Became the Mother of Virtual YouTubers - Chapter 75

“I… I dreamed of a virtual reality game… here…!”

In the private channel of VRChat, ‘Roji the Witch’s Workshop.’

In a virtual space dyed in purple, Jin Ha and Roji were monitoring Summer’s broadcast.

“I’ve wanted to make a game like ‘Sword Master Online’ since I was a kid…”

Roji mumbled in a hoarse voice.

“Even though I’ve only taken my first steps, it feels like I’m getting a little closer to that dream… it’s touching… sob!”

Unlike Roji, who looked like she could cry at any moment, Jin Ha’s expression was deadpan.

“Still, it’s a relief that it’s running well without any critical bugs. Ah, wait a minute. The RGB value of the campfire flame effect looks strange. Was there a problem with the color channel settings?”

“Wow… Jin Ha, you really pay attention to detail.”

Roji laughed, sticking out her tongue.

Still, Roji was a lowercase f who understood the heart of T.

However, seeing the large capital T, Jin Ha, who was being cold and collected even in this moment of reflection, was just shocking.

“This isn’t even a big problem, right? Everyone is too busy focusing on Yu Da-hee, not analyzing the flame colors…”

“I’ve already seen it. And someone might be zoning out over there.”

Jin Ha narrowed her eyes, insisting that they needed to be more meticulous to create a ‘realistic’ world.

“Then why did you put a king-size new bed in that inn room if you’re so concerned about realism? Isn’t that a breach of setting?”

“But it was fun, right? We produced great content.”

“…That’s true. Hahaha~”

It was surprising, but Jin Ha wasn’t a person fixated on realism.

If that were the case, she wouldn’t have made HANA or the avatars of Seasons in an animated style.

If realism were the top priority.

Fun and attraction would be the zero priority.

“By the way…”

Roji turned her gaze back to the broadcast screen.

“Summer is really enjoying the game~ She’s totally immersed, isn’t she?”

“That’s Summer’s charm. She’s unpretentious, carefree, and honest. Most importantly, she’s sincere in everything.”

Just then, Summer was singing to Yu Da-hee.

Her pitch was so clear that it was hard to believe it was an unaccompanied live performance.

“I’m getting so absorbed that I lose track of time~”

“I’ve actually put on Summer’s stream as a work song once, and ended up watching the whole thing without getting any work done.”

It wasn’t just Jin Ha and Roji who were engrossed in Summer’s broadcast.

– Did Summer always sing this well??

– What’s the title of this song? This is the first time—what’s the title of this song? This is the second time—what’s the title of this song? This is the third time…

– But does anyone else feel like they’ve heard that singing voice before?? Why does it sound familiar???

– This is really emotional.

– Is there anyone who hasn’t bought into the Yu Da-hee coin??

– Host! Open donations quickly!! Take my money!! And communicate with us!!

Already, the viewers had surpassed ten thousand and were cheering for Summer.

Crying, laughing, and shaking glow sticks.

“Wow~ The song really has a vibe. I love it… I could d*e like this without regrets…”

“Ah, if I had known this would happen, I should have added an instrument playing system…”

Just as Summer finished her song and Yu Da-hee was applauded by the viewers, Roji muttered in a sullen voice.

“Sigh. This makes it even more regrettable to see. We should have forced ourselves to increase the number of ending routes.”

“You were the one who said it was better to have a unified ending route to avoid branching issues blocking the story progression, right?”

“That’s true… But watching Summer play makes me envious.”

More than anything, it was painfully disappointing to know the ‘ending’ of this story.

If there had been multiple endings, there would have been some enjoyment in wondering what choice Summer would make.

“Well, it’s still a test version. Roji can refine it until the official release.”

“Hehe~ You bet… Wait a minute. Why just me??”

Roji’s head whipped towards Jin Ha.

“Weren’t we a team? Didn’t we have each other’s backs!!”

Despite Roji’s fierce glare, Jin Ha merely shrugged.

“I was only working on the test build. Besides, I don’t really have anything to do from here on.”

“Ugh—so mean! Traitor!!”

Unlike the bickering Jin Ha and Roji, on the screen, Summer and Yu Da-hee were creating a touching atmosphere.

*

“Da-hee, what about you? What do you want to do after saving the world?”

After finishing her song, Summer sat next to Yu Da-hee and asked.

Yu Da-hee seemed to ponder for a moment, lowering her gaze slightly before speaking with a lonely expression.

“I just want to live a normal life. Maybe settle in a small village and grow fruits…”

“But you’re the saint who saved the world. Isn’t it okay to live a bit more supported?”

Living in a luxurious palace.

Eating lots of delicious food.

At Summer’s added words, Yu Da-hee slowly shook her head.

“I was happiest when I was helping out at the orchard as a child. Caring for trees, picking ripe fruits, and sharing them with people…”

Hearing her miss that peaceful, mundane daily life made Summer’s heart inexplicably heavy.

The fact that a girl burdened with the heaviest title of ‘Saint’ yearned for nothing more than a simple daily life felt painfully poignant.

“Once you return, you’ll have a lot to do. You’ll have to till the fields and plant new trees. It’ll be hard.”

“But if you’re with me, it might not be as hard. Hehe.”

In that moment, Summer felt her heart drop.

Of course, it could have just been a casual remark.

But even that light comment felt sweet to Summer.

“Hehe~ Are you planning to make me work?”

Summer made a joke on purpose to lighten the slightly awkward atmosphere.

“If I go, I won’t be of any help, will I? You’ll be working hard while I’ll just be singing by your side and playing.”

“Just having you beside me would be a great strength.”

“Wow~ Our saintess is so good at bringing out the essence.”

“Uh, um?”

“Not a big deal. If this keeps up, I might fall for you.”

“…!”

The two exchanged silly words and spent a long night together.

‘These days, NPCs look so human, I’d believe it.’

Deep within Summer’s heart, an unknown sense of responsibility and affection rose.

How many battles had they fought together, how many conversations had they layered upon each other.

Yu Da-hee’s existence was.

More than just a character in a game.

*

As time passed, Summer and Yu Da-hee became a single team.

Summer skillfully used a bow and rapier to handle enemies.

Yu Da-hee supported Summer from behind with divine magic.

Their adventures led them into deeper realms.

Collapsed ruins, towers sealed by magic, underground passages near the ruined royal palace.

They found keys one by one to illuminate the path to the sanctuary, revealing the hidden secrets of this world little by little.

The problem was that all the content hinted at ominous sacrifices.

[The last key to illuminate the sanctuary may be the soul of the saint.]

[There is no complete salvation without sacrifice.]

Every time such phrases appeared, Summer felt a heaviness in her stomach.

[The door opens with the saint’s bl**d, and her soul will merge into the seal to save the world.]

The scroll found in the ancient temple’s library bore a blunt statement.

“It’s just an ancient document.”

“There’s no need to follow it strictly.”

She tried hard to say it nonchalantly…

But feeling tormented was inevitable.

“…”

Yu Da-hee only smiled lightly at Summer’s words without any particular reaction.

But Summer noticed.

Yu Da-hee’s eyes had become increasingly detached.

As if she had already accepted the conclusion.

‘Is the system saying that the saint must sacrifice herself to save the world…?’

No way, Summer repeatedly denied it in her mind.

‘But this game… is about saving Yu Da-hee.’

Summer pinned her hopes on the game’s title.

‘I just need to work harder.’

Clenching her teeth, Summer desperately gathered clues and threw herself into battle.

The adventure they shared.

Had already deepened into something more than just fun, filled with affection.

*

Finally, they arrived before the final boss.

The roar that echoed as if the world was about to break tore at their ears.

A massive wave of darkness surged with the rough wind.

A crimson-scaled dragon, as if crawling out of hell, blocked the altar of the sanctuary.

Its green, glistening eyes shone with a slimy light.

From its toothy maw, wisps of black flames seeped out.

The Dark Dragon.

Along with Yu Da-hee, the only living being set as a fixed variable in this world spread its wings wide.

The dragon had already claimed the sanctuary, exuding a will to annihilate the world.

“Why… why is it already the final boss…!!”

Summer took a deep breath, gripping her bow (controller) tightly.

She still hadn’t found anything to turn the situation around.

At this rate, she could only sacrifice the saint, Yu Da-hee.

…But.

“Not yet, I don’t know.”

If she could defeat that dragon, there might be some kind of reversal.

Summer drew the bowstring taut.