Chapter 43: The Genius’s Clarification Broadcast (Part 2)

After attaching her trusty kitchen knife to the VR device, Shihyun opened it, leaving the dumbfounded onlookers behind.

Then, she looked at Ji-eun.

“Sigh, Shihyun. Who carries a kitchen knife as a good luck charm? People will think you’re crazy.”

“Haha.”

“Sigh. This isn’t funny.”

Ji-eun sighed deeply.

Shihyun gave another awkward laugh.

But it couldn’t be helped.

She still couldn’t calm down without a weapon nearby.

Even though the outside of the VR device wasn’t within her reach, it provided a sense of security. It was the same reason she placed her trusty kitchen knife by her pillow before going to sleep. She still did that every night.

‘Of course, bringing the new dagger would have been fine, but…’

She hadn’t bonded with the dagger yet. It was okay to carry it outside, but she couldn’t entrust her safety to it while she was asleep or completely unconscious inside a VR device.

If she had brought the dagger, she could have taken it inside the VR device, which would have been better than taping the knife…

‘Honestly, I didn’t know the device would be this big.’

The 5th generation top-of-the-line model provided by Arfellium Corporation had a surprisingly spacious interior. While she couldn’t bring in anything without a sheath, like her kitchen knife, it was large enough to accommodate a dagger.

However, Shihyun had expected the interior to be similar to her old device. So, taping the knife was her only option.

She glanced around.

The Caucasian engineers also seemed bewildered, probably not expecting her to bring a kitchen knife. Or perhaps they were more shocked that she taped a kitchen knife to a state-of-the-art VR device.

‘It can’t be helped. The device might break if I take the knife inside.’

Shihyun consoled herself and put on a calm expression.

Then, she looked at Assistant Manager Kim.

“If it’s not a problem, could I play with the knife attached?”

“Uh…”

Assistant Manager Kim looked troubled.

But he soon nodded in resignation.

“…It’s a bit hard to understand, but if you say it’s a good luck charm… HQ also instructed us to accommodate your requests as much as possible. Besides, you’ve already attached it. What can we do?”

He gave an awkward laugh.

“But please let us know next time. This is a 5th generation device, and we only have a few at the Korean branch.”

“I apologize.”

Shihyun bowed her head.

If they only had a few, she should treat it with care. She felt genuinely sorry for her actions.

“Can I go in now?”

“Ah, yes. Once you’re in, you can start setting up the broadcast.”

“Ah…I don’t know how to do that.”

Ji-eun raised her hand and said, “Shihyun has never streamed before. I’ve been helping her, but I haven’t taught her how to set things up yet. If you have another device, could I go in with her and help?”

“Of course. It’s not a 5th generation, but we have plenty of 4th generation models. Euning, please come with me to the VR experience room a little later to log in.”

Assistant Manager Kim then turned to Shihyun.

“Shihyun13, please log in first.”

“Ah, yes. Understood.”

Shihyun immediately lay down inside the VR device.

A plush cushion enveloped her. As expected of a 5th generation model, it was far more comfortable than her old one. Or was it because it was the top-of-the-line model?

‘Well, comfort is good.’

She was more excited about the device’s performance than its comfort. She was currently using a 2nd generation, lowest-end, cheapest model. This one was three generations ahead and top-of-the-line. What kind of performance would this VR device deliver? Her heart pounded with anticipation.

‘I’ll find out soon.’

Shihyun calmed her excitement and smiled.

The VR device closed.

It was time to experience the new device.

After logging into virtual reality and waiting briefly in the lobby, Shihyun received a call from Ji-eun.

It was a VR call.

“Shihyun!”

Ji-eun wasn’t alone. Assistant Manager Kim was with her.

“I’m here to assist with the test.”

He explained.

Shihyun nodded and looked at Ji-eun, who smiled brightly.

“I started setting up the broadcast as soon as I logged in. I’m almost done. Just wait a little longer.”

“Okay.”

While waiting, Shihyun asked Assistant Manager Kim, “How will the test be conducted?”

“HQ has developed a special measurement program. I haven’t seen it myself yet, but they said it tests various aspects.”

“Various aspects?”

He nodded.

“It seems to focus on physical aspects like reaction time and dynamic vision.”

“I see.”

“The controversy arose because of your incredible physical abilities, Shihyun13. So, they’re planning a rigorous physical assessment.”

“Hmm, is Shihyun the first to do this?”

Ji-eun asked, her eyes still glued to the interface as she configured the broadcast settings.

“This is Arfellium Corporation’s first official response to hacking accusations, right? I’m not trying to disrespect them, but if the verification is solely based on Shihyun’s measurements, it could lead to accusations of manipulation.”

“Ah, I understand.”

Assistant Manager Kim smiled.

“HQ has taken measures to address that. You don’t need to worry.”

“Measures?”

What measures? Shihyun looked at him curiously. He snapped his fingers.

Images of people’s faces appeared in the air.

“This is it.”

“This is…?”

“Ah!”

The faces were unfamiliar to Shihyun, but Ji-eun seemed to recognize them. Her eyes widened as she looked at Assistant Manager Kim.

“Are those…Arfellium pro players?”

Pro players?

Shihyun looked at the pictures again.

Assistant Manager Kim smiled and said, “Yes, that’s right. They’ve also agreed to take the same physical test using the same program. Many players willingly volunteered.”

“Wow! That will certainly demonstrate the fairness of the test!”

Ji-eun said with a bright expression. Then, as she scanned the pictures, she gasped, pointing at one. She looked at Assistant Manager Kim with surprised eyes.

“I-Is that Choi Sangcheol?”

“Haha, we can’t talk about physical prowess without mentioning him. He’s the best in the world, physically, isn’t he?”

“That’s true.”

Shihyun blinked.

She turned to look at the picture Ji-eun had pointed to. It was a picture of a handsome young man.

That person was the best in the world, physically?

‘Interesting.’

The title of “best in the world” wasn’t given lightly. It was reserved for the undisputed number one.

Shihyun stared at the picture of Choi Sangcheol.

He was smiling, his face full of confidence.

There was definitely something different about his eyes.

“The other players have already completed the test. With the tournament starting soon, they had to take the test early.”

“Wow, you handled all that in just a few days. As expected of the world’s number one gaming company.”

“Haha, it’s the power of Arfellium Corporation.”

The conversation between Ji-eun and Assistant Manager Kim seemed distant.

Shihyun stared at the picture, as if mesmerized.

‘That person is number one in the world…’

Her heart pounded.

What was this feeling?

‘Competitiveness?’

Yes, that seemed to be it.

‘Competitiveness…’

It was a strange feeling.

She had never felt competitive towards anyone before.

Not even in ‘that world’.

Of course, in ‘that world’, she was unrivaled. The strongest, untouchable. She had even slain the Demon King.

But…

A smirk crept onto her face.

“Shihyun? Are you okay?”

Ji-eun asked, concerned by her expression.

Shihyun shrugged as if it was nothing.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Are you done setting up the stream?”

“Yes. I’ll hand it over to you now.”

The broadcast interface appeared on her screen.

Shihyun looked at the interface, then back at Choi Sangcheol’s picture. She lightly clenched her fist.

‘Indeed.’

What score did he get on this test?

And…

Could she surpass him?

She was looking forward to it.