Chapter 60: Hakkobagi (1)

My gaze remained fixed on Jungyeon.

What was she trying to say?

“When I first started as a VTuber, I really had nothing.”

Jungyeon paused for a moment to catch her breath, then began her story in a calm yet clear voice.

“I didn’t have proper equipment, and I didn’t really know how to stream. Most importantly, there were so few people to listen to my songs or stories. There were also many friends who had talent but no opportunity to show it.”

Her eyes held a hint of nostalgia, as if reminiscing about the past, along with a certain earnestness.

“So, if we could host content ourselves, I want to give those friends a chance.”

“A chance?”

I asked.

“Yes. Something like a song contest. By inviting talented VTubers who are still undiscovered, those called ‘bottom-tier’ (Hakko).”

She began to explain her idea with passion.

“It’s not just a simple singing contest. We’d be providing the participants with this incredible studio at Zelnaga Entertainment as their stage! They’d get to try out the motion capture equipment themselves and sing with the best sound system.”

Listening to her, it sounded appealing.

There was no better plan to show off my studio, which otherwise wouldn’t be used except by the Starlight members.

“Our Starlight members would participate as MCs or judges… no, more like advisors. Members like Ajung or Sol, who are strong in singing, could give realistic advice to the participants.”

“And for the winner… we’d offer an unconventional prize. For example, a voucher to use our company’s recording studio!”

A recording studio voucher.

That meant more than just a simple prize.

For bottom-tier VTubers, it would be a dream opportunity.

A brief silence followed her explanation.

Jungyeon, looking nervous, swallowed dryly and waited for my reaction.

I was lost in thought for a moment.

Jungyeon’s proposal. It was unexpected, but quite attractive.

A picture where Starlight stands in a position of ‘giving’.

An opportunity to naturally show off the company’s overwhelming resources.

In addition to that, a moving narrative of ‘challenging for a dream’.

It wasn’t bad. No, it actually looked very good.

It would be positive for our kids’ image too.

Above all, that look in Jungyeon’s eyes.

This wasn’t a plan just for fun or success.

Based on the difficulties she had experienced in the past, it was a sincere desire to give others a chance.

I liked that sincerity.

“Sounds interesting.”

I spoke softly.

“Huh?”

Jungyeon looked at me, surprised.

“It’ll be good for our image. It’ll be a great opportunity for VTubers who don’t have many viewers and haven’t had a chance. Most importantly, we can properly show what we have.”

I grinned and continued.

“Do as you wish. I won’t spare any support.”

“R-Really, CEO?!”

Pure joy, mixed with disbelief, spread across Jungyeon’s face.

“Using the studio? Of course, use it as much as you want. Use the motion capture equipment freely too. If you need anything, tell Representative Yoon. You don’t need to worry about the budget.”

“Wow! Thank you! CEO! I’ll prepare really hard!”

Jungyeon was so happy she almost jumped, bowing her head repeatedly.

Seeing her like that made me feel good too.

“However, there’s one condition.”

“Yes? A condition?”

“Make it the best. Don’t even start if you’re going to do it half-heartedly. We’re putting our name on it. You have to clearly show the participants and the viewers that ‘Starlight is different.’”

“…Yes! Of course! Leave it to me!”

Jungyeon’s voice overflowed with confidence.

Thus, the curtain rose on the first major project hosted by Zelnaga Entertainment.

---

Jungyeon’s drive was astonishing.

As soon as my approval came through, she gathered Ajung and Yoon Sol and dived into a planning meeting.

“We need to decide on the content name first! Something hopeful and sparkling!”

“Hmm… ‘Hakko Escape No. 1’?”

“Ajung, that’s a bit….”

“Then how about ‘Starlight Dream Stage’? With the feeling of a dream stage.”

At Yoon Sol’s idea, Ajung’s and Jungyeon’s eyes sparkled.

“Oh! ‘Starlight Dream Stage’! That’s great! Sol, you’re the best!”

“That’s right! Dream Stage! It feels just right, doesn’t it?”

The contest name was decided in an instant.

The three of them stayed in the meeting room late into the night, drafting detailed plans.

Participation qualifications (follower count limits, activity period, etc.), judging criteria (including personality and potential, not just singing ability), format (preliminaries, main competition structure), and even stage production.

Jungyeon, drawing on her past experiences, took charge of the practical aspects, Ajung added fun elements with her bubbly ideas, and Yoon Sol, from the participants’ perspective, meticulously covered the finer details.

Three different people had come together to create perfect synergy.

---

And a few days later.

Finally, the announcement for the [1st Starlight Dream Stage] was posted on ‘Star Cluster Galaxy’.

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[Notice] ✨ Announcing the 1st Starlight Dream Stage ✨

Hello! This is Starlight Project’s leader, Rinne! 😊

Our Zelnaga Entertainment has prepared a special stage for all you VTubers who are overflowing with talent but haven’t yet seen the light!

<The 1st Starlight Dream Stage>

Regardless of broadcasting platform!

Currently under 10,000 subscribers (followers)!

Active for at least 3 months since your broadcast debut!

Anyone with a passion for singing and their own story to tell!

The stage will be at Zelnaga Entertainment’s ultra-luxurious motion capture studio! (3D avatar holders preferred, 2D participants also welcome! We will also create the stage for you!)

Final Winner Benefits!

🏆 Zelnaga Entertainment’s top-tier recording studio voucher (1 song production support!) 🏆 + α

How to Apply: Submit your song video or live clip, along with a self-introduction video, according to the specified format.

※Check separate notice for details!

Application Deadline: Until midnight on X Month X Day.

A single stage can change your life!
Don’t hesitate, challenge yourself right now! We at Starlight are rooting for your dreams! (ง •̀ω•́)ง✧

The moment the announcement went up, the reaction was literally explosive.

‘Star Cluster Galaxy’ was on the verge of its server crashing.

---

-Crazy, crazy, crazy, what is this???

-Wow, look at the scale ㄷㄷㄷㄷ Motion capture studio and a recording studio voucher???

-Zelnaga is at it again, throwing money around LOLOLOLOL

-Is this for real??

-This is what a real company does ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ Giving such an opportunity to bottom-tier streamers ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

-Rinne’s loyalty is insane ㅠㅠㅠㅠ She was a Hakko herself, so she’s taking care of Hakkos till the end ㅠㅠㅠㅠ

-As expected of the mother of Hakkos, Mama Rinne ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

-Ah, but if it’s under 10k followers, can I apply too?? LOLOLOL (0 followers)

ㄴ You crazy b*stard LOLOLOLOLOLOL

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The ‘Ggizzik VTuber Gallery’ was also in an uproar.

Is this for real??? A song contest for Hakko VTubers, for real????

-Sh*t, Zelnaga has finally lost it LOLOLOLOLOLOL

-But the prize is a voucher for Zelnaga’s recording studio ㄷㄷㄷㄷㄷ I heard their recording studio is insane.

-They’re even using the motion capture studio? Hakkos would never even dream of seeing such a place ㄷㄷ

-Isn’t Rinne just fulfilling her own selfish desires? LOLOLOL That’s the level of a Hakko-lover LOLOLOL

-But honestly, it’s f*cking cool, admit it?

-Watching Zelnaga spend money is refreshing LOLOLOL How much is he gonna pour into it this time?

-Please don’t pick only weirdos. Let’s see some good singers ㅠㅠ

-If they do well there and get noticed, will Zelnaga scout them???

ㄴ Zelnaga doesn’t pick them if they become famous.

ㄴ Zelnaga is an extreme Hakko-phile.

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In numerous communities related to bottom-tier VTubers and in individual broadcast chat rooms, the ‘Starlight Dream Stage’ was undoubtedly the hottest topic.

[Is this real? The Starlight song contest, is this really, really, really real?]

[I’m seriously tearing up… I never thought an opportunity like this would come….]

[A recording studio voucher? Really? I really wanted to sing in a place like that…….]

[The competition rate will be insane, right? Still, I have to at least apply!]

[How many people will be selected in the end? What? 10 people out of all applicants? Wow, the competition is going to be really tough…?]

[Rinne-nim, thank you so much… If I get picked, I’ll consider you my benefactor for life…!]

[We can really try motion capture? Where do I apply for this?]

Desperation, hope, anticipation, and on the other hand, anxiety about the fierce competition.

Various emotions mixed together, heating up the internet world.

I sat on the sofa, watching the explosive reactions with a satisfied smile.

‘…It’s another new beginning.’

The stage was set.

Now, what kind of talents would shine on this stage?

Jungyeon already looked overwhelmed, checking the flood of applications pouring in.

“Wow, CEO! What do I do! There are already over a hundred applications!”

‘You started this content. Figure it out yourself.’

I wanted to help, but I didn’t want to be buried under that pile of documents either.

“Good luck.”

“Hueee! Please help meeee!”

Not my problem.