Chapter 14
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: An Offer and a Legendary Reward
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Logging out in 1 second. Please log out in a safe location.
With a hiss, the capsule slowly opened.
Hoo.
Yuhyeon logged out and returned to reality. It had only been ten hours since hed connected to the game.
I can still feel it so vividly.
Yuhyeon slowly clenched and unclenched his fist. He shifted his body this way and that, even while sitting still.
I parried them all with this hand.
The hand that had deflected the hoe still tingled. The heavy impact he felt when their weapons clashed. The powerful recoil from deflecting it.
It was similar to the thrill of producing a sound on the violin for the first time, or the ecstasy of completing a single note with dozens of instruments in an orchestra.
A very special feeling, one not easily experienced in life. For Yuhyeon, who had never once handled a sword, that specialness felt even greater.
To think I made it to stage 4.
The stage 4 boss was a scarecrow over eight feet tall, equipped with various farming tools like a hoe, a plow, and a hand plow. Its overwhelming size had left him speechless.
Just as the instructor said, the solution to every stage was ultimately in the fundamentals.
Stage 1 required a downward slash, stage 2 an upward and downward slash, stage 3 a horizontal slash, and stage 4 demanded the use of everything he had learned.
In the end, it was structured so that if he could perfectly utilize all the slashes hed learned so far, he could reach stage 5.
The fact that his wooden sword broke during stage 4, causing him to fail, was also ultimately due to a lack of fundamental skill.
If I had parried perfectly, the wooden sword wouldnt have broken.
If he had executed all the slashes he learned today more perfectly, could he have reached stage 5?
Man, even after logging out, all I can think about is Wonderland.
Yuhyeon, who had been replaying the recent events in his mind, suddenly came to his senses and chuckled.
How long had it been since hed been this engrossed in something? It was probably the first time, aside from music.
Wonderland had become that special to Yuhyeon.
Bzzz. His phone vibrated in his pocket.
(Web Message) Wonderland
CEO Sumare
Unknown Caller (4)
Why do I have so many messages?
Yuhyeon tapped them one by one in the order they arrived.
Web Message
Nonghyup Bank Deposit 1,940,000
09:40 1772--52
Wow. Its already been deposited?
Yuhyeons eyes widened.
There was an in-game currency exchange system, so he had requested to convert 200 gold into cash, and it had already been deposited into his account.
Excluding the 3 commission fee, the amount was exact.
I actually made money from a game.
He never imagined that the joke hed shared with Sangcheol would become a reality.
I earned this much money in just a few hours
He couldnt forget to repay Sangcheol for creating this opportunity.
First thing tomorrow, I have to treat Sangcheol to a meal. Ill buy him whatever he wants to eat.
He would have to think carefully about how to repay him from now on.
Next, he checked the message from CEO Sumare.
But unlike usual, the content of the text was a bit strange.
CEO Sumare: Composer-nim! I am so sorry. I know this is rude of me, but
What could she possibly be sorry about?
CEO Sumare: I made a mistake and played your song for an acquaintance in a private setting. But that acquaintance
My song? To whom?
The message from the CEO went like this:
An acquaintance of hers, a producer, had heard his song, and that acquaintance had taken a liking to Yuhyeons work.
They had been looking for a composer who could handle orchestral arrangements, and Yuhyeon had come onto their radar.
CEO Sumare: They were so insistent that I gave them your contact information without thinking. I know it was rude, and if youre uncomfortable, I will speak to them again.
Hmm
Giving out his contact information without permission was a little concerning, but since it ultimately benefited him, it wasnt something to be upset about.
A request for a song is always welcome.
With a light heart, Yuhyeon checked the message from the person he presumed to be the client.
Unknown Caller: Hello. This is Park Jeonghu, team leader of AR Team 1 at SAM Entertainment. I heard your work from CEO Sumare and liked it so much that I decided to contact you directly.
But the senders name was somehow familiar.
Unknown Caller: We are currently looking for a composer who can do orchestral arrangements, and your work fits the direction we want so perfectly
Unknown Caller: If you are available, we would like to commission a track from you for the comeback album of Sugar Girls.
Park Jeonghu, the team leader at SAM Entertainment a comeback song for Sugar Girls?
Yuhyeons eyes widened as he read through the messages.
They they sent me an offer?
A work request from one of the countrys leading idol agencies.
This was an even bigger deal than getting 200 gold exchanged for cash.
Munch, munch.
The savory, rich flavor of mozzarella cheese filled his mouth. Just as it was about to become too rich, the tomato sauce cut through, bursting with a fresh taste.
The pizza, which he hadnt had in a long time, was excellent. It was worth the money. You could call it the taste of capitalism.
Is this a dream or reality?
Yuhyeon held a slice of pizza in one hand, his eyes fixed on the monitor. To be precise, he was looking at SAMs website.
To think Id get an offer from them.
SAM Entertainment was a major idol agency leading the global market. It was also a company that always ranked among the top agencies representing Korea.
You could find works from SAM Entertainment just by checking the charts on Watermelon.
An agency of that scale had sent him a composition request.
Team Leader Park Jeonghu: If its not too much to ask, could you create a classical piece and a dance-pop track as demos and send them to me?
Team Leader Park Jeonghu: I understand that requesting demo tracks might be unpleasant, as I am the one asking for a favor. However, I believe this could be a great opportunity for you as well. I hope you will consider it seriously.
A demo portfolio
Yuhyeons eyes narrowed.
The offer from SAM Entertainment was, without a doubt, a great opportunity for him.
The only problem was that while he had managed to impress Team Leader Park Jeonghu, his lack of a composers resume meant he needed to send demo tracks to convince the company.
In short, he wants me to send a demo that can convince the company. One classical, and one for an idol group.
In other words, a request for songs to prove his skills.
Yuhyeon recalled an interview he had read once.
It said that every idol under SAM went through Park Jeonghus hands.
The article had stated that the success of SAMs idols was due to Park Jeonghus brilliant imagination and drive.
Its natural to verify my abilities since I have no experience, and its a perfectly reasonable request from a client.
It wasnt a difficult problem to ponder.
An opportunity had presented itself, and he just had to decide whether to take it or not. Yuhyeon wasnt the type to turn down an opportunity that came his way.
For the classical piece, I have SUN which I made a few days ago, so thats fine.
He was glad he had tried making various songs in different genres to broaden his composition spectrum back then.
Dance-pop, huh? I guess I can give it a try.
Yuhyeon pushed the pizza he was eating aside and immediately launched his composition software.
What kind of concept should I go for?
What was the strongest emotion he had felt recently? There was only one answer to that.
Awe. Yuhyeon wanted to capture the awe he had felt in the game just a short while ago in this new song.
Since its dance-pop, lets start the chord progression with a money chord.
Since he was making a pop song, hed start with a popular money chord progression. A complex chord progression didnt necessarily guarantee a good song.
Just because its an orchestral arrangement doesnt mean I have to emphasize the classical elements. That can come later.
It would be good to start with a pop feel. As the song built up, he planned to add an a cappella and an orchestra to create a grander feel.
Ting. Now that the concept was set, he calmly started the intro with a piano sound.
Then, he added a booming drum to give it a sense of impact and rhythm, heralding the true beginning of the song.
The bass was essential too. He added a bassline intermittently to bring out the groove of the song and provide a solid foundation.
The framework is done.
With the overall structure complete, it was time to add a spoonful of something special that could only be heard in this song.
Should I start with an a cappella and gradually build up the violins?
Starting with an a cappella to signal the songs climax, he gradually layered in the sound of violins.
When the a cappella reached its peak, he would bring in all the instruments used in the songpiano, drums, bass, and all.
Like the famous pop songs Viva La or We Young.
Hmm-hmm.
Yuhyeon closed his eyes and imagined.
The process of a song, which began with a single piano note, building and layering to become a complete piece.
He wasn't singing it himself, but he could clearly hear the sounds in his head.
Before he knew it, the song was nearing its end.
All the instruments would come together, and the vocalists sharp high notes would stack like a harmony, completing the song.
Although he couldn't hear the vocalists voice, the thought alone was electrifying.
Its finished, but
After placing the final note, Yuhyeon stared intently at the monitor.
He had finished the song, but he had no way to listen to it. He really wanted to check it once.
It feels right, though.
When he ran the simulation in his head, there were no major mistakes.
Still, he had a strong desire to have someone else check it for him.
I should have Sangcheol listen to it.
Yuhyeon nodded and checked the clock at the bottom of the screen.
Its already this late?
The clock was pointing to three in the morning.
He had been so absorbed that he hadn't even noticed how much time had passed.
His plan to go to bed early today had been ruined again.
I really have to go to bed early tomorrow
Ill message him before I sleep.
Yuhyeon quickly grabbed his phone and sent a message to Sangcheol.
Yuhyeon: You said you were free tonight, right? Lets go get something to eat.
He felt a rare sense of pride and accomplishment, making him feel as giddy as if hed had a drink.
Ill sleep soundly for the first time in a while.
With no worries or anxieties at this moment, he felt like he could sleep so deeply that he wouldn't even notice if someone carried him away.
Cheers!
Cheers!
The barbecue restaurant during rush hour was bustling with office workers.
Most of them seemed to have had a drink already, looking flushed despite the early hour. Amidst them, only two men were engaged in a serious conversation.
It was Sangcheol and Yuhyeon.
You wrote this yesterday? I think its good.
If its good, its good. What do you mean you think its good?
Well, how should I put it? It has the feel of a familiar pop song Ive heard a lot, so I think its good.
Like a pop song? Which one?
Hmm, like Viva La that was popular a while back?
Sangcheols answer made Yuhyeons eyes narrow.
It was the answer he wanted, fitting his intended concept, but his friends lukewarm attitude meant he couldnt be entirely happy about it.
Hmm, a reaction like this from you means its lacking something.
It doesnt seem to have that popping uniqueness or a big punch. Its definitely bright, you know? But it doesnt feel vivacious, I guess?
A big punch okay, got it.
Well, I dont know anything about composing, so just take it with a grain of salt.
Yuhyeon nodded seriously.
He might not look it, but his instincts are pretty sharp.
Contrary to his appearance, Sangcheols tastes in food, clothes, and music were all perfectly aligned with the general public.
Every drama he enjoyed became a hit, and any idol group he predicted would make it big shot to number one on the charts.
You could tell just by the fact that his cars playlist had been fixed on the Watermelon Top 100 for the past five years.
He was truly the king of the mainstream.
For someone like that to say it lacked a punch meant there was genuinely something missing.
Thanks, thats more than enough. Ill think about the rest later.
He had done it just in case, and he was glad hed had Sangcheol listen to it.
Youre sure its okay? Dont overthink what I said.
Its really fine. Dont worry, Im not going to get depressed over it.
Sangcheol looked at Yuhyeons nonchalant expression and thought to himself.
Hmm, from his expression, he seems fine.
After the accident, the kid had been living in a constant state of gloom.
For him to hear negative feedback and not spiral into depression was a huge relief for Sangcheol.
He seems to have brightened up a bit since he started the game.
Sangcheol carefully reviewed the events of the past two days.
Since Yuhyeon started Wonderland, he had been composing diligently again, and today he had even tempted Sangcheol by offering to pay for a capsule room session.
Im glad his old personality seems to be coming back.
In the past, Yuhyeon had been a positive and bright young man. He had only strayed for a while after the accident.
Hoping Yuhyeon would maintain his current bright disposition, Sangcheol casually brought up the game.
Anything happen in the game? Whats up with that ritual ceremony thing?
Were practicing for the ensemble right now. The performance is in five days, game time. So, about two days in real time?
As he flipped the meat, Yuhyeon suddenly remembered something and spoke to Sangcheol.
By the way, do you know about something called special training?
Huh? Special training?
Sangcheol tilted his head.
The only special training he knew of was the hidden piece in the beginners village.
The very same training that rankers always mentioned in their interviews.
Why? Dont tell me you did the special training?
Yeah, the instructor gave it to me. Havent you already done it?
Wh-what? What are you talking about! Why would I have done that!
Sangcheols eyes widened in shock.
He really did the special training?
The conditions for the special training were so stringent that not just anyone could receive it.
The community consensus was that it was better to just leave the village and level up quickly rather than trying to get the special training.
But in Yuhyeons case, things were a bit different.
Hes only been playing for two days, right? He didnt waste any time trying to get the special training, so this is a huge win!
In other words, he had received a high-return quest with zero risk.
At that thought, Sangcheols face flushed with excitement as he spoke.
S-so, what reward did you get? No, what stage did you get to?
I havent received the reward yet. I made it to stage 4.
At Yuhyeons calm demeanor, Sangcheol slammed his hand on the table without thinking.
Youre crazy!
The loud bang from the metal drum table drew the attention of everyone in the restaurant.
Coming to his senses, Sangcheol lowered his voice and whispered with an intensely serious expression.
You got to stage 4? No bullshit? For real?
Im telling you, its real. Whats the big deal?
Whats the big deal! Its the reward!
How good is the reward that youre making such a fuss?
Yuhyeon said, his face a mask of ignorance.
Seeing that expression, Sangcheol replied, looking like he was about to die from frustration.
You said you have to be acknowledged by the instructor to get the special training, right?
Yeah.
Even if you fail at stage 1, the minimum reward is a rare-grade item. Stage 2 is epic, stage 3 is unique! So if you got to stage 4, what do you think youll get?
What do I get?
A legendary, you punk! The only other person to reach stage 4, Hwarang, got a legendary-grade item too!
Whoa.
Geez, you frustrating kid. Is whoa the only thing you can say? This is a total jackpot, Im telling you!
Sangcheol recalled Hwarangs sword, which he had seen in the community forums.
It had a level requirement of only 1, but it came with growth stats, allowing it to be used up to level 40.
The moment it was listed on the auction house, bids flooded in, and it sold for a staggering 2000 gold.
A level 1 item sold for 2000 gold.
The common opinion was that if Hwarang had recognized the items value and set a higher minimum bid, it would have sold for even more.
Of course, the price was inflated because it was in the early days of the game, but even now, an item with similar specs would surely fetch at least 500 gold.
Legendary isnt just some common name. A legendary-grade item is worth at least 500 gold. Thats 5 million won in cash!
5 million won?! No way
Yuhyeon said, his mouth agape in a daze.
It was only then that he began to grasp the value of the quest he had received.
So it has to be an item for it to be a jackpot, right? Since only items can be sold.
No, not necessarily.
Sangcheols eyes narrowed.
Items had level restrictions, and their performance declined as one leveled up. Skills, on the other hand, had no performance limitations based on level.
In other words, you could start the game by receiving a top-tier skill in the beginners village that you could use until you quit.
You cant trade skills, but on the flip side, you could get an end-game skill for life.
This was a value so immense it couldnt be compared to a mere 500 gold.
Calculated arithmetically, it could be worth at least several thousand, or even tens of thousands of gold.
At that thought, Sangcheol shot up from his seat.
Hey, forget this, lets go to the capsule room right now.
What are you talking about all of a sudden? Weve only had a few pieces of meat
This is no time for eating!
Are you sure youre okay? You dont want to eat more?
Im full, I said!
Sangcheol grabbed Yuhyeons hand and pulled him to his feet.
This was no time to be leisurely eating pork belly.
Im dying of curiosity, this is so frustrating!
They had to go to the capsule room right away.
He was dying to know what kind of legendary reward Yuhyeon was going to receive.