Chapter 119: Negotiation Master

Leah accessed the secure portal and checked the contents.

A few electronic documents, one video message,
And a single question.

[“Would you like to request a conversation?”]

She clicked ‘Yes.’

The scheduled call time was 17 minutes later. Loading began.

A real-time secure communication interface built into the portal, without any external software or messengers.

A short while later, Gideon Vance appeared on the screen, against the backdrop of a quiet meeting room.

He had one shirt button undone, and there was a hint of fatigue in his eyes. But as soon as he registered her on the screen, he straightened his posture and spoke.

“Choi-Wong-nim, it’s been a while.”

Leah acknowledged that ‘Choeun’ could be difficult to pronounce in English-speaking countries. But she couldn’t fathom the process that led to that particular transformation.

“Yes. It’s the first time since the on-site verification of the hacking accusations.”

“As I felt then, your English is quite fluent. And your beautiful impression isn’t diminished even through the screen. By the way, it’s early morning here…”

Leah interrupted him, firmly cutting off his attempt at small talk.

“It would have been polite to check the time in America before contacting me. But I’m not particularly in the mood to be polite.”

The smile that had played on Gideon’s lips quickly disappeared.

“My data.”

Leah spoke, not angrily, but in as dry a tone as possible.

“You’re saying that while I was playing the game, you collected, analyzed, and used it without my knowledge?”

Gideon’s eyes flickered.

“Yes, unfortunately, that is correct. However, we only collected technical response values generated during gameplay. We did not extract any sensitive biometric information through any means.”

As Leah stared at him silently, he hastily added,

“The analysis based on that data, centered around you, Choi-Wong, was something only a very small number of people within the ARCUS team were aware of.”

“I know there’s a data collection consent clause in the terms and conditions. But isn’t that for use within the game? It doesn’t matter whether a few people or many were aware of it.”

Gideon lowered his gaze, then quietly raised his head.

“You’re right. In this matter, an apology should precede any explanation.”

He seemed to be carefully choosing his words.

“Even if it was simply an extension of a technical test or internal research, it was reckless to expand the interpretation of the analysis without your prior consent. And I fully understand the discomfort and suspicion you must feel.”

He took a slight breath and concluded,

“That’s why this proposal was prepared with a single principle in mind. So that you can make your own choices and decisions. All conditions, scope, compensation, including the right to refuse.”

Was this a sincere apology?

Actually, Leah was already somewhat drawn to the proposal. Her curiosity outweighed her slight annoyance.

“Answer me this. Is it truly possible?”

“Yes. We absolutely respect your choice…”

“Not that. Fully immersive virtual reality. If I help you, can you really create it?”

Even now, using a band, glasses, and a mat, she felt like she was in a completely different space.

She could bring her combat senses to life and be immersed in battle.

If, beyond that,

There was a virtual reality that could sense her brainwaves and instantly reflect her intentions,

How immersive would the combat be? She was excited by the prospect.

And one more thing.

This… was a way to let others experience the other world she’d experienced, in the same way.

Of course, it was questionable who would recreate another world in virtual reality, but wouldn’t the possibility increase if she initiated it?

Gideon slowly nodded.

“The possibility… always existed. But we needed a standard to realize it.”

He looked at Leah and spoke with conviction in his voice.

“If you help us, this is no longer a theory. It will become reality.”

Leah stared at the screen silently for a few seconds. But her mind wasn’t in turmoil. It was clear.

“…I don’t know what that reality will mean for me.”

She quietly inhaled and narrowed her eyes.

“But I hope… it brings me closer. I’ll cooperate, so show me full-dive virtual reality.”

“Thank you. We will definitely live up to your expectations.”

Gideon’s smile was much more genuine than his awkward one from earlier.

“Then, let’s move on to the next stage.”

He adjusted his posture and changed his expression.

“As a technology partner, I will briefly summarize the proposal and cooperation conditions presented to you, Choi-Wong-nim.”

Though she likely knew what he would say, it was important to have a final confirmation together.

“First, upon request, you will engage in gameplay based on the experimental conditions within the game. Your gameplay is considered an outlier that exceeds the predictive range of the existing ESNR system. Now, we require cooperation not just in data collection, but in ‘inducing and controlling exceptional conditions.’”

Leah nodded slightly.

“Separate equipment will be provided for these tests, and it will be designed to be compatible with your existing equipment. There are no spatial restrictions, and for security reasons, it will be delivered discreetly through our cooperative channels.”

Gideon continued, methodically, without pausing.

“Second, visits to headquarters may be required. These visits will be coordinated through prior consultation, and all expenses will be covered by us. The choice is entirely up to you.”

Leah considered the nuance of his words.

The choice was hers, but there was also the implication that such visits were ‘highly likely.’

“Third.”

Gideon’s voice softened a little.

“Compensation conditions. This includes sharing a portion of the technology patents and related profits derived from the ARCUS Project, or system access rights, access to preliminary information, and the right to provide feedback on character design.”

He finally looked directly into her eyes.

“You are not a test subject in this project. You are being invited as an equal partner.”

After that, he explained the NDA signing process and the initial equipment delivery procedure.

“Okay. Then…”

After hearing the full explanation, Leah nodded slightly towards the screen.

“I look forward to working with you.”

He gave his brightest smile of the day and replied,

“Yes. Welcome, Choi-Wong. As the reference point of ARCUS.”

The next moment, the screen slowly dimmed.

“Wait a moment!”

The screen brightened again, and Gideon Vance reappeared, looking slightly flustered.

“I thought we just exchanged perfect farewells…”

Leah had thought so too. But something had suddenly come to mind.

How could she have forgotten this? Her interest in the technology must have been too overwhelming.

“I’m a Vtuber. I need to tell my agency about this contract.”

“Yes, I am aware that you are a streamer using a 2D avatar modeled after your own face. However, the NDA includes a strict confidentiality agreement.”

Gideon continued seriously,

“Until now, ARCUS’s internal technical information has not been shared with more than ten people, even within the headquarters. A breach of the NDA could lead to the project’s termination.”

Leah quietly nodded. She needed to choose her words carefully to ensure the contract was finalized smoothly…

As soon as she thought that, a rebellious inner voice countered.

This project absolutely needed her… Couldn’t she just say whatever she wanted and they’d agree?

“But, don’t you think that confidentiality clause in the NDA is… a bit ambiguous in practice?”

Gideon tilted his head slightly.

“In what way?”

“You called me a ‘collaboration partner.’ But proceeding without my agency knowing my basic affiliation, contract, and streaming structure could be perceived as disrespectful to them.”

Gideon sat up straight again and fell into thought.

His silence didn’t last long.

“Alright. Then.”

He leaned towards the screen again.

“We will prepare a summary document that can be shared with your agency. This document will be procedural, for ‘external project collaboration requests,’ and all technical details will remain completely confidential.”

See? She knew it would work. It was clear that they couldn’t proceed without her in this situation…

“However, the personnel who review this document must also sign a supplementary NDA.”

Leah smiled slightly.

“That will be sufficient. Thank you.”

Gideon smiled back.

“Seeing how responsible you are with any agreement, I’m confident that we’ve chosen the right partner.”

The call ended, and a new window popped up at the top of the portal.

[Would you like to begin the NDA signing process?]

Leah called Sera and explained the situation. That a formal document would be sent to the agency soon.

“Leah…”

Sera’s voice trembled slightly over the phone.
“I appreciate you informing me… but would it have been possible to call before signing the contract?”

“I forgot…”

Still, Leah emphasized that she had negotiated to ensure the agency was informed, even though it was originally meant to be kept completely secret.

“Alright. We’ll review the document when it arrives. If there’s anything we can discuss beforehand, please let me know.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“And Leah,”

“Yes?”

“You’re streaming Voxel Craft again today, right?”

“Yes. Why?”

“No reason… Just… I want to keep an eye on things, for various reasons.”

After the call ended, Leah tilted her head slightly.

Sera often monitored her streams, but her last comment felt different. What was it?