After the performance, “Jump” was released.
The promotional video for “Jump” was spread throughout the empire and placed at the entrance of the game hall.
Given the game’s nature which required dynamic dancing, it was difficult to install it inside the gaming area. It was judged that the promotional effect would be greater at the entrance than in any other location.
And that prediction hit the mark.
“You are my cute little black cat♫ The bright red ribbon suits you so well♫”
“Wow, look at that!”
“It seems a new game has come out!!”
People started dancing in front of the game hall.
Some danced on their own, while others used the automatic dance system, grooving energetically to the exciting music.
Dancers looked so cool.
Watching those amazing people, anyone would think, “I want to look cool too.”
Thus, “Jump” began to spread like wildfire—faster than any other game.
Along with the popularity of “Jump,” some changes also started to emerge.
“Hey, what’s up with your pants?”
“Teacher, this is the latest trend. Didn’t you know?”
The hip-hop pants that Yuren and the kids wore during the performance became a trend.
Boys either wore baggy pants or cut theirs to make them puff out while playing “Jump.”
The girls saw similar changes.
“What’s going on with your skirt!?”
“This is the latest trend, Sir.”
The high-slit skirts that Riana wore also became fashionable.
Women gamers in these skirts dancing to “Jump” made countless men’s hearts race and awakened the Confucian Dragon within the elders of the other world.
“What a chaotic world…”
“Exactly, it’s all because of that game! Tsk tsk.”
Generational differences existed even in the other world.
Adults who weren’t familiar with games or didn’t view them positively frowned upon the clothing changes among the youngsters thanks to “Jump.”
But they couldn’t ignore it either.
Because even the elders had started playing “Jump.”
“Whoa!!!!?”
“My body!!! Am I moving like I’m in my twenties!!!?”
The automatic dance system appealed not just to gamers who couldn’t dance but to elders who longed to feel their youthful bodies again.
Elders borrowed the power of the automatic dance system to relive their younger days, proving to themselves that they weren’t old yet.
Additionally, the automatic dance system required energy to move oneself, leading to impressive calorie burning and excellent exercise effects.
“Did you really leave me…?♫ Did you really abandon me…?♫”
“Check out my sick dance moves!!”
“I’m dancing with no system assistance—just my own body!!!”
“Mom! Grandpa is flying!!”
“Whoa~!”
Gamers wanting to enjoy flashy dances,
Gamers wanting to purely enjoy rhythm games with their skills,
Elders wanting to feel their youthful bodies,
The area in front of “Jump” overflowed with this chaotic mix.
Of course, it wasn’t all good.
“Ugh…”
“Thomas! Are you okay!?”
“Sir Thomas, are you alright?”
“Miss!? Yuren-san!”
It was a case of joint issues due to excessive “Jump” playing.
A few rounds? No problem. But for older folks playing dozens of rounds a day? Naturally, that’d wear them out.
Thomas, Sylvia’s butler working as her representative in the empire’s capital, Zephia, collapsed after overindulging in “Jump” and was diagnosed with a stress fracture, leading to a hospital stay.
As fatigue fractures became a widespread issue for many, a warning sign was eventually posted at the game hall.
“No more than 2 sessions a day for elders aged 60 and above.”
*
With every encounter, a separation is inevitable.
A lot of time had passed since the Riana Orchestra’s arrival, and the time had come for them to move on to their next performance.
During their stay at Irene Tower, we made countless memories with the Riana Orchestra, so their departure felt deeply disappointing.
“This is my communication device, so let’s keep in touch. Sophie.”
“Got it! Don’t forget to contact me, Noirin.”
“Okay, I promise to stay in touch.”
Maybe it was because we had spent a not-so-short time together?
Noirin and Sophie were said to have started dating.
Look at that kid, growing up quickly. Yes, now it’s time for you to go.
While I watched Noirin and Sophie with a warm heart, Riana approached.
“Are we really leaving now?”
“Yes, we have another performance to go to.”
In the short yet long two months, she had changed dramatically.
The girl who once gleamed like an ice sculpture was gone.
She now shined like the clear, bright sun in the sky, and I felt a sense of relief as I talked to her comfortably.
“Have you thought about what I mentioned?”
I had made a suggestion when I heard she would be leaving.
I asked if she’d consider staying here to handle the music.
This wasn’t a passing flirtation.
Her singing would undoubtedly enhance the rhythm games, as well as the music for other games in a splendid and beautiful manner.
But I had anticipated her response.
“Yes, I want to. However… for now, I want to sing.”
“Just as I thought.”
Creating games is not for money or fame for me.
It’s simply something I enjoy doing.
She felt the same way.
She loved to sing.
So, she would probably continue singing.
Like a way to compensate for the losses she faced in life.
“Still, please call me anytime. Just like Yuren said he’d be there, I’ll dash over.”
“Is 24/7 possible?”
“Sorry, but I have to take care of my voice for my fans. Please ask me before bed.”
Her words made me want to chuckle.
It felt like chatting with a little sister.
As I watched her, I imagined a baby bird taking flight when she said cautiously.
“But… before I go… can I ask you for one thing?”
“What is it?”
She looked at me again with a worried, cautious, and fearful gaze.
“Umm… can I call you ‘oppa’?”
“Ah… Yes! Of course!!”
What am I even saying?
I gladly accepted her using ‘oppa’ for me.
“Yuren… oppa…”
As Riana sparkled her blue eyes and called me oppa, I realized this was a blunder. I underestimated her charm.
Struggling to maintain my composure, she spoke again.
“That would be Mir…”
“Mir?”
“That’s my name. At my hometown, they called me Mir.”
Now that I think about it, Riana wasn’t her real name but a title for the Riana Orchestra.
How could I forget she must have a real name?
“Mir” was such a fitting and cute name for her image.
“Next time we meet, please call me by this name.”
“Got it. Mir.”
“Not right now though.”
Joking around like siblings, I spent the remaining time chatting with her.
Time flew by quickly, and it was time for the Riana Orchestra to depart.
“Riana! It’s time to go!”
“I understand! Olsson!”
Answering Olsson’s call, Riana looked at me.
Then, she suddenly came closer.
Kiss!
“Well then, I’ll be off. Thank you, Yuren oppa…”
Leaving a warm sensation on my lips, she dashed to the Riana Orchestra’s carriage.
As Riana arrived, the carriage set off.
Everyone waved their hands, blessing the departure of the Riana Orchestra.
There are countless destinies in the world.
There are destinies that bring us together and those that keep us apart.
And surely, there was a destiny that allowed me to befriend her back in my hometown.
May her future continue to be filled with happiness…
*
I waved until the carriage disappeared.
Just as it was fading from sight and everyone was about to re-enter, a cold voice reached my ears.
“Yuren… did you enjoy it?”
“I saw everything. Yuren.”
Sylvia and Julia, with fierce eyes, moved up right beside me, blocking my escape route.
And behind me, Sora, with our Master in front, joined them.
“While you took care of your hometown friend, who do you think took care of us? Yuren!”
“I need the Yuren disciple energy.”
The four of them seemed to have plenty to say.
As I nervously sweated bullets while being dragged along, I could at least say one thing with confidence.
I am happy right now.
…Really!
