Chapter 83 : Now you’ve become a proper Vtuber, Suhyun

Now, you’re a full-fledged VTuber, Suhyun.

“Mom, let’s practice Maruhamun together.”

“…Eh? Right now…?”

I rubbed my eyes and got out of bed.

The warmth of the blanket and the laziness that lingered from the early morning sun hadn’t worn off yet.

No, it might be because I was exhausted from staying up late yesterday during the off-collab broadcast, chatting and laughing until late into the night, but my body felt heavy, like lead.

Honestly, all I wanted to do right now was stay buried in bed all day.

I just wanted to do nothing and let time pass idly.

However, my small wish was easily shattered.

“Mom, does that expression mean you’re planning to rest all day?”

Ahyeon’s voice came through the monitor, and it was so firm.

It was clearly morning, yet her voice was overly bright and energetic, as if she had already rested properly for hours.

“…No, the live broadcast ended at what time yesterday, and yet this person is perfectly fine?”

I muttered to myself.

But Ahyeon on the monitor seemed to ignore my grumbling.

Or maybe she was pretending not to hear.

No, I think it’s more likely the latter.

“Hehe. Mom, you had so much fun yesterday, so now it’s time to get ready properly.”

She pushed me in her usual kind and gentle tone, and that only cornered me further.

“…Why are you so passionate, Ahyeon?”

I covered my face with both hands and collapsed.

I felt wronged.

The thought of finally resting after the broadcast, only to have it ignored by Ahyeon.

“Mom, you can get up and get ready now, can’t you?”

“No, give me a break… Oh, by the way, where’s Arin?”

Wasn’t she supposed to have stayed over at my place?

“Arin went out because she had a meeting about Hanalive. She left a message earlier.”

“Really? …No, why is this person asking me to practice right now?”

“Well… you don’t really do it on your own, do you?”

Ugh. How did she know?

“What do you mean? I’m trying hard enough.”

“Mom, you haven’t even touched the Maruhamun preparation yet.”

“…See, you can’t even say anything now.”

I lost my words.

That’s right. It was true.

I hadn’t even touched the Maruhamun preparation…

I had no idea where to start, and I didn’t know what to do.

“Ugh… Fine. Let’s practice.”

I finally admitted defeat.

If I kept avoiding it, I would be unprepared for the event day.

“Good choice, Mom.”

Ahyeon said, sounding very pleased with herself.

What? Is this really that exciting? Is it that fun to bother me?

I sighed and turned on my computer.

The monitor lit up, and as the game screen appeared, I slowly loosened my fingers.

“So, what am I supposed to do?”

“First, we’ll practice the game today and get our coordination right. This Maruhamun is all about teamwork.”

“What? This isn’t a sports game, why does it sound so grand?”

“Just follow along, Mom.”

The game screen came up, and Ahyeon’s voice grew more serious.

It wasn’t the usual gentle Ahyeon, but a voice as if she had firmly made up her mind about something.

Wait, what’s going on? You’re not usually this serious about games.

I moved the mouse with a bit of nervousness.

Still, oddly enough, I felt both tense and excited.

There was something fun about the idea of doing this with Ahyeon.

“Alright. Let’s get started?”

Ahyeon said with a firm voice.

I reluctantly nodded and decided to focus on the game.

“…Well, I guess there’s no choice. Since we’re doing this, let’s do it properly.”

I loosened my fingers again and got ready.

The game screen on the monitor brightened, and the virtual world unfolded before me.

A duo practice with Ahyeon.

I didn’t want to take it too seriously, but the time spent with her didn’t seem like it would be bad.

So, I started to immerse myself in the game again.

This time, I would really give it my all.

“…Alright. I’ll make sure we win.”

“Hehe. I’ll look forward to it.”

Whenever I play games, it’s usually an FPS.

And most of the time, it’s Apex Legends, and this time was no different.

I usually play as “Raven.”

A scout character who roams the battlefield, detecting enemies and tracking them.

It was a perfect fit for my playstyle, so I used it often.

“Mom, you’re only planning to practice a few rounds, right?”

I heard Ahyeon’s voice. She had already sent a party invitation and was ready.

She really is quick.

“Yeah. Well, it doesn’t take too long per round.”

I answered casually while stretching my shoulders.

“What character are you using, Ahyeon?”

“I’m going with a healer class, of course. I’ll use ‘Seraph.’”

“Seraph… It’s always the same combination.”

“This combination is the most stable for us. You scout and I heal.”

That’s right.

Whenever I run forward, Ahyeon supports me from behind, keeping me safe.

Since she was a healer, she was a bit weak in combat, but her recovery ability was excellent.

Especially in dangerous situations, her specialty was quickly approaching and healing with agility.

“Alright. Shall we get started properly?”

I nodded and focused on the game screen.

Soon, the game matchmaking was completed.

“Oh, it’s been a while since I played on this map.”

I spoke as I watched the new map loading.

The name was ‘New Dark City.’

It was a battlefield set in the heart of a ruined city, where high-rise buildings and narrow alleys were tangled together, making for intense battles.

“Mama, you’re going to use Raven here too, right?”

“Of course. This time, I plan to be a bit more aggressive.”

“Alright. Then I’ll be ready to heal at any time.”

This game emphasized teamwork.

And although I had played a lot of solo matches, playing with Ahyeon always felt different.

She perfectly supported me, understood my playstyle, and adapted accordingly.

“Okay. Let’s begin.”

As the game started, our characters dropped into the battlefield.

I quickly analyzed the terrain and planned my movement route.

“Let’s check this building first. Loot up and move.”

“Yes, Mama.”

Inside the building, loot was scattered around.

I swiftly picked up the necessary weapons and equipment.

Ahyeon followed me in and grabbed healing items and armor.

“Here, I’ll give you some ammo.”

I handed Ahyeon some bullets.

She nodded in appreciation.

“Mama, I think enemies are already nearby.”

Her voice was low and cautious.

Despite being a healer character, her instincts were sharp.

“Alright. I’ll scout.”

I activated Raven’s ability.

The screen turned black and white, and the enemies’ positions were highlighted in red silhouettes.

“Two in the east building. One in the west alley. They’re slowly approaching from the front.”

“Understood. Mama, what should we do?”

“Let’s take care of the east first. Stick with me.”

I set my route and quickly moved outside the building.

Ahyeon followed, carefully scanning our surroundings.

We checked each other’s positions and moved slowly.

As we neared the enemy-occupied building, I used the wall for cover.

“Wait here. I’ll take the first shot.”

“Got it. I’m ready to heal anytime.”

Taking a deep breath, I moved my fingers quickly.

My focus was locked solely on the enemy’s location.

And—

“Here we go!”

I rushed into the building, aiming my gun.

The red silhouettes immediately appeared in my view.

And then—

Bang! Bang! Bang!

A series of gunshots rang out.

The enemies collapsed before they could even react.

“Nice. That was easy.”

“Mama, I’ll check the back.”

Ahyeon scanned the area, ensuring it was safe.

Her calm voice strangely reassured me.

“Playing with Ahyeon makes things feel more stable.”

I smiled as I spoke.

Ahyeon let out a quiet chuckle.

“If I’m not here, Mama always charges in recklessly and gets knocked down.”

“That’s not true! …I was just unlucky.”

“Hehe. My job is to make sure you can play the way you want.”

“Alright, then. Shall I charge in freely this time?”

I stretched my fingers and gripped my gun tightly.

Now, it was time to showcase proper duo play.

This moment with Ahyeon—

“Alright. Let’s go!!!”

“You’re suddenly full of energy, Mama.”

“Get ready, Ahyeon. We’re doing this properly!”

In the game screen, Raven sprinted back into battle.

The training for the Maruhamun Tournament had just begun.

“Phew… It’s over.”

I leaned back and let out a deep sigh.

After three hours of intense focus, grinding through A-Class Legend matches, my eyes were starting to hurt.

My eyelids stung, my neck was stiff, and my fingers felt rigid.

But, there were results.

At this level, we should be able to sync up well in the Maruhamun duo matches.

“Ah… Ahyeon, are you okay?”

I briefly closed my eyes and looked at Ahyeon’s avatar on the monitor.

Seraph, standing on the screen, still looked calm.

“I’m fine, Mama. In fact, I had fun.”

Ahyeon’s voice remained steady.

Even after three hours of playing, she showed no signs of exhaustion.

If it were me, I’d already be mentally drained and flustered.

“But Mama, are you really okay?”

Ahyeon asked with concern.

“Your breathing seemed a bit heavy at times.”

“…Hmm, I think I was just too focused. Don’t worry about it.”

I stretched my shoulders as if it was nothing.

“Well, since we practiced this hard, we won’t mess up in the Maruhamun tournament.”

“Hehe. Mama worries too much.”

“No, it’s important. Because I’m doing this with you. It’s not just some event.”

Tomorrow… maybe I should go to the hospital for my throat.

I have to finish this properly…