Chapter 12: Employment

“So, you’re saying you want to join our MCN as a staff member?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Uh… Are you serious right now?”

As I absentmindedly read the contract handed to me by Kang Mirae, the woman who claimed to be the Korea branch chief of the Dimensional Broadcasting Council, I furrowed my brows and asked again.

“That’s right.”

“…Why?”

“To be honest, because there’s no other way.”

She slightly lifted her head and answered again with a neutral voice, eyes half-closed.

Despite having just been digested inside Shia’s stomach, she was remarkably composed—definitely fitting for someone of her secretive rank.

Of course, she was trembling slightly under the blanket I gave her—probably from the chill and being soaked head to toe—but that was just a biological reaction. Understandable.

“Continuing to treat you as enemies would only harm us in the end. We’re also bound by the dimensional treaty, after all…”

“…Dimensional treaty?”

“Ah, I suppose you wouldn’t know about that either.”

She continued her explanation with near-android-level emotional restraint, then pointed to herself as she looked directly at me.

“If you hire me, I’ll share with you all the knowledge and know-how needed to run a VTuber business in this world.”

I was trying to keep a poker face like her, but that line was just too tempting.

To be honest, I don’t know much about this industry. Or rather, I thought I knew—but it turns out I was only seeing the tip of the iceberg.

I mean, I didn’t even understand what the platform meant by “dimensional treaty” in today’s warning message.

In any case, recruiting someone who can share insider information in this situation would be undeniably helpful.

“You’ll need me. I heard you received several warnings during today’s stream.”

“……”

“There are many rules in this world that dimensional contractors—aka VTubers—must follow. Conflicts with other contractors visiting Earth could also occur. Naturally, I can take care of all those issues.”

Kang Mirae was clearly determined to dig in deep.

“And while I’m at it, I can keep an eye on you too.”

“……”

“So you’re not denying it.”

“Of course, the choice is yours, Mr. Haru.”

For a moment, I felt like the corners of her lips were slightly curved upward.

The unfortunate part? Even if that wasn’t my imagination, there wasn’t much I could do about it.

“Human, what are you going to do?”

“…Hmm.”

“Personally, I’d recommend just putting her back in my belly.”

Shia whispered beside me, but as tempting as that was… I probably had to accept this offer.

Still, there were a few things I had to confirm first.

“You’re still part of your organization. Is it really okay for you to be employed at my MCN?”

“We’re simply a decision-making council. There’s no issue with joining a private company.”

“…Hmm.”

“If it really bothers you, I can step down as branch chief effective today. Or better yet, I could just resign entirely.”

Alright, so that’s how you want to play it.

She probably thought I’d feel reassured if she said that.

But I’ve already tasted the bitter side of society.

Her real motive is definitely to monitor and keep us in check.

Of course, I can’t be sure, but judging from the words “Korea branch,” it’s obvious that the organization she’s part of is enormous.

And someone at the level of branch chief wouldn’t make such bold statements without higher-up approval.

This is probably all under orders from above.

You could call her an industrial spy.

Or even a Trojan horse.

“Alright, I’ll hire you.”

“…Tch.”

“For the record, you don’t have to quit your original job. We need information from your side too, after all.”

Even considering all that, I made up my mind to hire Miss Kang Mirae.

“A wise decision.”

“But there’s something you should be aware of.”

“…And what would that be?”

She reached out to shake my hand with a faint smile—the first expression I’d seen from her so far.

But knowing myself, if I took that hand, my borderline-cured gynophobia might just relapse completely.

So, I ignored the handshake and forced a smile as I opened my mouth again.

“Our MCN doesn’t need a manager.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’ll be handling all the management duties myself. That was the plan from the start.”

She looked slightly dazed at that, tilting her head as she asked,

“Then… are you hiring me as a secretary? I’m familiar with that role.”

“Nope, don’t need a secretary either. We’re not that busy yet.”

“Then… what exactly am I going to do?”

Of course, I didn’t plan on keeping her on as a ghost employee.

Our MCN isn’t in the position to be wasting resources—and I certainly don’t plan on giving a comfy job to someone who all but admitted to being an industry spy.

“…Heh.”

No, quite the opposite. I was going to use her to the bone.

If she dared try to spy on my company, she’d better be ready to work for it.

“You interested in becoming a VTuber?”

“…What?”

“As the branch chief of the Dimensional Broadcast Association, you must’ve dealt with a ton of VTubers, right? So you probably already know the basics of how this all works.”

When I asked that with the most genuine smile I could muster, her expression finally cracked.

“No. Please. Don’t.”

She turned pale and spoke in a panicked voice, clearly distressed.

“Hmm… let’s see. Since the VTuber setting has to match this world’s context…”

“I’d rather do menial chores. Please, anything but that…”

“A VTuber with a ‘secret agent hunting extradimensional invaders’ theme. Perfect fit.”

Of course, I had no intention of accommodating her preferences.

She came asking for a job—so as the boss, it’s only right I treat her accordingly.

“Haru, please, if you would just listen—”

“Well, I guess that means we’ll have to start working tonight. Another all-nighter, huh.”

“Haru, I’ll be honest.”

While I was ignoring her and muttering to myself, she took a deep breath, her expression turning deadly serious.

“I… hate VTubers with every fiber of my being.”

Silence fell between us.

“I’ve managed those bastards for seven damn years. And I swear—”

“Perfect. It’s decided.”

Still staring at her, I broke into a wide grin and scribbled an addition onto her contract.

[Project: Abyss – MCN VTuber Employment Contract]

If I looked into a mirror now, my smile probably would’ve looked just like Shia’s infamous creepy grin.

But who could blame me? From that one line of hers—dripping with deep-seated resentment—I could feel it.

Another talent had just awakened.

“Sign here.”

“……”

“You’re not thinking of backing out now, are you?”

Kang Mirae held the pen and contract in trembling hands.

And this time, I could say for sure—her shaking wasn’t from cold or damp clothes.

“The choice is yours, Miss Mirae.”

“…Ugh.”

***

A few hours later…

A new post suddenly appeared on Project Abyss’ official community and SNS, drawing everyone’s attention.

[Coming soon]

[Silhouette.jpg]

[Non-standard lifeform classification 001-EX located. Commencing infiltration as ordered.]

The format was identical to the teaser post from Shia’s debut, and the reactions poured in quickly.

-What the heck? It hasn’t even been that long since Gen 1 debuted and we’re getting a new one already?

-Isn’t she technically still Gen 1?

-Nah, they’re calling her Gen 1.5 apparently.

-Pretty sure they planned to have her launch with Gen 1 all along lmao.

-Wait, is she infiltrating midway through Gen 1? LOL

-Honestly, it always felt weird to only have one debut in Gen 1 anyway.

Of course, over on the anonymous Abyss underground forum, the degenerates were out in full force.

Anon1: What’s her gimmick? Sounds like a secret agent or something?

ShortHairLover: Short-haired agent lady in a suit… God DAMN. That’s my new religion.

└ Anon223.38: Bet she’d glare at you coldly while verbally eviscerating you for harassment. Insta-like.

ModMoron: AAAAHH NOONA!!! The extradimensional invader’s possessed my D, exorcise it with your lips!!!

└ Anon117.13: Bro.

└ Anon: This guy’s a total noob… embarrassing.

And watching it all unfold from a corner of Haru’s apartment, phone in hand, sat a certain someone with a dazed expression.

“…I hope you all die in a fire.”

Kang Mirae—now known as VTuber K, the first and only 1.5th generation member of Project Abyss.