Chapter 158
Does reverse connection work too? I'd heard that producing a single 24-minute episode of animation costs at least 150 million won at minimum. And if you want top-tier quality that anyone would recognize as high-end, the price can double from there. There's only one reason it costs so much: labor expenses from the sheer volume of work involved. And why is there so much work? It's predetermined. Creating characters that live and move realistically in the real world is impossible. Sure, with advanced robotics these days, it's not entirely out of reach, but if we had the tech to make animation-style characters move like real people in reality, there'd be no need to stick to animation. Offers would pour in from around the world. And yet, the person who's pulling that off is right in front of me.
Doyun-hyung and Lee Seo-yeon are probably watching through their screens, but seeing the doll next to Yoo Seol-ah's mouse mimicking her arm movements up close is seriously impressive.
"One thing I'm curious about—can you make them in full character format too?"
"Yeah. 3D is obviously doable, and Live2D works too if you put a little effort in. Just split the layers with magic."
Live2D is tech that makes 2D graphics move. It can give a more animated feel than 3D, so it's popular in subculture games lately.
"Lemme show you an SD character."
Right away, a gray mist enveloped Doll No. 1, crumbling it to pieces.
'That's brutal...'
I muttered under my breath, but then it got lightly stepped on by Yoo Seol-ah's foot.
"...Just wait a sec. It's rough, so it'll be quick."
She summoned a magic circle while eyeing her computer screen, moving her hands precisely. After about a minute, she chanted softly.
"...Rise."
Gray mist settled low again, revealing a familiar character: Toma. One of Yoo Seol-ah's originals—a black-haired greatsword wielder who's a big part of her popularity. She's drawn plenty of 2-head-tall SD illustrations of him since he's so loved, and there he was, exactly like that, greatsword bigger than himself strapped to his back, standing still.
Yoo Seol-ah waved her hand casually, and he started walking in various directions on his own.
"Can't swing the sword?"
"To make it like real swordplay, I'd have to link it directly."
He could flail his arms, but no special moves like sword swings on his own. Still, this was groundbreaking tech.
"What do you think? Usable?"
- Yeah. Honestly, I hadn't even considered it, but this could shave a year off release. Not just time, but animation labor costs would drop dramatically. One person doing the work of a hundred.
"If animators knew characters could move like this, they'd all be crying."
"After slaving away for three years, I deserve some payoff. Otherwise, everyone go kill the Demon King yourselves."
Yoo Seol-ah declared it proudly. Honestly, at our level, we're just using our powers like regular folks. Her most common magic use was lifting heavy stuff. If this is our reward for saving the world, we should make good use of it.
- Club tomorrow, so let's pick this up then.
"Got it. Wrap up for today?"
- Yeah. Rest up, see you tomorrow.
After confirming everyone left the group call one by one, I took off my headset. Yoo Seol-ah pulled out her earbuds and stretched lightly.
"...Hngh~..."
I think it often, but her voice sounds kinda sexy like this.
"...What're you staring at? Pervert."
She always reads my gaze like a hawk in moments like this. No good comeback this time, so I changed the subject.
"That thing—precise movements need direct control, right?"
She shot me a look like why change the topic, but answered quick.
"...Yeah. You can do it too. I'll just link it. Wanna try?"
A bit curious, I nodded right away. Standing next to her, she pressed her palm to my chest and infused mana.
"Done. Basic movement only for now."
From combat practice before, vision linking was possible too, but Toma started mimicking just my moves. Way smoother than the walking demo—spinning, fine hand twitches, nothing missed. Felt like I was the character. Kinda weird seeing bust morphing when I moved vigorously, true to her original.
"So, can you swing the sword freely?"
"Yeah. But need something to link. Hold on."
She rummaged in the workshop corner cabinet, then hesitated and handed me the AC remote from the desk instead.
"...This'll do for now..."
"......"
"No instant ideas, okay!?"
Fair enough—as long as it's grippable. Weight difference might feel off, but I just wanted to see the motion. She cast on the remote quick. Gripping it two-handed like a greatsword hilt almost triggered sage mode, but watching Toma swing calmed me. Imagining the blade on top, I slashed—whoosh, his sword cut the air perfectly.
Like a VR game, pretty fun. Though me alone probably looked ridiculous. Couldn't help laughing, so she averted her eyes after bursting out.
"Hey, funny?"
"...Kinda, but..."
"Give me something besides the remote."
"...For proper shoots later, yeah, need a prop. Like a model."
Kept swinging, got used to the "remote-sword," controlling Toma freely. She looked a bit awed at his improving moves.
"...Why're you so good at it? You always used daggers."
"No weapon I can't handle."
Daggers were main, sure—killing intent fixed range issues. But sticking to one in melee's dumb. Basic to master whatever the enemy drops.
"Is that sword sharp?"
"Nah, feels like rubber if you touch it."
Took her word, stepped forward, horizontal slash with remote. Tok— Toma's sword lightly tapped her leg. She glanced at him beside her, then glared up at me like what the hell.
"...What're you doing..."
"Toma, don't hit your owner."
"Hah, you're dead...?"
Draw a sword, cut something—old saying. But saying it aloud would've earned a smack, so I didn't. Luckily, she didn't hit me. Just summoned a new doll: silvery hair, bit shorter than Toma.
...Her.
Not enough—she waved, and Toma vanished.
"Tomaaa!..."
So cruel. Short time together, but still... She eyed my outstretched hand pitifully, then summoned a third: neat black hair, pretty-boy guy.
"...This me?"
"No? Random character."
Lying without blinking. Linked her doll quick, then pummeled "me" with punches. She's punching air, no physical hit on me, but watching "me" get wrecked built psychological damage. Like a voodoo doll. Couldn't even fight back—she didn't link us.
Revenge done, she panted lightly. Curiosity hit, so I asked.
"...Does reverse connection work?"
"...Yeah, vision too. Sensations seem useless but work. Wanna see?"
Remembered vision from before. She set her doll on the desk, chanted complexly. No visible change, but her nod said connected.
"Linked super weakly just in case? Still, don't drop it—scary."
Lightly poked the doll's head— she twitched beside me. Fun.
"...Feels weird..."
Wonder what kind. Even weak, sensory link? Curious how much transfers, so poked the doll carefully, watching her.
Wrong spot.
"...Hahk!?"
Weird moan, she jolted, clutching her chest.
...Meant to poke stomach.
Face beet red, glaring daggers, she cut the magic and reverse-summoned all dolls.
"...You, you planned this from the start...!"
"No, total accident..."
"Whatever. Perverts don't get a say. Try real sensory link and see..."
She stayed sulky for a while.