“Dear participants.”

The tap of polished shoes echoed cheerily across the stage. A hand in a white glove applauded at a leisurely pace: clap, clap, clap. The sound carried unwaveringly from the stage to the closed door at the back of the auditorium.

“As the host of this party, I must first express my gratitude. Your enthusiastic participation in the game leaves me in awe.”

ChatterBox spoke as if he truly were just a typical host—or perhaps the head of a broadcasting company. At his signal, a massive screen descended to fill the wall behind him. On the screen appeared the plaza scene. Soaked hunters stood amid the water as a message window announced the game’s end. As it was a broadcast feed, everyone appeared in their original forms.

The image shifted to show Yuhyun embracing me as I leapt into the circle… Seeing my face blown up that large was mortifying.

“Final results: tie-win—37 participants; solo win—1 participant! Congratulations.”

Since ChatterBox was the announcer, I listened half-heartedly until he continued.

“The winner will receive twenty gold coins and, as a special prize, an S-rank item voucher.”

My ears perked up. An S-rank item for a consolation prize? And nearly forty winners? Truly transcendent generosity! Damn, I should have let Yuhyun and Peace win… and Yerim and Director Song! I felt pangs of regret for Seong Hyunjae and Gyeol too. Though Seong Hyunjae probably has plenty of S-rank items already.

Other hunters couldn’t hide their delight. Receiving items immediately was nice, but the fact that even a side game’s prize was S-rank was thrilling. Who wouldn’t look forward to the top prize?

“Congratulations.”

Ceremony assistants handed gold coins and vouchers to the winners. I wondered: if there’d been a solo win only, would the prize be larger? Three hundred gold coins and thirty S-rank items… If so, no one would have combined forces to stop it.

I returned to my seat, sneaking glances at the others. I felt a bit sorry.

“It’s fine, really.”

Yuhyun whispered beside me.

“Still… you got fewer than twenty gold coins.”

Thanks to Yuhyun and Peace’s relentless assault, only about half the police remained to award.

“Now, let us present the special prizes.”

ChatterBox stepped aside a few paces and gestured to the screen. Within it appeared Yuhyun. The Ruler’s Sword swung, a police-uniformed hunter barely raised a blade to block—and with a metallic crack, the spear shaft split apart in an instant as the black blade slammed down onto the hunter’s shoulder.

The scene abruptly changed:

“Krrgh!”

The hunter crashed through a display stand and barely hit the ground. On a building rooftop, Yuhyun dismounted, stepping on a willow leaf; the next shot showed the hunter’s head severed, rolling across the ground.

“Most Victories Award: Han Yuhyun, who slain thirteen police hunters!”

“My brother!” I slapped my thigh and exclaimed. Wow, Yuhyun really took them down. I wondered how many Peace had faced—thieves, asset holders, even fellow police. Regardless, Yuhyun’s tally was unmatched.

‘Thieves mostly assist, so the best targets are police: no witness penalty and everyone except the chief can attack first. Naturally, the thief fights those in the way.’

“If I’d known there was an award like that, I’d have done more fighting!” Riette lamented. If Kang Soyeong had been police too, Riette might’ve won. I felt a spark of gratitude toward ChatterBox.

“Hunter Han Yuhyun’s unstoppable charge inspired many. Here is the highlight scene with the most recommendations.”

“Am I up next?”

A hunter, looking around, entered a gas station. The camera angle swiftly panned upward, showing Yuhyun standing on the edge of a building, overlooking the station. A crimson lizard crawled across his outstretched hand, transforming into a long spear wreathed in dark blue flames. As the spear shot forth, a hunter, unaware, appeared in the frame. The flaming spear whistled through the air; the hunter belatedly raised a shield, but the spear pierced the station’s concrete floor instead.

Then:

“KWA-BOOM!!”

Flames flooded the screen, so dazzling they burned the eyes. Viewer comments scrolled above the inferno:

└ At that moment my eyes went blind and my monitor exploded

└ Please sell a replay, I beg youㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

└ Lol battlefield scene #1 is gas station explosion; overall #1 is giant cat-bro, right?

└ Guild Leader Hayeon was the most spectacular—fire attribute for the win

└ Reminds me of the Cologne 3U incident—three zombie dungeons erupted simultaneously. We should’ve called Hayeon then; no spread fire

Yuhyun ascended the stage. Even though he faced ChatterBox, I felt my heart swell—awards always stir emotions. I should have prepared a bouquet.

“Ten gold coins and a special prize.”

Ten coins! Now Yuhyun had more gold than even the standard winners. The special prize arrived in a small box.

“Next, the Popularity Award—most votes—Hunter Park Yerim and Hunter Song Taewon team!”

“Congratulations, Yerim! Director Song!”

I applauded eagerly, then felt sorry for Director Song. Yerim, what did you do to earn popularity too?

“Thank you, thank you~!”

Yerim clambered onto her chair’s backrest, nodding and bowing.

“Yerim, give Director Song a hand!”

“Yerim is awesome! You’re the best!”

Yerim teleported to Song Taewon’s side, tugging at his arm, which was twice her size. Though the stage lights shone equally, Yerim seemed to glow while Director Song looked dim beside her.

‘Director Song, I’m sorry.’

I resolved to cause fewer mishaps myself… though I doubted I could.

“Team YeSong sparked buzz since practice matches.”

The screen showed Yerim carrying Song Taewon as they flew across the sea.

└ I love Team YeSong!!!!!!!!!!!!

└ Princess Song—I’ve been a fan since Crazy Song, love you

└ Disney collaboration please! Christmas is near, let’s build a giant ice castle in Times Square

└ And Princess Song must sing her heart out

The image changed to an ice crown gently landing atop Song Taewon’s head. He stood surrounded by elaborate ice motifs, looking both weary and resigned. Was that Times Square behind them? Yerim spun and extended her hand to dance with him.

[Everyone! Cue your own background music! We’ll add plenty of special effects!]

“…Hunter Park Yerim?”

Noah, who’d come to check on the Lawless team, exclaimed in midair.

[Oh? Brother Noah? You too—!]

[My apologies.]

Noah slipped away as Yerim, disappointed, conjured an ice flower to tuck behind Song Taewon’s ear. He gently declined. Oh, Yerim…

“Popularity Award highlight scene!”

At ChatterBox’s cue, Song Taewon racing across the ocean appeared. Ice jets soared, frozen fireworks burst, and a caption read “Copyright cleared,” all to a familiar soundtrack.

└ Park Yerim! Park Yerim! Park Yerim!!!!!!!!!!!!!

└ A public servant’s dazzling escapade

└ Director Song, please contact me for dress sponsorship; we’ll treat you like royalty

└ Team YeSong was amazing, Yerim, I’m so happy for youㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ Song Director, cheer upㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

“Thank you, everyone! I love you too! Director Song, a heart for you!”

Yerim formed half a heart with her hands. Director Song, silent yet now accustomed, placed the other half to complete it.

“Yes!”

“…Song.”

“Please continue to support us!”

Should I have launched Yerim into the entertainment industry? It suits her. Even now, maybe there’s time. Ten gold coins and a special prize went to each of them.

Next on screen:

“Peep!”

“Peace!”

Peace appeared in a police uniform and cap—so cute! Cute Award, perhaps? A brief clip played of Peace trotting along a path.

“Grrr!”

The silver fairy dragon yanked Seong Hyunjae’s hair, tail lashing in adorable indignation.

“This award was created by popular request. The Lovable Mount Award: Peace and Hangyeol!”

“Peace, let’s go receive your award!”

– Kya-ung!

I scooped up Peace and dashed to the stage. My companions are undeniably lovable. Ah, look at these videos. Seong Hyunjae arrived with Gyeol in tow.

└ Peaceㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ I love youㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

└ Director Han is lucky—Peace and Hangyeol got awarded together

└ Dodam’s baby monsters are so cute; check out the Ppiyak and Bellare duo—they raided the kitchen again! Video [link] PpiyakBell love you

A caption explained that Hangyeol’s in-game dialogue had been loosely translated from Seong Hyunjae’s guidance—but it wasn’t entirely false.

“The Lovable Mount Award is S-rank mount equipment.”

Gyeol fluttered proudly toward Seong Hyunjae. A ceremony assistant presented him with a tiny ring—an anklet of cut diamond. A similar anklet, differing only in size, was then given to Peace. I accepted it on Peace’s behalf and checked the item:

[“Ondine Otter’s Ripples” ? S-rank

An antique fairy-type blessing ring. Grants four-legged species the blessings of healing and quenching thirst.]

Healing likely boosts recovery; quenching thirst, perhaps eliminating dehydration. As equipment, it probably raises base stats too.

“Thank you~ Peace, show me your paw!”

I placed the ring on Peace’s paw. It gleamed briefly, then its transparency and Peace’s fur concealed it entirely—he didn’t seem uncomfortable.

Next, a consolation prize was given to the first-eliminated hunter: a meal voucher to a famous Manhattan restaurant. Even the priciest place is pocket change for S-rank, so it felt more teasing than comforting. A few other minor awards followed.

“Finally—”

ChatterBox paused mid-sentence.

“As the name implies, Channel ChatterBox is a broadcast. Thus, ratings are paramount.”

He’d mentioned viewer-based rewards—wait. Could it be?

“The personal viewership award for this game goes to Hunter Seong Hyunjae, who recorded the most viewers!”

Seong Hyunjae rose from his seat. I stared as he walked to the stage. Of course—the slave chatroom was the only unfiltered feed. Desperate viewers must’ve flocked there. Indeed, many comments urged people to the slave channel.

‘Halfway through, that blocked information was crucial.’

I’d fooled many, and likely fooled Yuhyun and Hyunah and Riette when meeting them. Each time, the slave chatroom must’ve erupted.

‘…No need to feel sorry!’

He’s perfectly capable—why worry? Seong Hyunjae must’ve expected his own broadcast to top the ratings. Damn, I was going to ask for my coins back! No—give them all to Gyeol!

“Hunter Seong Hyunjae’s broadcast drew countless viewers seeking game information.”

A huge screen showed Seong Hyunjae «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» in his simple attire, lounging in a prison cell.

└ Without the slave channel, I would’ve died of frustration

└ Just his face is hilarious

└ His explanations were thorough. He answered hunter questions too.

└ So sweet playing with the baby dragon

└ Most mature, calm, and kind among S-ranks—aside from the bureaucrats

…Wow, the hypocrisy. I wanted to protest in the comments. Then the clip of me rescuing him played… Aaaah! I covered my eyes; Yuhyun patted my shoulder, puzzled. Yuhyun, I’m dying of embarrassment. I peered through my fingers: “Hyung, that’s Seong Hyunjae!” Argh, stop pitying him, you idiot!

└ Acting skills on pointㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

└ Didn’t know there was another side to the Guild Leader Seong

└ Giving up his win at the end to help tie for first was amazing…

└ He seems so close with Director Han

Luckily, the feed ended as they left the basement. Delete the video, please…

“For the personal viewership award: thirty gold coins and a special prize.”

‘To Seong Hyunjae!!’ I cheered inwardly. He took the most yet again! Why did I feel sorry? He’s more than capable of looking after himself!

“Thank you, viewers.”

Seong Hyunjae accepted his award with a gentle, soft smile. Everyone’s being fooled—they have no idea how he torments Director Song! It’s all an act! I wanted to leap onstage and shout: “It’s a con!” Don’t fall for his brazen face!

“The awards are all concluded, but there is one person I wish to personally thank.”

ChatterBox’s gaze turned to me. Other hunters looked my way. Yuhyun and Yerim frowned simultaneously.

“Hunter Han Yujin!”

ChatterBox extended his hand, inviting me onstage. I climbed up with a bright smile.

“Not only did you excel in this game, but throughout the entire party, your performance was outstanding. As host, I couldn’t be more pleased.”

“Thank you!”

Then at least give me more gold. ChatterBox stood beside me and affectionately draped an arm around my shoulder. Yuhyun, don’t try anything. Hold Peace back so he can’t dash forward.

“Regardless of the game’s outcome, I want to give you a gift.”

“If you offer, I gratefully accept!”

His eyes laughed behind the mask. I returned his smile.

“I will prepare a gift worthy of Hunter Han Yujin’s satisfaction. We look forward to your future exploits!”

A gift, he said. I won’t refuse—but more importantly…

“Let’s talk for a moment.”

I leaned toward ChatterBox, speaking so softly my lips barely moved—audio off, of course. He looked down at me; no answer, but he’ll contact me.

“And now, dear participants, you have a rest period until tomorrow. Personal broadcasts remain available, so feel free to use them!”

The ceremony concluded.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep