Chapter 140
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 140
Chapter Title: Welcome to DreamLive (2)
"Myth. I know it's embarrassing, okay?"
Pone's reaction had been so intense that I'd ended up checking my neck in the bathroom to see if there was any mark after all. Once I'd covered it with a band-aid, I gave Myth's nose a little pinch.
"Ow... Sorry."
I pinched gently enough not to hurt, and Myth let out an adorable sniffling whine. Truth be told, I wasn't really mad, but it was still embarrassing.
Even without a mark like that, no one would have thought anything of it, but she had to go and leave one...
Making love is great and all, but you have to pick the time and place. We were here on official business—no need to leave evidence like that.
"But try to understand how I feel about bringing you right into the heart of enemy territory."
Had Myth always been this on guard about DreamLive? Last time I'd seen her, she hadn't seemed to care at all. But today's Myth was paying just a little extra attention to them.
From the way she treated Mika and Maki, it was clear she didn't actually hate VTubers. I could only guess she was imagining some beef with the company.
"Fine. Even if we're out as a couple, you're still a VTuber—no need to stir up weird misunderstandings, sis."
"Pfft. A hickey on Legend's neck? That's pure content gold. Hehe. For VTubers, going public with a relationship is nothing but upsides."
"...That's only doable once you've hit a certain level. Whatever. I'm not here to bicker with you, sis."
Resigned to Myth's relentlessly positive vibe, Mika started waddling around and introducing us to each part of the company.
If someone asked for the top broadcaster in the VTuber scene, everyone would pick Myth without hesitation. But if they asked for the top company? DreamLive, hands down.
Our Label rented out an entire second floor in a pretty decent building in Seoul, but that was nothing compared to DreamLive owning a whole building smack in the middle of Tokyo.
"Nothing much on the first floor. Just reception rooms, consultation offices, and some light storage."
"Oho. Oho. Surprisingly, a lot of female staff, huh?"
"Well, it's a VTuber company. We do hire men, of course, but we prefer women for manager roles."
As we wandered lightly around the office, I could feel eyes on me from every direction.
I got a little embarrassed, wondering if they recognized me.
"Everyone in the industry knows Legend's face. Better just accept it. I knew who you were right away."
"...Really?"
"The romantic prince who waited seven years for the world's top VTuber? No way anyone could miss that. You stream now and then, even if not often. Ah, I followed you already."
Pone proudly showed me my Nutube channel screen. The only uploads were a handful of live streams that barely cracked double digits in views. No idea why she'd bothered subscribing.
Feeling the weight of all those stares like lasers, we continued exploring every corner of DreamLive.
There were conference rooms, offices, and employee workshops, but three spots really stood out.
First up: the studio, the beating heart of their corporate VTuber operation.
"Wow, it's Label-sized."
"If anything, it's surprising our Label is that big. They're a new company, but they didn't skimp on the studio investment."
"...You really have no idea why they poured so much into it?"
Mika narrowed her eyes.
Myth and Legend both looked genuinely clueless, but to Mika, the reason was obvious. A startup decking out a studio like that? It was all for Myth.
To properly show off Myth's avatar, you needed equipment on that level. Or put another way, it was a studio built to lure her in.
Of course, no need for us to point that out.
DreamLive's optical gear held its own against the Label's. Thanks to their know-how, they even edged us out on space and sound equipment.
"The juniors are probably in there planning right now. Wanna take a peek?"
"Huh, really? But this is seeing the VTubers' real faces. Won't it be awkward?"
"...They're not the type to get rattled anywhere. Besides, their real selves are already wandering around Japan anyway."
Myth let out an "oh crap" chuckle at that.
I watched Mika press her fingers into her eyes like she was utterly exhausted and sigh, then turned to Myth.
"For real? Japanese VTubers reveal their faces?"
"No way. Most of them had some SNS presence in the past—X or whatever—and DreamLive hires experienced talent over newbies anyway."
Ah, so basically, viewers dig up their pasts and uncover their previous identities.
Japan was dead serious about this stuff. Not in a good way, though. It wasn't healthy that people went beyond enjoying VTubers as VTubers and started excavating their histories or so-called "red pills."
"Huh. Wait, what about you, Myth?"
"Baa~. Lots of people tried to dox me, but sadly, I was holed up in my room streaming every day—no chance to get caught."
"Too bad. Honestly, your looks could handle being doxed."
I meant it sincerely when I said that to Myth. Face reveal? What problem? As long as it's not a guy, we're good.
Myth was straight-up gorgeous by my standards. Even if the world found out, it'd probably be fine. Might even feel good having a girlfriend like that.
Was it something about how casually I said it? All three women were blinking at me.
Did I mess up? Right as I started wondering, Myth flushed red and jabbed my side hard.
"Guhk?!"
"...Ooh. That one hit me right in the heart a little."
"Phew. This is why I brought coffee."
"Senior, share some with me too?"
"Nope."
The next spot that caught my eye was this one: the animation production room.
"So this is the workshop."
"DreamLive's patented secret weapon—no other VTuber could even dream of it. Making 30fps animations yourself as a VTuber is tough."
"They're even making a Shorts animation for me this time. I'm so hyped."
"Uh..."
We were gawking with shining eyes at the hardworking illustrators when Mika flashed an awkward smile.
And no wonder—the artists turning those gorgeous illusts into animations were—
"Ughhh... Home... Let me go home..."
"Coffee... More coffee, please..."
"Haven't been home in a week."
"Hey, it's been over a month for me. Don't whine."
"Eek! Takeda collapsed!"
—literally on death's door.
Myth and I whipped around to Mika with "is this for real?" faces in unison. Even Mika had nothing to say and looked away.
"...Not my department. That's on the board."
Hey, at least the pay's good. Don't look at me like that.
Mika's pointless excuse scattered into the air.
Anyway, right after touring DreamLive's dark underbelly(?), we headed to their recording studio.
"So this is DreamLive's recording studio."
The studio had a super clean interior. Weird panels covered the walls—probably for soundproofing—and the booth had that transparent glass window straight out of a drama, packed with a standing mic and all sorts of dangling gear.
Mika struggled to keep her lips from curling up as she watched Legend's eyes light up at the sight.
She'd had the biggest hand in building this studio, so whenever someone praised it, she always got excited.
Of course, underneath was the sad intent of "we can't beat Myth on visuals after years of trying, so let's compete on voice, VTubing's biggest strength."
And it had actually worked—she'd nearly caught up to Myth.
...If not for Legend suddenly showing up.
"Something on my face?"
"No. Just... complicated feelings."
"Gasp, Mika. Hands off my boyfriend?"
"I like living. No plans to poke the bear and die."
Mika shrugged as she sensed the faint killing intent wafting from behind Myth.
Not my type anyway, and I'd never even think of touching. No clue why she's so dramatic. Of course, I kept that to myself. Who knows what I'd catch if I said it out loud.
"Maki should be here any minute."
"Hehe. Everyone's been waiting for this body of mine. Right on time—should've come earlier."
"...Speak of the devil. Alright, you two can record now."
Just as Mika spoke, the sound director who'd been listening to us from the corner approached and gave a small bow.
"Hello. I'm Sato Yuichiro, handling sound direction today. Nice to work with you."
"You're the one from last time. Looking forward to it again."
"Thrilled to collaborate once more. No sense wasting time with busy folks—shall we start?"
Myth and Maki entered the booth.
Before going in, Myth winked at me like "listen close," so I gave her a thumbs-up for good luck.
"Whoaaa...! Myth's raw voice! Live singing! First time hearing it! Couldn't afford the concert last year."
Myth's song faintly leaked out from the booth, and Pone nodded excitedly like that alone was enough to get her hyped.
"Let's do one more. Maki, you sounded a bit tense."
"Ugh... Am I off today?"
"Last time we redid it a bunch because of me. Take your time."
As the recording dragged on, I stood up for a bit.
Needed the bathroom, and my legs were getting numb from sitting too long. All this effort for a casual song Shorts we were just listening to.
Made Myth look even more impressive. No way I could sing that much.
"Where you going?"
Mika asked as I got up.
Oh, right. Should say where.
"Bathroom."
"...In that case."
Mika, who'd started to stand like she was coming along, plopped right back down. Fair enough—she'd shown me where it was earlier, no guide needed.
But she said something oddly pointed.
"Don't wander off anywhere else. Come straight back."
"Got it."
Could've just been concern, but she said it so gravely that I nodded along.
"Man, something feels off."
Mika eyed Legend's back as he headed for the bathroom.
Legend shows up at DreamLive HQ, and the president and board are weirdly quiet. Sure, no one wants a ruckus, but she'd figured they'd at least pop into the studio once.
Following a guy to the bathroom would look bad, though.
...Should be fine.
Mika closed her eyes.
Just hoping nothing happened.
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