It’s not that kind of malicious broadcast

KoK was ever-changing and full of diverse charms, but unlike other games, it wasn’t a complicated game starting from pick and ban. Since its launch, it had only six characters—Rogue, Holy Knight, mage, archer, Priest, and so on—with no new characters being added.

Instead, its depth and variety were implemented through traits and equipment. Even with the same character, depending on high-level traits, builds, and choice of equipment, the playstyle and pros and cons could vary significantly.

Therefore, despite its numerous variables, KoK did not have the ban system commonly used in typical AOS/MOBA genres. There wasn’t even a first-pick concept, which is predicated on allowing only one player per character per game.

In other words, theoretically, a team could consist of six Holy Knights. Friends who were fascinated with medieval knights sometimes attempted this combination. A beautiful setup where two mages took turns shooting fireballs left everyone in a near-death state… but it was all part of the fantasy.

Thus, the pick process in KoK’s ranked games was simple.

After 12 players matched, 60 seconds were granted for team strategy discussions. Who would go where and do what. Extensive communication wasn’t necessary, but if desired, there was time to exchange greetings.

Diligent players often used this time to copy and search team members’ IDs for past records. I couldn’t even imagine doing that myself.

Anyway, it’s 60 seconds, however you spend it.

Once that time passed, picking began. The Blue side would pick one character first. Then each side alternated picking two characters until Blue made the final pick, ending the pick phase.

It was a straightforward structure. Blue had to reveal their hand first, but Red could make the final character selection after seeing all of Blue’s choices.

This was why little conversation was needed during the pick screen.

It’s not a metaphor. At least, in the old days… or should I say in the future? Anyway, in those times of KoK, it was really like that.

Partly due to the language barriers from server integrations, but that wasn’t the only reason.

Everyone knew the basic 2-Underground setup without needing special communication. There was no need to explain the necessity of a Rogue or the roles a Rogue would handle.

Since there was no need for negotiations or conversations, there was no reason to have them. That wasn’t the case here. Even though our mercenary and champion, Orthodox, himself signaled the change.

Still, the world was full of non-believers—now, those myriad fledgling Rogues growing in this barren soil faced numerous hardships.

However, summing up the tales left lamenting across every community—these were all things I had experienced before.

As someone who had mastered a trick or two in surviving such unfair environments for Rogues, I felt compelled to share my insights as a senior walking a step ahead.

Anyway.

It was a good thing for the team.

After all, it paved the path to victory.

“First and foremost, for the first step towards victory—we must pick a Rogue. Unfortunately, there are quite a few cases where you’ll meet teammates who don’t prefer Rogues.”

Such hardship, the first. The issue of how to persuade team members who refuse to cooperate.

The old sages used to say, “Seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times, feeling once is better than seeing a hundred times, and doing once is better than feeling a hundred times.”

One could say that showing through actions is mathematically a million times superior to speaking.

“At such times, you need to negotiate with them… But there are only 60 seconds given. To successfully negotiate within such a short time, some preparatory work is needed.”

Turning on the notepad, I wrote under 『1. Preparatory Work』 and noted 『General Game Records』.

This method was devised after receiving feedback that the lectures were hard to understand. If it’s organized in writing, it might be somewhat easier to view. Do viewers know how meticulously thoughtful this is?

They should know.

“First, you accumulate records in general games. Are you saying to practice being a rogue… hmm, that’s correct. However, instead of only playing as a rogue, it’s more effective to lock in the top or underground with a priest at least three times.”

I then wrote 『Utilize Priests』 and underlined priests. They are irreplaceable with any other character. Doing it with a mage or archer might lead to being misunderstood as a shallow hipster.

“So… show your team what your alternative is when you can’t be a rogue. If I can’t be a rogue, I go top or underground as a priest – hearing this actually backfires. Actions. And it should naturally show through deeds.”

『???』

『No』

『Isn’t this trolling…』

『What kind of lecture is this』

『Don’t misunderstand~ After clarifying old controversies, it felt empty, so I’m making new content~』

『Is she crazy』

『Teacher…?』

『Yeah… I expected something like this when it was called a lecture…』

『Average rogue player』

『Is this negotiation…?』

『Isn’t she the rogue expert GetDevoured?』

『Shouldn’t Orthodox be clarifying this』

Glancing at the chat, the reactions were quite intense. It seemed that further explanation was needed.

“There seem to be some who misunderstand. Trolling? No. The game structure inherently gives higher win rates to teams with a rogue… Wouldn’t those prejudiced against rogues be the trolls? Suggesting a threat for the correct outcome is a long-standing negotiation strategy even used in international diplomacy.”

It was none other than President Nixon of the United States who employed and named this diplomatic strategy. The name… well, I couldn’t quite remember it, but it was something used to end the Vietnam War.

Anyway.

The name wasn’t what’s important.

So, the next part… yes, that’s right. Under the section 『2. Practical Pick & Ban Negotiation』, I wrote 『A barking dog doesn’t bite, and a biting dog doesn’t bark』 and enlarged the font slightly.

It looked clear.

“It’s best to avoid unnecessary words. It makes you look weak. Posting a rogue portrait during pick-ban phase is sufficient. If everyone is discussing positions, you can say you’re going underground… if no one is talking, there’s no need to be the first to declare underground. A rogue has to be solid.”

It wasn’t too late to answer when asked a question.

Above all, it became easier to naturally guide the situation to a two-underground strategy if someone else declared another character going underground.

“Weren’t you always chatting… There’s a misunderstanding. That’s the next step. If you try to learn advanced techniques now, it could backfire.”

『You’re such a troll…』

『Isn’t this supposed to be a rogue lecture broadcast?』

『Are the fireworks in the broadcast title representing our team’s mental state?』

『Yes, it’s that kind of malicious broadcast』

『So, we just have to pick the rogue first then!』

“Hmm… well, don’t be hasty. There’s no need to think that you have to pick first. Relax… always remember that the rogue you choose is the right one. Blocking you from choosing a rogue is trolling, and you striving to pick the rogue is justice.”

As I explained this, I was writing 『3. Recruiting a Farmer』.

-StarPork has donated 1,000 won!-

【Please take the call…】

A donation arrived from a familiar ID.

The call… Oh.

There were a few missed calls.

* * * *

《Hello, StarPork. I couldn’t take your call because I was broadcasting.》

The voice was calm. As always.

Would they remain so composed even if they knew their words were being featured in real-time on KoK Forum, becoming a meaningful post? StarPork, Ahri, suddenly became curious but hesitated to ask, fearing the answer even more.

“Um, I’m really sorry during the broadcast. I deeply apologize to GetDevoured’s viewers too. Can you please turn off the mic for just a moment?”

Chat reactions were intense:

『ㅆㄵ』

『Get rid of Juho~~』

『Is it okay to rant if you’re a broadcaster? Jealous』

『Let’s hear what they have to say』

『You can’t extinguish this fire, StarPork』

The sentiment in the chat was fierce. Undoubtedly, some of those burning comments would find their way to her own broadcast. She was not unaware of this.

Nonetheless, she couldn’t ignore it. A broadcaster promoting, ‘Go troll and ruin the game’ on air… Wouldn’t it be unsurprising if a dedicated section about her appeared on Wiki?

Titles like ‘KoK/Season1/End of Times Troll Encouragement Controversy’ seemed to flash before StarPork’s eyes.

“Yes. I’ve turned it off. Your voice sounds tense… Is something wrong?”

“…Yes! Something is indeed wrong! My friend is basically hosting a broadcast encouraging trolling in front of 20,000 people! This is so unacceptable. This is something completely different from just hating anti-fans…!”

“Trolling… seems like there’s a misunderstanding. If you only saw the broadcast from the middle, it could be confusing.”

“No, I watched it from the very beginning… You had things like ‘use the priest’, and ‘a barking dog doesn’t bite’ written down, and you were about to talk about recruiting Underground 2 slaves, so what kind of misunderstanding is this…!”

If only her argument skills were a bit better. Not just a bit, much better to actually persuade. While StarPork worried over such futile concerns, Lee Yena, speaking in a veiled, soothing tone, interjected gently.

“Hmm… slaves, you say. That’s dangerous thinking. Played with a blonde tanned logger by any chance… Anyway, it seems to be a misunderstanding. If you’re worried, StarPork, I’ll pause the lecture for now.”

Feeling like a lifeline had been thrown to her, despite being the one who intended to save the situation, she wondered why she felt this way.

StarPork, forcing herself to deny the obvious answer, tried to assert some control by lowering her voice and thinking carefully.

“…Honestly, I’m even more anxious. What exactly do you plan to do instead?”

“Of course. Um… how about this? Since practical experience is important. Could you oversee a hands-on activity together?”

“Uh… yes, I currently don’t have any plans.”

-Heheh

Why did the thought that maybe she shouldn’t have agreed flash through her mind?

“That’s a relief. Then… for now, could you watch as I choose Rogue as my alt-account on the broadcast?”