Chapter 28: Psychological warfare, not personality

Fame on the internet is power.

The more famous you become online, the more weight your words carry.

Your will and intentions gain influence, and you can make others agree with your opinions.

You know how they say once you’re famous, people applaud whatever you do?

…Though I guess no one actually said that, literally.

Anyway, since my goal with streaming was to improve the perception of archers, the first step was to become famous.

The more well-known I became as a streamer, the more effectively my genuine advocacy for archers would spread.

‘Feels a bit premature, but…’

Typically, a streamer like me becomes popular through livestreams on platforms like Pajjijik,
and by running a YouTube channel.

It felt a bit early to start YouTube when I hadn’t even been streaming for a full month, but according to what Seoyeon told me, there didn’t seem to be any particular issue.

Actually, she said it’d be better to start as soon as possible.

She said if you want your channel to grow quickly, you have to act fast—like those “act first, ask permission later” types that communities often refer to as 허용빠 (Heoyongppa).

Just hearing that I was being mentioned in communities a lot made me a little suspicious, to be honest.

I wondered, “Is it really being talked about that much?”

[Me] – Is it really being mentioned that often?

[Me] – I don’t really know yet.

[Seoyeon] – See for yourself

[Seoyeon] – (community screenshots x10)

[Title: Today’s 허용빠 Rampage]

[Author: ㅇㅇ 00:11]

Summary: Met 허용빠 again in ranked with Nabel, and 허용빠 totally carried.

Thought the archer champ was throwing again when they dashed out of the mid-temple fight, but they circled around and flanked us.

Watching Nabel and 허용빠 on dual monitors was dopamine overload lol

(허용빠 Archer Clutch Teamfight Highlight 1)

Took down mage and priest one after another.

(Highlight 2)

Kited the late-coming knight and rogue while dodging like crazy—wiped them all.

Never seen a crazy chick parry a rogue’s ambush with an archer’s dagger in my life.

– Nabel says: Haven’t seen an archer like this since Season 3.

Godlike.

– Yeah, that elite Season 3 crew again lol

– True, it’s been ages since we’ve seen an archer like 허용빠.

– Kinda wanted to punch Nabel for stammering so much though lol

– You wouldn’t stammer in that situation?

– 허용빠’s voice was next level—you could hear the nervousness.

– Archer high is real lol I’m logging in right now

– Went 0/4/1. Picked archer, insta-threw

[Title: 허용빠 <<< Not even Emerald Tier? Calm down, people]

[Author: ㅇㅇ 00:47]

Not trying to boost her just ‘cause she’s a girl, right?

Even Immortal-tier gatekeeper warrior mains can hard-carry with archer in Emerald.

– (허용빠’s ranked profile screenshot)

– Win rate’s insane.

– 71% win rate with archer is seriously impressive;

– If this trend continues, she’ll hit Diamond soon.

– Why do people keep bringing up Immortal?

– That guy hit Challenger with archer in Season 4, then switched to warrior after getting nerfed hard.

– He’s always chasing that “romance” angle, saying archer’s his true love, but gets wrecked every time he plays it.

[Seoyeon] – See? You really are getting talked about a lot.

[Seoyeon] – I’m not just making this up.

[Me] – (OK emoji)

[Seoyeon] – Anyway, don’t forget we’re meeting at 7:30 PM.

[Seoyeon] – This guy used to be Yoo-hyuk oppa’s editor, so it’s your loss if you miss him.

[Me] – (OK emoji)

After reviewing the screenshots Seoyeon sent, even I, someone who’s clueless about online communities, could tell 허용빠 was being talked about frequently.

It made sense to push forward aggressively.

With this much attention, it might actually work.

If I can make 허용빠 more well-known through YouTube, there’s nothing to lose.

The more people listen to what I say, the more the truth about archers will spread.

Naturally, the main content would focus on showcasing the strengths of archers—likely through tutorial-style videos.

But once I actually decided to start YouTube, just like Seoyeon suggested, new problems cropped up.

For example, I wasn’t sure what standards to use when picking a video editor for the channel.

“Um, about the person Seo-ah is interviewing this time—what’s the position for?”

“Video production for promotional content.”

“Hmm…”

I was asking Jeong Hwa-yoon about how to conduct an interview—that was the context here.

Regardless of what kind of person the editor Seoyeon introduced was, I basically knew nothing about them.

The most important thing was to gauge their practical skills.

Just like with Yeoryeo Hotel, YouTube is ultimately a meritocracy.

If you’re good, you succeed.

If not, you get left behind.

“Is this a startup, by any chance?”

“For now, yes.”

“Then first we need to assess whether the person is a good fit for the job.

Personally, I think it’d be best to look at their portfolio first…”

After that, Jeong Hwa-yoon gave me several example questions that interviewers should ask.

She also pointed out key things to consider when deciding if someone was a good match.

I thought, So this is what experience looks like.

It really hit me—this kid who once trembled at her piano recital was now in a position to evaluate others.

“Thanks for the advice. I was totally lost, but that really helped.”

“Ah, well… I’m glad if it helped.”

In any case, now that I’d gotten advice from someone with plenty of interviewing experience, all that was left was to conduct the interview.

Still, the most important thing is this: “How well can they explain the truth about archers?”

I’m 22, female, currently on a break from college.

Apparently, the person in question used to be Jeong Yoo-hyuk’s YouTube editor—I wonder what kind of person they are…

***

[What do you think? Worth a try?]

“You said you were small-time. How is this ‘small-time’ in any sense?”

[Exactly. That’s why it’s even better. Yujeong, if you play your cards right, you could become a founding member of something big.]

In a one-room apartment on the outskirts of Seoul—Located near a subway station named after a famous university, the place was occupied by its sole resident, who was talking on the phone in a slightly agitated tone.

The reason was simple.

Her former employer and current “older brother figure” had introduced someone who, even in her own eyes, was clearly an undiscovered lottery ticket with massive potential.

[Channel: “Better to Ask Forgiveness than Permission”]

5.1K followers • 3 videos

Likes for archers “I mean, it hasn’t even been a week since the stream started and she’s already over 5,000 followers. And her average viewer count is already in the thousands.”

[Thanks to Nabel, she really caught the wave. Oh, if you don’t want it, just say so. I know other editors too—]

“Don’t you dare say something like that twice, you bastard!”

[Calling your oppa a bastard? And what do you mean by ‘cut it out’.]

“Well, you’re right. There’s nothing to cut off from you, oppa.”

[…That’s sexual harassment, you know.]

“Chill, I’m just playing.”

‘Park Yoo-jung,’ who was once the YouTube editor for Jung Yoo-hyuk (real name), known for his channel “Days,” decided firmly to meet with “Huh Yongppa.”

Her instincts were screaming that she absolutely had to latch onto Huh Yongppa.

A woman.

A voice so pleasant that even other women would admit it.

Gaming skills that could completely destroy a former pro like Jung Yoo-hyuk in a 1v1 match.

A unique personality that seemed to have no clue about not just streaming culture, but internet culture altogether…

Even the fact that her average viewer count was already in the thousands showed her immense potential.

In the saturated world of internet streaming, these numbers were clear evidence that Huh Yongppa was “someone to watch.”

“I heard she’s super pretty. I wonder what she looks like…”

Some level of YouTube exposure was already guaranteed.

If Huh Yongppa’s real-life younger brother Maru promoted her YouTube channel, the initial wave of traffic needed to grow the channel would come flooding in.

When Jung Yoo-hyuk first called, she thought maybe he had a quick editing job or needed a last-minute fix.

She never imagined he’d reel in such a big fish.

Sure, you never know what tomorrow will bring.

But today, Park Yoo-jung was absolutely set on becoming Huh Yongppa’s YouTube editor.

Starting up the YouTube channel of a streamer with massive potential to become a star was a dream job for any editor.

So, 20 minutes before the scheduled meeting time, she arrived at the meeting place and waited.

“…Ms. Park Yoo-jung?”

“…Oh my god.”

“???”

“I’m so sorry! You’re just so pretty, I couldn’t help myself…”

Even at the moment she finally met Huh Yongppa in person, she remained completely enthusiastic.

She was determined to become the editor for Huh Yongppa — for Yoo Seo-ah. That was all she was thinking.

“So first, would it be okay if we talked about your pay, Yoo-jung? I think it’s best to settle the money part first.”

“Oh, yes. That’s totally fine.”

Although she was still a so-called “Dullahan” streamer — one whose face hadn’t been revealed — if it ever was, she’d probably blow up again.

Yoo Seo-ah’s calm and lovely voice was undeniably made for streaming.

And her figure… she’d probably make a fortune if she went full “cam girl” mode.

“So I was thinking of a revenue-sharing model based on the YouTube earnings—”

“That’s fine! That’s how most new YouTubers do it anyway.”

“Personally, I’d like at least two uploads per week—”

“Up to four is possible! Since you stream every day.”

“Would it be possible for you to show me some of your past edited videos—”

“I’ve got about 50! They’re all from ‘Battle of Legends,’ I’ll show you the most recent ones first.”

And just like that, she accepted nearly every condition in the meeting with Yoo Seo-ah.

Without dodging any of her persistent questions, Park Yoo-jung stuck to her like glue, enthusiastically showing off her competence as an editor.

But then, once all of Yoo Seo-ah’s questions were done, and just as Yoo-jung was thinking, “All that’s left is to sign the contract,” while carefully watching her expression…

“Congratulations. You passed the document screening.”

“Oh, thank you! I look forward to working—”

“Now, it’s time for the practical interview. Please follow me.”

“…Sorry, what?”

Something happened that had never happened in Yoo-jung’s editing career.

A practical interview?

What even is that?

Was she supposed to edit a video on the spot in front of Yoo Seo-ah?

Still dazed, she followed Yoo Seo-ah until they arrived at a VR room.

There, she watched as Yoo Seo-ah skillfully put on the VR gear and logged into Battle of Legends.

“Do you play Battle of Legends often?”

“Uh, not super often… but I did hit Platinum once. As a Priest…”

“Oh. That’s pretty good.”

‘Didn’t they say anyone below Diamond doesn’t count as human? Is she just flattering me?’

Before she knew it, Yoo-jung was logging into her own Battle of Legends account and queuing up a regular match as a duo with Yoo Seo-ah.

And that’s when the true nature of the “practical interview” was revealed.

“While you watch, think about how you’d highlight the fact that archers are cool. And if you see any good edit points, let me know.”

“Uh… yeah… okay…”

Her first thought: Is this some kind of concept?

It didn’t feel like a joke.

Right next to her, Yoo Seo-ah was really planning to conduct a practical interview through a regular Battle of Legends match.

Even then, she just thought, “Ah, she’s a bit quirky.”

But she also figured that this was a great chance to watch Yoo Seo-ah’s gameplay up close — so why not look for good editing moments, just like she asked?

And so, the regular game with Yoo Seo-ah began.

With the characteristic “thump” sound, they entered the wide battlefield.

Yoo Seo-ah’s Archer and Park Yoo-jung’s Priest headed to the bot lane with a team Knight.

However, around 4 minutes into the game, the archer Yuseo-ah suddenly left the wave of minions behind and began moving toward the side path near the top lane.

She then told Park Yoo-jung’s priest to follow her.

“Could you follow me for a moment?”

“Huh? Where are you going?”

“You’ll find out when we get there.”

Given that Park Yoo-jung had edited countless videos of Baore matches, this behavior felt especially strange.

No archer she had ever seen played like Yuseo-ah.

Still, she followed her future employer toward the top lane.

Ignoring the flurry of question mark pings from their allied knight, she stayed glued to Yuseo-ah’s side.

Fwoosh!

Pew!

Pew!

Pew!

As a faint silhouette of the opposing team’s warrior appeared in the distance, Yuseo-ah’s arrows began soaring into the sky.

[(All Chat) StomachAche (Warrior): ??]

[(All Chat) StomachAche (Warrior): What is this?]

‘Yeah… seriously, what is this?’

No matter what the enemy warrior did—farming minions, trying to use skills, or just pausing to type in chat—Yuseo-ah’s arrows rained down around them.

Though not every arrow hit, she gradually chipped away at the warrior’s HP.

Eventually, thanks to Yuseo-ah’s relentless pressure, the enemy warrior started losing the lane to their own allied warrior.

Finally, as the enemy warrior and their supporting priest huddled behind their turret like turtles, the nearby sanctuary began to glow—an omen that the enemy Celestial would soon appear.

Wooooong—

“Oh. The enemy Celestial is descending!”

“Yep.”

“…You’re not going to dodge?”

“If I were a mage, I’d have to dodge. But since I have the good fortune of being an archer, I don’t need to.”

“W-what?”

“You’ll see.”

Soon enough, the enemy rogue appeared.

After briefly vanishing into stealth, they reappeared and charged at the archer with twin daggers aimed straight at her chin.

“!! Watch out—”

Park Yoo-jung, realizing the rogue’s ambush, was about to cast a protection spell—Whoosh!

Just before the rogue’s daggers could reach the archer, her body twisted smoothly, dodging the attack with grace.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Yuseo-ah slung her bow onto her back and drew a slim dagger from her side.

The golden-haired archer began a face-to-face duel with the rogue.

Whoosh!

Clang!

She twisted her body, parrying the rogue’s follow-up strikes with the slim dagger.

The clash of steel rang out—Rather than retreating, she pushed forward into the rogue’s space, pressing the attack.

A close-quarters brawl between an archer and a rogue in a narrow forest path.

The very idea that an archer could go toe-to-toe with a rogue was bizarre.

‘W-what…?’

The rogue, whose daggers had a poison effect, aimed for the archer’s side.

But with a simple twist of her upper body, Yuseo-ah dodged the blow—Then immediately struck the rogue’s elbow joint with the hilt of her dagger.

Crunch!

By some miracle, the counter landed perfectly, and the rogue’s arm went numb for a moment.

Not wasting the opening, the archer’s dagger began to dance.

Slash!

Stab!

Rip!

Dozens of cuts landed like flashes of light—targeting the rogue’s exposed joints, gaps in their leather armor, and unprotected neck.

Gruesome sounds of flesh and bone being torn echoed vividly through the VR headset.

The rogue tried to retreat and counterattack, but the archer was always one step, even two steps, ahead.

Her reflexes seemed to surpass human limits.

Yuseo-ah wasn’t just holding her own—she was dominating a melee specialist using only a dagger.

Finally, as the rogue staggered just in front of the sanctuary, Shk!

The golden-haired archer plunged her dagger deep into the rogue’s chest, piercing the heart with precision.

The rogue’s avatar collapsed into ash.

[ForgivenessIsFasterThanPermission (Archer) defeated RoyalPorkBossJokbal (Rogue)]

[(All Chat) StomachAche (Warrior): What the f*ck]

[(All Chat) StomachAche (Warrior): Who the hell loses to an archer like that?]

“Did you get all that?”

Her voice was calm.

Aside from a slightly heavy breath, her expression was serene.

“Uh… y-you’re really good.”

“This is all thanks to how great the archer class is. If I were a mage, I’d have died the moment the rogue appeared.”

“Ah, r-really?”

“Yes. Anyway, now that the nuisance is gone, I’m going back to pressure top lane.”

And again, arrows rained down on the enemy warrior.

Under the hailstorm of arrows, the enemy warrior finally broke.

[(All Chat) StomachAche (Warrior): Ah]

[(All Chat) StomachAche (Warrior): This game f*cking sucks]

[(All Chat) Armageddon (Mage): Lol stop whining]

[(All Chat) StomachAche (Warrior): Bot diff smh]

“This is the key. Please make sure the video captures how their mental state crumbles like a sandcastle because of an archer.”

“So… you want to highlight the toxic gameplay?”

“It’s not toxicity—it’s psychological warfare. All part of the strategy to win.”

“Ah… psychological warfare…”

Maybe this is what they mean when they say a single word can change everything.

Looking into those serious eyes just within arm’s reach, Park Yoo-jung could only muster a sheepish smile.

‘…They say all archers are psychos.’