Chapter 477

[Twish #NationalExchangeTournamentDraw]

[Let’s cheer for South Korea! Let’s predict the outcomes of the National Exchange Tournament!][38194]

[Is it a real-life Japan-South Korea match from the Round of 64? Who on earth picked the groups?!][14330]

[Group H has Kim Love, and Group I has Noname! The group assignments are confirmed!][7641]

[Analyzing group strength! A comparison of past National Exchange Tournament records!][6753]

After three years, South Korea participates again, and the USA returns after 27 years.

The draw ceremony for the French National Exchange Tournament was a major topic on Twish.

Streamers were actively discussing who would rise to the top.

[Mahabam]

[Just Chatting – Let’s predict the outcomes of the National Exchange Tournament for South Korea!]

[Broadcast time – 0:48:59]

[Viewer count – 38194]

“Next up is Group H! South Korea, Ireland, Estonia, Burkina Faso… This is the National Exchange Tournament, so don’t underestimate anyone! The strongest players from those countries are all here, right?”

The 1.3 million subscriber streamer Mahabam passionately emphasized, even spitting as he spoke.

He discreetly grabbed Korea’s flag and pinned it on the whiteboard.

“But as long as Kim Love is here, South Korea will take first place in Group H. The Academy Tournament was overwhelmingly in our favor. Moreover, your older sister was the winner of the national sports competition last year. As you know from Naruto, lineage plays a huge role in fights. I firmly believe that Love will definitely rank first. As for second place? Here, Ireland, you can have it.”

– Honestly, there has never been such a sweet draw in history, hahaha.

– Wrong.

– You should hold back your laughter if you don’t want bad karma.

– For real, if we get eliminated after all this, that would still be fun to watch.

– If Kim Love has any pride, at least they have to reach the semifinals.

– Realistically, the maximum might be the quarterfinals because of the USA.

– Now the big one is coming!!!

“Okay, next up is Group I. Ahh, there’s so much to say here. Our streamer colleague, Noname, is participating, right? Honestly, the matchups are not easy. While making the PPT yesterday, I found that everyone there is quite formidable.”

Mahabam flipped through his PPT slides, introducing each participant in Group I.

Levi Huening Jr., 16 years old. The most frequent participant in the USA Youth Championship. 56 matches, 38 wins, 15 draws, 3 losses.

Hiroki Naita, 16 years old. Winner of the Emperor’s Cup. Two-time champion in both the Nikkei Cup and Champions Cup Junior.

David Everett, 15 years old. Youngest to reach the top 8 in the Europa League. Defeater of the national treasure ‘Kaliburnus.’

“Isn’t this just absurd? Why are all strong candidates from Pot 1 grouped together? Moreover, Levi here has participated in 56 Magical Duels! He’s basically been eating and fighting all day long.”

– Isn’t this basically a semifinals matchup? Hahaha.

– My heart swells with pride.

– The reason other countries aren’t complaining is all because of Group I.

– Don’t want to be in that group? Want to swap with Group I?

– For real, Noname is a professional streamer.

– Wow, the industry’s top output!

“Honestly, taking national pride aside and speaking objectively… Haa… Okay, first place is the USA! Second place is South Korea! Now, moving on to Group J!”

– ???

– Wait, are you separating Japan and the UK?

– It sounds like you’ve already drank a lethal dose of national pride.

– Explain yourself!

– How can you overcome a six-year age gap?

– Realistically, Noname might struggle to even get third in the group.

– What are you talking about? Noname will definitely crush everyone and take first place!

– Identifying one person’s strength is a bit difficult, haha.

– ★ Why am I the one saying second place?

└ ???

└ This isn’t trolling; it’s serious.

└ Got you, you rascal!

└ Wait, was Noname in our room?

└ What are you doing here? Hahaha.

“Wait, is Noname in our room? If he had come, he should have said something…!”

Mahabam, taken aback, dashed toward the screen.

He clung to Noname, who looked like he was about to leave the broadcasting studio.

“That’s not it, it’s just a strategic retreat for a two-step advance. Just hear me out, Noname. Oh, you’re not an older sister, right?”

Mahabam quickly wrapped up the review and conducted a prediction for the Round of 32.

According to the scenario he painted, the underdog Noname defeated the favored candidates one by one.

It even led to a final match between two Koreans.

– USA, France, and Japan are all eliminated in the quarterfinals! Hahaha.

– Your happiness circuit is a bit excessive, don’t you think?

– To be honest, the final matchup will likely be Nathan vs. Katsuhata or Levi… Unless by sheer luck, you make it to the semifinals.

└ Shhh!

– Are you satisfied, Noname?

– ★ Mahabam honestly knows how to read people, bb.

└ Wow.

└ Compliments from Noname are precious.

└ Collecting life achievements, hahaha.

└ So proud.

“Noname, if you’re in VR, could you join us now…?”

Mahabam cautiously asked, and after a brief pause, Noname replied.

– Please invite me.

* * *

It’s not easy for a magic novice to commentate a magical duel.

The world is so well-established and any miscommunication can lead to a flood of unsolicited advice and negative comments.

However, Mahabam managed to do that difficult task with his unique wit and eloquence, leading the charge in popularizing magical duels.

It was common to have 300,000 live viewers whenever he commented on a match, to the point where major broadcasters were eager to invite him.

Noname’s collaboration list, of course, included Mahabam.

“Welcome, Noname! It’s a pleasure to have you!”

“I came because you said I could come any time, but I hope I’m not interrupting your content…”

“Oh no, that could never be! You arrived at the perfect moment.”

“The Taming Master was a bit unfortunate. He got eliminated too early.”

“Hahaha! I spoiled my Pipi-yak too much, and now it doesn’t listen to me well.”

“Your Pipi-yak was adorable, Mahabam.”

Mahabam had risen to a position of acknowledgment rather than just recognition.

Noname’s praises from a much higher place brought a smile to his face.

And that sentiment was transmitted to Mahabam’s viewers.

– Wow, even Noname recognizes Mahabam!

– World-class, truly world-class.

– Pipi-yak, you are the true champion!

– Well, what’s the use of being strong if you’re not cute?

– Ultimately, isn’t it the cats that continue to live well on Earth, not the tigers?

– Noname is also cute like a cat…

Noname sat in the gaming chair that Mahabam had prepared for her.

On the other hand, Mahabam was squatting on a shabby, plastic square chair you’d find at a street stall.

“It seems like our seats have swapped…”

“No way! Noname, your place is right here! You must fight hard, and I can’t let you sit in an uncomfortable spot.”

“Oh, but there are a lot of viewers here too? It jumped to 100,000 instantly.”

“Hey, I’m Mahabam! I won’t back down anywhere!”

They exchanged greetings with viewers pouring in like a tide.

Mahabam seized an opportunity and threw a question.

“Yesterday, you were placed in Group I during the draw. What are your thoughts on that…?”

“My thoughts? Oh, well, it sounds fun. I’ll enjoy it.”

“Kyahhhh, everyone, applause! Noname is not one of us mere mortals! Who said, ‘Oh? The death group’? As if Noname won’t smash through it all and rise!”

– So who assigned Noname as second in the group?

– You call it the death group, but it sounds fun, hahaha. Talk about being bold.

– Group I is my lunch (somewhat paraphrased).

Noname looked around and spotted a Chupa Chups.

Giving Mahabam a sparkling gaze, he peeled off the wrapper and handed it to her.

As Noname popped the candy into her mouth, one cheek puffed out round like the size of the candy.

“I have a question I’ve always wanted to ask since I met you, Master Noname.”

“Yes, go ahead.”

“I don’t have much professional knowledge about magical duels. However, having to commentate in front of hundreds of thousands of viewers makes me feel lacking in many ways. How can I see the matches better?”

It was a question filled with Mahabam’s internal struggles.

Lack of expertise leads to subpar commentary.

He wasn’t ignorant of that fact.

However, Noname responded with an utterly unexpected answer.

“Huh? Why should you see them well?”

“Last time I watched your recap of the finals, and I was honestly amazed. The psychology embedded in the moment of bluffing! The judgment of the pros and cons of each action! Our viewers always tell me to learn from you.”

*Bok*

Noname took the candy from her mouth and said in a serious voice.

“Everyone, please don’t bully Mahabam. Now that I commentate from a player’s perspective, I go into detail, but I just hope you enjoy the situation as it is.”

“Enjoy the situation?”

“You’ll see in the finals that Emika older sister lost ground throughout the second half due to a single misjudgment. While deducing the reasons might be challenging, the fact remains that she lost ground because she was worse than her opponent. The unfairness is entirely the players’ burden to bear, and I hope you enjoy it like you are now. If you start building barriers little by little, it’ll just tire everyone out.”

“Wow, I’ve learned so much from you. So during commentary, can I continue using Fire Whirl, Thunder Blade?”

– Even so, Fire Whirl is a bit…

– Ah, that’s a bit cringe, hahaha.

– I’m so embarrassed. T-T-T-T.

– Administrator, administrator…

– Thunder Blade isn’t possibly Arc Discharge, right? Hahaha.

– Honestly, it’s fun, though.

– Pure amusement, top tier.

– Being childish is enjoyable, haha.

“Of course. Whenever Mahabam’s videos come up as shorts, I’ve watched them all with great enjoyment. I think it’s better to get along easily instead of trying to stand out with petty knowledge. If people don’t understand and criticize you, then just kindly inform them.”

“It’s very liberating. Did you all hear? Thunder Blade will be used continuously. Since Noname permitted it, don’t say anything!”

– Great night!

– Noname speaks like a sage.

– How does a nine-year-old have that vocabulary?

– We had oddballs in the commentary room as it was, and that’s so refreshing.

– Do you think you know magic better than Noname? Hahaha.

– Fact: Only 0.2% of the population in South Korea has graduated from the Academy.

– It’s a well-known theory that those who failed the Academy have darkened.

The warm atmosphere, unfortunately, didn’t last long.

Among the many questions Mahabam had prepared, there was one that caused some discomfort.

“Ah, this one got the highest recommendations so I can’t not ask… During last year’s National Exchange Tournament, the strong favorite Mikhail Balabanov lost to Kamikita Emika. Noname, what do you think the reason was?”

“Eh? I don’t think that’s particularly uncomfortable. There were several reasons, but his lack of countermeasures against multi-auras and his weakness in chaotic battles were significant factors.”

“I want to emphasize that it was not just me, but our viewers thought differently! Have you heard of the Fundamental Theory?”

“Fundamental Theory?”

It was a concept Noname had never heard of before, tilting her head in confusion.

The name alone sounded grand, like a unifying theory of the universe.

However, the 40-year-old theory that Noname encountered far surpassed her imagination.

[Fundamental Theory: The four factors that shatter the mentality of unpromising no-foundation candidates can be categorized as follows:

1. Vanity

2. Obsession with money

3. A girlfriend who is at least 4 years older with a large chest

4. A lousy tutor.]

Noname’s jaw dropped as she covered her mouth with her hand.

“Interestingly enough, all seem to apply here…?”

– Just blew it!

– Farewell, Mahabam.

– Did you just blow it?

– Suable, hahaha.

– What are you showing the child?!

– That’s pure wickedness, hahaha.

– Why is the burden of embarrassment always on us…?

– In the end, she said it, hahaha.

– Still, not bringing up professionals is something.

“What do you think, Noname? Do you think that had an impact on the defeat?”

Noname thought that this was an absurd theory in her mind.

While it might not have had no influence at all, she stood firm that it did not directly affect the win or loss.

“Eh, they just lacked ability.”

She hesitated.

Suddenly, a figure popped into her head.

The hero, Klaus.

If one recalls the moment he betrayed and left Noname, it can be seen that all four conditions were met.

At some point, the hero started caring about his hairstyle and outfit, it wasn’t as if he was obsessed with money, yet he wouldn’t receive any less than fair pay, and scandals with a noble daughter and society circulated about him, and he switched mentors.

‘That noble daughter must have had big breasts.’

*Gulp*

Noname struggled to swallow and balled her fist, trembling slightly.

Seeing the timeless laws fit, chills ran down her spine.

“Haa, I can’t definitively say. I wouldn’t entirely rule it out.”

– Wow, the Fundamental Theory is winning again, hahaha.

– Responding to such a question is truly admirable.

– Noname, you should reject it…!

– The workings of the universe are irrelevant.

– Honestly, how could you say it had no effect? Hahaha.

– Noname dislikes women with large breasts too!

Noname’s agony turned into a long day.

* * *

Thanks to Mahabam diligently filling the audio, time passed by quickly without me needing to exert effort.

It was only after an hour of collaboration that the topic of the National Exchange Tournament finally came up.

What on earth were we talking about until now?

It felt like Mahabam might just be the perfect streamer for the dopamine addicts beyond that screen.

“It’s unfortunate that the duel with Kim Love will be conducted privately.”

“I think the fans will understand. Since the Round of 64 progresses into the group stages, there are many variables, and they’d likely want to prepare thoroughly.”

“Did you also train secretly, Noname?”

“I never really kept it a secret. Ah! Should I show you what I’ve been experimenting with recently?”

“Really? Is it really okay? What if a foreign country secretly logs in and spies? That would be a disaster…!”

“If they want to watch, let them. Either way, they can’t stop it. Do you have a whiteboard?”

“Yes, here’s a whiteboard and a marker. Oh no, I have no idea…! I think it would be nice if you could tell me without revealing any classified information…”

– Noname, don’t do it!

– The master of first hits, Mahabam, is genuinely freaked out by this crazy situation, hahaha.

– If Noname gets eliminated, Mahabam is definitely going down.

– Shouldn’t we be stopping this?

– Mahabam downfall detection system is in full operation, hahaha.

– Are you really going to reveal it?

– The foreign directors (interested).

What Noname was about to share wasn’t anything extravagant; it was a strategy for the duel’s opening.

“There are two barriers we get: sub-matter and super-matter, right?”

“Yes, yes.”

“By ten minutes before the match starts, we need to decide which one to break first, based on the situation. Some players come prepared with only one like Emika, while others come prepared with both like Mikhail.”

In the early stages of a match, one should not conserve mana and aura.

As the saying goes, the best defense is an offense; once you start trailing severely, players find themselves expending all the mana they saved to block incoming attacks.

Whether you block, you break even, and failing to block puts you at a greater disadvantage.

“If extreme aggression easily leads to victory, then strategically, it might be fine to take some losses on the barriers, leading me to use this spell.”

I opened the hologram and started searching for the spell.

[SEARCH: 3rd Circle – Black Aurora (Pseudo-supersymmetry Release)]

“The term ‘Black Aurora’ may sound unfamiliar; it highlights the dark aspect of an aurora. Essentially, plasma reaches equilibrium overall, but in this boundary region, the principle of pseudo-supersymmetry does not apply. What does that mean? Simply by using this spell, it applies continuous stress on my barrier.”

“Isn’t that a bad spell? It’s like a self-destruct mechanism.”

“The chat’s blowing up saying it’s a garbage spell and why they would use such a spell. However, there must be upsides, right? While using this spell, the external manifestation of aura boosts damage from a minimum of 1.66x to 2.33x! How about that, isn’t that pretty good?”

“Noname, reality isn’t a game! While everyone else is mages, you picked a berserker class?”