Viral Savior and NPC Protection Contract
A male MC shook his head.
"Phew, but incidents like this are happening everywhere. It's the first time I've seen something like this while filming, so the shock is huge."
"Shouldn't they leave a path for the NPCs to escape before waging war?"
"Yes, though it's called a continental war, the actual fighting is left entirely to the mercenaries—us players."
"Exactly."
"Unlike players, soldiers die for good when killed. The continent's rulers know that too. Unless it's a massive war that could shift the tide or reshape the map, NPC soldiers or knights won't be deployed at all."
"Even knights aren't always stronger than players."
"Right. So, if players from both the Kairon Continent and Forma Continent are watching, please cooperate to give ordinary NPCs in villages a chance to flee."
"Is that so hard?"
With Yura's question, the screen refocused on the battle.
In the end, the recapture succeeded.
But neither Yura nor the viewers could celebrate purely.
"We'll end today's broadcast here."
"Hopefully next time we can watch with smiles."
With the two MCs' farewell, the filming wrapped up.
*
Yura sighed and approached Kim Min-ho PD, who was behind the cameraman.
"Uncle."
"Yeah."
"I'll head out."
"Let's grab some food together."
"Okay."
After logging out, Yura stood blankly for a moment. Only when Kim Min-ho PD approached did she shake her head and force a smile.
"That was shocking, huh?"
"A lot."
"Phew, yeah. Let's get some fresh air outside and have dinner first."
The two left the broadcasting station together.
"Hop in."
They drove to a nearby pork belly restaurant. As they entered, a staff member greeted them and showed them to a table. They received the menu.
"What'll it be?"
"Hmm, pork belly."
"Uncle, you decide."
"Alright, pork belly set, please."
"Yes, please wait a moment."
Soon, the pork belly arrived.
It hit the sizzling grill.
Sizzle...
The meat cooked with a hiss.
Yura remained silent until then.
"Ahem, today was pretty intense."
"Beyond intense."
Yura hesitated before speaking.
"Isn't there a way, Uncle?"
"A way? What way?"
"I don't want to see NPCs from small villages and towns dying."
At Yura's words, Kim Min-ho PD fell silent.
A way.
As if it were that easy to find.
A bitter smile crossed his face.
"Phew, let's eat the meat first."
"Okay."
Then, someone at a nearby table turned on the TV. It was airing For Illusion, the most famous program alongside Illusion's World.
"This is today's hottest video."
At those words, Yura flinched.
"Let's watch it now!"
She looked up at the screen.
"Huh...?"
A figure overwhelming users appeared.
A familiar man.
"Mu-hyuk?"
"Huh? What're you talking about?"
"There."
Kim Min-ho PD turned at Yura's words.
Mu-hyuk was really on screen.
"Ho, it's been a while."
But the situation wasn't clear.
Then subtitles appeared.
The context clicked immediately.
"Impressive, as expected."
"Yeah."
Suddenly, the screen shifted.
"Hm?"
It showed the entrance to a small town far away.
"Min-woo?"
Sung Min-woo waved his hand.
Urgency filled his expression.
But oblivious users unleashed skills wildly.
The screen captured skills filling the sky, then close-up on Sung Min-woo—no, the shabby-clothed NPC behind him.
"Wha—what...!"
Yura's face paled.
No...!
At that moment, in front of Sung Min-woo.
In front of the NPCs.
Mu-hyuk appeared like the wind and unleashed skills. Not enough, he raised his shield and endured, slamming down his sword.
The massive explosion faded.
Kairon Continent users charged at the surviving Mu-hyuk.
"Wha—what...!"
But he overwhelmed them too.
"Yes, even rewatching it stirs the heart."
"Truly amazing."
The screen switched to the two MCs.
They conversed.
"This video is racking up massive views, right?"
"Yes, already over 3 million."
"Whoa, in just one hour...!"
"Surprising, huh?"
"Totally. Incredible."
"There's something even more surprising."
"Huh? What else?"
"Yes, another video with similar views!"
"No way? How long has that been up?"
"About an hour too."
"Holy crap, amazing."
"Curious? Let's check it out!"
Yura's expression twisted at the next video.
"......"
It was Illusion's World, the show she MCed. The problem was the horrific footage of NPCs dying.
Being live, someone had recorded and spread it immediately. Especially compared to Mu-hyuk's video, views were skyrocketing.
"Ugh...!"
"Horrific even on rewatch."
"A scene no one wants to see."
"Exactly."
"These two contrasting videos are spreading together."
"Players enjoying Illusion are deeply shocked by the NPC deaths."
"Yes. As players ourselves, we've taken quests from NPCs, hunted monsters, worked for them. We've grown close, familiar. Subconsciously, they feel like real people living in Illusion. Seeing them die is shocking. Many are struggling to cope."
"Yes, definitely different from player deaths."
"That's why it's blowing up."
"Hopefully this issue unites everyone to protect NPC lives."
"Tough, but yeah."
Yura didn't look away until the end.
"You okay...?"
She nodded at Kim Min-ho's words.
"Yeah, I found a way."
"Hm?"
"How about contracting with Mu-hyuk?"
"What're you saying all of a sudden?"
"He probably hates seeing NPCs die too. Convince him to always prioritize saving them in future wars. We broadcast it. Ask media for help too. With public opinion on our side, something might change, right? Please, Uncle."
It wasn't pie-in-the-sky.
The issue was already huge.
Keep it going, sway opinion.
"Hmm..."
Those swayed would make at least some effort to save NPCs. Of course, Kim Min-ho PD wasn't one to act solely for that.
"You know ratings are broadcast priority one, right?"
"Yeah."
"Alright, let's do it."
This issue guaranteed ratings.
Two birds with one stone.
No reason to refuse.
"Contact?"
"You do it, Uncle."
"Should I?"
The pork belly was ready.
"Eat first."
"Okay!"
Revived, Yura popped a piece in her mouth. Aged pork belly? The savory flavor filled her.
"So good...!"
"Right?"
Kim Min-ho PD looked equally satisfied.
He pulled out his phone.
Found the saved contact.
Mu-hyuk.
Dialed.
*
Logged out too early?
Nothing to do.
Lying blankly, idle thoughts surfaced. NPC deaths from Illusion's World. Felt uneasy, clicked his tongue.
Ring ring.
Phone buzzed almost simultaneously.
He sat up at the screen name.
What's up.
Answered.
"Hello?"
"It's me. Been a while, right?"
"Yes."
"Have you had dinner?"
"Just ate."
"Ah, then how about drinks? Got something program-related to discuss."
"Hm..."
Bored, perfect timing.
"Sure."
"I'll text the place."
"Okay."
Hung up, text arrived soon.
Pork belly joint.
Changed to casual clothes, headed out. Twenty minutes after driving, Mu-hyuk parked and entered. Kim Min-ho PD was right in front.
"Hey, over here!"
Approaching, he glanced at Yura across from him.
"Nice to see you."
"First time since in-game, right?"
"Yeah."
Seated, the two stared intently.
"Hm? What's up?"
"Oh, we were just watching your video."
"Video?"
"Yes."
"Which...?"
Mu-hyuk tilted his head; they looked puzzled.
"You don't know? Your video's trending."
"My video?"
"You really don't? Wanna see?"
"Ah, sure."
Only watched Illusion's World and rolled around, unaware of his own. But recognized instantly when Yura played it.
"This is..."
"Probably today's recapture op?"
"Yeah."
"You saved the NPC there?"
"Yes."
"That part went viral."
Mu-hyuk tilted his head.
"Why?"
"Ahem, well, see..."
Kim Min-ho PD cut in.
"Illusion's World aired today with NPC massacres. But your video shows saving them. Two contrasting clips dropped around the same time—boom, huge issue."
"Ahh..."
"Anyway, it bothered us, so we brainstormed. How to leverage this for NPCs. Then we thought of you."
"Hmm."
"Your NPC-saving clip is hot, so contract with our program. We'll follow you, broadcast saving NPCs. Public opinion shifts to 'don't kill NPCs.' Makes war participants think twice."
Intent clear.
"Can't refuse."
"Haha, thanks!"
Mu-hyuk cherished NPCs too.
Didn't want to see them die.
"Contract tomorrow?"
"Yes."
"Good. Here's the rough verbal outline. First..."
Mu-hyuk nodded, satisfied with the terms.
"Nice."
"Of course. Top treatment."
Expenses piling up lately.
Weapon enhancement materials alone...
Runes soon too.
Jackpot.
Unexpected cash nice, but intent better.
"Cheers to that."
"Sure."
That day, Mu-hyuk got drunk for the first time in ages.