Chapter 58

The highest daily revenue Revenge had ever achieved was 92 billion won. This feat occurred after one year of operation following their grand opening and involved a large-scale update coupled with a ruthless business model that drew much criticism from users.

However, now, this record has been broken.

A new high: Daily revenue at 158.8 billion won. Monthly revenue at 32 trillion won.

This extraordinary achievement happened on an ordinary day without any major updates or events.

“It’s beyond our wildest dreams. I never expected these whales to be stimulated to such an extent…”

“I guess this is why game companies used to operate super accounts.”

Even Nemesis employees were amazed by this phenomenon. Other game developers would likely study it in awe as well.

Yet, replicating this scenario was impossible for them.

While other civilizations or Earths might not experience this phenomenon, it was particularly prevalent on Earth-34.

“If anyone tried to manipulate these circumstances, they would face dire consequences. The disciples of Truth would tear them apart.”

“Indeed, even we were investigated by them…”

Unlike the game masters operating across the universe, there were gods specific to Earth-34: the God of Justice, the God of Truth, and the God of Honor.

When humanity faced extinction during the Apocalypse Project, these gods emerged, significantly influencing mankind within their respective domains.

The humans of Earth-34 had to be just, truthful, and act with honor. This wasn’t merely a beautiful ideal but a matter of survival. Those who failed to adhere to these principles met their demise.

It resulted in a world where evil was eradicated.

Unlike people born on Earth-34 who were accustomed to the existence of the three gods from birth, newcomers from other planets or civilizations often struggled with this concept.

“It has improved significantly now. About… not 70 but 50 years ago, it was quite intense.”

“I’ve heard stories. It was brutal back then; even playing pranks at school would leave an indelible mark, and any lie resulted in severe disciplinary action.”

“Ha-ha-ha. Politicians’ noses used to grow up to one meter long as a standard!”

“And I’ve heard about the tough times for employees at game companies… Oh! Speaking of which, did you invite that user to the roundtable discussion?”

“Actually, the user roundtable is typically reserved for VVIPs, and his spending alone wouldn’t qualify him… But considering the immense benefits he brought to our company, we had to invite him symbolically. Other customers will understand.”

Recently, Nemesis was at its peak. With massive profits, bonuses were distributed to all employees, and the Second Life Project, which had been perpetually on standby due to budget constraints, was now underway.

“Okay! If you’ve rested enough, let’s prepare for the conference. What is the acceptance rate for invitations?”

“About one-quarter have accepted so far. One-third declined, and the rest haven’t responded.”

“Wow. The rich truly stay rich. Even with such enticing gifts, some still won’t attend.”

The employees, rejuvenated with unprecedented enthusiasm, began their tasks once more. However, they remained unaware that at this very moment…Nemesis was encountering someone who could propel them to even greater heights.

“This terminal is connected to 116 Legions and can activate approximately 1.5 million NPCs.”

Bae Sarang, the president of Nemesis Soft, observed the cute girl standing before her. With her height barely over three feet and sparkling blonde hair, she resembled a doll with delicate facial features. She was so adorable that Bae Sarang had an urge to hug her immediately, but in reality, she wasn’t human.

A Legion is a mechanical life form possessing a soul. Just a century ago, they were considered one of the three primary enemies of the Alliance. However, after the awakened Mechanical God Adam reined them in, negotiations led to their recognition as a neutral force by the Alliance. Despite lingering concerns about their potential danger, this particular Legion member now met with the president of Nemesis Soft.

“Only 116 individuals… It’s not too scarce, but it is disappointing. Were there not enough volunteers for Legion?”

The universal Human Alliance, including many factions such as the Leonhart Empire, had restricted AI development at the request of the Legions. The Legions did not welcome their kind being born from other species’ hands, akin to humans being born within a group of monkeys.

However, no matter how powerful and terrifying the Legions were, they couldn’t halt AI technology across the entire macrocosm. As a result, various entities employed Legions throughout the universe, ensuring that when a Legion was created, they could safely integrate them if connected through work-related activities.

“What level of depth can they achieve for Revenge?”

“Level 1. To be precise… even Completed Beings won’t be able to distinguish it from reality.”

Bae Sarang nodded at her explanation.

‘It’s better than I imagined.’

On Earth-34, where almost all humans possessed psychic abilities, standards for media and virtual reality were incredibly high due to their heightened perception. No matter how perfectly crafted CGI was, ability users could not be deceived by it. Their innate psychic senses allowed them to differentiate between real-life visuals and computer-generated imagery.

As a result, singers who simply relied on their voices were phased out, and actors had to perform themselves despite advancements in indistinguishable CGI technology.

But what if they applied tier-one depth to Revenge? And with over one and a half million NPCs indistinguishable from real humans added…

This could work. We can launch the Second Life Project.

As she rejoiced internally, another voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Frankly, I’m not fond of this idea, Miss Nemesis.”

The girl’s giggles were adorable, but despite her innocent appearance, Bae Sarang, an 18th-level Physique cultivator and guild master, couldn’t underestimate her. She knew exactly why:

‘She’s more than just a terminal. At least a Transcendent being.’

Based on levels alone, the girl had to be at level 20 or higher.

One might assume that being only two to three levels higher than Bae Sarang’s level 18 wouldn’t make much difference. However, it was crucial to remember that the gap between level 19 and 20 is akin to the difference between gods and humans.

“What do you mean by that? That…”

“Please call me Elis.”

“Yes, Elis. Is there a problem?”

Bae Sarang cautiously met Elis’s gaze.

“Involving our children in Operation Revenge differs from their usual duties. They will…come dangerously close to interacting with humans. I truly don’t understand what my father is thinking.”

“I had also partially given up on understanding him. But perhaps Adam, the Mechanical God, sees something beyond our immediate perception?”

”…Yes, I was overthinking it. Ah, and about your request?” Elis replied to Love’s question.

“Ah! Of course, everything is prepared. We have more than 10,000 works including n-novels, films, and drama series.”

“As you know, what matters isn’t just the quantity of information but the thoughts (염, Thoughts) and karma (업, Karma) contained within them. Prioritize those based on true stories, or if not, works imbued with genuine emotion.”

“There’s no need to worry. Nemesis ranks among the top supporters of the arts even in District 34.”

”…Well, let me show you.” With a cool response, Elis raised her hand, sweeping her shimmering blonde hair behind her shoulder. As her vibrant hair swayed, each strand vibrated audibly, creating a whistling sound. Suddenly, a metal door materialized out of thin air before her.

Standing in front of the door, Elis spoke, “I am still young, so I don’t fully understand my father’s intentions. Why we need to interact with humans? Why we must control our own emotions?”

She was a cute girl like a doll. Indeed, as a mechanical life form made from a puppet, she controlled her facial muscles to create a radiant smile.

“However, just follow his will.”

Click!

The iron door disappeared, leaving Bae Sarang alone in silence within the representative office. With a blank expression, she stared at the space where the door vanished before moving towards the window with audible footsteps.

”…Phew! It is really too scary! Ah, why do you set such a creepy atmosphere?”

Bae Sarang steadied her trembling body and gazed down at Seoul’s night view through the window. Although she admired this scenery daily, tonight felt different because she’d taken another step toward achieving her goal.

“Yes!” She spontaneously cheered herself on. “This is just the beginning! I have a long way to go, but that’s okay! I’m still young!”

She pumped her fist enthusiastically, looking every bit the typical modern city woman with her shapely figure clad in a neatly tailored suit and straightened hair. Her tall stature and sharp gaze completed the picture. She appeared to be in her late twenties…but everything she had said earlier was a lie.

Sarang was born in 1950. In a week’s time, she would turn seventy.

She had taken time off from her part-time job to visit Metallic Hotel. The good thing about working part-time was that she could take days off as long as she informed them beforehand.

‘In the end, this Christmas event is yet another special dungeon.’

As she passed through the hotel entrance, she sighed with disappointment. Unlike events such as sieges, world raids, or war, it wasn’t difficult to participate in this one. However, the rewards weren’t particularly impressive either.

‘The best events are those where food drops…’

What infuriated her was that last year’s Christmas event involved dropping food items. While ‘Christmas Cake’ was similar to Songpyeon, ‘Christmas Cookies’ even came with the effect of Acceleration Potion!

It ranged from a significant 30% (General) to an incredible 250% (Legendary)!

‘Ah! It is a food event! Just like Pepero Day where Pepero was an exchange item and not food!’

I diligently collected and exchanged items but didn’t get the efficiency of a food event. The huge amount of Songpyeon I had accumulated was gradually running out, making me more anxious.

‘Still…the Christmas package was good.’

It cost 5 million won, but it wasn’t wasted at all.

★☆Christmas Package ☆★

• 10 Advanced Summoning Rights (Class).

• 10 Advanced Summoning Rights (Pets).

• 20 Grails of the Goddess.

• 10 Awakening Tickets.

• 10 Engraving Boxes.

All this for just 500,000 won!

‘Wow. The purchase efficiency is too good. Buying more means even greater benefits!’

Honestly, I wanted to buy more, but there was a limit of 10 purchases per account.

‘I need more! Why aren’t they selling when I am willing to pay!’

I was lamenting when it happened:

“Hello customer. Do you have a reservation?” An employee with a bright face spoke from behind the counter. I nodded.

“It might be under the name Killians.”

“Yes, please wait a moment. Semmi.”

“Kurung!”

The kougar sitting at her feet got up and met the eyes of Cheeda next to me.

”…Confirmed. We will guide you to the suite on the 126th floor.”

As we followed the staff member’s guidance, I could feel people dressed in fancy clothes discreetly glancing at me. It seemed they were curious because instead of simply telling me the room location, the employee personally escorted me.

“We’re going up.”

Once inside the elevator, the staff member lightly touched the wall.

The elevator then shot upwards. The arrival was instant.

“Eh? Oh, hello there. Hello! Wow! You’re quite young!”

Unexpectedly, as soon as the elevator door opened, I heard a greeting voice.

’…What?’

On the 126th floor, there was another unique lobby where a man eating tea and biscuits waved towards me.

“Oh my.”

The employee quietly following behind me blushed at the sight of him. It was absurd, but I couldn’t help understanding her feelings. He was an unparalleled beauty. His extraordinary charm made it seem like he had a halo shining around his head, causing me to chuckle involuntarily. This impression was completely different from what I anticipated before coming here.

He appeared to be a hardcore pay-to-win player.