Chapter 456

In the Open World Engineering class, peer review was actively utilized.

This was because one professor could not evaluate the games of all 30 students in detail.

Groups of five were formed to play games created by the other four members and scored based on completeness, creativity, and technicality.

During the last class, the professor summarized the evaluations and showcased the outstanding works to the students.

“NaeMe! I had so much fun playing your game. How did you come up with the idea of firing magic circles with a gun?”

A classmate sitting next to me whispered with her head down.

“Weren’t you overwhelmed by the coding? Each magic circle has different specifications, so it must have been tough to standardize them.”

“It was just a matter of getting through it…”

“Wow, you’re amazing. You’re going to officially release it on Resonance later, right? It would be a waste to keep it just as an assignment. Make sure to contact me when it comes out!”

It was not surprising that people thought of my game as science fiction.

From their perspective, it likely seemed plausible that events could unfold in a world rich in mana.

Someone once said that a great science fiction story should predict traffic jams instead of predicting automobiles.

Anyway, I was glad they liked it.

After the last class of the winter semester, I received a separate email from the professor.

[What was most surprising was that the NoName student maximized the potential of ASI. Especially ‘NPC Hibirisu’ demonstrated human-like behavior that could rival that of regular humans. Not to mention, I want to praise you for a myriad of things, such as the medieval rural background, unique architectural styles, and vivid designs of the monsters. By the way—]

The content basically expressed that my game had left a deep impression after being played multiple times.

The professor hoped I would take the Open World Engineering 2 class, but regrettably, it was now time for me to head to Korea.

In April, there’s a preliminary evaluation for the National Exchange Exhibition.

It’s a day for assessing whether the representatives participating in the National Exchange Exhibition possess the minimum qualifications at a national level.

The end date for the Open World Engineering class had been pushed back by a week, making the timeline tight.

Since I was continuously in the U.S., articles emerged questioning if I would even miss the preliminary evaluation.

Ding—

[Saetbyeol: NaeMe unnie, when are you coming?ㅠㅠㅠㅠ I miss you so muchㅜㅜㅜ]

[NoName: I will be there before your birthday, so don’t worry.]

[Saetbyeol: Make sure to bring my birthday present when you come (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧]

[NoName: Was that your goal?]

Above all, Saetbyeol, who had been living alone for a month, had recently started pestering me like this.

I was slightly worried that her messy living situation might have gotten worse since she hasn’t been cleaning.

“I’m back from school. Dad, are we leaving right now?”

Just then, Professor Cheon was moving a suitcase to the front yard.

I hopped up and sat on the suitcase he was holding.

“At this rate, we might miss the flight.”

“Oh no, that can’t happen. Let’s hurry.”

Professor Cheon sat in the driver’s seat, and I sat next to him in the passenger seat.

Fortunately, in Massachusetts, wearing a car seat is not mandated by law.

I rolled down the window and slightly leaned my head out to enjoy the cool breeze of April.

It was the perfect mild weather, neither too cold nor too hot.

“Did your classes wrap up well?”

“Yes. I have no idea what grades I’ve received until the announcement.”

“Did you do well?”

“One second.”

I took my phone out of my pocket and showed it to Professor Cheon.

[Advanced Theory of Aura Class: A+]

[Magic Duel Practice: A+]

[Open World Engineering: A+]

“Hehe.”

“It must have been worth your hard work.”

“Is that all? An A+ isn’t something anyone can get.”

“Hahahaha, well done. I’m truly proud to have such a smart daughter.”

“It practically feels like I’m just begging for compliments. Everyone’s expectations of me have gotten too high, I think.”

“Oh no, I won’t hold back on praise for NaeMe from now on.”

“Yes, I’d appreciate it even if it’s a bit annoying.”

There were still about 20 minutes left until we reached the airport, so I decided to catch a quick nap.

I raised the window again and reclined the seat back.

“Wow, NaeMe can even recline her seat alone? Our daughter is so cool.”

“That’s a bit of a stretch…! That’s just an obvious compliment.”

“Oh dear, if I want to earn points, I need to make more effort.”

I had just pressed one button.

“I’m tired after staying up late last night, so I’m going to sleep.”

I smiled lightly and closed my eyes.

* * *

Upon arriving at the airport, we first stopped by the duty-free shop.

I pondered what Saetbyeol needed the most, and cosmetics came to mind as the top priority.

Some might think, what does a high school student need makeup for? But I wasn’t one of them.

‘In my previous life, older people encouraged putting on makeup since a young age.’

In reality, once you reached the age to make an appearance in the social scene, wearing makeup was a must.

However, the way of applying makeup is heavily influenced by trends that vary by time and region.

I held my father’s hand and entered the cosmetics store, but I didn’t know much, so I just stared blankly.

“Are you looking for something?”

I heard fluent Korean from right behind me.

Startled, I turned around to see a woman wearing black sunglasses.

“Are you an employee here?”

“Oh, no! I’m just a customer. Um… Is that NoName?”

“Yes.”

“Wow! I’m a huge fan! I also subscribed to VTube Twish!”

“Oh yes, thank you.”

“I’m not a stalker or anything; I just happened to drop by the store and saw you… If it’s uncomfortable to talk like this…”

“It’s okay, I’m not uncomfortable. Have you been traveling?”

“Hehe, yes! I’m in Boston for 4 nights and 5 days, and I’m heading back on a flight now. What about you, NoName?”

“I’m going to Korea too.”

“What? Really?”

“I have a mandatory meeting for the National Exchange Exhibition.”

“Wow, I see. Actually, I saw you wandering around the cosmetics section and thought I’d come check on you.”

“I’m getting a gift for my family. May I ask what’s good for a high school girl?”

“Hmm, a high school student? Come here; I saw something pretty earlier.”

I unexpectedly encountered a Korean fan in such a place.

She diligently explained the types of cosmetics.

“This is the foundation I’m using right now; it has a smooth coating glow instead of an oily shine, so it feels moist. Since you’re a high school student and will be at school for a long time, it would be good for you not to have too much shine as time passes. It’s also easy for touch-ups.”

“Then I’ll choose this. Thank you for your help.”

“It’s nothing! If possible, could I get a signature…? For my little sister too.”

It was easy to give a signature in exchange for helping me with my selection.

So, I bought Saetbyeol’s birthday present early and left the duty-free shop.

Professor Cheon, who had been quietly watching all along, finally spoke.

“NaeMe isn’t going to wear makeup in the future, right?”

“Huh? Me? Are you worried that I might start wearing makeup because of Saetbyeol?”

“Hmm.”

Indeed, by the fourth grade of elementary school, students in Korea start learning about makeup.

Yuna had even mentioned in a chat that she wanted to buy an orange water tint.

“I don’t do that. Sunscreen is enough for me.”

“Even as an adult?”

“What, do you want me to write a pledge or something?”

“Hahaha, okay, I promised your dad I would keep that in mind. Be sure to uphold it.”

I shrugged casually.

Is it typical for fathers to hope their daughters wouldn’t wear makeup?

I wasn’t quite sure how parents felt.

If I thought about it being Ruri, it would be a bit bothersome.

I texted acquaintances that I would be returning to Korea soon, one by one.

I even sent a picture to Saetbyeol, saying I bought her a birthday present.

I informed my manager and editor of my return schedule in turn.

[Hello.]

“This voice is Seonoel.”

[Huh? What’s going on? It’s NoName? Why are you calling our house? Did something happen?]

Yuna’s little brother answered the house phone.

I wonder what he thinks of me for him to be so restless upon receiving my call.

“It’s nothing like that. Where’s Maru and Yuna?”

[One sec, let me hand her the phone. Yuna, it’s NoName on the line.]

“Hello, Yuna! How have you been? I’m at the airport—”

[Whaaaaaat. NoNameeeeee.]

A proper conversation didn’t take place.

I pretended to vaguely understand the jumbled alien language she was pouring out and promised to meet up with friends later in Korea.

I can feel that children grow up so quickly.

It’s astonishing that I’ve even made a friend for two years.

I contemplated whether my mental age might have dropped significantly compared to my physical age.

I also left messages for Kariri, who lives upstairs, and the clan members.

In the First-Class Lounge, while snacking on cookies and orange juice, the boarding announcement was made.

In some way, at this moment, I felt I was living the life I had wanted in my first life.

I slowly turned on my phone and accessed the Twish app.

I quietly asked the flight attendants for permission to do a private broadcast and entered the cabin.

I placed my phone in the holder and covered myself with a blanket up to my neck.

Since this was my comeback broadcast after a long period of abstinence, I figured I should do at least 12 hours.

As for tags, I thought I could just attach food and sleep.

* * *

[NoName]

[Just Chatting – On the Way to Korea (Voice X)]

[Broadcast Time – 0:16:34]

[Viewer Count – 5922]

[Chat Room]

– I rushed over after hearing NoName is back!

– The idea of a flight sleep broadcast is seriously innovative, lol!

– I can’t hear anything!

– Are you really going to broadcast for 12 hours without any conversation?

– I’m about to become the content, lol!

– Seeing how brazen you are makes it obvious you’re NaeMe…

– Host, open up donations!!! What are we supposed to do for fun!!!

– The chubby cheeks are so cuteㅠㅠㅠㅠ