Debut Broadcast... Wait, What?
It had been two days since my talk with Minji, and the content I’d been building had undergone quite a few changes.
I hadn't originally planned to make it this way, but after listening to Minji, this direction felt much better.
“Phew. No bugs yet. Honestly, I kind of enjoyed debugging, so it’s a bit of a shame.”
There was a lingering sense of disappointment that I couldn't fix any more bugs. While it meant I could create more things, there weren't really any problems to solve anymore.
Since I could just copy existing objects and modify their appearance and internal data, it wasn't particularly difficult.
No, if there was a difficult part, it was definitely...
“I’m glad my skills have improved. If they hadn't, I never would have dreamed of doing something like this.”
I checked the model animations spread out like a deck of cards across the holographic display. Since I’d given each object its own unique animation, the file size had ballooned, but I was satisfied.
I felt like I was just a little, a tiny bit away from completion, and that was enough to make me happy.
And then...
“Haa, I can’t believe I have to wear this.”
I stared at the avatar I’d made based on Minji’s suggestions. I swallowed hard, looking at it sitting in the corner of the avatar slot, still too nervous to actually equip it.
In truth, I’d made it similar to my real-life self, so there wasn't a massive difference, but I wondered if I really had to go this far even in virtual reality.
I hadn't even fully adjusted to my real body yet, and if I wore an avatar like this and caused some kind of accident... it would basically be a permanent stain on my internet history.
“Hey! Are you done yet?”
“Hick! ...Oh, Minji. Phew, when did you get here?”
“Just now? You weren't checking your messages, so I came to find you myself.”
Seeing Minji’s dissatisfied expression, I just laughed and scratched my cheek. I had set my status message to say I wouldn't be able to check messages because I was busy developing, so she wasn't exactly angry.
Besides, she’d actually come into the map to find me.
But I didn't know why she’d come all the way to the development map. Did she have something to say?
“Looking at that face, you forgot, didn't you?”
“Huh? No... wait, what day is it today?”
I thought hard about Minji’s words. I didn't think today was any particularly important day.
It wasn't anyone’s birthday, and it wasn't like the two of us celebrated any anniversaries, so I was curious what she was talking about.
“Uhh, what do you mean? Did something happen today?”
“You... *sigh*. Your head really is only filled with development, isn't it?”
I smiled foolishly at her backhanded compliment. It wasn't exactly wrong, so it was hard to argue.
I turned off the holographic windows I’d had open and thought. If she was going this far, it had to be an important day for me, too.
An important day for both me and Minji... there weren't many of those, so it was hard to guess.
“Since you don't seem to remember, I’ll tell you.”
“Yeah. What is it?”
“Today is the day of my re-debut. That’s why I came to get my avatar.”
“Ah, right. I forgot about that. I’ll give it to you right away.”
“And today is your debut day, too.”
“Yeah... wait, what? Debut? Me?”
Minji’s words hit me like a hammer to the head. I shook my head, thinking I’d misheard, and looked back at her.
The idea of me debuting was truly hilarious.
“You have to debut.”
“...Ehhh?! What are you talking about?!”
“Wait, did you forget what we talked about last time? It’s only been two days!”
Under Minji’s incredulous gaze, I tried to retrace my thoughts. What was this? Had I ever told Minji that I wanted to debut?
I definitely hadn't. I had never once said I wanted to debut as a broadcaster.
“I think you’re a little confused right now.”
“Huh? C... confused?”
“I don't mean a VTuber or streamer debut. I mean debuting as a Mama.”
“Ma-ma... debut?”
The phrasing sounded really wrong. Debuting as a Mama? It sounded like I was pregnant. I glanced down at my stomach and put both hands on it. Even though that wasn't what she meant, it felt a little strange.
“Hey, that’s not what I meant.”
“Ah, r-right. Yeah. But I never said I wanted to debut...”
“Just take this chance to reveal your face. You’ve already finished your avatar, haven't you?”
I couldn't deny it, seeing how Minji spoke as if she knew everything. It was true that I’d made my avatar; Minji’s ideas had been so good that I’d made it on the spot, adding all the modifications and functions until it was complete.
But actually wearing it was... a little embarrassing. I mean, I really was a woman now, but still! It felt like I was a net-kama (a man pretending to be a woman online)!
As I looked at her with a worried expression, she scoffed.
“I don't know what you’re so worried about, but you have to wear it tonight, okay?”
“Ah... ugh. Okay.”
There was no point in avoiding it forever, so I had no choice but to accept it. Fine, I’ll just wear it tonight, and then I won't wear it again unless it’s for something important!
I steadied my troubled heart. Yes, let’s just get through today.
I’ll wear it for Minji’s broadcast tonight, and future-me can figure out the rest!
“Then help me get ready for the broadcast. The map and features you made are pretty intense.”
“Sure. But is it that hard? Minji, you’re getting old now... ouch!”
Bonk!
“I’m the same age as you! Do you want people to think only I’m getting old? Huh?”
I grabbed the top of my head, which was stinging from the flick, and rubbed it frantically. I thought she’d stopped hitting me!
As I whimpered and clutched my head, I looked up at Minji, who was patting my hair, perhaps feeling she’d gone a bit too far.
This felt weird in its own way...
“Ouch! I’m fine, let’s just get ready for the broadcast.”
“Pfft. Fine. Let’s practice quickly.”
“There’s not really anything to practice, though. Honestly, you don't have much of an RP (roleplay) personality, do you?”
“That’s why I added it this time! Ugh, stop talking and let’s just practice.”
I flailed my arms to swat her hand away and moved to check the map. Grr! I used to be taller than her!
Still, I helped Minji with her debut broadcast. Business is business, after all.
Today... it’ll go well without any problems, right?
As I continued developing and teaching Minji about the avatar and the map, evening arrived before I knew it.
The time I’d been waiting for—but also dreading—had finally come.
“Ah. Ugh, Minji. C-can I not appear on the broadcast after that?”
“Huh? You were so well-prepared until just now, and now you’re backing out?”
“No, it’s just... I thought maybe I could do it next time.”
“Hmm... no. I did a lot of promotion, so people are going to be flocking in. I need to show them something special right now. So, motion denied.”
“Ugh.”
I shrank back under Minji’s gaze, which told me there was absolutely no room for negotiation. Right, of course it wouldn't work.
I had no choice but to hide in a corner of the map and watch the broadcast screen Minji was sharing. I really needed to switch my capsule soon so I wouldn't have to rely on this kind of screen sharing, but Minji had promised to help me move and buy a new capsule after the debut broadcast, so I wasn't too worried.
I’d already found a capsule, and all I had to do was find a place to move to.
“Ugh... I’m nervous.”
If it were just Minji’s debut, I wouldn't be this nervous. But having to appear on the broadcast with her and introduce myself... I felt like my body was trembling even while I was standing still.
Honestly, I wanted to turn off the VR and run away right now... but I couldn't. I’d already prepared so much, and if I ran away, there was no telling what Minji would do to me in reality.
Since it was a small-to-medium-sized broadcast, the chat moving slowly was a bit of a relief. I was very thankful that not that many people would be watching.
At this rate, even if I were discovered, it would probably be after the broadcast ended. I felt my tension ease slightly.
“Tsk. Not as many people gathered as I thought. Even though I said it was important! Have you guys all become lazy?”
I managed the broadcast chat while watching Minji speak from off-camera. I didn't see any problematic messages.
It was surprisingly wholesome. Given Minji’s personality, I’d expected a much rowdier broadcast... but maybe it was because this was an important announcement broadcast at the start.
“What’s the important thing today, you ask? I told you in the notice that it was very important! I told you all to spread the word far and wide, you all did that, right?”
Watching her naturally carry the broadcast, I slowly adjusted the map settings.
I touched the hologram next to my line of sight and unfolded the map configuration.
What I needed now was light. I manipulated the position of the moon implemented in the map and moved it slowly. I hadn't originally wanted to do it manually, but I’d made it this way after Minji suggested she wanted to control it herself later.
Come to think of it, watching the moon move according to her hand gestures did seem more entertaining.
As the blue moonlight began to shine through the window, I signaled to Minji. It was time to do what we’d prepared.
“Ahem. Alright, let’s get started. Pay attention, everyone.”
Click-clack. I adjusted the camera angle as I watched her walk slowly toward the chair prepared in front of the window.
It was too early to show her. I needed to gather more of the audience’s attention.
Checking the number of viewers slowly increasing, I lowered the camera that had been filming the moonlight outside the window.
I gave a thumbs-up to Minji, who was sitting in the chair getting ready, and made sure the moon was clearly visible behind the window.
Her long black hair was dyed blue on the inside, and her eyes glowed with a blue light.
Her outfit was quite alluring, emphasizing her chest, and the white leggings that looked like stockings revealed a hint of skin, which I thought added to her sex appeal.
The small horns wrapping around her head signaled that Namgung Minji’s avatar wasn't an ordinary human.
“Alright. Let me introduce myself again. I am Namgung Minji, a demon from the underworld who has come from far away in hell. So, you all know, right? Behave yourselves.”
As Minji crossed her legs and looked down at the camera, I felt it was perfect and nodded vigorously.
It was truly great. Among the VTuber debuts I’d seen, it had enough impact to compare to the top tier without any shame.
I was surprised to find that Minji was actually good at acting, and I slowly reset the lighting. I dimmed the moonlight so it wouldn't be too overwhelming, allowed the light to spread softly, and lit the candles prepared around her in time with her hand gestures.
Whoosh. The blue flames flared up, giving off an even more mysterious atmosphere.
“Then, I’ll continue by introducing myself. Make sure you all remember. I won't say it twice, okay?”
I chuckled as I watched her wink at the viewers. It suited her so well.
Watching Minji slowly introduce her prepared RP, a mix of satisfaction and pressure welled up in me.
Now... it’s my turn, isn't it? Ah... I don't want to do this.