Chapter 5
Newbie Debut
- ?
- ?
- ???
- What’s that?
- First time seeing something like this.
Chi Yulang tilted his head, looking at the chaotic chat.
“What’s wrong? Is there a problem?”
- There’s definitely a problem.
- Combat power is supposed to show up as a number, between 1 and 100.
- I’ve watched RealFight streams all day except when I sleep, and I’ve never seen question marks before.
- Bragging much?
As Chi Yulang blinked in confusion, not understanding, the chat reassured him.
- Must be a glitch.
- Yeah, don’t worry too much.
- A glitch on Kwitch? That’s surprising.
- Try it again.
- HeavenlyMaiden, don’t move at all during the measurement this time!
“…I didn’t move last time either.”
Grumbling, Chi Yulang initiated a re-measurement.
[Would you like to measure your combat power again?]
“Yes.”
[Measuring combat power.]
[Please remain still.]
Ziiing—
The re-measurement was performed.
[Combat power measurement complete.]
[HeavenlyMaiden’s combat power is ???.]
- ?
- What’s that?
- Same thing again.
- What’s wrong with her?
No matter how many times he tried, the result was the same.
- Huh?
- What’s going on?
- Is this even possible?
Chi Yulang shrugged.
“Well, what can I do? It’s not that important, so let’s move on.”
- No, this is super important…
- Question marks for combat power? Isn’t that a first in history?
- Yeah, you should report it to Kwitch.
- It’s rare for Kwitch to have a glitch.
- That’s why they call it the perfect virtual reality.
Chi Yulang waved his hand, dismissing the system message.
He was in a room bathed entirely in white.
Various content options appeared before his eyes.
Since he hadn’t bought any games, most were free games or trial versions.
Chi Yulang selected the last one, RealFight99.
[RealFight99 is being installed.]
[Installing…]
[1%]
Normally, a pro streamer would have installed the game beforehand to avoid boring viewers.
But since this wasn’t planned content, Chi Yulang hadn’t prepared it.
Still, there was no helping it.
Who could’ve predicted the outdoor stream would be canceled?
Handling unexpected situations like this was part of a streamer’s skill.
Keeping viewers engaged during downtime was a talent not just anyone could master!
Typically, in moments like this, the chat would be flooded with complaints, and newbie streamers with little experience would panic.
But for Chi Yulang, it was actually a good opportunity.
Time to chat.
After ten years of staring at the moon in lonely melancholy, talking to people was always enjoyable, no matter the topic.
Turning his attention to the chat to appease potentially frustrated viewers, he noticed something.
Hm?
The chat was even more lively than before.
- Maybe her combat power is so low it shows as question marks?
- That makes no sense. Even a baby gets at least a 1.
- Yeah, 1 is the minimum.
- Then why the hell are there question marks?
- Why you cursing? Wanna die? Want me to put question marks on your head?
- Where you at?
“….”
There was no sign of boredom.
In fact, it was even more animated.
The viewer count has gone up, hasn’t it?
A fortunate turn of events, perhaps.
- Don’t worry too much about it. Combat power is just a rough estimate anyway.
- Yeah, it’s common for someone with lower combat power to beat someone with higher.
- Combat power isn’t everything. Just take it as a general indicator.
- Nah, that’s only when the difference is small. If it’s more than 10 in the upper ranks, it’s game over.
- Combat power is a pretty accurate measure.
- Plus, combat power affects difficulty in other games too.
- Yeah, this isn’t something to just brush off.
“Combat power affects game difficulty?”
- Yup.
- The higher your combat power, the higher the difficulty.
- Think one monster becomes two or three.
- You should definitely report it.
“Hm… Alright, I’ll look into it.”
When Chi Yulang said this, the fiery chat finally calmed down.
Seizing the moment, he smoothly guided the conversation by addressing questions from the chat.
- What, no mukbang?
- Came here because of the clip.
- Is this a gaming stream?
- No Dongpo Pork today?
“I’ll do mukbangs too. Gaming streams as well. And tomorrow, an outdoor stream.”
- ? What’s with her speech?
- Sounds like my grandpa lol.
- She’d skyrocket just doing mukbangs, why bother…?
- She eats so heartily lol.
- Just do mukbangs.
“No way!”
Chi Yulang declared firmly.
- ?
- Why not?
- Got some kind of condition?
“Because doing only mukbangs would bore me!”
Chi Yulang’s greatest enemies were two: loneliness and boredom.
Sure, mukbangs were great, and interacting with viewers was fun, but he also wanted to try various games.
Why? Because they looked fun.
- Lol, what’s that?
- Alright, HeavenlyMaiden, do whatever you want!
- Gaming stream means RealFight?
“Since I got it as a gift and you all seem to want it, that’s the plan. But since it’s my first time with virtual reality, I don’t really know how it works. Does anyone know the exact principle behind it?”
- We don’t know either.
“…You don’t know?”
- Yeah, even experts don’t fully understand how it works.
- It’s like, “Why does this work?” But it does, so we just use it.
- I’ll send you a link. Check it out if you’re curious. It’s written by Speedwagon.
- (Link)
Clicking the link opened a translucent browser window, directing him to a forum post.
[Title: Let’s Dive Into Virtual Reality with Araboja]
Hello, hello? It’s your nosy Speedwagon!
Today, we’re exploring virtual reality.
After the Great Cataclysm, different worlds merged, right?
The big shots from each world weren’t about to sit idly by.
After the Rift Wars settled, they started fighting to see who’s the strongest…
Some died, some got seriously injured, entire restored zones were obliterated, and civilians got caught in the crossfire…
It was pure chaos.
So, bam!
Enter the famous Kwitch Corporation.
They said, “If you’re gonna fight, do it in virtual reality.”
Real-world fights destroy everything around them, and with the constant threat of beasts from beyond the rifts, losing even one more person was a huge blow to humanity.
Honestly, it’s no exaggeration to say Kwitch developed the virtual reality system just for RealFight.
RealFight holds a massive place in our post-Cataclysm history! (Even if it’s only a 10-year history ^^)
It’s got a near-perfect combat system that feels just like reality.
Kwitch not only perfected virtual reality but also built a unique network that united humanity.
This was a massive innovation and caused a huge ripple effect.
Personally, I think it’s big enough to call it the second Cataclysm.
Thanks to this, no matter how far apart people are, they can connect in real-time, leading to humanity’s rapid progress.
The fact that we can kick back and relax like this owes a lot to Kwitch.
If the Nine Heroes who led the Rift Wars to victory are humanity’s first saviors, I’d give the second spot to Kwitch Corporation. (Just my opinion, of course ^^)
(Omitted)
For combat, it’s equipped with various convenient systems, one of which is “combat power.”
I don’t know how it measures individual combat power, but as everyone knows, the numbers are pretty precise and accurate.
It converts all abilities, including invisible ones like mana or inner power, into numbers.
The exact mechanism hasn’t been revealed. Only Kwitch knows.
I’d love to explain the principle in detail…
But honestly, I don’t know either lol.
Three-line summary:
1. Virtual reality was created because crazy strong guys kept fighting over who’s better!
2. You can scratch your belly and post nonsense online thanks to Kwitch!
3. Kwitch Corporation is humanity’s treasure and savior!
- Thanks, Speedwagon!
- Info upvote.
- Isn’t it kinda weird? Virtual reality just popped up out of nowhere.
└ Speedwagon: That’s true. Even though magi-tech advanced rapidly in a short time, Kwitch’s virtual reality system is just too perfect. Normally, technology goes through tons of trial and error to reach perfection, but there was none of that here.
└ For real? That’s kinda creepy.
└ Speedwagon: Some experts even treat the virtual reality system as an Oopart because it’s so perfect. Rumor has it one of the developers is an awakened with dream-related abilities… Only Kwitch knows the details, but as you know, they’re keeping quiet.
└ Shiver
└ Sounds like a conspiracy waiting to happen.
└ What’s Kwitch hiding?
After reading the post, Chi Yulang rubbed his chin.
“Hm… Fascinating.”
- HeavenlyMaiden, don’t pretend you understand.
- Kwitch Corporation does have a lot of rumors swirling around.
- They say no one knows exactly how the network is connected either.
- Hence the conspiracy theories. Like, is Kwitch trying to take over the world?
- Lol, does that make sense? If that was their goal, why would they support the Rift Exploration Team so much?
While reading the post and chatting with viewers, time flew by.
[RealFight99 installation complete!]
“Oh, it’s done.”
- Finally!
- Let’s go!
“Do I just click it?”
- Yup.
- Go go go go go!
- Newbie, newbie!
- Fresh newbie!
- Newbies are always welcome!
- Lick!
Glancing at the viewer count, Chi Yulang’s eyes widened.
[Viewers: 103]
One hundred?
Far from dropping, the count had increased.
He’d surpassed 100 viewers without even realizing it!
Chi Yulang trembled with emotion.
To hit 100 viewers just by talking about RealFight while it installed.
He didn’t know why, but it felt incredibly joyful.
The fact that viewers didn’t leave during the installation—and even increased—was a very positive sign.
It was proof he’d kept the stream engaging and evidence of his talent as a streamer.
How many will I hit while playing?
Maybe even 150?
150 viewers in just two days of streaming!
A monstrous streamer had emerged.
Calming his racing heart, Chi Yulang placed his hand on the installed RealFight.
“Here I go.”
Clicking play, a bright light burst forth.
———-
In a dimly lit room,
The vibrant neon signs of the city glowed through the window.
A distinctly cyberpunk atmosphere.
Knock, knock—
- It’s me.
Click.
A figure lounging in a chair pressed a button, and the sliding door opened with a whoosh.
Tap!
As the sound of clicking heels entered the dark room, the woman turned on the light.
The man in the chair groaned, shielding his eyes with his arm.
“Were you sleeping?”
“…Just resting my eyes for a bit.”
“Don’t do that here. Go lie down properly.”
“This is comfortable for me.”
The woman clicked her tongue.
Then she tossed a stack of documents onto the desk where the man sat.
“We picked up a signal from beyond the rift.”
“Where?”
“Not sure yet. The signal’s too unstable to pinpoint.”
“Is it finally the Demon Realm?”
“Dream big, huh?”
“Track it.”
“On it.”
Click, clack—
The woman left without a goodbye.
The man with dark circles under his eyes rubbed them, sat up, and began reading through the documents she left.
Then he frowned.
“What’s this?”
He read the documents again carefully from the top.
“This is the spectrum emitted when streaming with a Kwitch 3.01 capsule?”
The man muttered blankly.
“…Someone’s streaming from beyond the rift?”
————
When Chi Yulang opened his eyes again, he was standing in a Central Plains-style training arena.
His eyes deepened.
“…A nostalgic sight.”
Taking a deep breath, Chi Yulang closed his eyes briefly before opening them again.
The chat, with over 100 viewers, was scrolling rapidly.
- Ooh, she’s in.
- Tutorial section.
- You can skip it, but since it’s her first time, might as well do it.
“What’s the tutorial?”
- Nothing much.
- Just getting a feel for things.
- You hit some scarecrows, shoot a gun or bow, stuff like that to get used to it.
“…Really nothing special, huh.”
- Lol, why’s she disappointed?
- Heehee, newbie’s so cute.
- But HeavenlyMaiden, can you fight well?
Chi Yulang crossed his arms and spoke in a dignified tone.
“There is no match for me.”
- Lolololol
- She said no match lol.
- So tiny but so bold lol.
- Ever played RealFight before?
“No!”
- Lol look at that confidence.
- Love the confidence.
- But RealFight’s full of veterans, so she’ll probably just lose at first.
- This game is super easy~ Let’s play a match ^^ (It’s brutal)
- You never know, she might have talent.
- Don’t rush too fast. Take it slow, grow steadily.
- Don’t obsess over wins and losses. There’s no kiddie channel here, so losing to adults is normal.
[BerryBouncy has donated 1,000 cookies!]
Heard there’s a total RealFight newbie, is this the place?
- Yup, this is it.
- She did the combat power test earlier.
- Oh, what’d she get?
- Dunno.
- ?
“Welcome. But how do you all keep finding me?”
- There’s a RealFight gallery.
- There’s a forum just for RealFight talk, probably coming from there.
Chi Yulang trudged across the training arena and stood in front of a scarecrow.
A green bar appeared above his head.
“What’s this?”
- That’s your HP bar, HeavenlyMaiden.
- If it runs out, you lose.
- You can turn it on or off.
“I see. I’ll keep it on then.”
Chi Yulang bounced lightly, getting a feel for the movement.
He threw punches into the air and kicked.
“…Hm?”
Something felt off.
A sense of discomfort, perhaps.
- Oh, what’s that?
- Her form’s pretty good.
- Looks like she’s trained somewhere.
- Feels promising.
Addressing the chat, which was oohing and aahing at HeavenlyMaiden’s unexpected skill, he asked,
“Let me ask one thing. It feels a bit strange. Is it supposed to be like this?”
- Strange how?
- Be specific.
“It’s… my movements feel awkward. Like I’m wearing ill-fitting clothes.”
More precisely, it felt like squeezing into clothes too small…
- That shouldn’t be.
- They say it’s perfect virtual reality. It feels 99% like reality.
- That’s why everyone fights in RealFight.
- The Nine Heroes even said there’s barely any difference from reality.
- Well, they said the 1% difference matters only at life-or-death levels.
- So for anyone below the Nine Heroes, it’s basically the same.
Chi Yulang tilted his head.
“It doesn’t feel that way…”
Taking a stance, he lightly infused inner power and executed a technique.
Whoosh—Whoosh—
His hands and feet sliced through the air sharply.
- What’s that sound?
- Already using mana? Insane talent.
- Isn’t she a martial artist?
- Oh, then it’s inner power?
- Martial arts are intense. She might actually be a genius.
But Chi Yulang wasn’t satisfied.
In terms of feeling… half? No, maybe 30%?
At that moment—
Ding!
[Grandma’sCartThief has challenged you!]
[Do you accept?]
[Y/N]
“Hm? A challenge?”
- ?
- What?
- Already?
- That guy’s a notorious troll.
- Probably saw it on the RealFight gallery.
- That’s too much, she hasn’t even done the tutorial yet.
- HeavenlyMaiden, don’t accept!
[You have accepted!]
But Chi Yulang had already accepted.
Perfect. I’ll use this guy to get a feel for it.
The scarecrow wasn’t enough anyway.
[Challenger entering!]
With the system message, the opponent appeared in the arena.
A garish hairstyle and a tacky floral shirt that screamed troublemaker.
He grinned, revealing shiny metal teeth.
- Ugh, why’d she accept?
- Probably clicked by mistake.
- Can’t something be done about these trolls?
- Damn punks, seriously.
- That jerk.
- You trash! Picking on a kid like that?
- HeavenlyMaiden, forfeit now!
Ignoring the chat, Chi Yulang beckoned the challenger with a finger.
“Come.”
Grandma’sCartThief’s grin widened.
[3, 2, 1]
[Fight!]
At the same time, the opponent swiftly drew a gun from behind and pulled the trigger.
Bang!
The chat erupted in outrage.
- That crazy bastard!
- That’s too much.
- HeavenlyMaiden!
“So this is a bullet.”
- ?
- ??
Contrary to expectations of her collapsing in a spray of blood, HeavenlyMaiden was holding something shiny, examining it in the light.
It was the bullet.
She casually tossed it aside.
Grandma’sCartThief’s eyes blankly followed the bullet as it rolled with a clatter.
Then he looked up at HeavenlyMaiden’s head.
Her HP bar hadn’t decreased at all.
“Now it’s my turn.”
HeavenlyMaiden said calmly, hands behind her back.
Grandma’sCartThief involuntarily gulped hard.
0 Comments