Chapter 56: Starlight (5)

I settled into the office sofa and once again sifted through the bundle of documents Yoon Taesoo had brought.

It was a list of collaboration proposals addressed to the Starlight Project.

The names of major corporations and the channel logos of currently popular broadcasters were packed tightly together.

It seemed Solar’s successful debut and the growth of Ajung and Rinne had created bigger waves than I anticipated.

It wasn’t bad.

The fact that the stage I had meticulously built, and the girls who had begun to shine on it, were receiving the world’s attention was certainly satisfying.

However, the more I looked, the more I couldn’t help but frown.

Beneath the glossy covers of the proposals, most hid similar ulterior motives.

Calculations to slyly get a piece of Starlight’s sudden rise in popularity.

Or perhaps, just curiosity.

An intention to sound out just how much money this fledgling agency had to be able to produce such quality.

My standards were simple.

No, they weren’t simple.

They were demanding.

Starlight was not a mere product.

They were my creations, the stars I had chosen.

There was no reason to join hands with those who couldn’t properly recognize their value, or those who merely sought to use them.

Synergy? Of course, it was important. But more important than that was ‘caliber.’

The stage Starlight stood on couldn’t be just anywhere.

Their partners, too, had to possess a fitting dignity.

And above all, we had to set the stage.

A stage where we were the center, where we could play by our own rules.

How many of the proposals on that list could possibly meet these criteria?

Barely a handful… no, there seemed to be almost none.

Hasty collaborations would only damage the specialness and value that Starlight had painstakingly built.

‘…Not yet.’

I muttered softly and placed the documents on the table.

As I had told Jungyeon and Yoon Taesoo, there was no need to rush.

Rather, now seemed to be the time to further solidify the level of Starlight, of Xelnaga, internally, instead of looking outward.

We needed to imprint upon the fans, and everyone else, just how incredible we were, and what extraordinary support we operated under.

Suddenly, the motion capture studio came to mind.

The place used for Ajung’s and Rinne’s dance cover Shorts uploaded to YouTube, and also for Solar’s music video.

World-class equipment. A space built by pouring in billions, no, tens of billions of won.

Yet, aside from Ajung or Jungyeon occasionally filming dance cover videos, it wasn’t being properly utilized.

Letting such incredible technology go to waste like that was a shame.

‘…Shall I start by making use of that?’

In a way that showcased Starlight’s unique color, going beyond merely flaunting technical prowess.

A quality that was on a different level from other corporate VTubers.

Ordinary is meaningless.

A typical VR Chat joint broadcast or a high-quality game stream?

It was stale.

I had to go for the paradoxical.

The simplest, most familiar things.

But with an overwhelming quality that no one could imitate.

An idea flashed through my mind like lightning.

I immediately began drafting a brief project proposal.

The members’ avatars appear against the backdrop of a splendid virtual reality studio.

But the games are extremely analog.

The kind you still see on TV variety shows: explaining proverbs or movie titles with body language, or asking each other questions to guess the word stuck on their foreheads.

The core was the charm of the members revealed in the process, and the harmony of the motion capture technology perfectly realizing it.

The members’ vivid emotions—laughing, flustered, frustrated, joyful—would be conveyed directly through their avatars.

Every movement of the avatars—falling, flailing, jumping for joy—would be as smooth and natural as if it were real.

‘…This is it.’

I smiled with satisfaction.

The intention of this project was clear.

‘Look, Xelnaga Entertainment invests this much technology and capital generously, even for such small pleasures.’

‘Why? Because our artists are worth it.’

To provide the fans with the best enjoyment and spectacle, to give the members pride in receiving the best support, and to show others an insurmountable gap.

This was the ‘caliber’ I wanted to show to others.

---

The next day, I reconvened a meeting with the members.

This time, with a concrete project proposal.

As the proposal, along with dazzling concept art, unfolded on the monitor on the conference room table, the members’ eyes widened.

“Wow… What is this? It looks like a movie set!”

Ajung was the first to exclaim in admiration.

The virtual studio on the screen was as dazzling as a plaza in a futuristic city.

“This is a proposal for a Starlight special motion capture broadcast. The games will be very simple ones. Charades, things like that?”

At my explanation, Jungyeon tilted her head.

“Yes? Charades? In such a fancy studio?”

Her expression was full of a ‘Why bother?’ kind of doubt. It was the reaction I had expected.

“That’s right. Showing the simplest games with the most overwhelming technology. That’s the core aim of this project.”

I calmly continued my explanation.

About the unique fun and message that the dramatic contrast between simplicity and cutting-edge technology would create.

The goal was to show that our technology isn’t just used for flashy graphics or implementing complex systems, but how delicately it can capture and express every single emotion and movement of the members.

“Your laughter, your flustered expressions, even the way you fall – within this studio, it will all become a form of art. Fans will probably feel like they’re watching the real you, not your avatars.”

As my explanation continued, the members’ expressions gradually changed.

Bewilderment slowly turned into interest and anticipation.

“Wow, it sounds like it’s going to be something amazing!”

Ajung’s eyes sparkled.

“Do you think we can do it well? Things like charades are harder than they look.”

Yoon Sol asked, still looking a little worried.

Her caution remained.

“Don’t worry. This isn’t a test of your individual talents. Just enjoy yourselves as usual. What’s important is the process. The sight of you having fun will itself be the best content.”

I reassured Yoon Sol with a smile.

And then I slyly added.

“Of course, the penalties might be a bit special.”

“What?!”

The members exclaimed in unison at my words.

It already felt like the broadcast was going to be noisy.

“Now, then.”

I paused for effect.

It was time to drop the final bomb.

“For smooth progress and entertainment, I also plan to participate in a special way.”

“…What? The CEO-nim?”

This time, Ajung’s voice was the loudest.

Jungyeon was already glaring at me with a wary look, as if she had sensed something.

“Don’t worry. It’s purely a ‘director’ role to help with the overall proceedings. I have no intention whatsoever of disrupting the broadcast flow.”

I said it as nonchalantly as possible.

“It’s for grasping the on-site situation in real-time, and, for example, giving instructions for things like posing questions or carrying out penalties. It’ll be easier if you think of it as a kind of helper or host.”

For now, the pretext was important.

“…Understood. For now.”

Jungyeon still wore an expression of unconvinced suspicion, but she didn’t press further.

She was probably thinking inwardly, ‘What kind of trouble is he planning to cause this time….’

The meeting ended successfully.

The members returned, carrying a mix of anticipation for the new broadcast format and a slight sense of anxiety.

I returned to my office with a satisfied smile.

Now, only the very last preparation remained.

I called Yoon Taesoo.

There was no need for a long conversation.

“Director Yoon. About the motion capture broadcast, I need you to create an avatar for me.”

Over the receiver, I sensed Yoon Taesoo’s brief silence, seemingly flustered but quickly regaining composure.

“…Understood, CEO-nim. What style do you prefer?”

“Simple. So anyone can tell it’s ‘Zelnaga.’ Starlight’s personal colors were purple and gold, right? Use those as accents. A mask would be fine too. I don’t need a face. It’s just an avatar I’ll use briefly this one time, after all.”

I intentionally emphasized the disposable aspect.

“The character concept… A cool-headed and charismatic director? No, just ‘Zelnaga’ itself should do. Because if you’re talking about cool-headedness and charisma, well, that’s just me. Right?”

“…Haha. Th-that’s right.”

I wondered how Yoon Taesoo felt listening to my demands, but it wasn’t my concern.

He would, as always, carry out the mission perfectly.

“Ah, and before next week’s rehearsal. As soon as possible, please.”

I stated my business briefly and hung up.

Now, all preparations were complete.

The stage was set, and the actors were motivated.

And all that remained was the splendid debut stage of me, ‘Director Zelnaga.’

What kind of chaotic party would unfold?

The members’ flustered faces, the fans’ enthusiastic reactions.

Just thinking about it was already making me happy.

I leaned back deeply in my chair and looked out the window.

External collaborations?

Yes, they might be important.

But not now.

For now, we would enjoy ourselves to the fullest and show off within this perfect world we created, among ourselves.

This was Xelnaga Entertainment’s way, and my way.

And in doing so, I would make Starlight shine brighter than any other star.