A pitch-dark room with no light came into view.
A slender finger popped out and turned on the computer.
Cheon Saetbyeol rubbed her sleepy face and logged in.
Tap-tap-tap-
Seeing the treasure hoarded in hidden files, Saetbyeol smiled contentedly.
Editing wouldn’t take even ten minutes.
No need to add dialogue or background music.
It was just a simple task of connecting 15 short videos of 3 to 5 seconds each like a puzzle.
“Shall I upload a revenge for that smack to my lovely self? Upload.”
Once Saetbyeol uploaded the video, she could finally seek a comfortable sleep.
Although the deep night continued on, not everyone was asleep.
Those suffering from insomnia, early risers, and even people on the other side of the globe.
[NoName Official] [Subscribers: 7.04 million]
[NoName’s Aegyo Compilation 2 (Watch it secretly, Na-me)]
The thumbnail of Na-me, with cheeks puffed up like a hamster and a face full of complaints, snatched everyone’s attention.
Thinking that the mill could burst any moment, the sparrows rushed to watch the video without hesitation.
And it was packed with premium organic grain extracts.
[Ugh, I don’t want to.]
[Ughhh!]
[Mya-mya-mya-mya. Hmm… Why is there such a difference here-]
[Great job, thanks.]
[Ah, go away, this is my spot.]
[Ahaha…]
[Whoa!]
[Dad, aah!]
Late-sleepers and early risers held a grand party in the middle of the night.
[Best Comments]
– Did you think I wouldn’t see it if you uploaded it at this hour? No way, lol!
– I think I understand why Abeonim is so stoic. He must have melted away under that aegyo…!
– Honestly, isn’t Na-me not a genius? Being around her makes people turn into doting fools, so she seems like a genius, lol!
– It feels like starlight is sparkling from her eyes, hehe.
– Is that 4 AM heat real?
– (0:17) The sound of her finger popping her lips is legendary… How does such a cute cat sound come out?
– (0:48) Thumbnail car seat!
– The Na-me I know is definitely not like this…!
– If it’s NoName who’s currently rooting out spies, then thumbs up, lol!
*
After discussions with clan members and managers, it was decided to donate 100 educational virtual reality capsules to 50 orphanages nationwide.
It cost about 300 million won.
The virtual reality space offered various free learning programs made by clans, companies, and talented individuals.
Thus, if there was just one capsule, all children could take turns learning whatever they desired.
However, given the price of the capsules, many orphanages still lacked access to them.
There were many VR goggles that allowed access to virtual reality with pills, but from the 50s onward, most couldn’t support large-capacity applications, rendering them practically useless.
“Oh, how grateful I am. The world should know how kind Na-me is.”
The orphanage director handed me a box of Bacchus from the kitchen drawer.
“I’m not donating this; it’s part of Janjeol Clan’s project. Please tell anyone who asks that Janjeol is behind it.”
The orphanages operating without a social welfare corporation were in very poor condition.
Especially those with fewer than 50 children.
I taught the director how to use the capsules and tailored programs for different ages.
Finally, I recommended that the children join the open world learning program of the Imperial Palace Swordsmanship, created by our clan.
“The children from 50 orphanages across the nation will gather here to learn together. There will be video lectures, and ASI is ready for mock duels.”
“But isn’t it too dangerous for kids to suddenly learn swordsmanship?”
“Just because kids are playing games doesn’t mean they’ll become violent. Violence arises when stress surpasses critical levels, and swordsmanship actually helps to relieve daily stress. It’s well-known that it fosters patience and a spirit of challenge.”
“Oh, I see.”
Occasionally, there were those from older generations who viewed virtual reality negatively.
Fortunately, the orphanage director was someone who understood.
When I explained that we would only use wooden swords in virtual reality, she nodded in agreement.
“While it’s not necessary that all special activities become profitable, if it helps in life, what’s the harm? And this will definitely become profitable. It’ll make those who want to learn feel desperate since they can’t.”
“How so?”
“Do you happen to know about the National Exchange Tournament?”
“I know! That’s the competition where the Japanese girl won, right? Our middle and high schoolers are going crazy about it.”
“I’ll be participating in that next year, along with the Imperial Palace Swordsmanship.”
“Na-me, you?”
“Oh, and one more thing. Children who complete the Imperial Palace Swordsmanship will be given priority for employment in our clan later. I think it’d be great to perform nationwide or even around the world in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism or the Seoul Foundation.”
Once I said this, most directors were utterly convinced.
The reputation earned from participating in the National Exchange Tournament is recognized worldwide.
Even Korea, which may not participate in the exchanges, would be the same.
Moreover, getting a job in a clan that doesn’t usually hire non-academy students holds immense social merit.
While adults tend to view virtual reality negatively, they also tend to idolize clans excessively.
Even if someone doubts the sword technique itself, they could easily shield themselves by citing the Raon Clan they trained with.
That being said, how much interest the children would actually have remained a mystery.
‘It better go well…’
With so many variables, I had long since given up on forecasts.
After finishing the conversation with the director of Yeondoo Orphanage, I stepped outside the building.
Cheon Saetbyeol, brought along to serve as conversation company, was giggling while leaning against a corner wall, looking at her phone.
“What are you doing?”
“Oh, you’re back? That took a while.”
“What are you looking at?”
“Hmm? Nothing much, just V-tube.”
Saetbyeol put her phone into her pocket and tilted her head towards the sky.
“Yeah…?”
But why does it smell like a dirty lie?
“I heard Iarang Orphanage is installing capsules too; are you going to visit there?”
“No, Maru Oppa is going there. Hey, you’re hiding something from me, right? You definitely are, aren’t you?”
“Na-me Unni, look me in the eye. Do I look like a liar?”
Saetbyeol’s face came close to mine.
Through her black circle lenses, a soft turquoise iris was visible.
Her pupils wavered slightly to the upper right.
“Yup, still suspicious.”
“I’m really innocent. My mom can vouch for me.”
“What’s with that confidence?”
Just as I was about to brush it off, a group of elementary school kids came rushing over from the playground.
“See, I told you I was right! There’s only one person in our country with that hairstyle!”
“Whoa, is it real? But why is that person here?”
“Hey, go say hi to them quickly.”
“You brought it up; you do it.”
A boy among them raised his hand boldly to greet me.
“Hi, NoName!”
After that brave greeting, he dashed back behind his friends like a coward.
“Hello, kids.”
“Whoooah!”
“NoName, hi!”
“But aren’t we older?”
“What does that matter? They’re stronger than us, so we should call them ‘Unni’.”
“That’s right, that’s right.”
Just with a single greeting, their reaction was quite fiery.
“Yo, the Unni is quite popular, huh?” Saetbyeol nudged me in the side.
I thought the same.
I realized that I had now gained some name value even among elementary school students.
These kids wouldn’t know anything unless you were truly famous.
Still, they might recognize me as a streamer, but they wouldn’t understand the complexities of clans or wizards, right?
Feeling curious, I asked them.
“Do you know who I am?”
“Um… Aren’t you NoName?”
“Not just my name. What do I do?”
“NoName, Twish streamer!”
“Wait, where’s that place? I forgot the name, but you go to Gangnam Academy, right? Are you some bully there?”
“What?”
The sudden question hit me like a truck.
“Hahaha!”
“Shh! Why do you think that…?”
“I know a kid who goes to the academy, and he said you’re the boss! No one can mess with you, that’s totally a bully!”
“Ugh, that’s kind of scary. My mom told me to be careful around academy kids.”
“No, no. I’m friendly with all my friends. Don’t spread weird rumors, okay?”
This is why rumors can be frightening.
“Okay. Oh yeah, you’re on V-tube too! My dad and I watched the video of you competing a long time ago.”
Now, the answers I wanted were finally starting to come out.
Children’s recognition came with a sense of pure intention and made me feel very good.
“Magical genius, math genius, study genius, aegyo genius, and also…”
“Hold on, what did you say at the end?”
“Aegyo genius?”
“What kind of ridiculous rumor is that?”
“It’s not a rumor! I was reading the comments just now!”
“Huh.”
A soft gasp resonated from behind me.
Dori-dori-
Cheon Saetbyeol covered her mouth with both hands and shook her head vigorously.
I immediately pulled out my phone and accessed my V-tube account.
40 seconds into a video that was about to be deleted, I paused and read the title.
“NoName’s Aegyo Compilation 2, Watch it secretly, Na-me? I’m hearing about this for the first time today.”
“Whoa, what’s this? Did Unni get hacked?”
“The only suspect is you! I won’t be watching this video right now, but you better be ready for me later.”
The view count had already hit seven digits, and my head began to throb.
Unknowingly, I quickly skimmed through my aegyo video twice speed on my way home.
“Devil’s editing.”
“Well, if it tastes good, that’s what matters-”
“What about when mom found out?”
“I don’t have a mother.”
“Not in the mood for jokes! Hurry up and take it down.”
“Hey… Aren’t girls supposed to like being called cute? I just don’t understand!”
“I prefer when people call me strong instead.”
“Chee.”
Upon hearing my words, Saetbyeol made a face like she had bitten into poop.
“Well, the compliments about being cute you give me are enough.”
As soon as she said that, Saetbyeol’s face brightened again.
Cheerfully humming, she deleted the video with 2 million views.
Anyhow, understanding human emotions is tough.
*
[Janjeol Clan donates 100 Samsung VR capsules to 50 orphanages nationwide.]
[Imperial Palace Swordsmanship that also passed through Raon, what’s the difference with Japanese swordsmanship?]
[Decision to publicly reveal 20 swordsmanship classes for free, youth satisfaction is at its peak a week into the program.]
The Imperial Palace Swordsmanship program from Janjeol Clan received surprisingly high praise.
People evaluated it as having established a systematic education system rarely seen in Korea through the know-how gained by teaching Raon Clan members.
Furthermore, this activity fostered public opinion for large clans to fulfill their social responsibilities, and the media, regardless of factions, began to write positive articles about Na-me.
However, every group has its outliers.
It was the citizen group “Nonviolence Peace Alliance,” which aimed to eliminate destructive magic, that raised questions.
[Are we giving swords to growing children, while young dictators dream of coups?]
As the provocative column title became public, it swept across the Republic of Korea in an instant.
