Former Hero Streamer – Chapter 221

Upon seeing the notification for Friede’s broadcast, everyone blinked in surprise at the unexpected space.

Did I accidentally click on a different stream? That was the common thought among the group.

After all, it was just showing a snowy landscape with no context at all.

I could only guess that this girl had finally lost her mind and was doing a fishing broadcast now.

[What’s this? Why are we just seeing snow?]

[Did she hire someone to make this space? The VR background is amazing!]

[It means the gal is buried in this snow. Boo hoo.]

[If there’s this much snow, just lighting a fire should put it out!]

[This doesn’t seem like fishing. Let’s check the title first.]

The title read ‘Friede’s Music Broadcast.’

To be honest, most people didn’t have high hopes for the content of a music broadcast.

It was more about Friede than the performance itself…

Whether she was doing a band, changing outfits, or playing games, who could resist?

Even if she just stared blankly at the camera, or even merely blinked, she was a content bomb in herself.

But right now, all we saw was the desolate snowfield, and the protagonist hadn’t shown up yet, so frustrations were starting to boil.

Yeah, I was getting anxious.

Since the broadcast had started, she should have appeared by now, but she was stalling right before her entrance.

[When’s the host coming out?!]

[Ugh… I’m so cold… I’m freezing to death.]

[That… that cruel Temren! Trying to freeze all the little ones to death!]

[Friede, you’re so arrogant! The broadcast is a mess!]

[What’s this? Is she saying to heal us while we look at nature?]

Everyone was frantically searching for the host as if they were monkeys, and this was the duty of a Hero.

And then, in that moment, Friede’s voice came through.

“Hello? As you can see on the broadcast, it’s a lovely night.”

[Oh, you scared me!]

[That’s my sister. She hasn’t abandoned us!]

[It’s daytime here, Temren!]

[Music broadcast = no performance, lol.]

[Don’t tell me it’s a broadcast where only her voice is heard?]

[We can only hear your voice! You should show your face.]

“Oh, I’m just setting up the stage a bit, I’ll show you soon.”

Setting up the stage?

I tilted my head at her unusually bustling voice, as if she were doing a live camera broadcast.

I mean, was there really a need to set up a stage for this?

It’s all virtual reality anyway. A stage setup is just an object created in a second with console input.

Just as that question was seeping into the chat atmosphere, the camera screen switched.

Originally, there was nothing but a vast expanse of the snowy landscape that didn’t even show the sky.

In that stark whiteness, stripped to the bone, a scene awakened.

Thin, silky curtains of Aurora stretched gently, revealing constellations that were shyly hiding their beauty behind them.

It was definitely nighttime, yet the stars decorated the sky so abundantly that it was blinding.

It seemed so bright it might have been mistaken for daytime, showcasing the splendor of natural beauty.

It contrasted beautifully with the boring, bland whiteness of the snow we had just been tired of seeing, capturing a dreamlike background.

No matter how much one thought it was virtual reality, the quality was simply captivating. Thinking back, Friede’s customizations always boasted extreme quality.

Whether it was armor and cloaks, or in this case, stage backgrounds.

The camera seemed eager to flaunt this scenery, slowly moving across the screen.

Like the Aurora and the starlight in the sky guiding the direction, the movement was consistent.

And then….

“Ta-da!”

The moment it revealed itself, the majority of the audience halted their moving fingers.

Against that backdrop of white land and luxurious sky, there they stood.

Wearing mismatched outfits of armor, uniforms, suits, and training clothes.

Even if they pursued free individuality, none would make such a haphazard combination.

But at the very least, those five seemed to emit something unified that negated that sense of alienation.

With golden nebulae, bright flames, white light, and blue energy intermingling, a super-natural phenomenon unfolded that couldn’t be replicated in reality.

Perhaps it sprung from that overwhelming presence that threatened to break through the flashy appearance and screen.

[Wow, damn it, Friede spent money again.]

[How much did it cost to create that?]

[Wah, poor people are just crying.]

[??? Is it just me seeing that as real?]

[What do you mean real? Can you get that quality in a live broadcast from reality??]

[Make some sense, lol, come on!]

[I mean, I think that too, but what if it really feels like a real camera broadcast?]

[Why is everyone losing their minds… stop it! T_T]

Ah, it seems there’s someone with a sharp eye among us.

Of course, those watching the broadcast on their screens couldn’t imagine this was a real live camera broadcast.

But what could we do? Unfortunately, this was reality, and this world had converted from a reality genre to a reality fantasy genre.

“Um, this kind of content is new for me, so it feels a bit awkward.”

[It’s okay to be awkward!]

[Sister! Conquer the world with your smile!]

[It’s really well-made.]

The reactions were quite positive, which eased my mind.

If everyone had just given harsh criticism, I might have felt a little hurt.

However, I couldn’t just let it end weakly.

‘It’s about time…’

Eunha had definitely bragged that she had conveyed her broadcast.

The message that was set on timing would have been sent to Eunha’s messenger by now.

Since I know her schedule, she would definitely be watching at this very moment.

So…

‘I won’t stop.’

Taking a moment to compose herself, Friede directed a soft smile toward the many viewers connected through the camera.

“Well, as you might know from this broadcast, I wanted to plan this content to cheer you on. It’s my first time, so I know it’s lacking, but I hope you enjoy it.”

Alright, then….

“For the Hero, by the Hero, for the Hero, it starts now.”

* * *

The blue glow gathered at the tips of her fingers drew elegant waves as it moved.

Like leaving a canvas in the air.

Thus, grazing over the guitar strings, she hinted at the melody’s prologue.

The gentle vibration of the guitar strings resonated out.

Just that much, but those watching the broadcast instinctively sensed a difference from the usual instrument sounds.

The resonance combined with the wave of power, filling their hearts with unprecedented emotion.

Then, with her dazzling fingers, Dayoung unleashed the heavy tones of the bass guitar.

Simultaneously, Arjin pounded on the drums set like a fortress, bringing forth white currents, while Yura followed suit, pressing the keyboard in sync with the white waves.

Ah, no one realized this irresistible force was coming along with their performance.

Ah, how could anyone refuse?

Everyone was lost in the performance that drew into the human spirit and soul.

It would be fortunate if they could at least enjoy it through earphones plugged into their phones alone.

In contrast, in an open space where the broadcast’s music was spreading, everyone’s attention was captivated by the Hero’s performance.

At that moment, even the chat window, donations, and other communities were silent, with all hearts focused on a single screen.

And… among those quietly observing was also Eunha.

Knowing the Hero was a mystical being, she had realized this in blind faith,

She instinctively understood that her sister’s broadcast wasn’t happening in virtual reality but in the real world.

Watching from her MS Room, Eunha then connected in augmented reality mode using her friend settings.

The message her sister sent. It was said to be a premium seat only allowed for Eunha.

As she entered augmented reality mode, she transformed into the scene that showcased the Hero band at the beautiful and grand stage.

It unfolded like she was right there with them, revealing the former Hero’s stage right before Eunha’s eyes.

At that moment, Sehee’s gaze met Eunha’s.

Though she had only connected through augmented reality, there was no way for her sister to see Eunha’s form.

This was merely a feature to enhance reality, and Eunha was still in her MS Room in virtual reality.

But, why did it feel like her sister recognized her?

Even having fully transcended time and space, could it be due to the strong bond of connection they shared in their hearts?

The presence of the Hero conjured mystical and romantic thoughts.

In that moment, Sehee’s pink lips parted, and her lovely voice flowed into the world.

Empowered by the dreamy yet rhythmic performance, the soprano’s high, soft notes danced to the melody.

「The heartbeat buried down below,」

「The light reflected beyond the glass has shattered,」

「In the future that seems trapped in a hoarse voice and lies.」

「Even if I wander from the paths I’ve crossed,」

「Even if it’s just a wishful hope beckoning from afar,」

「With this strong heart I hold like now, don’t let it fade.」

「I’ll hold on to the memories we can laugh about together, and I’ll be with you.」

Friede’s, her sister’s voice was definitely different from usual.

It was a sound that seemed to manifest a higher dimension, evoking emotion just through listening, healing the heart and soul.

But there was something more important.

“…Ugh!”

Above all, the sincerity that emanated from the lyrics she sang.

I felt like I might cry at any moment.

I thought I might disrupt the comforting melody being played for another Hero by her and the Heroes.

Feeling the warmth rising in my eyes, I desperately covered my mouth with my palm.

No one worked harder, but still had to accept defeat; the Hero’s sobs became another soundless melody alongside the Heroes’ performance.

* * *