Chapter 6
Chapter 6
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: December 25th
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Myth.
A 3D VTuber who burst onto the scene like a comet in Korea—a virtual content wasteland—carrying an absurdly high-quality avatar.
With overwhelming quality that crushed even the facial expressions of models from Japan, the virtual powerhouse, Myth quickly captured everyone's attention.
But the buzz was short-lived. Korea still wasn't ready to embrace VTuber culture back then, and her growth had stalled as a result.
📰 Breaking News
Breaking news: An unidentified infectious disease called Corolon is spreading from China, plunging the world into a pandemic.
📰 Breaking News
The World Health Organization strongly recommends social distancing across all nations, emphasizing that this disease is a challenge the entire world must unite to overcome.
Sorry to those who suffered massive losses from Corolon, but the pandemic turned the internet industry into a goldmine.
Schools switched entirely to online classes, and remote work exploded.
People who loved going out were forced to hole up at home, naturally elevating the internet to mainstream culture.
Every corner of internet culture benefited, but VTubers saw the biggest gains.
Clips—or "Kirinuki" in Japanese—from massive Japanese VTuber agencies started popping up in YouTube's algorithm, shaking up Korea's stagnant streaming scene that had just been slapping up static illustrations.
It was only natural that VTubers, where the streamer's reactions shone through vividly during broadcasts, outshone plain illustrations.
Of course, the transition wasn't smooth.
💬 Comments
— Anonymous
Why is the Korean streaming scene suddenly turning into VTubers?? One of my favorite YouTubers just announced she's going VTuber and I'm losing my mind. Those things look creepy if you don't invest properly.
— ㅆㅇㅈ
Too many people think it'll be fine as long as it moves.
— Anonymous
It's a Japanese thing that works there. Thinking it'll fly in Korea is short-sighted. If you're gonna do it, spend the money properly, but honestly, the Korean VTuber scene is too creepy right now. I'd rather watch Japanese Kirinuki.
Change always brings backlash.
Back then, Korean streamers jumped on the VTuber bandwagon without a clue, sparking widespread frustration.
All but one, that is.
— Anonymous
Yo, what's up with this girl? Myth the VTuber—her quality's on another level. I've been obsessed with Japanese ones for 3 years, but even they can't touch her avatar quality.
— Anonymous
↳ Reply
Hair movement is insane? How does the hair not clip through her hand?
↳ Reply
Why would hair clip through a hand?
↳ Reply
Go watch a few Japanese Kirinuki right now. Making accessories like hair not clip through the avatar is harder.
— Anonymous
Yo, check her skirt. It doesn't clip through her legs?
↳ Reply
??? That possible? Even in Japan, only top agency models pull that off. Is she agency?
↳ Reply
No no, she's indie. Avatar's insane. Gotta be at least 5 grand, right?
↳ Reply
5 grand? More like way higher. Top-tier industry jumps exponentially in price.
↳ Reply
What, you in the industry?
↳ Reply
Nah, basement-dwelling NEET.
↳ Reply
Ah... Thanks for the answer.
— Anonymous
Wait, she's not Live2D—full 3D?!
↳ Reply
Yeah, that's why she does full 3D streams often.
↳ Reply
Full tracking gear too? A Korean VTuber?
An absurd 3D avatar showcasing technology even Japan couldn't touch.
Myth, with her flawless, ultimate 3D model that left no room for even the most diehard fans to nitpick, rocketed to the center of attention.
The internet ghosts wandering amid the Corolon fallout had found Myth.
It was inevitable that the public's gaze turned to her superior quality.
Starting with Corolon as the turning point, Myth's streams exploded uncontrollably.
📰 Breaking News
Myth becomes the first Korean VTuber to snag the Gold Play Button!
📰 Breaking News
We are living in Myth's era.
📰 Breaking News
Myth writes another legend! First Korean VTuber hits 2 million subscribers!
Myth's growth wasn't just avatar hype.
Her personal charm blended perfectly with the avatar from the start. Her concept helped too.
— Anonymous
Myth's solid compared to other VTubers. Ancient snake, isekai hero, witch—those concepts are hard to swallow. But 'Idol from space' << that's GOAT tier. Super pretty avatar but simple design, easy on the eyes.
— Anonymous
Agreed. Fans eat up heavy RP, but casuals prefer light concepts like this.
↳ Reply
Dumb Korean masses can't handle intense RP yet.
↳ Reply
This is how terraforming happens. Embrace the transition period.
— Anonymous
Light RP makes collabing with big streamers easy too.
↳ Reply
Yeah, big streamers don't know how to handle VTuber RP and bail on collabs.
↳ Reply
VTubers end up dropping RP mid-collab. Makes it pointless.
— Anonymous
In a few years, heavy RP will be fine, but transition period's rough now.
In Korea's streamer scene, overrun by social butterflies, heavy concepts were poison.
VTuber shift already faced headwinds; intense RP just fanned the flames.
Unlike Japan, deep in subculture roots, Korean streaming was distant from it back then.
— Anonymous
They called Myth an idol and damn, she can actually sing. High notes are killer. Pro singer level?
— Anonymous
Lmao that's a stretch, buddy.
↳ Reply
But she clears current idol level.
↳ Reply
Just barely above bad idol vocals lol.
— Anonymous
Top-tier among VTubers for sure.
↳ Reply
Even my house dog approves.
↳ Reply
My cat waves glowsticks when I play her songs.
— Anonymous
Maybe ex-idol trainee.
↳ Reply
Nope. She debuted right after high school.
↳ Reply
Didn't she stream before VTuber debut?
↳ Reply
Like, Hakko streams with 1 viewer? No VODs left.
↳ Reply
Hakko's usually phone for self-check, 0 viewers possible.
↳ Reply
Yeah, probably.
— Anonymous
Myth's great at picking weird games perfect for streams. She sniffs out viral challenges like a ghost. That trash game blew up 'cause she made it fun.
— Anonymous
Agreed. Japanese VTubers even picked up that trash game from her.
↳ Reply
No VTuber skips Myth references anymore.
↳ Reply
Copying success is easy. Trends work that way.
— Anonymous
No more pubg collabs from Myth? Her expressive avatar made it fun. Even nostrils flaring lol.
— Anonymous
That's a joke, buddy.
↳ Reply
Nah, someone showed me—nostrils expand slightly on inhale.
↳ Reply
??? Avatar creator a perv? Implemented that?
↳ Reply
Myth pioneered stuff we take for granted now, years ago. Creator's a total detail freak.
— Anonymous
Who's Papa anyway? (VTuber term for avatar creator)
↳ Reply
Dunno. Myth says secret.
↳ Reply
Has to be big corp, right?
↳ Reply
If corp, they'd claim it for promo.
↳ Reply
Hard to believe one person made it, especially years ago.
Vocal talent, game-picking foresight, disastrous gaming skills, dynamic avatar.
Everything accelerated her growth relentlessly.
Past 2 million, 3 million, 4 million.
Breaking Korea's walls, knocking on barriers no VTuber worldwide had touched.
And today.
💬 Live Chat
"Everyone, thank you so much! We hit 5 million subscribers thanks to you!"
— Chat
We live in Myth's era.
— Chat
Seeing a Korean VTuber hit 5M with my own eyes.
— Chat
World first? Even Japanese mega-groups don't have 5M.
— Chat
Obviously first.
— Chat
Myth! Myth! Myth!
"Alright, get your chats ready! Today and from now on~!"
⭐ Top Comment
— Chat
Myth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7 years since debut.
The VTuber world had entered the "Era of Myth."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
After the 5 million subscriber waiting stream, I ended the broadcast.
I still couldn't believe it.
"Me, with 5 million subscribers."
The moment we hit 5 million, texts bombarded me from everywhere.
Notifications and Discord pings nearly crashed my PC.
"...Sorry everyone. I'll reply later."
Normally I'd respond right away, but not tonight.
I didn't want to.
There was one person I wanted to share this with first, to hear celebrate from first.
I checked my phone for the time.
December 24th.
9 PM.
Late, but it'd be fine.
I dressed neatly and prettily, checking the full-length mirror.
...Tried matching that day's vibe, but too thin?
Seoul winters weren't Busan-light.
"Nah. This is good."
December 24th.
Always my regular off-day.
I stuck to it despite yearly boyfriend rumors, because I couldn't stream on Christmas Eve.
Smiling on stream the day he vanished? Impossible.
Normally, I'd spend all day by his hospital bed, holding his hand.
But this year, 5M milestone fell on the 24th, so I had to stream.
"Gotta head to Japan tour tomorrow anyway."
I wanted to cancel everything, stay glued to his side—but no.
Manager would freak, staff too, tons of issues.
And... Legend.
Am I selfishly imagining you'd get mad if I slacked work over you?
"I miss you."
I murmured honestly in the elevator down.
Even I was surprised.
At first, I feared it'd fade in years, but this feeling only grew madly, day by day.
Undeniable love.
The doors opened to an unexpected face waiting, panting in a suit: Yuuri, my long-time agency manager.
"Yuuri? Why here this late?"
"Sigh. Myth sis, knew you'd pull this, so I came to drive you. To the hospital, right?"
"Ahaha... Busted."
"Early flight tomorrow, so manage your condition please. But you'll go anyway, so hop in. Save some energy at least."
"Sorry. Always troubling you."
I took shotgun in her sedan.
"Take the back comfy."
"Nah, can't let you drive alone. At least keep you company."
"Don't call me Yuuri-Yuuri."
"Got it. Yuuri-Yuuri."
The car pulled out.
Seoul's night shone bright despite the hour.
Vastly brighter than the starless sky.
Christmas Eve magic, I guess.
Couples laughing hand-in-hand brought unbearable sadness.
"Sigh. Sis, weird fantasies again."
"Huh?! No, what?"
"Good then. Congrats on 5M subs first off."
"'First off' what."
"Might drop."
"Psh, won't happen."
We drove silently to the hospital.
Not far—a 10-minute drive.
Why I bought this place: daily visits, can't be too far.
Bored, I spoke first.
"Does that boyfriend know how devoted Myth sis is?"
"Not boyfriend."
"This devotion screams wife. 7 years liking one person? Unreal."
"...Do I seem that easy?"
"Don't be ridiculous, get out. We're here. I'll wait in the lot."
"Private room anyway, come with."
"Can't watch you two flirt twice. I'll nap in back—wake me when done."
"Thanks always, Yuuri."
"Bring wagyu from Japan."
"Heh. Sure. Up to 10 grand limit."
"For real? I'll eat 10 grand worth."
"If Yuuri wants, why not."
Petite but big eater, still, not 10 grand worth.
We both knew—light banter done, I grabbed my bag and headed in.
"Here again. You can go."
"Yes, good night."
Daily visits meant skipping nurse checks now, straight to top-floor private room.
Familiar path, but opening the door always tensed me.
What face if Legend woke? What to do?
Outfit okay? 7 years later fashion off-putting?
Hence old-style clothes, but still nervous.
"Pardon the intrusion."
Just in case.
Inside the luxurious private room fit for a major hospital lay a boy still on the bed.
No bodily or brain issues, yet eerily unresponsive—my benefactor, my love.
Hoo... Hoo...
Tiny breaths alone proved he lived.
I sat in my reserved chair by Legend.
"Hi. Here today too."
Doctors say even comatose might hear.
So I talked daily, hoping fun tales would rouse him from curiosity.
"Hey Seol-ah. We finally hit big Nutuber status with 5M subs."
We, not I.
Couldn't be here alone.
'Myth' became us long ago.
"Wanted to come mornings, but 5M celebration stream first. Late today—sorry."
Daily chats left little backlog.
Short daily recap, then quiet settled.
I gently took his hand to my cheek.
Warm.
Unlike that day's cold hand on my bloody cheek 7 years ago.
Warmth satisfied me.
Couldn't forget that chill.
Stay longer? Condition management, as Yuuri said.
I brought my face to his.
"I love you."
Sticky feelings probably unheard.
...Kiss after he wakes.
With that, I stood.
Felt short, but 4 hours passed.
...Trouble.
Time flew weirdly fast in this room.
"See you."
December 24th, Sunday.
Today, too, you didn't wake.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
December 25th, Monday dawn.
"Ugh... Uuum..."
A man's faint voice echoed in the room.
A voice someone waited eons for.
To someone, surely the most ecstatic Christmas gift.
"Where... am I..."
After 7 years, the story was about to begin again.