Chapter 85

<Cosmic Osuary> was a game where players had to host their own servers to enable multiplayer.

Similar types include <Terraria>, <Valheim>, <Starbound>, etc.

At first glance, it might seem similar to the <Fantasy Life> I made, but it was actually quite different.

While <Fantasy Life> felt like a 4-player game that people heavily modded and played around with, <Cosmic Osuary> was designed from the ground up with the expectation that many people would play it.

So, the scale was on a completely different level compared to <Fantasy Life>.

“Sis, what should we do first?”

“Shouldn’t we start by building a spaceship?”

In real life, we’d have to earn money first to build a spaceship, but <Cosmic Osuary> is a game. Resources to build a spaceship were provided from the start.

Of course, the basic spaceship was really basic, requiring a lot of upgrades, but being able to navigate space from the get-go is rare. Even a newbie with popcorn for brains would be satisfied with this speed.

“It feels a bit like choosing a base concept in <Fantasy Life>.”

“The system mechanics are completely different. Just because the UI looks similar doesn’t mean the content is the same. Bunny Run, you’re the type to be swayed by appearances, huh?”

“That’s why I like you, sis.”

The basic spaceship wasn’t immune to customization. In fact, there were many customizable parts.

There were a lot of default designs and functions, which made Pape mutter softly.

“How am I supposed to check all this? Isn’t there a simpler way?”

“There seems to be a system for people like Pape who dislike tedious tasks. So, um, Chaebeast?”

“…Me?”

[You called?]

At my words, a holographic beautiful girl appeared in mid-air. Seeing this, Chaenarin was startled.

“…Yoorim unnie, what is that?”

“Probably something like a tutorial fairy. It helps people.”

“…I get that, but why is it called Chaebeast?”

“The official name is Alice. But as an Easter egg, you can call it Chaebeast, according to a personal note.”

“…Why?”

“Probably inspired by Chaenarin.”

While it looked completely different from the real Chaenarin, it was somewhat similar in category.

Alice also had an intelligent design, resembling a clear literary girl type.

“Chaebeast, please provide us with a custom spaceship.”

[Understood.]

Zing—. Alice scanned us and quickly produced a spaceship.

It had a simple yet somehow appealing design, with decent performance but heavily upgraded interior facilities.

Pape asked.

“Is this random?”

“It’s a custom recommendation.”

“How does that work without a survey?”

“Probably applied physiognomy.”

“…Ignoring the fact that physiognomy is unscientific, the game appearance is an avatar, not a real face. Can physiognomy even apply?”

“Wouldn’t that make it work even better? It’s the appearance you chose yourself.”

“That makes sense.”

Pape checked the spaceship’s detailed specs (mainly combat power) and said.

“This should do. I like it.”

“I agree with Pape hyung-nim!”

“…I’m fine with anything.”

“What about you, sis? You’re the captain.”

“I’m fine too. Let’s decide on this and quickly head out for a space adventure—.”

“No.”

A firm voice came from the side.

The owner of the voice was Mos, who was scanning the catalog with a serious look.

Mos continued.

“There might be something better. No one leaves until we’ve checked everything.”

“Softbrain, that’s a disease.”

“Gamers must always choose the best option.”

“That’s a chronic Korean disease.”

“I’m Korean.”

“I’m Korean too.”

Reluctantly, we started flipping through the catalog. Even though the captain’s orders are absolute on a ship, when the first mate insists so strongly, you have to listen. That’s how you prevent a mutiny.

And just as I was flipping through the catalog.

Ding.

A donation came in.

Maybe because we temporarily raised the minimum donation amount. Despite the large number of viewers, this was the first donation of the day.

<ㅇㅇ donated 10,000 won>

-Just tell us the good parts list, why are you flipping through all that?

“That’s not allowed.”

It would be convenient to follow the donation’s advice, but unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.

<ㅇㅇ donated 10,000 won>

-Why not? It’s not hard, just say a few words. Is it unfair? You guys aren’t even going to do treasure hunting. What’s the big deal?

Another donation came in.

So, unfortunately, it’s not allowed.

―――

Donations are cute lol

Is this a solo dev game?

I bet they’ve been followed for less than 3 days

So, are you making an adult game?

The viewers have surpassed 300k. The influx is huge lol

Yoorim is always cute

―――

Amidst the flood of chat that the server could barely handle, I quietly replied.

“I don’t know what the good parts are.”

<ㅇㅇ donated 10,000 won>

-What? The developer doesn’t know? Dementia?

The donation was baffled.

But I was unfairly accused.

I really don’t know.

“To the donor, please check the Han Yoorim wiki. Someone summarized the RP in the tab above the controversy section. Reading that will help you understand.”

<ㅇㅇ donated 10,000 won>

-RP where you temporarily forget the content of the game you made when you want to? What kind of nonsense is that?

“It’s real.”

What can you do in this cold world where people’s sincerity isn’t conveyed?

I guess all we can do is work hard on making the game.

I turned my head to look at Mos.

“Softbrain, how about it? Do you see a spaceship you like?”

“First, we should decide on a concept.”

Mos, who had quickly scanned the catalog, said that.

Concept.

It was a basic element to set up when starting role-playing.

Deciding on a concept was like deciding how to play.

“Does everyone have a concept they want?”

“Not really?”

“Me neither, sis.”

That was the response from Pape and Bunny Run respectively.

Since they’re fine, the remaining one is…

“What about you, Softbrain?”

“…Can we be space pirates?”

“Surprisingly, you have a clear playstyle in mind?”

Space pirates.

It was possible, but I wasn’t sure if it would work.

“Why? Would it look bad if the server operator goes around plundering other players?”

“No? That’s not the issue, but this game doesn’t seem like a typical space adventure game.”

The game omitted explanations, but it was clear…

The starting planet was half-destroyed.

“The game developer either got lazy or caught the ‘world-class disease’ and skipped the explanation, but looking at what’s here, it’s questionable if humanity even survived. There must be a reason for this, right?”

“…Sorry, but isn’t this the game Yoorim made? Did I get it wrong?”

“Turtle, you said she’s your role model, but you don’t know much about her? I win!”

—

It’s started.

This crazy girl is acting wild even in front of 300,000 people lol. I acknowledge you, yeah.

Proper schizophrenia right here.

—

I focused on the game’s title.

<Cosmic Osuary>. Directly translated, it means “Cosmic Ossuary.”

For a simple space adventure game, it’s a pretty grim name.

“All the games by the developer of <Cosmic Osuary> had some hardcore elements, right? This one might be the same. The title alone is ‘Cosmic Ossuary.'”

“…Sorry, but is this really the game Yoorim made? Are you sure?”

“Get used to it.”

Pape crossed his arms, lost in thought, then slowly spoke.

“There’s probably some hardcore game element, right?”

“Usually, that means battle elements. There must be space monsters everywhere.”

“Sounds plausible.”

Based on this speculation, the most fitting concept was a mercenary group fighting space monsters, but…

“Do we really need that? Let’s consider Mr. Softhead’s opinion too.”

“Space pirates?”

“First, let’s max out the spaceship’s combat power, and then depending on the situation, we can either be mercenaries or space pirates.”

Taking my suggestion, we maxed out the spaceship’s combat power.

The design isn’t great, but it has strong armor. Powerful weapons. And…

“Was this a mecha thing?”

“Robots are essential for fighting in space.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to just improve the spaceship’s performance? Like boosting mobility.”

“Robots are about romance, can’t skip that.”

We added a mass-produced-looking mech that seemed like it would break down soon.

We spent half of our initial points to get this mech. It’s that expensive. It must be important for later.

“Wow.”

Bunny Run looked around the completed spaceship interior in awe.

It felt like entering a secret base for the first time. The developer clearly aimed for that vibe.

“It looked too rough to be impressive, but now that I’m inside, it’s kinda nice?”

“That’s the sunk cost effect. You made it yourself, so you feel attached. If <Fantasy Life> is a ruthless game that blackmails you with your beloved base, then <Cosmic Osuary> is a ruthless game that blackmails you with your beloved spaceship.”

“I won’t cry even if this spaceship gets destroyed this time.”

“We’ll see about that.”

I checked the captain’s chair in the bridge and asked everyone, “So, what roles did you all pick?”

“Speaking of which, I was worried while choosing. Are we sure we didn’t need to discuss this beforehand? If we all picked combat roles, we’d be in big trouble, right?”

“I made a selfless choice, so that won’t happen.”

“List your roles. What did you pick?”

At Pape’s words, we each announced our roles.

As expected, thanks to my efforts, the role balance wasn’t ruined.

Me: Combat Class (Awakened One)

Pape: Combat Class (Awakened One)

Bunny Run: Combat Class (Awakened One)

Mos: Combat Class (Awakened One)

Chaenarin: Combat Class (Awakened One)

Choco Full Bread: Support Class (Mechanic)

“Crazy girl. Where exactly did you make a selfless choice?”

“Me taking on combat is the selfless choice. You lost to me, remember, Pape?”

I was ready to play the recording of that memory if he denied it, but Pape admitted it without a fuss.

Disappointing.

“…Fine, let’s say you’re good. What about the others? Do they need to remake their characters?”

“No need. This balance works.”

“Everyone’s going crazy picking combat roles. How is this balanced?”

“Bbangbbang, who’ll join soon, will take a support role, so this is fine.”

“He’ll take a support role? Really?”

“Once a supporter, always a supporter.”

After explaining, I assigned roles to everyone.

I was the captain. Mos was the vice-captain. Pape was the security officer. Bunny Run was the medical officer. Chaenarin was the beast. Full Bread was the systems officer. Bbangbbang was the science officer.

This was almost a perfect role distribution.

“Everyone, take your seats. We’re about to depart.”

[Captain, it’s an honor to meet you. I am the ship’s control AI, basic model 082, Stella. Please give your orders.]

“Launch.”

As soon as I spoke, a tremendous force pressed against our seats. With a deafening roar, the spaceship slowly but powerfully ascended.

Once we broke free from gravity’s grip, we all let out exclamations of awe.

The Earth outside the window grew smaller and smaller.

When the Earth felt small enough, we realized the gravity binding us was gone.

“It really feels like we’re in space, sis.”

“Look, there are other people too!”

At Full Bread’s words, I glanced to the side. Numerous spaceships were launching into space.

We waved in excitement. They were too small to see, but we felt like doing it anyway.

“This really feels like an adventure.”

“Where should we go first? Probably find a planet where humans are gathered, right?”

“Let me pull up the map! Something might show up—”

BOOM!

Even though sound shouldn’t travel in space, a loud explosion echoed through the void.

I looked with my team toward the explosion’s epicenter.

And I shouted, “Stella! Full speed, get us out of here!”

“I told you we should’ve boosted mobility instead of buying that mech.”

Pape lamented.

But what could I do?

Did I expect some tentacle monster to pop up, something no amount of mech control could handle?

[Uooooooh—.]

With the giant tentacle monster destroying spaceships behind us, we fled the galaxy at top speed.

This happened just one hour into the game.