Greatest Swordsmaster’s Game Streaming - GSGS Chapter 5: Streaming Begins

—

Ragnarok Soul.

A game that gained massive popularity during the era when PCs and consoles were thriving.

It received rave reviews, enough to place it high on the list of the greatest games in history.

“Uh… I’ve brought all the related games, but are you really going to play this one?”

Hyunjeong asked hesitantly. Ragnarok Soul is notoriously difficult.

Compared to the past console and PC versions, it became much harder when it transitioned to virtual reality.

“Yes, I’m going with this. It’s the only game I know here.”

The reason for choosing this game isn’t just that it’s the only one he knows.

‘This game has many benefits for me.’

The intense close-combat scenes and diverse actions that can showcase his skills.

The high freedom of using a sword and the extremely difficult difficulty level.

It was perfect for announcing his debut and creating videos.

“Uh, you haven’t been in VMR for long, right…? Starting with this might be very challenging…”

On the other hand, Hyunjeong was more worried than trusting his past fame.

Even if athletes or professional gamers have an advantage in VMR, adaptation time is still needed.

There was concern that his first step toward skill-based streaming might not go well.

‘I heard about it from Hayun, but…’

He was a top kendo player of all time.

A Korean who appeared like a comet in the kendo scene dominated by Japan.

If he had been born in the Iron Age, he would have made his mark in history.

Even though he had various flowery nicknames, it was natural to worry because his exact skills were unknown.

“It’s okay. I found a VMR training facility. I plan to use that.”

For athletes, established routines and mandatory training are very important, and it’s the same for virtual reality.

Knowing where and how the body should react and what movements are optimal remains the same.

“I plan to set up a routine of about 3 hours a day. Unlike reality, there’s no fatigue, so overwork shouldn’t be a problem.”

Geomseong was the type to prepare thoroughly in advance to avoid anxiety about any task.

It was a habit that had continued since childhood.

“Then, what about game practice…?”

“Wouldn’t that make the broadcast less interesting?”

The biggest factor in any action is the reaction to something.

There is a big difference between playing a game you’ve already played and one you haven’t. Showing overwhelming skill in an unfamiliar situation is better, right?

This was something he had experienced firsthand during his debut as an athlete.

“That’s true, but… since you’re aiming for a skill-based broadcast…”

Hyunjeong, with a somewhat worried expression, twirled her hair.

“Hmm, you’ll understand once you see it in action. Hayun also acknowledged it. There’s something only I can show.”

Skill-based broadcasts usually come with a ranking or name value that proves oneself.

However, what Geomseong aimed for was somewhat different from traditional skill-based broadcasts.

After hearing about the perfect critical hits, he was aiming to showcase his genius.

“Anyway, I’m planning to set up the basic framework like this. I’ll look for games in the future and choose ones that seem suitable.”

Geomseong smiled slightly. Hyunjeong, who didn’t know his abilities, just tilted her head.

“Oh, and I should mention… Ragnarok Soul is currently on hold.”

A famous game on hold? Geomseong’s eyes widened slightly.

“On hold? Why?”

“Well, due to adult circumstances…”

Here’s what Hyunjeong explained about Ragnarok Soul.

The company that developed the game, Banin Software, aimed for a realistic direction when transitioning to virtual reality, but it became too realistic.

The game that used to swing swords with button clicks and evade with rolls now required direct movement and reaction.

Currently, only nostalgic fans who haven’t forgotten the game remain.

“The company only made it up to Chapter 2 and DLC Chapter 3 before declaring a development halt, so only a very small number of enthusiasts are left.”

Globally, the concurrent user count is in the single digits. It’s at the level of extinction.

“…That’s unexpected. I didn’t think such a famous game would fail here.”

“Well, it seems the Souls-like genre is tough in virtual reality… it’s bound to have some trial and error.”

Hyunjeong awkwardly smiled and continued.

“Still… I think you don’t need to worry too much. Even though Ragnarok Soul is a failed game, it’s still decent for broadcasting. The difficulty provides plenty of viewing material.”

While general users avoid it because of its difficulty, it’s different for streamers.

Ragnarok Soul, with its extreme difficulty, has established itself as a challenge game that boasts penalties or physical feats.

If someone wants to test human limits, everyone would undoubtedly pick Ragnarok Soul.

“Then it’s decided to go with Ragnarok Soul. I’ll start preparing for the broadcast right away.”

“Yes… But have you completed the streaming account integration and other setups?”

“I finished searching and got it done before coming here. It wasn’t as complicated as I thought.”

“Glad to hear that. Then… please let me know when you start the broadcast.”

With this, the game Geomsung would showcase in his first broadcast was decided.

“Let me know when you’re ready. Is the timing okay?”

“Yes, it’s fine. I’m not doing anything since I left my old channel.”

“Really? Then I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for your help!”

Geomseong thanked her with a bright smile and exited the VMR chat.

‘First, I need to buy the game.’

He went to the VMR shop, purchased, and installed Ragnarok Soul. The price was 30,000 won.

‘Now for training; let’s start with about 5 hours since it’s the first time.’

Even though he’s continuously landing critical hits, investing time in training is the right approach. Adapting to the physical abilities of virtual reality is necessary.

Geomseong found and accessed the VMR training facility from the icon list.

[Welcome to the training facility!]

[We’ll do our best to help you adapt to the virtual reality system.]

[If you need any items, please enter them into the search bar at the entrance and extract them!]

The dark navy blue sky was filled with holographic platforms arranged like a checkerboard. No objects or creatures were present.

‘Just as I imagined.’

He extracted a suitable katana from the search bar. It was 105 cm in length, the same as the one he used during his active years.

“Let’s give it a try.”

Geomseong took a deep breath and firmly gripped the sword’s handle. He felt the coarse texture, which helped prevent him from losing his grip.

“I wonder what will be possible.”

He had wished for more time during his previous capsule experiences. Now, with plenty of time on his hands, his heart raced with excitement.

“Hah!”

Geomseong swung the sword. Even after several years, the movements were as familiar as ever.

—

The next day, Geomseong started his day right away in the capsule.

The time spent in the training facility was more beneficial than he had expected.

‘This is amazing.’

There were no restrictions on joints or muscles, making him even more free, and his physical abilities were also significantly enhanced.

He could perfectly replicate the unrealistic movements seen in movies.

‘No wonder everyone’s so excited about virtual reality.’

There’s always a dull aspect to any sport, but virtual reality is the opposite.

Every moment is dazzling and beautiful, with no time for boredom or lack of stimulation.

‘But since it’s familiar, adapting is quicker.’

Geomseong had originally thought it would be impossible, but bringing his real-world body into the virtual reality was a stroke of genius. The adaptation time was relatively short due to the familiarity of his real body.

As he spent his time only in the training facility, the alarm he had set went off.

‘Already?’

It was time for the broadcast. Geomseong left the training facility and sent a message to Hyunjeong.

[Ready. I’ll start the broadcast now.]

[Okay. But what about the channel name?]

[Channel name?]

[Did you not decide on one…?]

He realized he had focused only on the settings and had not decided on the most important part—the channel name.

“Hmm…”

Geomseong furrowed his brow and rubbed his chin, then asked a question.

[Do you have any preferences for the style?]

[It’s best if it leaves a strong impression.]

[How about ‘Swordmaster’?]

[…Are you serious?]

Her expression was evident even in the text. It surely wasn’t a pleasant one.

[It’s a nickname I had during my athlete days. It’s symbolic and my family liked it…]

[Oh! Then it sounds good…!]

Hyunjeong’s response came hurriedly.

[That’s better. Someone might recognize it, and it has symbolic meaning. Um… and…]

She seemed to be scrambling to salvage the situation, much like ‘Tallu’ (a famous phrase).

But Geomseong didn’t mind too much. The name did seem a bit odd.

[Then let’s go with this.]

[Yes. You can start anytime.]

With just one more button press, the stream would begin…

‘Is it because it’s been a while? I’m quite nervous.’

He felt nervous, much like when he first debuted, but he took a deep breath and steadied his face.

‘Let’s go.’

The stream began.

—

<Swordmaster’s Ragnarok Soul>

<Current viewers – 3>

The viewers were Geomseong, Hyunjeong, and the chat AI—three in total.

‘I wonder how it’ll go?’

Hyunjeong watched the first stream with

a disinterested expression.

Geomseong was full of confidence, but she wasn’t particularly hopeful.

No matter how much of an athlete or professional gamer someone is, it’s natural to struggle at first.

Especially with Ragnarok Soul, known for its extreme difficulty.

Even without watching, she could predict the outcome.

[Hyunjeong, I’m starting now.]

“Okay. I’m recording.”

—

The game started in a dark and eerie mountain valley.

Gravestones were scattered irregularly on the hillside, and trees shaped like human forms seemed to gaze at him.

The cawing of crows filled the air, creating a creepy atmosphere.

‘Here we go.’

In the game, Geomseong looked around, adjusting the sword at his waist. He then took out the shield from his back, glanced at it briefly, and threw it onto the ground.

‘Huh? Throwing away the shield?’

It’s hard to understand why he would discard the shield, a core element in Soul-like games.

[He must not know how to use it.]

‘Oh, so he simply doesn’t know how to use it.’

Every step Geomseong took crushed pebbles and decayed branches. When he reached the graveyard, he sensed something and placed his hand on his waist.

Skeletons emerged from the graveyard, illuminated by the moonlight.
─Creeeak.

The undead, unable to leave the world, moved their joints with a creaky sound. They were armed with swords, axes, and maces.

A battle was about to ensue.

‘…Ragnarok Soul will be tough.’

Ragnarok Soul is notoriously difficult, even for seasoned players accustomed to virtual reality. Even with time spent in the training facility, it typically takes at least a month to adapt. Geomseong had been in VMR for less than a week.

─Creeeak!

At that moment, a skeleton charging forward swung a massive axe. Even Hyunjeong, who was familiar with virtual reality, felt the attack was fast and challenging to react to.

[Hmph!]

Geomseong crouched low, bracing himself, and angled his sword to deflect the incoming axe. The redirected axe struck the ground with a resounding thud. Geomseong then dashed forward, quickly approaching, and struck the skeleton’s neck with the end of his sword.

Crunch! The bone fragments shattered with a single blow.

‘Huh?’

Hyunjeong’s eyes widened in surprise. He had succeeded in parrying using only his sword. To be precise, he performed a technique even more advanced than parrying—deflecting. And he took down a Soul-like game monster in one hit.

Such results seemed so natural to him that it was bewildering.

‘What? Is it a perfect critical hit?’

Ragnarok Soul is notoriously difficult, ranking as the toughest VMR game. Geomseong is a newcomer to VMR. Even considering his impressive background as an athlete, this result was hard to believe.

‘What is this…?’

Regardless of her confusion, the battle continued. Geomseong seamlessly deflected or dodged the projectiles and counterattacked immediately. His movements were smooth and precise, reminiscent of a well-choreographed movie fight scene.

‘…Does this make sense?’

Instead of being amazed, Hyunjeong felt more bewildered. Her eyes blinked in shock as she was drawn to the broadcast.

[Oh, hello.]

Suddenly, Geomseong bowed his head and greeted the viewers.

– Wow, someone’s playing this game? Lol
– Is this a penalty? A challenge?
– Doesn’t use dodge steps, so he’s a newbie.
– What? He’s going without a shield?