Chapter 46: Great Acclaim and the Next Goal
That evening, Hayato visited the IVE office. Several days had passed since the game’s release, and he was scheduled to receive a detailed explanation of the public’s reaction.
In the meeting room, stacks of magazines, newspaper clippings, and printed-out web articles were lined up. Riri was already seated, carefully reading through each article from the pile of documents.
“These are all articles related to the game.”
A young female staff member from PR explained proudly. Her expression clearly showed her joy at the project’s success.
“That’s an incredible amount.”
Hayato couldn’t help but voice his surprise. The mountain of documents spread across the desk far exceeded his imagination.
“It’s not just game-specific magazines; even general newspapers and business journals are covering it. It’s drawing attention from various angles, with headlines like ‘A New Business Model Overturning Common Sense in the Game Industry’ and ‘The Innovative Action RPG Created by a VTuber Programmer.'”
The PR representative explained, pointing to several article headlines. Among them was even the cover of a major game magazine, featuring Lilia’s Avatar prominently.
“This article, in particular, is drawing a lot of attention.”
The PR representative took out a magazine. The headline read: “The Innovativeness of the ‘Talked-About Free Game’ from a Professional’s Perspective.”
“A famous game designer stated, ‘The physics engine and combat system in this game possess a level of precision as if the developer themself has actual experience wielding a sword. I feel a persuasiveness that transcends mere fantasy.'”
Hayato and Riri couldn’t help but look at each other. That assessment was close to the truth. After all, Hayato had actually fought continuously for ten years in another world, and Riri had accurately reflected those memories in the game.
“And so, interview requests have been flooding in.”
The PR representative booted up a computer to check. The inquiries from the media were organized there.
“Currently, there are over 80 requests, and the staff are in the process of screening them. We’ve also received multiple offers for television appearances.”
“Television?”
Riri asked, looking surprised. She probably hadn’t anticipated such a massive response.
“Yes. Not just from game special programs, but also from morning information shows and news programs. Of course, it would be an appearance as Lilia’s Avatar.”
In the middle of the meeting, a young male staff member entered the room. It was clear from his expression that he had some important news.
“Excuse me, I have good news.”
Everyone focused on him. The staff member took a moment to catch his breath, then said excitedly,
“We’ve received word from the selection committee of the Indie Game Awards. Riri-san’s game has apparently been chosen for this year’s Grand Prize.”
The room erupted in cheers. The PR team staff clapped, and voices congratulating Riri flew about.
“Congratulations, Riri.”
Hayato said sincerely. For her efforts to be recognized was a source of pride for him as well. Riri’s talent had been special even in the other world, and it shone just as brightly in this one. He felt a heartfelt joy at this fact.
“Yes, thank you very much. But this result was also thanks to everyone else’s help.”
Riri accepted the result humbly, but her cheeks were flushed, conveying her sincere happiness. She gazed at the pile of articles on the table, a slightly moved expression on her face.
“The awards ceremony will be held next month at a special venue at the comprehensive game exhibition.”
The staff member explained the details. He held more documents in his hand, containing information about the schedule and attendees.
“We’d like to ask Lilia-san to give a speech as her Avatar.”
“Yes. Understood.”
One month later, at the special venue of the comprehensive game exhibition. The awards ceremony venue, equipped with dazzling lights and large screens, was packed with industry professionals and members of the press.
Hayato, Josuke, Seika, and Tsuyoshi were seated towards the back of the VIP section, quietly waiting for the ceremony to begin. This time, they were attending in person as employees of the IVE agency, so no one realized they were the VTuber members. Tsuyoshi was dressed in a chic business suit, Josuke in a slightly casual yet elegant outfit, and Seika also wore a ladies’ suit.
“I’m nervous.”
Hayato muttered softly. The venue’s fervent atmosphere and splendor made him feel instinctively tense.
“Even though I’m not the one going on stage.”
“I feel the same way.”
Seika agreed with a smile. Her voice was calm, but a definite glint of excitement could be seen in her eyes.
“Seeing Riri stand on such a grand stage makes me so proud. I’m happy.”
The awards ceremony began, and awards for various categories were announced one after another. As the presentations for Music Award, Graphics Award, and Story Award proceeded, the time finally came for the announcement of the Game Design category.
“And this year’s Grand Prize goes to… Development team, Lilia-san!”
Amidst loud applause, Lilia’s Avatar was displayed on the large screen. Thanks to motion capture technology, Riri’s movements, filmed in a special studio, were accurately reflected. The figure of the sage with golden hair and blue eyes moved vividly on the screen.
Lilia’s Avatar bowed gracefully and made a gesture of receiving the trophy. Her form transcended the boundary between reality and digital, exuding a definite presence.
“I am truly grateful to receive such a prestigious award.”
Riri’s voice, echoing through the screen, was slightly nervous, but she maintained a dignified composure that her companions alone could see through. Her voice was a blend of the dignity of a sage from another world and the fresh youthfulness of a modern young woman.
“This game is our precious story. It is a record of a long journey, a crystallization of joy and sorrow.”
The audience listened intently to Lilia’s voice. Her words carried a weight beyond mere lines.
“This game was born from my precious memories. It is a record of adventurous days with irreplaceable companions, a record of courage that never gave up, even when sometimes crushed by despair.”
Hayato nodded silently. It sounded as if she were directly speaking of her memories from the other world, but to the people around them, it would likely be received as a work of fiction. But he thought that was fine. Both Hayato and Riri.
“To everyone who experienced our story through this game, I offer my thanks. And to my companions who supported me, my heartfelt gratitude.”
Lilia bowed deeply on the screen. Warm applause erupted from the venue.
After the awards ceremony, a grand reception was held. Industry magnates visited Lilia’s booth one after another, offering words of praise along with their business cards. Here too, she was interacting as her VTuber Avatar.
“By all means, your next work with our company.”
“We have a formal position prepared for you.”
“Your talent is a treasure to the industry. Please, bring that talent to our company!”
Riri responded politely to these offers but avoided giving clear answers. Her voice blended confidence and humility, and she conversed with the industry figures on equal footing with a dignified demeanor.
After the reception, Hayato and the others returned to his apartment. Then, they gathered around the food and champagne prepared to celebrate the award, spending a pleasant time together.
“You really did well, Riri. You possess a wonderful talent.”
Josuke led the toast.
“To think that the game intended as a gift for Hayato would end up being praised worldwide.”
Seika also said with a gentle smile.
“Back then, when you said you wanted to make a game, I was honestly worried about how it would turn out. But the result is as you see. It turned out wonderfully.”
Tsuyoshi patted Riri’s shoulder reassuringly. At everyone’s words, Riri looked a little shy but wore an expression of joy.
After the celebration ended and Josuke, Seika, and Tsuyoshi had left, only Riri remained in the living room.
“Tired?”
Hayato offered a cup of warm tea to Riri, who was sitting deeply on the sofa. She received it with both hands, and after taking a sip, her expression softened a little.
“Yes, a little. But I was also very happy, so.”
Riri smiled gently.
“I truly felt that Hayato’s story reached many people.”
“Yeah.”
The two of them drank their tea in silence for a while. A comfortable silence flowed through the room. Outside the window, the city’s night view sparkled beautifully.
“Actually…”
Riri began quietly. Her gaze was fixed on the steam rising from her tea, but there was no hesitation in her words.
“At today’s reception, I received headhunting offers from several game companies. Even from that famous company, you know.”
“Is that so.”
Hayato wasn’t surprised. Seeing her talent, it was only natural. However, he was interested in what she would choose to do next.
“All of them had really good conditions. But I turned them all down.”
“Why?”
I asked her why. Riri held her teacup as if cradling it in both hands, her expression thoughtful.
“The reason I wanted to make a game… It was because I wanted the people of this world to know about your achievements, Hayato.”
“That was also the reason we all started streaming, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
She continued softly.
“I didn’t want people to forget about Hayato-san, who fought as a Hero in another world. I wanted to give those memories a form and preserve them.”
“Riri.”
I only called her name; I couldn’t find any more words. Her devoted feelings made my chest grow warm.
“That goal has been achieved.”
She smiled, looking satisfied.
“Many people have come to know the story of Hayato and his companions. This story will surely remain forever as a stream, as a game.”
“I’d be happy if that happened.”
I smiled back. The fact that Riri’s feelings had taken form, and that it had been accepted by so many people, was a definite joy.
“So, I think I’ll start focusing on my university entrance exams soon.”
“I see. That’s good.”
Those words reminded me anew that Riri was a student. Sometimes, I would forget that she was still a high school student. Because of her memories from the other world and her special talent for programming, she sometimes acted like an adult. But in this world, she was still a student of an age to decide her future path.
“There’s still a little while until the university entrance exams, but I thought I’d start preparing early,” Riri said with a serious expression.
“I think that’s a good decision.”
I thought so from the bottom of my heart. For her, who had mastered the path of a Sage in the other world, to pursue the path of academics even in the modern world seemed very natural to me.
“Considering your future, Riri, it’s important for you to focus on your studies.”
“But…”
She showed a slightly troubled expression. She placed her teacup on the table and clasped her hands on her lap.
“I’d like to continue our streaming activities, but if I do, it might be difficult to concentrate on my studies.”
Her words were mixed with a sense of responsibility and hesitation. She probably didn’t want to leave the project she had started half-finished.
“In that case, leave it to me. I’ll do my best with the streaming. I’m sure our companions will help too, so you can rest assured.”
Until now, Riri had been leading it, but from now on, I would take the lead. I said it without hesitation.
“Is that really okay?”
“Of course.”
I continued confidently.
“We’ve managed to gather so much attention up to this point. It would be a waste to let the fans’ hearts drift away now. Besides, for me personally, talking about my past memories through the stream is an enjoyable activity.”
“But, even though I was the one who suggested it, my involvement in the activities will become half-hearted…”
“That’s not true at all.”
I smiled gently.
“You’ve already played a sufficient role. Besides, you can just participate when you have time from now on. Freely, whenever you feel like joining. The most important thing to consider is your future.”
At my words, Riri showed a relieved expression.
“Thank you, Hayato. In that case, I’ll entrust the streaming activities to you with peace of mind.”