Chapter 67
Chapter 67
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 66
Chapter Title: A Sudden 300 Million Won Donation
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The day before my discharge, I was abruptly dragged to Ardania and saw a noble killing a commoner. For a moment, I wondered if I'd entered virtual reality. I'd fallen asleep in the barracks, only to wake up standing in a medieval village—it was a natural enough doubt.
But I quickly realized that place was real.
'It's because of the limitations of virtual reality.'
An ordinary human can experience virtual reality just by overlaying sight and sound, since those are the primary senses through which people perceive the world.
Taking it further, overlaying touch, smell, and taste creates perfect virtual reality.
When all senses are overlaid and the result is indistinguishable from reality, the user's immersion becomes complete. They reach a point where they can't tell reality from virtual.
Achieving this requires considerable technological prowess, but on 34th Earth, which had entered the Third Civilization, even small and medium enterprises could implement it routinely.
However, problems arise when the subject is a psychic. Even if all five senses are overlaid, they still have one sense left.
The sixth sense.
The so-called spiritual sense.
"Hmm. So... this Grade 1 immersion means even perfected ability users can't distinguish reality from virtual?"
I searched the internet and learned what Grade 1 immersion meant.
In other words, perfect virtual reality already existed, but people on 34th Earth hadn't noticed it in their daily lives. That changed when Revenge allied with Legion and acquired this technology.
Naturally, as soon as the news broke, every community was on fire.
⤷Firefighter: If this is real, it means virtual reality indistinguishable from reality? Like NPCs looking like real people?
⤷Mystic Gate Opening: No way, even if Revenge makes bank, a game company pulling out tech like this...? Have the Truth Priests verified it?
⤷Holy Knight is King: Kinda weird to say this, but... if this tech is real... doesn't that mean you can do THAT in the virtual world?
⤷Mystic Gate Opening: Do what?
⤷Holy Knight is King: You know, that good stuff guys and girls can do. It's great, but I can't say it myself...
⤷Hero King: You idiots, is that all you can think of? With Grade 1 immersion, you can train psychic powers in the virtual world! The number of perfected users will multiply several times over!
The technology Nemesis had applied using Legion's power was enough to shock the entire planet. It was no longer just a gaming issue!
And.
Nemesis – 4,557,000 won (+1,656,000 won)↑
It was immediately reflected in the stock price.
"No way, this makes no sense? Nemesis isn't some tiny company—its stock triples?"
As someone who needed to buy stock to interfere with Ardania's system, I was going insane.
Nemesis – 4,871,000 won (+1,970,000 won)↑
"Ah, stop..."
34th Earth, under the domains of the God of Justice and God of Truth, had looser financial regulations than other civilizations in the Great Universe—no speculation or market manipulation allowed.
If there was potential and it proved itself, stocks could rise endlessly! Because there was no chance of manipulated fraud.
"Should I buy now?"
It was ridiculous to even be pondering this.
With my current spare cash, I could barely afford one share. Two at most.
Sure, there were loans... but using borrowed money for stocks was regulated. I'd have to resort to private finance, which was risky in every way.
"Better leave it for now. It's overhyped, so it'll come down eventually."
My goal in buying stock wasn't to make money, so no need to jump in while it's hot.
"Need to earn more cash..."
[Two Names], chronicling the life of an imperial knight who sang the emperor's glory by day and ruled the underworld by night, concluded at 12 volumes.
As always, the response wasn't great, but I'd built a core fanbase, pushing average purchases over 40.
And the result.
[Hello, Author!^^ This is Green Dragon Publishing.]
Please check the attached e-book settlement statement.
Take care in this weather with big temperature swings between morning and evening,
Looking forward to more great work!
I checked the deposit details.
[Author Killians November Settlement]
No need to look at anything else.
Just the settlement amount at the bottom.
Settlement Amount: 1,786,000 won
"Oh."
Not a huge sum. Part-time jobs still paid better.
But unlike fixed part-time wages, royalties were steadily increasing. Like a snowball, gathering speed.
"Time to pick the next work. Log in."
I moved to the office. On Earth, I'd have to head to the next gig right away, no time to organize thoughts.
"Let's see..."
I pushed the paperwork aside and reviewed the work list. Still over half a dozen left, but I hadn't put them off lightly.
Even pushing a [Retro Style] concept, serializing novels that glorified the emperor or claimed commoners were no better than beasts, justifying noble rule... that was tough.
It'd be a whole different level from the current backlash—definitely branded as some weirdo ideologue.
"Ah, in the end... this is the only one feasible."
I settled on [Burning Flame].
It was an adult novel.
"Oh! What's with the suit, newly drawn? Looks sharp!"
"Bro, that suit... suits you in every way. Add black sunglasses, and no one's messing with you..."
"Shift change! Whoa! Isn't this from a super expensive brand? So cool!"
Life went on. Off from the factory, into the club, off again to the convenience store. Weekends, I'd hunt stunts or transcribe novels at home if none.
Sometimes, too lazy to write, I'd have my subordinates scribble on return scroll backs and summon them to reality.
Result: failure.
Sadly, only the return scroll itself summoned. The [Item] classification was stricter than expected.
"Man, Han's so diligent, it's great. Single? Want me to hook you up with a nice girl?"
"Bro, you're here? You look exhausted lately—sleeping okay?"
"Ugh, sorry bro! Protester immigrants blocked the road, traffic was nuts."
Days passed, one, two, three, four.
"Heard the news? Hwanung Company allied with some game dev called Nemesis. Handing over some Giggas data—what's that about?"
"Ah, bro. Depressed. Lost my investment..."
"Whoa, bro! I passed the Steel Giant Mage Tower entrance exam!"
Weeks, two weeks, a month, two months.
Time flowed, bringing all sorts of events. I'd politely decline with a smile, join in, console, or celebrate while working.
The world had plenty going on, but my days repeated. Like running on a hamster wheel.
But there was reward.
Free Savings Deposit (G-Bank 1173-5511)
40,443,112 won.
"Nice, speeding up."
40 million in just two months. Better than many at big corps.
But the road was long.
'At least 100 million before starting the war.'
No more delays. The Vulcan Orcs were at their limit, and the Ice Queen's forces were expanding.
Seize the moment: occupy the orc fortress in one go, storm the hearth.
Once I take the hearth.
'I can make it. Mythic pet and... mythic guardian spirit.'
I'd been steadily restoring Kasim and the awakened Thunderbird, sending them to Ardania. Couldn't aim for mythic class yet, but mythic pet and guardian alone would transform my forces.
Unlike now—strong in Ardania, but struggling against Earth riot cops—I'd cross the line unmistakably.
No joke, passing tests to become a [Space Mercenary] like the elders might even be possible.
Time flowed again. March before I knew it.
The adult novel Burning Flame concluded. Taboo enough to be banned in some Ardania nations, but Earth's jaded culture judged differently.
⤷QiuQiu2020: What makes this adult? Every sex scene's metaphors and symbols... Drop it to 15+. Even the kiss scenes... Felt it when you called last work [Black Knight and Rose Princess] romance.
⤷Heavenly Demon Conquers Universe: Loved this one too! The delicate psychological descriptions had me in awe throughout. But was 19+ necessary for such a gem? All-ages would reach more readers.
⤷Bodle: More side action please! Better immersion!
⤷SleepAllDay: Author! Sponsoring! Take these Dragon Stones and lift those skirts higher!
Fewer replies, but purchases told another story.
Average purchases finally topped 100!
"Oh, better reception than expected?"
I grinned. Burning Flame boosted monthly income. The royalty snowball growing.
Of course, bad news too.
Nemesis – 10,122,000 won (+123,000 won)↑
"No way, ten million in a week..."
No losses, yet I burned inside. Actually, massive gains. Didn't I have 10 shares from President Bae? Bought for 15 million total, now worth over 100 million!
But no joy, just frustration. Stupid thoughts of using loan sharks.
"Buy now?"
But hesitation hit. The explosive rise cooled; stock fluctuating.
"Ugh, just burns me up. Won't look."
Closed the window, logged into the web novel platform [Five Dragon]. To claim a board for the next work.
But on the long-finished Shine Light Hero Chronicle board, fireworks effects burst.
"...What?"
Curious, I clicked.
And then.
[Whoa! M-4 has sponsored 3 million Dragon Stones!]
"...What? Three million?"
My mind blanked. Dragon Stones weren't items—they were redeemable currency.
One per novel chapter.
Worth 100 won each. So 3 million Dragon Stones.
"300 million... They sponsored 300 million...!?"
I shot up. Head spinning from the absurdity.
Clicking the new window revealed the sponsor's message.
[M-4: Thanks for the feast.]
"That's it? Feast what?"
Dumbfounded, I punched in the PIN. Requested settlement. Bank balance: 280,443,112 won.
60 million was fees.