Chapter 92
Chapter 92
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 92
Chapter Title: Frontline (10)
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Kevin, the head of Heatwave's Korean branch—real name Lee Young-gun—was breaking out in cold sweats inside.
'To think the guy who's about to shake up the entire industry would show up in person like this.'
Legend, aka QWER, was one of the hottest names across virtually every industry worldwide right now.
Sure, there were all those heartwarming tales about his romance with a VTuber floating around, but from a corporate perspective, what really caught their eye was his absurd output and the blistering speed at which he produced it.
If they had to pick one, it'd be that insane speed.
'The final quality of industry work is naturally superior, of course...'
The industry poured in top-tier gear, designs, and manpower into programming and art, so yeah, his stuff fell short on polish compared to the big players.
'But that godlike speed? It's beyond human. No wonder HQ's obsessed.'
Just watching him lay down frameworks was enough to make you think he was a machine surpassing the industry's best.
A lone individual outpacing teams of corporate devs in building foundations and skeletons—it sent chills down your spine.
When Legend first streamed his avatar creation live, it shocked the industry so hard most employees flat-out refused to believe it. They suspected speed manipulation or heavy editing.
"Please, have a seat, Legend. I'm Kevin, head of Heatwave's Korean branch."
"Oh, you're a foreigner?"
"Nah, just an English name. Foreign companies love borrowing these."
Legend started curiously scanning every corner of the office.
Seven years in a coma, huh? He still had that childlike innocence. Minus those lost years, he was about twenty.
'No wonder HQ's pushing so hard for recruitment. This puts me in a tough spot.'
Kevin smoothed his hair.
HQ—Heatwave's U.S. headquarters—was desperate to snag this kid by any means.
Rumor had it Hollywood was making moves too. A twenty-year-old with the world's eyes on him? Even Kevin felt the pressure.
'I don't know the details, but he's offering to make a video for our Highwatch mid-season world tournament. That's a win for us.'
Excluding his girlfriend's agency, Heatwave was the first company he'd approached.
He was the kind of talent you'd give the world to keep.
"Well then, shall we get started?"
...If he was being honest, even for his own promotion.
The branch head's eyes gleamed.
'Why's he staring so intently?'
It was a bit overwhelming. He'd always worked under gazes from Sua, the surprisingly young president, Sara, or Myth. Facing this middle-aged guy's fervent stare felt... weird.
"I heard from the president. You want to create a video for Highwatch's mid-season finals, right?"
"Yeah. Thought it'd be a fresh experience. Is that too much to ask?"
"No, no. Finals are soon, but we know you can pull it off in time, Legend."
Kevin mentally reviewed the kid's music videos and maps. Absurd masterpieces whipped up in a week or two.
Feed in live data, tweak with minor fixes, collaborate with their pros on the framework—they could have a draft in a week.
Then just grind post-production with the team.
Kevin asked Legend,
"Do you have a scenario in mind, or a rough for the final output?"
"Ah, one sec. I brought it."
Legend rummaged in his bag and pulled out a short storyboard. Not his drawing—he wasn't much of an artist—but Myth's handiwork, and she had skills.
As Kevin flipped through it, Legend swallowed hard.
What if it's too childish? Worry hit first. Ten minutes later, Kevin looked up from his careful study.
"It's iffy."
"...Yeah?"
"No, don't worry—the work and storyboard are excellent. Family bonds are cliché but beautiful. The issue's just the timeline."
Kevin stroked his chin.
The deliberation dragged, ramping up Legend's tension. What if it's a no? He had backups, but he really wanted this first pitch to land—it was the most stirring, emotional one.
After an eternity—
"Alright, let's go with it. Time's tight, but this is an interview video, not heavy graphics. As long as we nail the shots, production's fine. Worst case, we tweak a bit."
"!! Thank you!"
"No, thank you. Free work like this? We'd be on our knees begging."
Kevin meant it.
Sara Iris's stage MV alone must've cost a fortune that tiny VTuber scene couldn't dream of.
For free? Normally, it'd run at least 500 million won.
Game industry's bigger scale meant bigger paychecks naturally—economics trickled down to workers.
'A workload like this in a week? He'd command a pro soccer player's weekly wage.'
Snag that for free and juice the finals? Massive win for them.
Kevin gathered the docs and storyboard.
"Mind if we review the overall flow and tweak it to fit our resources?"
"Sure, as long as the big picture and message stay the same."
"Great. Any elements you'd rather we avoid in the production or edits?"
Elements to avoid?
Legend racked his brain. Nothing major, but one thing popped up.
"No car accidents, please."
"Ah... Got it."
The branch head nodded knowingly. Legend didn't elaborate—he wasn't personally fussed, but Myth might dislike it.
A brief silence, then the branch head straightened up.
And fixed him with a hawk-like stare.
"Legend, any interest in joining us long-term? Friendship aside, I mean."
"Pardon...?"
The recruitment pitch he'd half-expected hit straight on. First time so direct—threw him off.
The branch head pressed without missing a beat.
"No current agency or commitments, right?"
"That's true, but..."
Label wasn't his agency. People assumed from collaborations, but he mostly donated talent.
He'd even skipped pay on the first concert hall gig. Myth insisted, but after caring for her in his absence, he couldn't take their money.
Six months awake.
Tons of output, but barely any personal income.
Sure, Myth profited big, but selling his work would've netted way more.
'Pick any offer from my inbox, and it'd out-earn Myth's haul.'
Domestic giants, overseas behemoths, Hollywood, top CG firms—raining love calls.
Myth was one of few 5-million Nutubers, but his talent? Unique.
A monthly drop with effort could rake serious cash.
He hadn't grasped it before, but successes—and Sara's fundraiser—quantified his worth objectively.
The branch head slid over a contract.
Dad must've tipped them off. Prepped to snag him.
The man eyed him.
"Heatwave's HQ wants you badly. We can meet most demands, offer unprecedented perks with the industry's best."
Legend politely picked it up.
...Is this real?
Numbers dwarfing his expectations. Zeros blurring his vision.
"That's monthly salary, Legend. Not annual."
"...Whoa."
Correction: He thought he knew his value. World valued him multiples higher.
Details were stellar too. Layman or not, this wasn't standard fare.
But his heart didn't race.
"Sorry."
He quietly set it down and slid it back.
The branch head looked stunned—no expectation of instant rejection.
"...Didn't expect an immediate no. If it's not rude, take it, consult others. This level's rare—even if it sounds salesy."
"No offense. I appreciate the effort."
"Then... may I ask why?"
Legend closed his eyes.
Corporate life with perks sounded nice, but too many personal dreams clashed.
"You might know, but I've got a friend who's waited years for me."
"Heard that one. Got misty-eyed—age, I guess."
...Whole world knowing his love story? Odd feeling.
Cheeks warmed, heart softened. Not burdensome.
Their bond, emotions shared—no regrets.
"...Maybe childish whim, but right now, I wanna live for her, not money. Yeah, enabled by her wealth—spoiled talk."
Job means less time with Myth.
Remote or not, investment in her shrinks.
He hated that.
Myth offered everything—body, heart, all.
Love's not one-way. Can't just receive.
'Oops.'
Too sentimental. Face flushed.
Thought he stayed composed, but that sum dazed him.
Not first-impression material. He checked the branch head—already roaring with laughter.
"Hahaha!!"
"...Was I rude?"
The man laughed longer, wiped teary eyes, then replied.
"No, no. Just refreshing. Folks up here are all 'adults'—rare to share sentiment like this. 'Love' especially at my age."
"Sorry for the kid stuff."
"No apologies. Enviable, really. Pure hearts like yours are rare."
The branch head understood, folding the paper neatly into his folder.
"Won't push if that's your heart. Start work tomorrow, Legend. Revised storyboard by lunch."
"Yes...! Please!"
He bowed and left.
Then called Myth immediately.
She picked up in under a second.
- What's up? Seol-ah, done already?
"Yeah. Just stepped out."
- Hm? Called to tell me something?
Not really. He shared honestly.
"Just... wanted to hear your voice. Details at home."
Said it, got shy, hung up quick.
...Getting too honest lately. But good's good.
A tucked-away café near Label.
"...Ugh. Ugh... What do I do? Our Seol's too cute...!"
Myth face-planted on the table, cooling her feverish heat.
Myth's manager, We, watched with cold eyes, pausing sugar for her black tea and sipping plain.
"Good for your health."
Zero sugar life.
Sweet couple today too. Fine, just not in front of me.
Pity the single witnessing this daily.
We chugged the sweet-less-yet-sweet tea.