The Hidden Darkness

The moment that thought crossed my mind, I started searching the internet for info on capsule broadcasting. Right away, one video with the highest views caught my eye.

I clicked on it and watched from the beginning, following along with the basic setup instructions.

"The higher the capsule's specs, the smoother the frame rate during streaming, making it look even better..."

Luckily, the capsule broadcasting setup wasn't too complicated, and I finished it in just 30 minutes. Here's what I'd learned about capsule broadcasting:

1. Higher capsule specs mean smoother footage and better quality during streams.

2. If the user's fatigue level in the capsule exceeds a certain threshold, the session ends, and the broadcast automatically shuts off.

3. You can choose whether to stream the interior camera view of the capsule.

4. In-game, you can display the chat window separately or turn it off entirely.

"...That's about it?"

Objectively speaking, the specs on the capsule in my apartment were decent enough. Of course, it would handle broadcasting just fine...

"Still feels a bit lacking."

Streaming was no easy feat. For starters, on the same platform, you'd have to stand out among at least 10,000 competitors to catch people's eyes—not to mention preparing unique content to keep viewers from getting bored.

"Tough... so tough..."

Of course, given my accomplishments, breaking through the competition might not be that hard. But...

"First impressions are everything, right?"

The debut stream had to be flashy. I finished just the setup and launched Lost World without ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠turning on the broadcast.

My current level was 45. I headed off to pick up the new main quest that unlocked at 45. Oh, maybe swing by Asella first?

...Affinity matters, after all. Absolutely not because I just wanted to see the cute Asella.

My vision turned purple again, and I was in Asella's room. There she was, legs dangling off the chair as she pored over some book.

"Asella?"

"Eh, huh?! What? Why're you here?"

Her witch hat twitched in surprise as she looked at me, and I couldn't help but grin.

"Why? 'Cause I missed you, Asella."

A few NPCs would boost their affinity with cheesy lines like that. Asella used to not be one of them, but...

"A-hem. So you came to see me, huh? Not scared of the great witch?"

For some reason, it worked this time. Maybe the affinity had built up enough?

"Whoa."

Last time, I'd pushed it right up to the brink of Trust, so this boost sealed it. Favor and Trust are worlds apart. Favor just means they treat you a bit better than others, but Trust? They actively show goodwill first and unlock actions that weren't possible before.

Lost World was rated for ages 17+, so it allowed some physical contact with NPCs, but nothing sexual.

"A-hem."

Asella shrugged her tiny shoulders in front of me, wearing a smug look for some reason. That's when a fun idea hit me.

"Asella, mind if I...?"

"Eek..! W-what're you...?"

I matched her eye level with her slightly ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠flushed cheeks and gently pinched her soft cheek, stretching it out.

"Euuugh..?!"

Her cheek stretched just like putty with my pull. It was so adorable, I used both hands to tug them further.

"Euuuk!! What're you doing...!"

She freaked out and swatted my hands away. Puffing her cheeks in a huff was just too cute. I couldn't hold back my laughter, beaming at her with a doting dad smile—no, a mom smile.

"Ahaha... Sorry. If that bothered you, I apologize. I just had to try it once..."

"Tch... The great witch's dignity, down the drain..."

Her words said one thing, but the affinity boost said otherwise. Guess she didn't hate it that much.

"I just came to see your real face today. Gotta grab my quest now."

"Wait..! You're just leaving like that...?"

As I stood to go, she reached out to stop me.

"Yeah, time to head out. Gotta grow..."

"You little... Get over here! You think I'll just take that lying down?"

Take what? Was she mad about me playing with her squishy mochi cheeks?

I approached her.

"Tch... Your turn!"

With that, her tiny hand grabbed my cheek and yanked. Mine stretched out just like hers. Her touch was so careful, I burst out laughing involuntarily.

"Heehee... Huh?? Why're you laughing?! I'm the one doing it to you!"

It took a while of letting Asella play with my cheeks before I could finally escape.

Affinity up as a bonus.

Lost World's main quest revolves around protecting the Stella Nova continent from demon invasions. Players are wandering adventurers saving the world, resolving demon-related crises across all continents.

Next up for me: the second continent, Travel Kingdom.

Passing through the castle gates, merchants hawked wares amid strolling crowds. No obvious adventurer gear here—fitting for a level 45+ kingdom. Tons of info and items to grab, so I'd burned two of the ten EXP coupons from the director post-2nd job change to hit 45 fast.

"Hey, miss with the hat! Fresh fruit?"

A middle-aged female merchant called out. I approached.

"Whoa~ Such a pretty young lady. Grab a fruit."

I smiled sweetly. "Haha, tell me something interesting, and I'll buy one. Demons running wild—sure you should keep trading?"

"Ah~ Heard those monsters have gone quiet lately. Haven't shown near the front lines for a bit."

No way that's true.

Demons are generally low-intelligence. High demons and legion commanders think independently, but mid and low tiers don't.

But... not showing up?

Suspicious. Demons itching to flaunt power, gone radio silent? My nose twitched at the bad vibe.

"So, fruit?"

"Oh, yeah. Three apples, please?"

"Here ya go~ 300 gold. Special discount~"

"Thanks!"

I waved and left, crunching into the sweet-tart apple, lost in thought.

Something's definitely up.

"Can't do it yet, huh."

"Gotta... hustle and ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠level up."

That day, I grinded to 47 and logged out.

"Phew..."

Glancing at the clock, it was past 1 a.m. I popped the capsule open, stretched, and headed to the bathroom.

Shhh—the hot water poured over me as I pondered slowly. Sure, Clean magic could've handled it, but sometimes a real shower felt better.

"Money... main quest... guild meet..."

Lots to do. After drying off, I flopped into bed and fired up NewTube, browsing Lost World vids. A familiar face popped up.

"1.47 million...?"

I recalled NewTube pays 1 won per view. So Sareah made 1.47 million won off this one match?

I dove into her channel, scrolling the list.

My Round of 16 matches had weirdly high views. I scrolled to quarters.

...Seemed close at a glance, but my fights edged higher.

"Whoa."

...Confirmed. Matches with me had way higher views. The Round of 16 and semis were bangers anyway—makes sense.

And the finale.

I skipped words and dove into the videos, checking comments. Praise for my character's looks, my skills. Midway through, a woman's voice emanated from my phone.

...With the guild meet still about 8 days away.