched, and Ark elaborated further.

“For example, if the Demonic Cult diverted its focus from the Orthodox Faction to the Unorthodox Faction, they would face having to capture four regions, including the Unorthodox Faction’s base. However, with only three days left in the Battlefield, the Demonic Cult wouldn’t be able to do so. Right?”

– Yes.
– That’s correct.
– If that was the case, the Demonic Cult wouldn’t have attacked in the first place.

“You think they wouldn’t have attacked in that case? You’re right.”

Such a situation would have led them to adjust their strategy early on, and the Unorthodox Faction knew this.

“That’s why the fact that there are only three regions from the Demonic Cult to the base isn’t a coincidence! The Unorthodox Faction left it on purpose!”

If they had to conquer five regions immediately to assault the Unorthodox Faction’s base, and only five days remained starting tomorrow, the Demonic Cult wouldn’t have attacked today.

If the Unorthodox Faction expanded the path to six regions while the Demonic Cult was assaulting the Orthodox Faction, the Demonic Cult couldn’t secure a victory even if they captured the Orthodox Faction’s territory.

So why just three?

“The Unorthodox Faction assumed at least for today that the Orthodox Faction could hold out, expecting their battle to continue the following day.”

If it were four, the Demonic Cult wouldn’t engage the next day.

As each day passed, the Unorthodox Faction’s territory would grow significantly, and the Orthodox Faction and Demonic Cult’s opportunities to reclaim it diminished day by day.

After just two days, a scenario forms where even combining their efforts, they could not overturn the results.

“If the Orthodox Faction holds out for two days, the Unorthodox Faction’s victory is confirmed! They drafted their strategy under the premise that the Orthodox Faction could endure for at least two days!”

The Demonic Cult and the Unorthodox Faction took each other hostage, leaving possibilities open to invite uncertainty instead of ensuring a mutual struggle on the same Battlefield.

“They coordinated this plan together. However, their strategies diverged at the last moment, leading to this showdown.”

Who would be correct in the end?

– Stupid Unorthodox Faction.
– I doubt the Orthodox Faction will back down. You Demonic Cult blockheads.
– Honestly, it seems like they might lose.
– Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!
– Let’s bet, Demonic Cult fools! Annoying even more today.

“But you see, if I were in the Unorthodox Faction, I’d be quite anxious?”

– Stay objective in your commentary!
– Anyway, isn’t Ark from the Orthodox Faction? Why would they favor the Unorthodox Faction or the Demonic Cult?
– Ark supports the Demonic Cult! He even collaborated with the Heavenly Demon for promotions! Clearly an agent.

Ark showed a meaningful expression. Could the Unorthodox Faction boldly place their bet?

“Ah, Sojun-nim’s last game just finished. The result is victory! Can they not stop the final boss, the Heavenly Demon? And… Ah! The Unorthodox Faction has made a decision!”

A red marker appeared on the path previously leading to the Unorthodox Faction’s base. They attempted the attack.

The reason was clear.

– Unorthodox Faction sensed things weren’t right and started to retreat.
– Should have set it to four regions instead of just three.

“Now, if the Orthodox Faction successfully defends, the Demonic Cult won’t have time to attack the Orthodox Faction tomorrow.”

The Unorthodox Faction realized today that the Demonic Cult was likely to succeed and adjusted their strategy.

“The Orthodox Faction now has a lifesaver. They just need to hold out today!”

Would it be a one-on-one between the Demonic Cult and the Unorthodox Faction, or would chaos return to the Battlefield?

All of it would be revealed tomorrow.

* * *

Sojun, looking at the deactivated map, said, “It’s over. The Unorthodox Faction eventually extended their path, and they have about a day’s leeway now.”

To Sojun and his viewers, who believed in the Demonic Cult’s victory, the Unorthodox Faction’s decision was not surprising.

– Indeed.
– Haha, they didn’t even need that extra day.
– They’re going to collapse anyway; why bother extending the road? Haha.
– Unorthodox Faction, scared?

The outcome wasn’t certain. They wouldn’t know until it happened.

Rankers seemed to have the numbers. It appeared they had more victories.

However, even Sojun knew there weren’t guarantees since more ordinary users belonged to the Orthodox Faction.

Still, belief in victory often led to higher chances of winning.

Really.

In reality, the Orthodox Faction seemed almost half defeated.

“Oh, and recently, did ‘This Isn’t the Martial World’ play on the Orthodox side?”

– Yes, it’s true.
– Haha, laughed so hard.
– Such a romantic guy, haha.
– Really so many trolls in For Justice.
– Demonic Cult’s Tang So, Orthodox’s Heaven-Slayer Star, Unorthodox’s Veteran Warrior. Truly grand!

Sojun laughed along.

Apparently, it was intentional.

Call it romantic or trolling, it was still an act following a desire to eliminate the Orthodox.

But had only ‘This Isn’t the Martial World’ done so?

Could it be that not a single user from the Unorthodox Faction participated?

They wouldn’t know until they found out.

Anyway, the important thing was this: Sojun thought that without the Unorthodox Faction’s help, the Demonic Cult could have won one-on-one.

Because he believed so.

That’s it.

Um!

Since viewers often used this way of speaking, Sojun tried it out.

“See you tomorrow!”

With that, Sojun ended the stream.

* * *

The next day.

“Did we do the right thing?”

Nameless nodded at his companion’s question.

“Yes.”

“How do you know?”

“Intuition.”

Nameless felt it in his gut.

The enemy, the Demonic Cult, had gained momentum.

Winning duels and games relentlessly, the streamer Sojun claimed For Justice.

There had always been overwhelming irregulars present.

Most of them moved on to what was currently called the Heavenly Realm of players, competing there.

However, this irregular seemed to be higher than all of them by a dimension.

No human could avoid minor errors, yet he didn’t make any.

As if he was in a state of extreme concentration, the best moments of players in their heyday flowed as naturally as breathing.

Even while reading chat or casually bantering with foes.

It seemed impossible, yet because it was reality, no one could accuse him.

“A guy like that never lost, did he?”

The problem was people’s enthusiasm for such an unbelievable journey.

From the hour of the duel till now, not a single page lacked mentions of Sojun, Heavenly Demon, or Streamer-nim.

Even if streams ended shortly, or people burned their interest with other topics.

Interest would eventually fade, but Nameless found the current massive spotlight worrying.

A short clip uploaded yesterday on the streamer’s channel.

『The Heavenly Demon finds the one way for the Demonic Cult to win out of 14,000,605 futures!』

The clip composed of Sojun’s opening remarks clipped with Battlefield summaries.

– What’s For Justice doing???
– Oh, I used to be with the Demonic Cult.
└ You can win now! Come back quickly.
– Should I play too? Really close to winning?
└ Yes, perfect timing. Come as soon as possible. Look at Streamer Sojun.
– Found the only path to the Demonic Cult’s victory!

First-time players. Or those who played sparingly, more was always beneficial than detrimental.

And these benefits would start appearing.

“Wow. Even hiring editors to draw in players completely.”

Yesterday, Ark even did a mirror stream.

Thinking about it, the guy played the game really dirty.

* * *

Day 17.

Public interest reached its peak.

The strategy’s composition was revealed.

When the Demonic Cult and the Orthodox clashed.

And their shifting maneuvers were laid bare.

Boredom was not an option.

Lastly, at the heart of it all was the streamer Heavenly Demon, or Sojun, whom the Demonic Cult had no choice but to favor.

『It’s astonishing that it all became possible through just one individual.』

==

Initially, the potential within the Demonic Cult was thanks to the Heavenly Demon.

Plus, the mid-game strategy coordination with Unorthodox originated with the Heavenly Demon. (Detailed explanations from ThirdElder) Essentially, everything derived from and was enabled by the Heavenly Demon.

The Demonic Cult.

==

– Any competent user can appear in any faction. But a true leader that leads to triumph? Only the Heavenly Demon.
└ You claim Heavenly Demon-level competence in other factions? Seriously?
└ I’m in the Orthodox faction, haha, none.
└ I’m in ~~ faction, special. Not ~~.
└ Lost four times because we couldn’t defeat the Heavenly Demon? Hahaha.
└ Does your faction have Heavenly Demon-level competence
└ Right, haha.
– You’re not winning yet. Why so arrogant?

Other factions?

『Admitting the Heavenly Demon’s skill. But acting as if victories are predetermined is irritating.』
『Haha, in 10 minutes, it’ll be revealed that the Demonic Cult’s bluff was all for show?』
『Frankly, the numbers favor the Orthodox Faction.』
『Don’t underestimate the prowess of reputable families.』
『Come at us anytime, two days, or three!』
『We’ll show the Unorthodox Faction’s mistaken choice.』

Although they mocked the Demonic Faction, few derided the Heavenly Demon directly.

A tiny minority.

Despite Sojun’s slightly annoying provocations, such reactions were surprising.

『One minute left!』

It was 7 PM.

The Battlefield map.

Soldiers representing the three colors burst from the ground in numerous regions, engaging in battles.

Yet, the sole focus of everyone was on one spot.

Above Hebei, red and blue soldiers began to clash.

Their swords met, leaving marks on each other.

A pivotal moment deciding the future.

『Demonic followers, hahaha, just reconcile and simultaneously check the Unorthodox.』
『Orthodox, feeling nervous? Why the long words!』

Ultimately.

*Clang!*

The one who fell was!

『?』
『Really?』
『Clear the room!!!!』
『Hahaha.』
『…… Seriously?』
『This is happening…』

The head of a blue soldier rolled.

Hebei, now colored red.

Simultaneously, the once blue spots on the map lost their color, turning gray.

With five days remaining, the Orthodox Faction, having its base captured, was eliminated from the Battlefield.