Tournament day arrived sooner than Seojun expected.
He approached the massive International Game Expo venue with his face partially covered and sunglasses hiding his eyes.
He slipped into the crowd, blending in among the two hundred thousand attendees gathered throughout the complex.
The place was enormous.
Fans filled every hallway.
Massive screens displayed trailers and highlights, while famous creators were escorted through the venue by staff members and security personnel.
Seojun glanced at a group of creators passing nearby.
How much money do they make?
He had a respectable following himself, but some of the people here were on an entirely different level.
Before he could think about it any further, someone rushed up behind him and threw an arm over his shoulder.
Seojun turned his head.
“Long time no see, Luma.”
Luma grinned widely.
“Haven’t talked to you in forever, JUNX.”
Seojun sighed internally.
This dickhead is drawing way too much attention to us.
I literally talked to this bum last night about the tournament we’re both in.
Sure enough, people nearby began recognizing them.
Phones came out instantly as fans started taking pictures and running toward them.
Seojun and Luma exchanged a glance.
Neither needed to say anything.
They bolted.
The two streamers sprinted toward the VIP area, flashed their credentials to security, and slipped inside just before a crowd could form around them.
Once the doors closed behind them, the noise of the convention faded away.
Luma wiped imaginary sweat from his forehead.
“Wasn’t that a close one?”
Seojun shook his head.
“Let’s just sit down and talk about the game.”
They settled into a pair of lounge chairs.
Seojun loosened his hoodie while Luma spun a water bottle between his hands.
“So,” Seojun began, “it’s been two weeks since the trailer dropped. I’ve watched it more times than I’d like to admit.”
Luma nodded.
“Same. And every time I watch it, I keep wondering what the hell we’re actually supposed to do.”
He raised the bottle.
“Half the players are in kingdoms, and the other half are in the wasteland. Destroy crystals, slay hunters, defend territories. Sure. But how?”
Seojun rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
“Look at the cover art. The kingdoms are fortified, with heroes patrolling everywhere. Meanwhile, the hunters are stuck in the wasteland with monsters surrounding them.”
He paused.
“And that Behemoth at the border? I’m really hoping that isn’t just a boss fight.”
Luma raised an eyebrow.
“You think it’s something else?”
“I don’t know. But it feels important.”
“Or maybe it’s just a giant monster they put in the trailer to get people interested.”
“Possible.”
Seojun glanced toward the lounge entrance.
“But if that’s all it is, why keep showing it?”
Luma considered that.
“…Okay. You’ve got a point.”
He pulled up the official game page on his phone.
“There’s something else I don’t understand. Why are the kingdoms separated from the wasteland in the first place?”
“The Hellgates?”
“Yeah. The trailer makes it look like the monsters are trapped outside, but the game description says players can explore both sides. So why build these massive gates?”
“Maybe they’re meant to keep the monsters out.”
“Then why call them Hellgates instead of something normal, like a defensive barrier?”
Seojun paused.
“Marketing?”
“That’s your answer to everything.”
“Because it explains most things.”
Luma shook his head and returned to the official page.
“There’s barely any lore, either. No history of the kingdoms, no explanation of the wasteland, and nothing about where the monsters came from.”
“Maybe we’re supposed to discover it ourselves.”
“Or the developers are hiding something.”
Seojun grinned.
“Now you’re thinking like a gamer.”
Luma lowered his phone.
“Whatever. I just hope we don’t get stuck doing boring quests for half the tournament.”
“Then don’t pick boring quests.”
“Why didn’t I think of that?”
“Probably because you were busy being an idiot.”
Before Luma could respond, the VIP lounge slowly filled with the other invited players.
Streamers, professional gamers, and content creators entered the room.
Some were loud and confident, while others stayed quiet, surrounded by managers or bodyguards.
Giant screens displayed the massive arena outside, where thousands of fans were gathering.
Seojun and Luma finished their drinks as the room lights dimmed slightly.
A voice echoed from hidden speakers.
“Players for Kingdoms & Hellgates, please proceed to the immersion hall.”
Luma stretched his arms.
“Well, guess that’s us.”
Seojun stood and adjusted his hoodie.
“Time to find out what we actually signed up for.”
The lounge doors opened, and a staff member stepped inside carrying a tray of small earpieces.
“Players, please take one and follow me to the immersion hall.”
The invited creators collected their devices and began filing into the hallway.
Camera drones floated overhead, recording their movements for the massive broadcast screens outside.
Seojun slipped the earpiece into his ear while walking beside Luma.
A faint chime sounded.
[Audio Translation System Connected.]
He glanced at the notification before it disappeared.
“Convenient.”
Luma adjusted his own earpiece.
“What is?”
“Universal translation. Saves us from having to learn twenty languages just to talk to each other.”
“Speak for yourself. I know at least three languages.”
Seojun glanced at him.
“Korean, English, and nonsense?”
“Four, actually. I’m fluent in sarcasm.”
“That’s not a language.”
“It is when I’m speaking.”
Seojun decided not to entertain that any further.
The group continued down the corridor until they reached a wide staircase leading toward the immersion hall.
Bright lights spilled down from above, accompanied by the distant roar of thousands of spectators.
Luma looked up.
Then he stopped walking.
“…You’ve got to be kidding me.”
Seojun followed his gaze.
“It’s a staircase.”
“That’s a lot of stairs.”
Seojun smirked.
“Don’t tell me the great Luma is afraid of cardio.”
“I’m not afraid. I’m conserving energy.”
“Conserving energy? You mean being a lazy bum?”
Seojun shook his head.
“Unbelievable. The tournament hasn’t even started, and you’re already tired.”
They began climbing.
A few steps later, Luma glanced around to make sure the other players weren’t paying attention.
Then he hooked his foot behind Seojun’s heel.
Seojun stumbled forward, catching the railing before he could fall.
He immediately spun around.
“You idiot!”
Luma burst out laughing.
“Relax! You didn’t fall!”
“If I face-plant in front of two hundred thousand people, I’m blaming you and taking you to court!”
Luma wiped an imaginary tear from his eye.
“That would have been the greatest opening clip of the tournament. And the only thing you’re winning from that lawsuit is a couple of napkins.”
Seojun stared at him.
“One day, I’m going to let a monster eat you.”
“See? This is why we’re friends. You always know how to encourage me.”
“That wasn’t encouragement.”
They continued climbing, their footsteps mixing with the growing noise of the stadium above.
After a moment, Luma nudged him with his elbow.
“So, what side do you want?”
“Hunters.”
The answer came without hesitation.
Luma raised an eyebrow.
“You want the wasteland?”
“Obviously.”
“Why?”
Seojun shrugged.
“The kingdom players are probably going to spend half the tournament sitting behind walls, defending their territory.”
“And?”
“And I didn’t come here to play castle guard.”
Luma chuckled.
“Guess I have to join the wasteland too. Someone has to babysit you, like in every other game we play.”
“Nobody asked you to.”
“And yet, here I am. A loyal friend.”
“You’re a walking inconvenience.”
“An inconvenience with excellent gaming skills.”
“Debatable.”
They reached the top of the staircase.
The corridor opened into a brightly lit passage leading directly to the immersion hall.
Staff members stood along both sides, guiding the contestants toward the entrance.
Beyond the doors, the stadium roared.
Luma stretched his arms.
“Well, no more tripping you now.”
Seojun glanced at him.
“If you trip me again, I’m pushing you into the nearest monster.”
Luma grinned.
“Love you too, buddy.”
Seojun rolled his eyes and pushed open the doors.
The immersion hall exploded into view.
Twenty sleek VR pods stood in a perfect circle beneath blazing stadium lights.
Each machine was surrounded by technicians and connected to a network of glowing consoles.
Above them, enormous screens displayed the tournament logo.
Thousands of spectators filled the surrounding arena, their cheers echoing through the massive venue.
IMMERSIA: KINGDOMS & HELLGATES
GLOBAL CREATOR TOURNAMENT
Seojun paused at the entrance.
“…Okay. That’s impressive.”
For once, Luma didn’t make a joke.
He simply stared at the arena, taking in the lights, the screens, and the thousands of people who had come to watch them play.
Then the announcer’s voice thundered through the hall.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the International Game Expo’s most anticipated VR event!”
The crowd erupted.
“Today, twenty creators from around the world will enter a world unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Over the next three days, they will fight, explore, build alliances, and compete for victory in Immersia: Kingdoms & Hellgates!”
The giant screens shifted to display the game’s promotional artwork.
A shattered Hellgate divided the image in two.
“Before the tournament begins, let’s meet the players who will be making history!”
The first spotlight swept across the stage.
“Our first contestant is one of the most influential creators in the building and survival genre!”
The screen behind the stage filled with clips of enormous fortresses, automated cities, and sprawling player-built empires.
Towering walls rose from barren landscapes, while elaborate defensive systems activated against waves of enemies.
“His guides have been viewed tens of millions of times, and countless players credit him with teaching them how to build entire worlds from nothing!”
The announcer raised his voice.
“Please welcome Nova Patel!”
The audience responded with a thunderous cheer.
A young man walked onto the stage, offering a relaxed wave before making his way toward his assigned immersion pod.
Luma leaned toward Seojun.
“Yeah… if that guy ends up on the kingdom side, we’re definitely not breaking those walls.”
Seojun nodded thoughtfully.
“Great. A professional base builder in a game about defending kingdoms.”
“Maybe he’ll build us a nice house.”
“Maybe he’ll build you a cage.”
“Why would he do that?”
“Public service.”
Luma clicked his tongue.
The announcer continued introducing the contestants, each accompanied by gameplay clips and highlights from their most popular streams.
Some specialized in competitive combat.
Others were known for exploration, strategy, or elaborate constructions.
Every player had a reputation to uphold, and every introduction brought another wave of cheers.
Then the spotlight turned toward Seojun.
“Next, we have a creator from South Korea, famous for his unpredictable strategies, creative problem-solving, and unbelievable solo plays!”
The screen flashed with his stream logo.
JUNX
Clips of Seojun defeating stronger opponents through clever traps and unexpected tactics played across the enormous display.
The crowd exploded.
“Please welcome… JUNX!”
Seojun sighed quietly and raised one hand.
“Why do they always make it sound so dramatic?”
He walked toward his assigned pod, acknowledging the crowd with a brief wave.
He’d grown accustomed to the attention, but hearing thousands of people cheer his name still felt strange.
Not that he was going to admit that.
The spotlight moved on.
“And joining us next is his longtime collaborator and one of the fastest-rising streamers in the industry!”
The screen displayed clips of ridiculous stunts, close victories, and several spectacular failures that had apparently become fan favorites.
“Known for his confidence, his quick thinking, and his… unique approach to teamwork!”
Seojun almost smiled.
He already knew where this was going.
“Please welcome Lee Min-jae, better known as Luma!”
Luma immediately raised both arms.
“THANK YOU! THANK YOU!”
The crowd responded with another wave of cheers.
He bowed dramatically before heading toward his station, clearly enjoying every second of it.
As he passed Seojun, he looked over expectantly.
Seojun was staring at his phone.
Luma stopped.
He nudged Seojun with his elbow.
“Hey. Did you hear that?”
“Hmm?”
“My introduction.”
Seojun glanced at the enormous screen for approximately half a second.
“Oh. Yeah.”
Then he returned to his phone.
Luma stared at him.
“That’s it?”
Seojun shrugged.
“I’ve watched you steal my kills for three years. Nothing new.”
A few nearby contestants chuckled.
Luma looked personally betrayed.
“Those were tactical eliminations!”
“You mean the ones where I did ninety percent of the damage?”
“Details.”
Seojun slipped his phone into his pocket and stretched.
“Relax. If anything actually impressive happens, I’ll notice.”
Luma shook his head and continued toward his station.
“One day, I’m going to become more popular than you.”
“Let me know when that happens.”
“You’ll regret these words.”
“I doubt it.”
Their exchange earned a few more laughs from the players standing nearby.
For a moment, the tension of the competition seemed to ease.
Then the announcer’s voice returned.
“Contestants, please prepare for the rules briefing.”
The lights dimmed.
The crowd gradually quieted.
The screen above the stage went dark before the image of the shattered Hellgate appeared once more.
“Over the next three in-game days, these twenty players will compete in the world of Kingdoms & Hellgates. Ten will begin within the kingdoms, where they must defend their territories and pursue their faction’s objectives.”
The image shifted to towering castles surrounded by fortified walls.
“The other ten will begin beyond the Hellgates, entering the wasteland as hunters. They must explore its dangerous territories, overcome its monsters, and pursue their own faction’s objectives.”
The image of the wasteland appeared.
Twisted forests stretched toward a blood-red horizon.
Monstrous silhouettes moved between the cliffs, while the distant Behemoth towered above the landscape.
Seojun’s eyes narrowed.
There it was again.
The Behemoth.
Even in the official presentation, the developers seemed determined to draw attention to it without explaining anything.
“Each faction will have its own path to victory,” the announcer continued.
“The contestants will have to discover the world, adapt to their circumstances, and outmaneuver their opponents.”
The screen split into two images.
The fortified kingdoms.
The endless wasteland.
“Only one side can claim victory.”
The arena erupted.
Seojun settled into his immersion pod.
Three days of competition.
Twenty players.
Two factions.
And a world full of unknowns.
He could hardly wait. keep on reading pls