The Widened Blade
Among katana users, it was one of the most commonly picked weapons.
While there were many weapons in the ever-popular katana category, the “Widened Blade” always stood out as a top-tier choice.
As a 1st-tier weapon, it became excessively popular, to the point where users carrying katanas were mocked among lower-tier players, being called names like “katana-chung” or “Nippon-chung.”
After all, popularity in this game meant that the weapon satisfied both style and practicality far beyond what was needed.
In other words, it was an efficient, cost-effective choice.
It even appeared in matches played by professional STK teams.
‘Why am I rambling about this weapon?’ Well…
***
[Seriously, how did we go from swimsuits to this? SMH.]
[Sensei, isn’t the kunoichi concept a bit too modest?]
[LOL, just slapping a mask on doesn’t make someone a ninja.]
[So wrapping yourself in a log works too?]
[This… is supposed to be a ninja?]
[Ninja attire 101: Bikinis only, am I right?]
[Actually, they’re naked.]
The chaotic reactions in the chat reflected the theme of today’s stream: a ninja concept.
Whether it’s in a hunter story, a tycoon drama, or a sports saga, the name “ninja” always sparks interest, no matter how out of place it seems.
When it comes to ninja weapons, katana is a must.
Shurikens would be ideal, but in Soul Warfare, there aren’t any shurikens—just throwable daggers.
So, I made do with what I had.
After purchasing a ninja costume mod and equipping the katana, the look of an assassin began to emerge.
It was quite different from the Islamic warrior I showcased earlier—this one had a distinctly oriental vibe.
“This has a really cool atmosphere. The combination of an Eastern ninja and a Western castle….”
[Come on, Sensei, stop spewing nonsense.]
[40 votes for the return of the beach warrior concept.]
[Why is there a ninja in a Western castle? Historical accuracy, where? LOL.]
Sadly, not a single person seemed to share my sentiment.
***
The origin of all this started when I was streaming and happened to be browsing community forums about the STK melee tournament.
As always, I decided to stream Soul Warfare.
After all, I wouldn’t look at other games until I had conquered this one.
It was a classic “might as well finish it” kind of mentality.
Stellar Craft felt more like a refresher, not something I’d stick with like Soul Warfare.
Before logging into Soul Warfare from my MS room, I casually remarked:
“Let’s check Outven for a second, shall we?”
[Why Outven all of a sudden?]
[LOL, clueless as always. Didn’t the host apply for the melee tournament yesterday?]
[The audacity to ego-search so boldly… Sensei, you’ve got nerves of steel.]
[Is your thick skin from wearing helmets too much?]
“What, are you embarrassed for me, Friede?”
[N-No, not at all. Do what you want, sis.]
[I’ve already seen it all.]
[I’ve been refreshing every 30 minutes and documenting every reaction.]
[You’re all insane. LOL.]
My casual remark sent the chat into a frenzy of laughter and admiration.
Ego-searching.
What a fantastic term, don’t you think?
By now, I considered myself somewhat of a public figure.
No need for clumsy self-deprecation or false humility anymore.
When you see videos with skyrocketing views, the realization comes whether you like it or not.
“Wow, there’s a lot here.”
The Soul Warfare Outven event category was filled with trending posts.
Hundreds of posts came up when I searched “Friede,” but I didn’t make a big fuss.
By now, I had grown used to it.
‘Oh, woe is me!’
I didn’t see it as a positive change.
Without stimulation, fun and energy fade away.
‘I need more attention.’
‘To what extent?’
‘Well, taking over the Outven main page’s top headlines wouldn’t be bad.’
In that sense, this tournament was a golden opportunity.
STK Melee Tournament.
People simply called it “Melee.”
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that all Soul Warfare players had their eyes on this tournament.
Winning here could unofficially crown someone the best amateur player.
More importantly, facing off against current pro gamers was an enticing bait.
The ultimate spotlight—a feast of attention awaited the winner.
For a streamer, getting this kind of exposure was a rare opportunity.
***
[Antiruru donated 5,000 won! Check out the 5th post from the top, sis.]
“The 5th post?”
‘Did I miss it? What kind of title could it have?’
‘Curious, I scrolled down with my mouse wheel.’
Amid the countless trending posts, one title caught my eye.
Looking at it, I couldn’t help but think, ‘This is a bit odd.’
[Let’s Not Fight With Swords Anymore.]
If they’re not fighting with swords in a Soul Warfare tournament, then what?
The viewers’ reactions were filled with hooks of curiosity, and I couldn’t help but click to see what it was about.
What I found was…
[Let’s Not Fight With Swords Anymore.]
‘How about Friede takes off her helmet and we host a swimsuit contest with Lotus instead?’
No one has to fight.
We can cheer for both sides with pure joy.
[Resembling Egg: Fact: It’s a fact.]
[Apiverno: Yep, I agree.]
[Garlic Knight: Fully support this. Also, Friede face reveal when?]
[Sunlight Sword: Friede… Lotus… Can we just admire instead of fight?]
[Coin Selling Girl: You idiot, keep that nonsense in your notes.]
A swimsuit contest.
Whoever thought of this, I wanted to crack open their skull.
Maybe it was because the targets were me and Lotus, but I couldn’t entirely dismiss it.
Perhaps because of the tournament’s buzz, I ended up seeing real photos of Lotus, the pro gamer.
She was… pretty, I’ll admit.
The audience’s fascination and mystique surrounding me must be due to my appearance, which likely accounts for 90% of their interest.
That’s why people link me with Lotus and spout nonsense like this.
The pairing of a handsome man and a beautiful woman always attracts attention, no matter the context.
I still remember the buzz I caused when I took off my helmet and revealed the back of my head.
But…
[Lotus x Friede forever!]
[I can’t even process this; I’m melting.]
[Friede in a swimsuit and helmet would absolutely wreck me.]
[LMAO.]
[If they both walked out in swimsuits, we’d all pass out.]
[Do you have tissues ready?]
「GomtangIngredientsPuu donated 20,000 won!
-Sis, how about a swimsuit customization?」
I couldn’t let this go any further.
Ignoring both the donation and the chat frenzy, I placed my fingers on the keyboard panel.
Silent but swift, the characters appeared on the screen as I typed.
Once the sentence was complete, I confidently hit the Enter key.
***
[Friede777: Viewers, do you remember the Islamic warrior who forever etched your emotions into history?]
It seems I’m not the only one who needs discipline.
[????]
[What’s that mean, host?]
[No way…?]
[We’re sorry, host! Please stop!]
[Don’t bring back that skin, I beg you!]
***
‘I can control my audience’s emotions.’
Back to the ninja warrior—it’s quite an aesthetic combination, isn’t it?
Unlike the Islamic warrior skin I used previously, this wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision.
I inspected the look in a mirror through the camera and found no issues.
The design emphasized sturdiness with several layers of black armor.
It was an expensive purchase from the store, and the quality matched the price.
“Today, we’ll try an assassination playstyle.”
[Didn’t you already do assassinations with the Islamic warrior?]
[Are you messing with us? LMAO.]
[Can you all shut up? You dragged it out last time, too!]
[OMG, I’m watching this live on my day off, and you guys are ruining it with your nonsense.]
[All they care about is swimsuits, huh? Disgusting.]
“Calm down, everyone. This is something I’ve always wanted to try, so let’s just roll with it. You know how it’s better to get the hard part over with first, right?”
[Why not save it for when we can’t watch live?]
[So selfish! I watch every live stream, you jerk!]
[Does the guy above not have a life?]
[Sensei, another assassination? Why repeat content?]
While the core idea remained assassination, the execution would differ slightly.
“This won’t be the same kind of assassination. I’m going to switch things up.”
“That’s right. Assassination doesn’t always have to mean killing the opposing players.”
“Today, I’ll be assassinating something else.”
[???????]
[What nonsense is this?]
[If you’re not assassinating players, then what are you assassinating?]
[You’ve already assassinated us emotionally.]
[Hero of Light down, LOL.]
[You’re expecting too much from a game without team-killing.]
[Are you trolling us, Friede?]
Despite the mixed reactions and hooks, I couldn’t help but sigh.
‘Why limit assassination to opposing team players?’
***
As the game began, I took my usual detour.
Unlike the Islamic warrior era, my movements were even more discreet—pure stealth action.
The difference this time was in my stats.
I minimized HP and maxed out stamina, creating a build that didn’t quite match the ninja archetype.
But it was all for the sake of my plan.
‘Why?’
…Because this time, all movement would involve wall climbing.
Scaling walls made me feel like a true ninja.
To avoid detection by vigilant players, I chose a dark, ribbed black outfit for camouflage.
So long as I stayed careful, I wouldn’t be caught easily.
Suddenly, I sensed movement ahead.
“They’re here.”
I spoke softly to the chat, waiting silently for the right moment.
Perhaps aware of my presence, the opposing team sent three players straight to the detour.
“Was it an attempt to secure the objective through sheer numbers?’
This might amplify the effect of my plan.
[SwordShieldSwag: Friede’s not here. Did she go to another route?]
[SunFlickerKing: LOL, so was all this movement wasted?]
[SwordShieldSwag: Let’s push the high-value objective and finish quickly.]
Without my usual antics of openly disrupting the detour, they seemed confused.
The chat clamored for me to assassinate them, but today’s concept was a “different” assassination.
I held my position, biding my time until they began attacking the objective.
As they eliminated three minions, the medium-tier objective spawned—a heavily armored giant wielding dual claymores.
If this were real life, anyone would have been terrified.
But it’s just a game.
Watching the Grandmaster-tier players swiftly drain its HP made me sigh.
For all its intimidating presence, the objective was disappointingly weak.
‘At least this saved me some time.’
With my right hand, I drew a throwing dagger.
Hitting a vital spot would trigger critical damage, dealing significant damage to players and objectives alike.
Using my left hand and feet, I wedged myself between the bricks, bracing my body.
Slowly, I raised my right hand.
Through an opening in the ceiling, the alluring moonlight streamed in.
When the dagger in my hand pointed toward the moon…
***
A deafening roar echoed across the castle.
In sync with the objective’s scream, I hurled the dagger with all my might.
A decisive throw imbued with the essence of a one-hit kill.
It sliced through the air and tore through space, the dagger gleaming like a shooting star under the moonlight.
Thunk!
Silence fell over everyone as the dagger struck its mark.
Even the chat went quiet.
The only sound was the satisfying score boost for my team, thanks to the final blow on the objective.
“Now you understand, don’t you? This is…”
Smiling behind my mask, I whispered to the chat:
“…what it means to assassinate an objective.”
This… was my assassination.