Chapter 59
Chapter 59
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 58
Chapter Title: Record-Breaking Sales
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Revenge's all-time highest daily revenue had been 92 billion won.
That record was set one year after Revenge's grand opening, thanks to a massive update they'd spent a long time preparing and a business model so ruthless it drew curses from countless users.
But now.
That record had been shattered.
Daily peak revenue: 158.8 billion won.
Monthly peak revenue: 3.2 trillion won.
And this was on an utterly ordinary day—no massive update, no events, nothing.
“It's beyond imagination. To think the whales would get this fired up...”
“This must be why old game companies ran super accounts back in the day.”
Even the Nemesis employees were in awe. The other game devs were probably scrambling to analyze this phenomenon right now.
But no one could copy it.
Not in other civilizations or other Earths, and especially not on the 34th Earth.
“If we tried to manipulate things to force a situation like this, it'd be game over. The priests of the Truth God would swarm us and tear us limb from limb.”
“True. They even came to verify with us, the real deal...”
Unlike game masters who operated across the universe, there were gods who limited themselves to the 34th Earth.
The God of Justice.
The God of Truth.
The God of Honor.
They had appeared when humanity faced extinction due to the Apocalypse Project, each wielding immense influence in their domains.
The people of the 34th Earth had to be just.
The people of the 34th Earth had to be truthful.
The people of the 34th Earth had to act with honor.
This wasn't just some pretty story—it was a matter of survival.
Those who failed to do so died out.
A world where evil had been eradicated.
Unlike the 34th Earth's natives, who were born familiar with the Three Gods, immigrants from other Earths or civilizations struggled the most with this.
“At least it's gotten better now. Back 70... no, 50 years ago, it was no joke.”
“I've heard the stories. Even playing delinquent at school left an indelible stain, and kids got disciplined for white lies. A brutal era.”
“Kukukuk. Politicians with baseline noses a meter long, they said.”
“I heard game company employees had it rough too... Oh, right—that user. We're inviting him to the fan meet, yeah?”
“User fan meets are VVIP-only, so his spending alone wouldn't qualify... But he brought this much profit to the company. We have to invite him for the symbolism. The other clients will understand.”
Nemesis's atmosphere lately was at an all-time high. Massive profits meant bonuses for every employee, and the Second Life Project—which had always stalled due to budget issues—was finally underway.
“Alright! Break's over—time to prep for the fan meet. How's the invite response rate?”
“One in four accepted. One in three declined. The rest haven't replied.”
“Wow. Rich folks are rich for a reason. Even showering them with gifts, some just won't come.”
The office buzzed with energy like never before as employees got back to work.
But even they didn't know.
That at this very moment... Nemesis was facing someone who could propel them to the next level.
* * *
“This is a terminal linked to 116 Legion entities. It can activate around 1.5 million NPCs.”
Nemesis Soft's president, Bae Sarang, gazed at the adorable girl standing before her. About a meter tall, with shimmering golden hair and doll-like features—petite and perfectly formed.
Her appearance was so lovable it made you want to scoop her up in a hug, but she wasn't human.
Legion.
These mechanical lifeforms with souls had been one of the Union's three great enemies just a century ago.
After the awakened Machine God Adam reined them in and negotiated with the Union, they were recognized as a neutral faction. Still, the perception of [dangerous] made encounters rare—and here one was, meeting Nemesis Soft's president.
“116 entities... Not insufficient, but a shame. Were there not enough Legion volunteers?”
The pan-universal Human Alliance—including the [Leonhardt Empire] and many others—restricted A.I. development at the Legion's request.
The Legion didn't welcome their kind being born from other races' hands. Like a monkey troop eyeing a human birth.
But no matter how strong or fearsome the Legion, how could they halt A.I. tech across the entire universe?
So they placed Legion in jobs across the stars, handling related work. That way, if a new Legion emerged, they could safely bring it into the fold.
“What depth can they bring to Revenge?”
“Grade 1. To be precise... even Transcendents wouldn't distinguish it from reality.”
Bae Sarang nodded at her words.
‘Better terms than imagined.’
On the 34th Earth, where nearly everyone had spiritual abilities, standards for video and VR were brutally high.
Because of inspiration.
No CG, however perfect, could fool the gifted. Those with inspiration could spot real from fake in any footage.
That's why singers doing voice-only faded, and even with indistinguishable CG, actors had to perform live.
But what if Revenge got Grade 1+ depth?
Plus 1.5 million NPCs indistinguishable from real people...
‘This will work. We can launch the Second Life Project.’
She was inwardly thrilled when—
“Honestly, I'm not thrilled, Miss Nemesis.”
The girl's soft chuckle was utterly cute. Yet... even Bae Sarang—an 18th-level Vitality Cultivator and Gigant Master—dared not underestimate her.
She knew.
‘Not just a terminal. At least a Transcendent.’
Level-wise, 20+.
Just 2-3 levels above her own 18, you might think—but the gap between 19 and 20 was god from human. Remember that.
“What do you mean? Uh...”
“Call me Ellis.”
“Yes, Ellis. Is there a problem?”
Ellis met her cautious gaze.
“Putting our children into Revenge isn't standard work. They'll be... in such close contact with humans. I just... can't fathom Father's thinking.”
“I was half ready to give up too. But Machine God Adam must see farther than we do, right?”
“...You're right. I overthought it. Oh, and the request?”
Sarang replied.
“Ah! Of course it's ready. Over 10,000 works—novels, movies, dramas.”
“As you know, it's not just data volume. The thoughts and karma within matter. Real-life based first, or at least soul-infused works.”
“No worries. Nemesis is a top arts patron on the 34th Earth.”
“...We'll see.”
Ellis primly flicked her hand, golden locks cascading over her shoulder. They hummed with vibration, and a steel door materialized from thin air.
Standing before it, Ellis spoke.
“I'm still too young to fully grasp Father's will. Why interact with humans. Why control our [emotions].”
The doll-like girl—no, mechanical lifeform shaped like one—adjusted her face into a radiant smile.
“Still, as He wills.”
Clank!
The iron door vanished, leaving Bae Sarang alone in the silent executive office.
She stared coolly at the empty space, then strode to the window with clicking heels.
“...Phew! That was terrifying! Ugh, why the mood-setting bullshit!”
Shuddering, she steadied herself and gazed at Seoul's nightscape below.
A daily sight, but tonight it felt different.
One step closer to her goal.
“Aja!”
She suddenly yelled.
“This is just the start! Long road ahead! But it's fine! I'm young!”
Her fist-pump was full of fight. She looked the part of a sharp urban woman: tailored suit hugging her curves, sleek hair, tall frame, intellectual eyes.
She appeared mid-to-late 20s... but she was lying.
Born in 2020.
In a week... she'd turn 70.
* * *
I ditched work and headed to the Metallic Hotel. The best part of the job? Get permission ahead, and you can take off anytime.
‘Christmas event turned out to be another special dungeon, huh.’
Sighing ruefully as I passed the entrance. Not like siege events, world raids, or wars where you couldn't even join—but no standout rewards either.
‘Food drops are the best...’
What pissed me off: last Christmas had food drops. [Christmas Cake] was like songpyeon, but [Christmas Cookies] even had accel potion effects!
From 30% (normal) to 250% (legendary)!
‘Do a food event already! Pepero Day had Pepero as exchange crap, not food!’
I'd hoarded and exchanged everything thriftily, but it wasn't food-event efficient. My songpyeon stockpile was running low—getting anxious.
‘Well... the Christmas package was good.’
500 mil won, zero regrets.
★☆Christmas Package☆★
Advanced Class Summon Tickets x10.
Advanced Pet Summon Tickets x10.
Goddess's Chalice x20.
Awakening Tickets x10.
Engraving Boxes x10.
Just 500k won!
‘Krr. Insane value. The more you buy, the better!’
Wanted more, but account-limited to 10 buys.
‘Sell more! I'll buy—why hold back!’
Lamenting as I—
“Hello, sir. Do you have a reservation?”
The bright-faced counter staff spoke up. I nodded.
“Probably under Killians.”
“Please wait a moment. Semy.”
“Krung!”
Her foot-level cougar rose and locked eyes with my Cheddar beside me.
“...Confirmed. We'll escort you to the 126th-floor suite.”
Luxury-clad folks stole glances as she led the way.
Not just directions—personal escort.
“Heading up.”
In the elevator, she touched the wall.
It shot upward.
Arrival was instant.
“Huh? Oh, he's here! Hey! Wow, you look so young!”
Unexpectedly, as doors opened, a voice greeted me from ahead.
‘...What?’
The 126th had its own lobby. A man there, sipping tea with snacks, waved at me.
“Oh my.”
My trailing staff blushed at him. Bizarre, but I got it.
Peerless beauty.
His halo-like glow behind his head drew an involuntary smirk. Nothing like I'd imagined.
A whale spender.