Starting as a Manga Editor-Chapter 223: Let's Play Cards!

When Shen Lun realized Avalon's true intentions, intense unease and fury surged within him.
He even felt a sense of being played.
Yet he maintained his composure—mainly because he had no choice. He wasn't powerful enough to physically cut off Avalon's internet connection, though pouring boiling water on their money tree might still be an option...
Under these circumstances,
his only recourse was to first understand what other games Avalon planned to publicly reveal.
Right.
No need to panic.
Although the game appeared exquisitely designed,
if that's all there was to it! Not a big deal! Just a single-player game!
With a darkened expression, Shen Lun continued watching the screen while trying to reassure himself.
Next,
during the livestream,
Tang Yao showcased more levels of "Yun," maintaining a consistent artistic style throughout.
Each level was composed of clean, straight lines and minimal curves.
The visuals were refreshingly elegant.
...Lofty towers, shimmering waters, steep ravines—these atmosphere-defining elements were perfectly rendered with just a few strokes.
Simply watching felt engaging, drawing viewers in.
If these aesthetics represented "Yun"'s exterior charm, then its gameplay mechanics were its captivating soul.
Though the controls were simple—just tapping to move the protagonist forward—when Tang Yao intuitively manipulated mechanisms to solve puzzle after puzzle,
viewers still found it immensely satisfying.
Of course,
her occasional clumsy moments did raise everyone's blood pressure.
This game was truly unique, at least in this world's gaming landscape—one of a kind.
Its puzzle designs were particularly stunning, featuring ingenious mechanics paired with spectacular visual effects. The clever use of optical illusions created an overall wonderfully peculiar experience.
Most importantly, the difficulty stayed reasonable throughout.
Given the massive viewer count, after watching for a while, many audience members solved new puzzles faster than Tang Yao herself.
Yet they could only watch as she tried...
At those moments, they desperately wished they could take over!
But they couldn't.
This led to an explosive increase in barrage comments, creating tremendous hype.
"The game's fun... just wish the streamer wasn't so clueless."
"Even I figured out the solution, yet she's still brute-forcing it..."
"I wanna play! Miss Streamer! Can you ask Avalon to release this faster? I'm dying here! Let me do it myself!"
"Hahahaha."
"..."
Tang Yao monitored the comments and, seeing the audience's growing interest, deliberately stopped progressing. "You're all so noisy... Anyway, this is our first game—it has a special name: 'Yun.'"
"What I just showed were only beginner levels. More complex and ingenious puzzles await later."
"The game is already listed on ANF's gaming section. A demo launches tomorrow, with the full version releasing at month's end."
"That concludes the advertisement."
"Next game!"
"..."
Seizing the moment, she switched games.
Instantly,
the barrage dwindled.
Clearly, many had gone to check out the game page.
Of course, numerous viewers protested, flooding the screen with "No," "Keep going," and "We'll tolerate your clumsiness—just keep playing!"
But Tang Yao ignored them, letting the audience clamor.
This lingering desire was exactly what she wanted.
Off-screen,
Shen Lun watched the pleading comments pop up in a side window, seeing how intensely interested players were, and his expression darkened further.
Then he refocused on the animated 2D beauty wiggling on screen...
Was this planned—deliberately leaving users wanting more? Or was time simply limited, forcing the abrupt switch?
Before he could decide,
the livestream cut to the second game...
This time, instead of howling winds,
a cheerful, lighthearted tune played.
Accompanied by crackling firewood, boisterous cheers and clinking glasses erupted.
Instantly,
viewers transitioned from "Yun"'s ethereal, artistic temple to a rowdy, packed tavern.
Commonplace,
but lively.
Amid this revelry,
the game logo appeared.
The pleading comments stopped as the barrage rapidly decreased.
Clearly,
they'd become interested in this second game too.
"Here's today's second announcement—'Hearthstone.'"
After the logo appeared,
Tang Yao's voice followed, though she didn't immediately discuss gameplay. Instead, she explained:
"As for the name's origin, our team shared that in medieval Europe, hearths were ubiquitous—not just for warmth and decoration, but as central household gathering spots. Thus, hearths and hearthstones symbolized home."
"Legend says medieval Europeans had a tradition where travelers would take a hearthstone from their home's fireplace before long journeys. Whether they minded the weight is unknown... but the custom existed. When homesick, they'd look at their hearthstone to ease longing."
"This backstory explains the game's essence—we hope playing brings you that same sense of home, helping you forget real-world troubles and feel warmth."
"As for how it delivers that warmth..."
Tang Yao chuckled lightly. "Simply put: card games."
"But not ordinary ones."
"This is a fantasy world with dragons, elves, goblins, demons..."
"Complete with gripping legends, thrilling adventures, and countless tales of heroism."
"In a certain inn, travelers gather to create a card game based on these very myths and heroes."
"Here, players collect cards, build decks, and embody legendary champions... battling others in intense matches."
As she spoke, Tang Yao clicked through menus.
[HAHA! Forget your worries and grab a seat!]
The innkeeper's gruff, hearty voice announced Hearthstone's debut.
The interface seemed simple, lacking "Yun"'s immediate visual impact—almost plain by comparison.
Tang Yao selected Standard Mode and, following prompts,
jumped straight into a match.
A card pack exploded open.
[OH! Another challenger! It's Archmage Jaina! Who will answer her call!?]
The innkeeper's enthusiastic voice returned.
The game board appeared.
Jaina's portrait frame materialized at the center, while opposite her, another frame emerged—this one depicting a wolf-like creature.
[OH! It's the Terror of Elwynn! Gnoll Hogger!]
[LET THE GAME BEGIN!]
Tutorial prompts instructed Tang Yao to attack Hogger with minions—deal enough damage to win.
Moments earlier, viewers had clamored for more "Yun."
But now, those comments vanished.
Because they realized... this game seemed equally special.
Meanwhile,
Shen Lun stared at the screen, momentarily stunned.
Heroes? Challengers? Huh?... A card game?
This... made sense???