Chapter 13
I double-checked the email to make sure it was real. Neoverse—no matter how I looked at it, this was a legit message from the VTuber agency Momona belonged to. I read through the contents in awe.
They'd watched Momona's broadcast of my content closely. The models of the Another World members had left a deep impression, and they wanted to buy the copyrights and usage rights. It was a straight-up business email. This was the first time I'd gotten something like this. Up until now, the best I'd received were polite asks from small-time streamers if they could use my stuff in their broadcasts, or harsh criticism questioning why I'd even made such content. This felt totally fresh.
Hyunwol Kim
CEO, Neoverse
"This has to be real, right? The email address checks out..."
I'd searched online, and not a single character was off from Neoverse's official domain. Still, I couldn't believe it. Honestly, I hadn't shown much yet, so I never imagined they'd reach out this soon. I figured I'd need to put out way more before anyone noticed... My mood skyrocketed.
I read the email even more meticulously. Just in case—though it didn't seem like a scam. You never know, though. A quick search showed plenty of devs who'd gotten burned by fake big-company offers.
"Looks clean enough."
Neoverse had a spotless track record with no scandals, so none of the shady clauses I was worried about popped up. But there was one issue.
"Ugh. They want me to come to the office."
They needed me to visit their building in person to draft the contract. In this day and age, doing deals offline instead of online felt absurd... but thinking about security and all that, it made sense. Still, I'd exhausted myself just going out once today. Meeting total strangers and chatting? That sounded exponentially worse.
Minji was fine since we'd known each other forever, but honestly, I hadn't seen hardly anyone in years.
"Ugh, I want to go, though..."
I eyed the shopping bag by my bed. No excuses there—I'd bought clothes today. My ID issue was sorted with my new female identity. If I just psyched myself up, I could head over and sign anytime.
But psyching myself up wasn't easy. I flopped face-first onto the bed and stared at the email. It was great. Tempting enough to reply right now saying I'd sign on the spot. But picturing the actual meeting made my stomach churn and my nerves fray.
Still, sitting idle wasn't an option. I held my breath and fired off a reply to Neoverse's email: I'd do the contract, just tell me when to come.
"Phew. Hoo, done."
It'd suck, sure, but I could endure it. Who knows—maybe this would lead to more gigs, like concert setups or massive servers. Stuff I'd never tackled before. My mind raced with possibilities. I clenched my fists, feeling like this was my shot to grab something big.
"Gotta do it. Prep more before I go."
I glanced back at my notepad. Saved what I'd jotted so far, opened a new one, and started scribbling. Minji's avatar, tweaks to Another World members—everything I could manage, I'd bring. Closed the notepad and bolted to the capsule.
I stared at the models laid out before me. Another World crew and Minji Nammgung's avatar. The quality gap was glaring. Minji's old one was inevitably dated—couldn't help that. The others, minus Momona's, fell short too. Tons to fix.
No clue when they'd want me, so max speed on revisions.
"Heh heh heh. This'll be fun."
No worries, just pure joy. Started with the quickest: Momona. Thinking on it, she wasn't perfect. Cute as hell, yeah, but Momona was more— that cheeky spark that riled up viewers. Needed that edge.
Pulled up the model, eyed the face. Looked natural on stream, but up close? Flaws everywhere. Needed richer expressions and emotions.
Why hadn't I seen this sooner? Proved creation had no end.
Tweaked sliders bit by bit, testing faces: smiles, tears, anger, puffed cheeks. Distortions? Dial back, hunt the perfect Momona fit.
"Nice. This should do it."
Satisfied with the expression assets, I poked around more. Good to hand over as-is, but I wanted to amp the RP. For an alchemist-spirit mage like Momona, what fit? Potions from her Potion Shop—add those functions?
Brilliant. Ideas flooded in. But not too much—can't show everything on stream, and useless features go to waste. Stick to broadcast-friendly stuff, versatile for any content.
"Bit of agonizing ahead... but doable. I got this!"
"Yaaawn... ugh."
Three days grinding new models and content. Pull-up game strong.
"...Today's the day."
Exciting, terrifying. Just sign and bounce—no big social ordeal.
"F-First, clothes. Minji's picks... uh, forgot to unpack that bag."
Scratched my head, eyed the abandoned shopping bag by the bed. No wash, no hang—probably wrinkled. But super quick visit? Fine.
"Prep and go."
Quick bathroom face-wash, mirror check. Not grimy. Bathed last night—good to go. Grabbed the bag, pulled out the outfit. Wrinkled, sure, but new enough to look sharp. Dressed without fuss.
"Hmm, subway... how's it work again?"
Heading out, memories fuzzy. Ages since last ride—vague recall only. No choice, though. Walked leisurely; time to spare. Streets buzzing even early. All these normies heading to work or school... wry smile. Wait, no—I was one now. Off to contract with a company. Full-fledged adult!
Straightened up, chest out, strode confidently. No more shrinking.
"..."
"Haa, huuh... ugh."
Survived the rush-hour subway hell, reached Neoverse HQ. Underestimated morning crush. Last ride wasn't this packed. VR boom or not, early commuters proved society was no joke.
Scoped the entrance, stepped in slow. Nice—made it inside. 80% done. Just loosen up a tad more...
Heart pounding like I'd collapse if spoken to.
"Hey. What're you doing out front?"
"Eek!"
Mid-relax, voice from the side jolted me—shivered, turned. Wh-what? Random chat-up? How??
"Business at Neoverse?"
"Uh... y-yeah. Yes."
A woman, bit shorter than me—gulp. Neoverse staff? Voice rang familiar...
Got it. Unforgettable timbre. Slightly lower than usual, but definitely Momona's.
"Hooo... Momona?"
Her eyes darted, pondering what to say—pure broadcast Momona. Wide-eyed fluster, mouth agape. Classic habit. She pondered, then grabbed my hand—jerked back. Wait, she knows it's me? Taking me out back? Nah, no way. Momona wasn't violent!
"Shh—top secret from others? You know red pills spread bad vibes, right?"
"Y... yeah, got it."
"Anyway, here for Neoverse business?"
"Yes. W-work related."
"Ooh, what kinda work?"
"Um... model stuff. They wanna use mine."
She tilted her head at my words—heart leaped. Would she connect the dots? Realize I was MPG, her content Santa?
"Ahh, figures. She mentioned big news today. Model gig, huh? C'mon in with me?"
"O-oh. Sure."
She led me inside by the hand. Bummer—no recognition... but maybe shock later? Fingers crossed for max surprise. Buzzing with anticipation, I scurried after her.