novelraw Chapter 60 : MCN?
Chapter 60 : MCN?
MCN?
The apartment where reporter Shin Hyerim lived.
After safely completing the interview, she exited the capsule. But the work was not yet over.
"Yes, master sergeant."
A call came through the moment the broadcast ended. Normally, fatigue would turn to irritation, but this time was different.
〈Reporter Shin, good job!〉
"No, it's nothing! But, this is a special scoop, right?"
The master sergeant had also been monitoring the interview. Responding to his excited tone, Shin Hyerim replied in an uplifted voice.
〈Of course! I'll push this, no matter what, to the editor. I'll ask to get this run as the main article, not just in our team's section.〉
"Really!?"
Shin Hyerim's body trembled with excitement.
MetaGamer site covers various fields, not only virtual reality but also mobile, old-fashioned PC, and console sections.
The influencer section was one of those.
But both Shin Hyerim and the master sergeant judged that this interview was not simply an article to go into a section.
〈Ha, I thought I'd never have a main article again...〉
The main page of MetaGamer—if it were a newspaper, the front page. Where the most important news goes.
Only once had the influencer team published a main article on the page, usually filled with mainstream virtual reality game news.
〈This one is more than enough! It was live, and honestly, it was even more fun than the D'Artagnan interview.〉
That very article had been an interview with 'D'Artagnan,' the leading figure among successful streamers. But after seeing this interview, the master sergeant was sure.
〈And with NewtonLord making an appearance...! Anyway, good work. The article is done, so it only needs to be approved. That's all!〉
"Ah, yes! Thank you!"
Even after the call ended, Shin Hyerim's excitement lingered. With anticipation, she opened MetaGamer's main page.
'I want to see the reaction quickly...!'
* * *
The main page of the webzine 'MetaGamer'.
[Coincidence or Omission? 〈MapleStory〉 Probability Manipulation Allegation AGAIN]
['Falling for this again, rookie?' 〈Bloodline W〉, complete Gacha with Only a Name Change]
[〈Bio Crisis〉 Announces Difficulty Downgrade Update.]
Amid major domestic and international news, a rather odd-looking thumbnail article appeared.
[〈First Live Interview!〉 Meeting the 'Perfect' One. With a dash of 'NewtonLord'.]
As expected of an influencer section article, the title grabbed attention. Along with it, the view count began to rise.
[-First comment, then watching]
[-A streamer article on the main?]
[-Is news that scarce now]
[-MetaGamer's form is gone, phew]
The earliest comments carried a negative nuance. They hadn't read the article at all; they just commented first.
But the comments that followed were different.
[-Who is Purple?]
[-The interview was live? Such boldness?]
[-Ah! You don't know Godple! The broadcast is se-ri-ous-ly fun.]
[-Ugh, so frustrating just reading the article, Lol]
Comments gradually accumulated.
Though the entire interview transcript was written like a shorthand record, people began to watch the video.
[-Ah! This streamer was the one who saw Bark's true ending.]
[na: Is that the one on the main article?]
[na: Yes, seems right]
[na: But why isn't the name listed on the main article?]
[na: Because people yell about "viral,"
LOL]
[na: This is Purple's viral marketing]
[na: Crazy, Lol, it's an interview, how is it viral?!]
[-The one who turned Mystic League into the Leaf Village, hul]
[na: Yeah, got tired after all the Yami game matches, so I stopped for a while]
[na: But Perfect Yami was really insane]
[na: Admitted, Lol]
[-It's great they got NewtonLord, but putting that in the title is a bit...]
[na: Maybe because it's the influencer team, the title is serious clickbait, Lol]
[na: Why so defensive? Are you from Sagwadan?]
[na: LOL, can't resist commenting]
[na: Let me watch till the end and then comment, lol]
People watched the video in real-time as they left comments. Thanks to this, the comments proliferated rapidly as time went by.
[-The streamer hasn't even been at it for a month?]
[na: For real, the growth rate is insane, Lol]
[na: Cried once and became top-tier immediately]
[na: What kind of fast growth!]
[na: Recruited at the scene of a dolcrete (hard-concrete) incident]
[-What's with saying all games were easy;;;]
[na: That's a bait king of a concept, Lol]
[na: ?]
[na: That's not a concept, lmao]
[na: Fact) It really was easy.]
[-Viewers showing off in chat is hilarious LOL]
[na: For real, these people live for the quips, Lol]
[na: Ah, that's what being a Pur-View is all about.]
[na: Asking about underwear color is the same everywhere, Lol]
Then, suddenly, comments exploded.
There was only one reason.
[-Wait, what, is NewtonLord for real?]
[na: What, immediately dropping 5 million won?]
[na: Waah, Lol]
[na: The title wasn't clickbait after all, Lol]
[na: So that's why it made the main page]
The appearance of NewtonLord.
Though only in text, you could feel the surge of emotion in the comments.
[-Wow... the coaching is insane]
[na: At first, I thought it was just a money grab, but it's really worth it]
[na: At first, it seemed like he was just quickly grabbing money, but it got better and better]
The comment section soon overflowed with praise.
[-Meanwhile, why is his voice so nice?]
[na: If Godple were a school teacher, harvard admissions would be guaranteed]
[na: LOL, that's why I didn't get into Harvard]
[na: Even the reporter is hypnotized]
[na: But the gods are fair. If he was also good looking, damn]
[na: Just in case, I'll take my shot]
[-Paying 1 million won for coaching from Purple vs spending 1 million on gacha in MapleStory]
[na: Isn't this totally unbalanced, Lol]
[na: For real, a no-brainer]
[na: Why are you dragging MapleStory into this?]
[na: -Maple-]
[-Where can I see the NewtonLord-sponsored video?]
[na: There's always a pinkf (let others do it) guy everywhere]
[na: Dude, the Purple channel link is right above the comments]
[na: It's bait, don't feed them]
Every time the page was refreshed, dozens more comments appeared.
Soon, as the interview concluded, viewers finished watching and added more comments.
[-I was going to bash because he's not even at D'Artagnan level but I'm reflecting.]
[na: Seriously, I came to hate but changed my mind, Lol]
[na: Even the D'Artagnan article was because of fandom, Lol]
[na: So many fun moments in this interview, Lol]
[na: Live interview—maybe it's even better?]
[-It's hard to believe he's really a new streamer]
[na: If he's at this level without even a month, he'll be worth a trillion won in the future]
[na: LOL, why are you talking market cap, Lol]
[na: Can I buy Purple Coin now?]
[na: Of course, it's King Electron Asset, lol]
[-He'll get love calls like crazy]
[na: Seriously, all the MCNs are flipping out now]
[na: Where will he go?]
[na: Probably DirtBox]
Even at this late hour, the view count's growth gathered steam.
* * *
Genome read the article, smiling. At the end of his broadcast, viewers had told him that Purple's story was up.
"He really is living up to his name."
Not the streamer Purple, but Lee Gyeongbok—the name meaning "sergeant and blessing."
Genome felt satisfied at his cherished junior's success.
But soon, his expression hardened. It was because of a call that came with a vibration.
"Yes, master Sergeant Byeon."
〈Ah, is this a good time?〉
"Yes, well. I've finished my broadcast."
Genome's shows start in the evening and end at dawn. So, honestly, it wasn't the best time for a call.
'I can guess the purpose, more or less.'
Genome slightly furrowed his glabella.
〈Yes, the reason is...〉
"If you're calling to ask me to arrange a meeting with Purple, I'll have to refuse."
He decided to go on the offensive.
The caller was the creator partnership master sergeant at 'Volock Korea', the MCN Genome belonged to.
This person generally handled creator recruitment and management.
〈I knew you'd get right to the point! Your business instincts are superb.〉
But the other side didn't give up easily. Despite the blunt rejection, he tried to switch up the mood by complimenting Genome.
"No matter how much you praise me, my decision won't change."
〈Hmm, is there something you're dissatisfied with on our end?〉
"No, nothing particular."
〈Then...〉
"That said, it's not like I'd actively recommend you either."
It was something only a streamer of Genome's level could say. An uncomfortable silence followed.
"To be frank, you're trying to approach Purple now so you can recruit him before his price jumps, right?"
〈Yes, that's right.〉
"I understand. Every company wants to recruit good talent at a low cost. But for me to get involved, it means something else."
〈Something else?〉
"Master sergeant, you know I keep distance from streamers in the same agency, right?"
〈Yes, I know.〉
"But Purple is different. I want to keep a personal relationship with him. I don't want to complicate it unnecessarily."
The master sergeant already knew how strictly Genome maintained his personal boundaries. He couldn't help but be surprised.
〈I understand what you mean. I don't think we'd do anything disrespectful to Purple, but...〉
"I'm not so sure about that. If you're trying other routes of approach, you should prepare well."
〈Prepare?〉
"Yes. That guy's not as naive as he looks. If you try to lowball his price, you might end up burning the bridge completely."
An audible gulp came through the phone.
〈... So what should we be aiming for?〉
"Remember my signing bonus?"
Normally, regular streamers wouldn't get a bonus. But top-tier streamers were different.
〈Of course! I approved it myself. You got 100 million for the first contract, and 30 million for each renewal. So we should prepare that much...?〉
"No."
Genome cut him off firmly. The master sergeant quickly added, realizing his mistake.
〈Ah, apologies. But treating him on par with you is a bit...〉
But once again, he failed to read Genome's intent.
"If that's your plan, don't even try."
〈Pardon?〉
To Genome, Lee Gyeongbok was worth far more than that.
"You'll need to prepare several times that amount if you want to avoid problems."
* * *
The next day.
Team Perfect—the three friends—gathered in one place. But it wasn't their usual favorite cafe.
"What's with the sudden tuna?"
"Hey, hey, you gotta celebrate when something good happens."
In front of them was a platter of crimson tuna gilded with gold flakes.
Choi Byeonghun had reserved a table at an upscale tuna place during yesterday's broadcast.
"It's daytime, so let's skip the alcohol and toast with soda."
Choi Byeonghun grinned as he poured drinks. Once all three friends had their glasses filled, he raised his up.
"To 500K subscriptions on the Purple channel! Cheers!"
"Well done."
"Nice job, everyone."
The three clinked glasses with smiles.
After the interview broadcast and article, the Q-tube channel surpassed 500,000 subscribers.
Choi Byeonghun had noticed the trend during the broadcast and preemptively arranged a celebratory company dinner.
"Tuna paid by NewtonLord, let's try it out!"
Choi Byeonghun joked as he wrapped tuna with seaweed. The others snickered.
They started their meal.
"Madman was invited, but said it was too much pressure and didn't come."
"Really? Shame, would've been nice to see him."
"He says his daily routine is similar to yours. Waking up early must be hard."
At Park Juho's words, Choi Byeonghun nodded in agreement.
"Then send him a gifticon later. He's a stakeholder, can't just forget him."
"Wow, even providing irregular worker benefits, boss."
"Whatever."
After some laughter, a touched expression appeared on Choi Byeonghun's face.
"Man, it feels like just yesterday we hit 100K and now it's already 500K."
"It wasn't really yesterday, it was about two weeks ago."
"Damn, saying it that way, it feels weirdly emotional."
"It was bound to happen with the flow."
At Lee Gyeongbok's question, Choi Byeonghun waved his hands.
"Don't be ridiculous. The growth wasn't all that smooth."
"Huh? Why?"
"I told you before. Early on, most of our subscribers were foreign."
Park Juho wiped his mouth with a napkin and chipped in.
"We haven't had a video with subtitles since Bark. That's why foreign subscribers were leaving."
"But the subscriber count still increased more than that, didn't it?"
"That's true, but it's not just simple math like that."
Choi Byeonghun grimaced as he poked his pickled radish.
"This damn algorithm does its thing. Even if total subscribers grow, if you lose people, the algorithm treats that as a variable. I don't know the details, but the channel's popularity probably drops."
"That could negatively affect video exposure."
"That, in the worst case. Or maybe it's a natural shakeout."
Lee Gyeongbok nodded at his friends' words.
"So the foreign subs left and were replaced by Korean subs, reducing dead weight?"
"Yeah."
"Then it's nothing to worry about. We aren't making the channel for foreigners anyway."
Lee Gyeongbok shrugged.
After they ate their fill, dessert arrived.
"Let's get down to the main agenda."
"Ha... Can't we rest a bit? I'm too full."
"You're just listening anyway. Gyeongbok will decide."
Park Juho glared at Choi Byeonghun, then turned to Lee Gyeongbok.
"There are a lot of collab requests, probably due to the Elden Soul announcement."
"Collaborations?"
"The collaboration with Genome was popular. Maybe they want that kind of vibe."
Lee Gyeongbok furrowed his glabella at those words.
"Not a fan. Doing spontaneous collabs with strangers feels weird."
"I feel the same. Those are obvious straws."
Choi Byeonghun raised his hand in agreement.
"Just offer a soft rejection. Say you haven't even grasped the game yet, so collabs are out for now."
"Got it. I'll handle that. Next is the MCN offers."
"MCN? Are those startups still being clingy?"
At Choi Byeonghun's question, Park Juho shook his head.
"No, this time it's from bigger names."
"Big?"
Instead of answering, Park Juho projected a hologram of the email.
"DirtBox, talent Hunter, volock..."
"Wow... Those are really big names."
Even still digesting, Choi Byeonghun sat up in surprise.
"They're that big?"
"They don't just have Q-tubers or streamers, but also celebrities."
"Celebrities?"
"These days, even celebrities are on Q-tube."
Lee Gyeongbok opened his mouth slightly, but lost interest.
"Hm, it's nice to be recognized, but nothing's appealing. Do we even need an MCN contract now?"
The friends exchanged glances. Park Juho spoke first.
"I don't think so. No matter what the signing bonus, we don't need urgent cash."
Details would be available only after a meeting. Park Juho continued seriously.
"And the bigger the signing bonus, the stricter the contract will be. The agency will be eager to recoup it."
"Not to mention, it feels a bit early."
Choi Byeonghun chimed in.
"The channel's grown and the loyal audience is forming. Now we need to solidify our core. With an MCN, broadcasts might get too businesslike, and that's not great."
"With no disagreements, let's just reject and keep focusing on the channel."
Lee Gyeongbok smiled, and the others grinned too.
"Yeah, you're not lacking anything. Let them dig the well on their own."
"They're the ones getting desperate. Your value will only go up. There's plenty of time to reconsider."
At that, Lee Gyeongbok's smile deepened.
Even without an MCN, trustworthy friends were at his side.
* * *
Streamer Purple's broadcast time approached.
― Why are there so many people, O m g.
-5,000 waiting!
― Big corporate-level broadcast, Lol
― No more small-time Purple!
― Hands up if you came after seeing Meta!
Even before the show began, more than 5,000 viewers were waiting. The chat window was lively even on a blank screen.
But the intro soon started, and viewers focused.
"Trha!"
With Lee Gyeongbok's cheerful greeting, the chat window scrolled rapidly.
― Perha!
― Q-ha!
― Ten million coach! Ten million coach! Ten million coach!
― Million dollar streamer, hul
-5252! [Per][fect] coaching is expensive!
Donations started pouring in simultaneously.
['No500,000' has donated 50,000 KRW.]
[Today, donations are definitely possible!]
['1in500K' has donated 50,000 KRW.]
[Congrats on Purple channel 500K subscription!]
['YesterdayEnlightened' has donated 10,000 KRW.]
[I'm the underwear viewer you enlightened yesterday. Oh, no panty plan?]
['MinchoDan'sRage' has donated 5,000 KRW.]
[Mint chocolate is NOT toothpaste!]
Lee Gyeongbok smiled and thanked them. After interacting with the flood of donations and chatting a bit—
Viewer count surpassed 7,000.
"Thank you everyone for the donations! At this rate, I'll spend the whole stream just thanking everyone."
― First half stream content: thanking donors, Lol
― This is karma! You should have enabled donations more often.
― Can't donate during yesterday's interview, so even more fired up today.
― If you say "don't donate," viewers will just donate more...
― If you say don't, don't!
― NA strawing! Get lost!
Lee Gyeongbok waved his hands.
"Just kidding. You can't expect someone to change overnight from one coaching session. He's probably practicing diligently. Anyway, that's enough donations, let's start the game!"
He finished the settings and launched the game. Instantly, the surroundings went dark.
― Oooooooooh
― It's starting!
― Godple's Kingden Soul, hul
― Q-ha!
― I'll clap the slate~
― Mr! Step into frame, you're in the shot!
― Crazy game meets crazy streamer, lol
The viewers focused, full of anticipation.
A chilly wind blew as the production logo appeared on the black screen.
[FROM STUDIO]
Brilliant white gothic text.
Simple, yet a name etched in gamers' memories worldwide.
The white letters scattered like dust. A golden dawn swept away the darkness.
"Wow..."
Vast land, grand nature, and the declining kingdom in contrast.
Lee Gyeongbok gasped at the scene.
― Kyaa, gets me hyped every time
― Now that's a thrill LOL
― FromSoft is the real deal!
― Godple's just a gamer at heart!
But the screen faded to black again.
〈It will break, and break again.〉
A narration followed.
― Huh?
― Ah, yeah
― Godple's got maximum immersion settings
― Info) Protagonist uses the player's voice
― Wow, it fits him so well, dammit
― That's dope, Lol
Lee Gyeongbok was surprised but didn't overreact. He'd already been through this during Bio Crisis.
〈Though the flesh may be broken, the soul will endure.〉
Still, hearing such cheesy lines in his own voice was embarrassing.
With a deep resonance, orchestral background music began.
〈If you obtain the oldest soul—〉
A giant, a knight swirling with aura, hybrid abominations, decayed corpses—a rapid-fire slide show sped past.
'So these are my enemies.'
He quickly guessed these were some of the foes he'd face.
Vision went dark again.
〈The era of humans will come again.〉
A crack of golden light broke the darkness. Black fragments fell away, forming the alphabet.
[Elden Soul]
That was the end of the opening.