Chapter 36
Birds of a Feather (2)
3.
The reckless action, executed at a perfectly ridiculous timing, had consequences far beyond what I had imagined.
There’s a well-known community for verified players called AbyssNet, an old but reputable place, and just by looking at the reaction there, you could tell what had happened.
<Title: That Meteor guy is insane lol>
Content:
“The broadcast was insane lol. How do you cut off the stream just when you’re about to explain how to get there? And did you see the notice he left on his channel? He says it’s only for top membership tiers. Does that even make sense? For the public good, shouldn’t it be shared? What is the Ability Management Bureau even doing? Players are monopolizing information and causing trouble.”
“What’s going on that everyone’s freaking out?”
“Watch Meteor’s video again today.”
“There’s chaos because of the 3rd-floor raid, why are you watching videos of lower-floor players?”
“A new starting point appeared on the 2nd floor today. If you enter and complete the quest, you get a guaranteed stealth-related unique item.”
“Guaranteed unique quest? No way.”
“The guy who posted that has some nerve lol. Did you help our Megat unlock the starting point? And it’s only 100,000 won, you could sell one magic stone on the 4th floor and cover a year’s subscription.”
“For real. New starting point plus awesome quest. Looks like you can also get expensive herbs besides unique items as rewards. And it’s only 100k won? That’s basically free.”
“Yeah, seriously free. Anyone complaining about the price probably hasn’t joined another player YouTuber’s membership lol.”
“The most expensive membership costs 5 million won per month lol. Charging that for a few 5th-floor tips is absurd.”
“Winner of the Mega War is already Megat. Mega always wins the Mega War. History says so lol, just so you know.”
I had only been a member of this community for three days.
Inseop had recommended it, and even though it was a verified community, the comments were still sharp.
“Haha.”
“Samjjon! Eat!”
“It tastes better because Ian gave it to me?”
Coming home from work with a cold can of beer in hand, and then taking a bite of the squid leg full of Ian’s love—it felt like paradise.
This beer was different from the bland ones I’d had in Avalon—cool, crisp, and refreshing.
Dwarven beer?
Honestly, it’s still not as good as Earth beer. It’s got a strong taste that’s oddly appealing for beer, but if I wanted something that strong, I’d just drink another type of alcohol.
“Seongwoo, do you want some dried squid?”
“No, I’m good, Bitnana.”
“If he wants it, he’ll grill it himself. You must be tired from work, just relax.”
“Seongwoo had a tougher day. I just went to the office briefly, but Seongwoo worked really hard on the promotion quest today, you know? You know that too, right?”
Bit. Bitnana Nuna.
When Bitnana took my side, my brother sighed, then turned to me with a subtle voice.
“Come to think of it, you don’t even need to pay rent. Have you thought about moving out? Since you came in, Bitnana only takes your side, I’m a little jealous.”
“Why all of a sudden, hyung? I’ve been back less than a month. You waited seven years; just wait a little longer. If you want me to pay rent, I will.”
No way am I moving out.
Independent living? Sure, living alone would be nice. But I’d just be repeating house, Abyss, broadcast, house anyway. No need to do it alone.
I’ll endure it until Ian grows up and the house feels cramped.
“Samjjon! Eat!”
“Haha, our Ian is a genius. How does he pick the chewiest squid legs for me? His sense for food is extraordinary. Ian, want to be a Michelin chef?”
“Uuum. Good!”
Ian didn’t fully understand me but nodded happily anyway.
Too cute, seriously.
While I was spending quality time with my family, the news played on the TV my brother had turned on.
“Representatives from China’s <Heavenly Dragon Society> and Japan’s <Tsukikage> who entered via Incheon International Airport reportedly headed straight to the Ability Management Bureau’s headquarters in Sejong City. Korean guild representatives are also rushing to Sejong for raid bidding…”
I had caused a stir, but this wasn’t headline-level news.
I had claimed a few “world first” titles, but the 3rd-floor raid was a critical matter tied directly to national security.
“Seongwoo.”
“Hmm?”
“Are you sure you don’t need to worry about the 3rd-floor raid?”
My brother asked quietly, and Bitnana also asked me a question.
“Raids are dangerous. Seongwoo, you now qualify for the 3rd floor. Did the Ability Management Bureau say anything?”
“Hmm.”
Both were apparently concerned, even if they sounded indifferent.
I took another sip of beer and shook my head with a smirk.
“Assistant Chief Choi visited this morning. He said it’s hard to make room because large guilds are already lobbying.”
“The rewards for raids are enormous. Big guilds have connections in politics too, so it’s not surprising.”
My brother worked closely with political matters, so he knew the ropes even better than I did.
He took the beer can from me, drank a sip, and handed it back.
“Ability Management Act, Article 6, Section 2: Special Law regarding Abyss Events. It’s always been problematic. Time’s tight, so the outcome won’t change, but… if you want, I can file a petition.”
“Time’s really tight though.”
“Filing in your name would change a lot.”
He pointed to the TV. The news had shifted to a very familiar face—mine.
“Samjjon! Samjjon! TV!”
“You like seeing uncle on TV again?”
“Yep!”
It was me.
“A new starting point appeared on the 2nd floor in Korea. The player Meteor, broadcasting on a popular streaming site, cleared the promotion quest using an unprecedented method and opened the starting point as a world first. Joining us to discuss this is Professor Oh Youngpil of Korea University’s Abyss Department. Hello, Professor.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Professor Oh Youngpil of Korea University’s Abyss Department.”
“What does it mean to secure a starting point for the first time in the world?”
“It’s a miracle! Yes, a miracle. While the exact starting point hasn’t been revealed, it will help optimize Korean players’ growth paths. Additionally, there are quests granting unique equipment…”
“Professor? Calm down a bit, it’s live…”
“This is an opportunity to greatly raise Korea’s and Korea’s Abyss Department’s prestige. It’s a grand achievement, without a doubt!”
Professor Oh Youngpil.
So he’s the one behind the Abyss Encyclopedia. I didn’t expect a professor to watch my broadcast. He contacted me immediately after I shared my contact via email.
“That’s one of my viewers. Even professors watch wholesome streams. Honestly, I’m a bit proud.”
“The future of Korean education looks bleak… Anyway, your situation has drawn attention. You could call in some journalists I know for interviews and stir public opinion.”
“Do I really need that to join the raid? It’s fine, hyung. I have my own plan.”
It’s always comforting when family looks out for you. My brother would help whenever I needed. But I didn’t want to trouble him yet.
He nodded slowly at my answer.
“Got it.”
“Not asking what your plan is?”
“You’re not a kid. I trust you.”
“Seongwoo, do whatever you want.”
Reliable brother. Reliable Bitnana.
Having people who’ll always take your side is wonderful.
I finished the remaining beer in one gulp and smiled.
“No need to warn them the raid’s going to be chaotic.”
The admins would be ready, but the raid wouldn’t end cleanly.
The big guilds got greedy first. If things go my way, they’ll pay for their greed, and I’ll achieve what I want.
Unfortunately, I’m not saintly enough to take responsibility for total strangers’ greed.
“Another beer?”
“Go inside and sleep.”
“Tch.”
And so another hectic day passed.
4.
The next day, after a long day, I woke up to a golden-bordered message.
[Significant progress in unique trait <Attention-seeker>.]
[Current subscribers: 542,322]
[Current membership subscribers: 4,327]
Overnight, both regular and membership subscribers had surged.
The notice I posted yesterday must have worked wonders. Membership subscribers got exclusive access to the Witch’s Forest, which seemed very effective.
I wondered if the system might penalize me for exploiting a loophole, but nothing happened. Good.
It means running the channel using items obtained directly in Abyss isn’t cheating. Memberships can continue to be managed this way.
Unlocking <Attention-seeker> shouldn’t be too hard at this rate.
“Haaah.”
The clock read 11. Bitnana and Ian must be out since the house was quiet.
I checked my phone.
Bitnana: Made sandwiches on the table!! Grab some milk too! (Hamster with fork emoji)
Inseop: Are you still asleep? Hyung, about the MCN contract we discussed, the contract is ready. If you’re busy, we can come to you.
‘Shin’ Taeo: Just in case, I’ll edit the Witch conversation first. Looks like you want to release it as membership content. Let me know if I’m overstepping! (Waving capybara emoji)
I really appreciated having such reliable people around.
In the past, I handled broadcasts and editing myself—one body wasn’t enough.
With teamwork, it’s so refreshing.
I went to the living room, took a bite of the sandwich Bitnana prepared, and lay down on the sofa.
“Delicious.”
The lettuce crisp, egg mayo just right.
Honestly, my brother married perfectly. Watching his life with Bitnana makes me think marriage can be truly viral.
Now, I should plan for the 3rd-floor raid. Maybe consult Inseop’s company and MCN for contracts.
Inseop is brilliant with plans, so getting help wouldn’t hurt.
The 3rd-floor raid has created huge tension across Korea. Only 3rd-floor players can participate, but high-floor players can enter other areas.
This could lead to messy situations: hunting grounds controlled, other guilds blocked, etc.
From the 3rd floor, player paths overlap systemically. <Linked quests> start appearing here, and considering the current 3rd-floor atmosphere…
“My mouth is watering already.”
Just walking around feels like content will pour in. Abyss really is the best. Every breath feels like content. No wonder other videos pale in comparison.
While seriously planning, my brother called.
Why now? Isn’t he in the office?
“Hyung, I was eating a sandwich.”
Are you busy?
“Not busy. What’s up?”Do you know the Mirage Guild?
“I think I’ve heard of them. They’re one of the big guilds likely to join the raid, right?”Personally, no.
“I don’t know. I only know Inseop.”
At that moment, a stranger’s voice came through the phone.
“Mr. Eugene, this could benefit you too. You know how many lawsuits we handle a year, right? If you help us just talk with your brother, there will be ample precedent…”
“What does that have to do with my brother? Your actions are causing my clients trouble. Can’t you see the people waiting outside?”
My brother’s slightly raised voice echoed.
Then, firmly:
“I called to check. I understand the situation, I’ll handle it. Relax.”
Click. He hung up immediately, busy.
I put the phone down, wiped my face, and licked my upper lip.
I got the gist. They tried to reach me using my family as a bridge.
“…These bastards.”
Mirage, Dora.
If you have business, contact me directly, don’t go through family.
Time to settle things.
“Using Ariadne’s Thread. Slot 1.”
[Using <Ariadne’s Thread>.]
[Target: Slot 1, Eugene.]
[Teleporting immediately.]
Time to clean this up properly.
