47. The Magical Girl Party... Service Terminated.
Generally speaking, streamer server staff fall into two categories. The streamer hosting the server. And the devs they hired. But this Peaceful Nara server was a bit different.
"Hello. I'm GM Piki."
"What are you doing here?"
"...Nice to meet you."
"Oh, that kind of setting?"
Because that voice was familiar. It was the government official who'd contacted me last time about the ad proposal.
...No idea why a GM's doing RP. But I had to play along. Saying "nice to meet you" back is the VTuber code of respect...
Honestly, I kinda wanted to tease her a bit.
"Ahem. Anyway, what brings GM Piki here?"
"It's a bit embarrassing, but we've judged the arena ecosystem to be collapsing too much."
Hmm. Was 20 straight wins a bit much? I was just gonna grab enough for an invite code and bail, but they responded fast—probably figured they couldn't wait me out. What I did was pure skill (physical prowess). This was a streamer playground server. Healing's the motto, even. If it risks tanking participant morale, a visit like this makes sense.
"Honestly, we knew you wouldn't stop at 20 wins. So we're asking you to show a little restraint..."
"Aw, c'mon. No bugs exploited. Just skill. What's the point if you nerf that?"
Tenri reacted fastest to GM Piki's words. Covering for her party member with some quick back-and-forth. Rare in normal games, but in streamer server ops? Skip it and it feels off—like missing the salt.
"Ahem. You think we'd make a request like this empty-handed? We've prepared something, of course."
But this was definitely Gate Division staff. Why's she jumping straight into the banter?
"Something tempting, right?"
"Here, take a look."
GM Piki showed an item.
◈ Acquire the title Arena Honorary Graduate.
◈ Arena Honorary Graduates can only use the arena for title matches against challengers.
◈ Losing a title match transfers the title to the challenger.
"Oh. A title."
Valuable in servers like this. They're unique symbols of honor, made special so not everyone can have 'em. Heck, even something like "Marriage Hell Auntie" has demand. A top arena title? You'd strut all over the server.
"An item like this exists?"
"Just made for intros. Titles are usually hand-given on the spot anyway..."
"Ah."
Thought it was new tech. Manual, huh.
"So taking this bans me from the arena?"
"Only if there's a challenger."
"That's kinda inconvenient. I'm here to make money."
Overkill reward for day one, sure. But I just need invite code cash. Arena and titles are secondary.
"We considered that too. Even with the title, you're restricted from arena content. Might be modest, but as compensation, we've prepared dignity maintenance fees."
GM Piki pulled out a new item.
"Oh."
It was an invite code. They were monitoring, alright. Knew what I needed. I'd never said it in-game, but checking Su-yeon's registration? My goal's obvious.
I like it, but hey, streamer here. Checked the vibe... wait, arena chat. Streamer servers spawn hand-profit calculators the second they open. Micro-deals to mega-negotiations—they microscope gains (often wrong). Usually echo-chamber herds. This one's fuzzy math, so they're infighting.
Weight on arena vs. invites? Fine. No server impact/special treatment drama. Just pop growth, low in-game ripple. Invite codes are chill. Or maybe strict rules weed 'em out.
"Deal."
"Yup. Grab it and drop a chat."
"National rule for titles anyway."
I knew that rule. Failed to get one last server... apologized and dipped.
Anyway, title and invite secured. Time for the national rule, per Tenri.
"...Senpai."
"Whoa, hold up. Tempest junior. This is Korea's traditional culture."
Classic showdown for 10+ year rotten waters.
"Eh? Such etiquette exists?"
"F-First time hearing."
"Damn. These kids these days!"
"Geukbing-noona... you're only 2 years older than me."
I averted from Aris's gaze, eyeing the Korean magical girls. Despair hit. Forgot Astel Craft, Korea's folk game?!
...They just don't know. Unlike ex-guy me, born-girls often miss it...
"See? Folks who know are laughing."
Village chat (server's huge, chats split by field) had streamer reactors. Saved me from junior-bullying accusations.
* * *
After Seol-hee stepped away to discuss invitees, Aris stared quietly at the screen.
This is Blade Fang.
Monitor locked on Inugami Tenri's avatar. As Seol-hee predicted, she already knew Tenri's secret. More like figured it out.
Post-"tampering" rejection (her proposal to Seol-hee), Aris investigated magical girls solo. Fellow magical girls digging past Perception Inhibition? Easy if determined. Hiding's pointless.
"Um, you're a magical girl too, right Tempest-noona?"
"Yep. Not just Senpai—her too."
"Is it... tough?"
Not dangerous.
Judging via small talk. Screen chat only, but personality shines through. More innocent, harmless than Innocent Lily (Yoo Su-yeon) from Seol-hee's streams. Very magical girl-esque.
"Tough, sure. But protecting what's precious? The fulfillment outweighs the fatigue."
She did background checks to gauge impact on her "Senpai." Seol-hee seemed unshakable, good or bad... but too soft on juniors. Even benefit-reaping Aris thought, "A junior's request? She'd topple a nation or two, no biggie."
That random "Geukbing" pull—grabbing a no-interest VTuber hand—real reason Senpai wasn't around.
Maybe meet selection team sans list? Hope flickered. Post-Seol-hee meet, genuinely fun.
"Everyone. Insulting Senpai means I won't stay quiet."
Streaming wasn't bad. Milder viewers than Seol-hee's haunts. ...Just that constant watched feeling nagged.
But first, warn her.
In-game awkward. This 4-magical-girl party formed around Seol-hee. Rest? Strangers. Seong-yoon and her bickered, wary rivals at best.
Blame Aris, really. As response team, magical girl, or Park Seong-yoon personal—Aris trying to drag Seol-hee to Japan? Thorn in side.
Viewers restrain now, else they'd clash already. Tenri sensed it, flailing with small talk to both sides. Adorable puppy efforts unfit a peer...
Knowing eyes spot sloppy bits. Had to warn.
Senpai and Divine Blaze know too, probably.
No direct contact? Circuitous route fine.
"Viewers. Got an important call—brb."
Decision made, notified viewers, dipped. Messaged Seong-yoon's contact.
Hand froze. As expected, irksome. So casually name-dropped. Frequent meets. Petty consult distance.
Aris inwardly grumbled, resumed typing.
No reply.
Nailed her. Aris bitterly vented jealousy. Heart screamed Korea-move. Peaceful world? Maybe. But this dangerous one? No. Too much to guard home.
Fantasy of friendly ousting for defection crossed mind. Aris returned to PC.
* * *
Back from Su-yeon surprise debut planning (invite codes incoming, historic debut cup). Fun fantasy took time, I admit...
"Guys. Why the vibe kill?"
How'd the mood tank this fast? Blocky World whistling cold winds. Modern art?
My precious magical girl 4-man... service terminated.
No, 5-man!
Kraaaah!