Episode 129 – Achieving 120% Ratings! #2
In pitch-black darkness so deep you couldn't see an inch ahead, a flicker of blue light gleamed.
Whoosh—.
"Even if we are children of the shadows, wouldn't it be better to turn on the lights? Saving a penny or two on electricity won't make our situation any brighter."
Click—.
Someone flipped the switch, and the room finally came into view—a circular round table plunked down in what looked like an underground prison.
Thanatos, seated there, nodded in satisfaction.
"Much better. To think that Tartarus's financial operations have gotten so tight we hesitate to even flip a switch during meetings."
Tartarus had seized one of the CEO's treasure vaults early on. A warehouse piled high with treasures and gold coins—but it had been exposed to Deputy Manager Jo, who borrowed the chairman's transparent helmet. As a result, the Tartarus rebels had to hastily relocate their base, abandoning most of their loot untouched.
That had drastically worsened conditions for the rebels. The honey milk they'd enjoyed every morning was now rationed once every four days. The washing machine ran only every other day, and hot water was available just once a day, for a limited evening window.
"Life was better as prisoners."
"I hear prisoners these days even learn graffiti from Teacher Icarus."
"They can raise pets if they get permission."
Morale among the Tartarus rebels had plummeted.
Could you believe it was all because of that human called "Deputy Manager Jo"?
"We can't just let Deputy Manager Jo keep doing this."
Thwack—.
Someone slammed the table. It was Hecate, holding the position of Tartarus legion commander.
"Deputy Manager Jo ruined my plans too, causing massive losses. If we'd absorbed all the power of the moon goddesses, by now we would've... "
"Hecate, no point getting angry over spilled milk. What matters is what we do next, right? How's the new recruit drive going?"
Thanatos asked the figure shrouded in a thick robe. His face was completely hidden, making his identity impossible to discern.
"The delinquents from Kariklo Academy—who were set to be our Tartarus vanguard—went back to their classrooms. Thanks to that human, Deputy Manager Jo."
Grind—.
The mysterious figure gnashed his teeth, trembling with rage before letting out a heavy sigh.
"But we can just revise the plan. We've decided to target the enemy's weak spots. No matter how much they reform delinquents or improve prisoner conditions, there are always welfare blind spots."
Even the gods' world wasn't perfect. Their plans and policies had their share of dark corners.
"As planned, I'll form the Beast Legion. Soul Society's welfare and policies are limited to 'humans.' There's no shortage of neglected animals."
Beast Legion Commander. That was the mysterious figure's title.
"Abandoned beasts eventually turn into corrupted beasts out of hatred. Too late to care now—the Soul Society budget couldn't cover it anyway—"
"In other words, even Deputy Manager Jo can't interfere with this one. That's what you're saying, right?"
"This time, Tartarus will claim victory."
"Hoo."
Thanatos's blue eyes gleamed ominously. The meeting dissolved on a rare note of positive hope.
The legion commanders dispersed to their posts. Thanatos double-checked everyone was gone before pulling a hidden creature from his robes.
A black-winged butterfly.
"Go report today's meeting to the prince. The Beast Legion Commander is a loose cannon—tell him to stay vigilant—"
Flutter flutter—.
The butterfly took flight, carrying Thanatos's orders.
Yaong—.
Kyang kyang—!
The borrowed warehouse was packed to the brim, not a spot to step without crunching fur everywhere.
"My brother, you sure this is fine? Gathering this many animals for a game show... I'm not even sure we can pull it off."
Crowzer looked skeptical. And rightly so—the place was stuffed with animals who'd signed up for the show. Total chaos.
But what choice did we have? Happy World's economy and welfare were too good; no one wanted reincarnation anymore. Even punished prisoners were content.
The only malcontents left were these animals. In the underworld, they had no proper jobs—just ran around like... well, animals.
"I had no idea Soul Society had so many beast souls."
Hedone marveled, peering at their souls.
"Where have they all been hiding?"
"Probably living free in forests or sewers. And plenty around us too—we just ignored them."
Anyway. My plan: animal game show.
Who'd watch that? Exactly—perfect for tanking ratings. Low viewership would expose my incompetence, paving the way for failure.
Days passed. The stage came together quick, and more reincarnation hopefuls piled in.
Kyang kyang...!
The Hell Puppy took charge of wrangling them. Even Nureongi from Happy Gukbap hustled about.
Yaong...!
Honestly, I had no clue how it all worked—and didn't care. Just wanted time to fly and dump the results on me.
And it did. Game show day arrived.
"Alright, kids! Race to that finish line over there—only those who make it in time advance to the next game!"
Hedone clapped, drawing eyes like a kindergarten teacher. Suited her weirdly well.
"Kukuku! The stage is perfect! This Crowzer's masterpiece, collabed with Teacher Icarus! Bribing the Artists' Association was worth it."
The soccer-field-sized set justified his swagger. Even reckless plans work with enough manpower.
I eyed the cameras. Live broadcast, no edits—from "Happy Broadcasting," buried in channel 666, usually 24/7 shopping ads.
"Go!"
Tweet—!
Hedone's whistle unleashed a stampede. Hundreds charging—pure spectacle.
"Crowzer, ratings?"
"0.01%. Worse than expected. Promotion lacking? And the channel choice was reckless..."
"Hey, doubting me? It's just starting. Watch—in an hour, it'll hit 30%."
Lie. No promo on purpose. Only staff and a few friends knew. Had to stay under radar.
Ah, the long road. Finally see the goal—back to the surface.
Wanna join that dog pack sprinting wild.
"Whoa, Jo! Ratings at 1%!"
Crowzer's weird news. I turned; he shoved his terminal.
"Some community post must've spread it!"
Sudden spike—cold sweat down my back. But expected. Soul Society has animal lovers too. Earth YouTube thrives on cat/dog vids.
A niche fanbase buzzing? Fine.
'This is good attention.'
No results after massive investment? Could mean hell-roach punishment over firing.
1% ratings? Perfect excuse-level achievement.
"Ratings over 5%!"
"What?!"
I grabbed Crowzer's collar. He thrust the terminal.
Interest in stage designs—Icarus collab shone. Weekend all-nighters by Happy World staff paid off. Art fans tuning in? Within margin of error.
'Still fine. Don't panic.'
"Jo, my brother!"
"What now!"
"Nymph communities blowing up!"
"Ratings at 7%, 8%, 9%!"
Nooooo!
Hair pulling out. Nymphs just love seeing nymphs on TV! Who knew!
But the real bomb dropped next.
Boom—!
A thunderous crash—someone plummeted into the arena. "Plummeted" was the only word.
Dust settled on a massive figure. Towering meters high, face hidden in black robes.
"Daring to pull this off. Deputy Manager Jo. Stealing animals to sabotage my Beast Legion? Face me, Asterios, Beast Legion Commander!"
Aste-what? Commander?
A roar—robes exploded off.
"Kuuuoooooo—!"
The hulking beast: horned monster, blood-red eyes, fiery nostrils—pure bull. Muscles like twisted steel armor, axe-spears like building pillars.
Like the Ox Demon King who fought Sun Wukong. Perfect "demon beast king charging gods."
"Deputy Manager Jo, come out! Single combat with Asterios to end our grudge! One of us perishes today—I won't leave till then!"
"L-Legion commander! Tartarus's for sure! He's calling you, brother!"
Crowzer freaked—but kept his terminal.
"R-Ratings breaking 20%! 30%! 40%! Ooooh!"
What the Happy World!?
Asterios's dramatic entrance spiked views, naturally.