The Ruined World Was Mistaken for a Game-Chapter 14: Romance and Fantasy (4)

Translator: Dreamscribe
Time passed quickly, and the Universe Unpack event approached.
Universe Unpack was an event held by Ohsung Electronics of the Ohsung Group to promote their new products.
Ohsung Electronics’ main products were smartphones and home appliances. The home appliances were so outstanding that they ranked number one even overseas, but the smartphones were not. They had long been in second place, behind America’s Apple, and recently, they had been pushed back further by the onslaught of cheap Chinese phones.
Everyone believed that a reversal was impossible unless a device capable of changing the world came out.
Universe Unpack usually didn’t draw much attention.
Most of the information was leaked before the event, so unless someone was a YouTuber or particularly interested in IT devices and electronics, they wouldn’t watch. This time, it was held only online, making it even more so.
However, this Universe Unpack received an unusually large amount of attention. It was because the often-mocked FS Games and Lee Jinwoo Research Lab were listed in the lineup.
That absurd news caused a huge stir.
"So FS Games is really participating?"
When it was officially posted on the homepage, tech reviewer Han Dol tilted his head in curiosity.
He was a YouTuber who primarily reviewed smartphones, tablet PCs, and electronic devices, but he also had a gaming channel, showing just how serious he was about games. Whenever a new gaming console was released, he would be the first to buy it and do a detailed review.
In this field, he was the number one tech reviewer in Korea, with more than 3 million YouTube subscribers.
“Are they going to announce a VR device or something?”
-After stirring up hype with virtual reality, now a goddamned failed VR device? ㅋㅋㅋ
-Ohsung Electronics stock dropped 4% today.
-Does anyone even buy the U series anymore? (TL Note: If itsn't clear to anyone by now Ohsung is parody of Samsung)
The number of live YouTube viewers surpassed 10,000.
Thanks to that, the chat was extremely active.
Due to the nature of his channel, even when doing these kinds of live streams, the number of viewers rarely exceeded 5,000. The highest number he had ever reached was 5,300 when he did a live stream at an Apple event.
“There are a lot of people who came because of the hype, but if you cross the line, I’ll ban you. Anyway, I think they’re going to announce the Universe VR2. There are even rumors about it going around.”
The VR device that Ohsung Electronics had ambitiously invested in but ended up failing miserably had become a target of ridicule.
Most people thought that Lee Jinwoo attracting attention with virtual reality games was simply a marketing strategy for launching a follow-up model.
“A genius is a genius. Thanks to him, the interest level went up this much, right? It’s uncertain if that’ll translate into sales, though.”
-They bought interest with insults.
-Seems like the worst move. Gamers and everyone are just throwing insults. FS Games is now irrecoverable. A new VR game? Who the hell would play that.
-Even Sony's first-party VR game flopped.
Han Dol nodded.
“VR games are a league of their own. Most people just use VRChat.”
There were many predictions that the VR market would grow, but from the uncomfortable wearability to batteries and apps, there were too many hurdles before it could become mainstream.
Even with the latest technology from major U.S. companies, this was the case, virtual reality?
It was truly something out of a fantasy novel.
“Oh, it’s starting.”
Ohsung Electronics’ CEO Kim Seung-in appeared and started announcing new products. They were smartphones and various electronic devices.
The new product announcements ended faster than expected.
Even the smartphone, which was supposed to be the main focus, was introduced so briefly that it felt like a downsized presentation.
“The new product intro is exactly the same as the leaked info. There’s nothing special. I guess the price freeze is the only bit of good news.”
The specs had improved, but it was within expectations. It even felt a bit disappointing. But strangely, Kim Seung-in seemed confident.
To the point that he even seemed somewhat arrogant.
Like a winner lifting a trophy, or a national athlete wearing a gold medal around his neck.
[Thank you for waiting! Now it’s time to meet the irresistible new future!]
That was Kim Seung-in’s declaration.
The lights slowly dimmed, and the screen behind him went completely dark.
Kim Seung-in immediately exited the stage. Moments later, a spotlight lit up, revealing the figure of a man all too familiar to Han Dol and the viewers.
“Oh, Lee Jinwoo?”
He was tall and handsome enough to be mistaken for a celebrity. When turned into a meme, his image was deliberately altered to look ridiculous, but his appearance on screen was attractive enough to draw admiration.
- Gotta admit he’s good-looking. But con artists always just look good on the outside.
- Heaven is fair. Gave him looks, family, wealth, education. And then threw in a mental illnessㅋㅋ
As soon as Lee Jinwoo appeared, a flood of criticism surged into the chat.
“Everyone, let’s stay calm and just watch. Once again, if you cross the line, you’ll be banned.”
On screen, Lee Jinwoo opened his mouth with a slight smile.
[Hello. I’m Lee Jinwoo, CEO of FS Games. Lately there seem to be a lot of memes about me, and I’ve been enjoying them quite a bit. There are even stories going around saying I’m developing a superconductor, or creating an anti-gravity device to kick off the space age.]
Lee Jinwoo’s voice was pleasant to listen to.
There was a charm to it that drew attention. It was soft and composed, but didn’t sound lightweight.
[The product I’m introducing isn’t quite that grand. But I can say with certainty, it will completely meet your expectations. I’m pretty sure you’ll be surprised.]
A direct approach.
People had expected him to make some kind of excuse, but instead, he said something even bolder.
“Oh? Maybe there really is something? If he’s being this confident.”
-Something big? Is something big really coming?
-At least keep your bluffing within limits. Big thingㅋㅋ
-He sure is something. He's pushing through with this.
Lee Jinwoo paused for a moment, then raised his hand.
[We have conquered the seas.]
As Lee Jinwoo swept his hand, the surroundings transformed into the ocean.
A vast sea with blue waves spread out around Lee Jinwoo. As the camera zoomed out, it revealed the wide ocean. A sailing ship with a mast passed by, followed by the appearance of several ships.
[Despite many tragedies and hardships, but humanity’s steps reached every land. We saw deserts, walked across grasslands, and touched eternal snow. With courage that feared no death and patience that endured despair, we conquered the highest mountains.]
Lee Jinwoo’s surroundings changed again. A desert, a grassland, and snow-covered mountains appeared. They were so vivid, it felt as though Lee Jinwoo were actually there.
“Whoa, what kind of tech is this? CG? They really prepared for this, huh? Nothing feels out of place.”
-C.U.T.T.I.N.G...E.D.G.E...T.E.C.H.N.O.L.O.G.Y
-Is this what they prepared? It does look extremely natural though.
-Hmm..., is it really at that level?
-Wow, there’s snow piling up on Lee Jinwoo’s shoulders. What is this?
-He’s even breathing out visible condensation?
Lee Jinwoo brushed the snow off his shoulder. The snow naturally scattered and fell to the ground.
Word started spreading that something serious was going on, and the number of viewers began to increase rapidly. Ohsung Electronics’ official YouTube channel gained the most, and Han Dol’s channel also surpassed 30,000 viewers.
Han Dol straightened his posture and focused intently on the monitor screen. He had a strong feeling this wasn’t all.
[Hmm, it’s a bit cold. Yes. We conquered the earth, and we also conquered the sky. We even sent people to the moon and unmanned probes to Mars.]
The environment changed to show the sky and the moon.
Jinwoo stood on the moon, looking at Earth. The breathtaking scene left Han Dol and the viewers in awe.
[How great would it be if we could conquer the universe? But due to physical limitations, with our current level of scientific technology, it’s close to impossible.]
The environment changed again, and the surroundings turned dark once more.
[The romance, thrill, and sense of accomplishment that adventure brings. And the enormous rewards one can seize. Perhaps we were born in too ambiguous a time to explore. One day, humanity’s footsteps may reach the universe, but unfortunately, it won’t happen in our generation.]
Everyone was drawn into Jinwoo’s words.
Han Dol gulped and barely managed to breathe in. It was like magic.
[I will create a world for you to explore.]
Jinwoo snapped his fingers.
Then, the surroundings brightened again, and a fantastical scene was revealed.
A shattered moon floating in the sky, and vast grasslands.
Just watching it in silence made one feel refreshed and enchanted. The sky gradually turned red, and then the battle began, between the Saintess, the Undead, and the evil Dark Mage.
“Oh, what is this.”
-Is this a movie?
-Is this some kind of film release? Did they prepare a movie? If it’s VR film business, that might make sense.
-Wait, Lee Jinwoo is standing inside the movie? It doesn’t feel unnatural at all. Who’s that actress? She’s crazy pretty ᄏᄏ
-Holy shit, this is so fun. I’m running to the theater the moment this drops.
Lee Jinwoo stood behind the Saintess under her protection, waiting as the light drove away the darkness.
[Let me introduce it.]
After all the battles ended, Jinwoo stretched out his hand, and everything around him dispersed into particles.
[A world that dreams of hope, Arsilan Saga. Everything you can strive for is here.]
The words "Arsilan Saga" appeared on the screen behind Jinwoo.
Han Dol and the chat couldn’t quite grasp what it was. They didn’t know what Arsilan Saga referred to. At that moment, the staff brought capsule-shaped devices and smart goggle-style devices onto the stage.
[Arsilan Chronicle is a fully immersive virtual reality game.]
Han Dol’s expression was overtaken by shock, and chaos erupted in the chat.
"A fully immersive virtual reality game? Really?"
-???
-He's lyingㅋㅋㅋ No way this is real.
-Fuck, now he's lying at the official Unpack event. Is he a fucking lunatic?
-Is Ohsung Electronics manipulating their stock? What the hell is that guy saying?
Not only Han Dol, but most of the viewers didn’t believe it.
Whether Jinwoo knew that or not, he continued the introduction calmly.
[This is the connector for Arsilan Saga. Its official name is Soul Link. This capsule-type Soul Link is the premium model, and it can also be used as a work desk when connected to your PC while logged in. It's designed to allow for urine discharge, making it a great product for long-term sessions.]
The capsule-type device was Soul Link Pro.
Jinwoo introduced several devices designed for user convenience.
[This goggle-shaped device is the standard Soul Link. Even while connected, it can monitor your physical condition. To prevent any unfortunate incidents, periodic logouts are required, and we ask for your understanding.]
Once Jinwoo finished the presentation, the prices appeared.
Soul Link was 3,120,000 won, and Soul Link Pro was 6,990,000 won.
[The initial sales volume is 2,500 units of Soul Link and 500 units of Soul Link Pro. Pre-orders are available now at the official FS Games website, so please take note.]
The Early Access date appeared.
It was exactly two weeks away. Then a short demonstration video played.
[We’ll be waiting for you in Arsilan. Thank you.]
Jinwoo bowed his head and exited smoothly.
It was as if he was saying, "You won’t believe me anyway, so just check it for yourself."
Just like that, the Unpack event ended.
Even after the video ended, Han Dol sat in a daze.
“They’re selling a virtual reality device? Early Access starts in two weeks? Everyone, am I the crazy one here?”
-Nope, it’s Lee Jinwoo who’s crazy.
-ㅋㅋIf that’s real, Korea would be a superpower. The US and Japan will be crawling and China trembling. Now they’re faking videos too.
-What’s he planning? This is a real international embarrassment...
-It’s actually on the website? Should I try buying it?
-Would Ohsung Electronics commit outright fraud? Just to make some spare change? What if... it’s real?
Once he came to his senses, Han Dol quickly went to the official website and made a reservation. There was a bit of leeway in the first few minutes, but perhaps because it became such a massive sensation, it sold out in an instant.
“I’ll do an unboxing and review in two weeks. Honestly, I don’t believe it. If it’s a scam, I’m filing a lawsuit immediately.”
-What if it’s real?
-It probably isn’t, but what if it is?
“If it turns out to be real, I’m quitting tech YouTube and switching to games only. I’ll fully rebrand as an Arsilan YouTuber.”
Han Dol declared this outright.
"Kya! Becoming a martial arts character in a fantasy world, getting that fusion fantasy feel... Kah!"
-Trends always come back around. Honestly, doesn’t seem bad.
-What are you even talking about?
-Dude, it’s a scam, so why are you even debating this? You people stupid?
Han Dol thought it was like a dream.
In just two weeks, everything would be decided.
Not only the chat but every online community basically exploded. Domestic forums, overseas communities, social media, they were all flooded. That was because the Universe Unpack event had been officially broadcast internationally. With English dubbing, no less.
As a result, Lee Jinwoo became the most famous man in the world!