I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay down My Gun

Chapter 42 – Certification

* * *

A million views.

In general, for Yourspace, where the number of subscribers and views didn’t necessarily correlate, a video had to have at least three million subscribers for all its videos to surpass a million views.

However, this was an unattainable goal under normal circumstances. In a society where having just over a hundred thousand subscribers was considered highly successful, it was even more so.

Of course, the lack of correlation between subscribers and views meant that even with fewer subscribers, a few videos could hit high view counts if they were lucky with the algorithm.

But this was practically close to a random occurrence and could never be considered a general case.

Harmony didn’t fall into this category.

She was a case of word-of-mouth success.

Naturally, even those who watched Harmony the streamer didn’t exclusively watch her broadcasts.

Typically, a person would subscribe to numerous streamers that fit their tastes and watch them whenever they went live.

Among those streamers, there were those who collaborated because they had similar interests or for various other reasons, and in doing so, viewers and streamers would expand their networks and gain more viewers.

And it was through this network that Harmony’s Dark Zone play began to spread everywhere.

It was inevitable from the start. Not only was the Dark Zone itself famous, but it was also a game frequently played by Harmony’s colleagues.

Moreover, what she experienced was not just a simple incident but something much closer to a disaster that could have turned her broadcast into a mess. It almost did, in fact.

However, what should have ended in the worst possible way revived in the most dramatic fashion.

Even the top-tier users who shunned many elite enemies in the game—hunters who must never be approached—were taken down by two axe strikes in close combat.

Yoo Jin appeared like magic at the most critical moment when Harmony needed help and saved her.

Despite being restrained, a single heavy strike, and limbs cut off like straw whenever they touched the Tomahawk’s blade. Not even the hunters were exceptions.

And then, the much-anticipated proper retribution.

The incident, which encapsulated a dramatic rise and fall and the principle of good triumphing over evil, spreading far and wide, was almost inevitable.

Like a drop of ink slowly spreading in a fish tank, clips of the event, carried by over ten thousand users, were re-edited and scattered to other streamers, Yourspace, and internet sites.

It was strange if the views didn’t increase.

One person shows the video to another, and those people spread the video further.

It didn’t take long for this chain reaction to grow exponentially, and quick movers capitalized on this Yourspace reaction to quickly rake in views.

Those who were slower or focused on different aspects started creating analysis videos instead of reaction videos, and nearly three days passed.

Internet sites and Yourspace dealing with the Dark Zone were gradually heating up.

“Hello! This is Unreal, the former special forces member providing Dark Zone news for fellow warriors traversing the Dark Zone day and night! I would be very grateful if you could like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell before watching the video!”

An avatar looking quite burly.

The individual, facing the camera with a tactical setup desk against the backdrop of the Dark Zone HQ safehouse, started speaking.

The appearance, reminiscent of an armed newscaster, was a unique video production method Unreal had settled on after numerous trials and errors.

As he spoke, subtitles, edited photos, and videos naturally appeared and disappeared at the bottom.

“Recently, there have been many updates. From in-game patches and tips submitted by subscribers to numerous incidents. Given how many people play this game, we can’t afford to miss a beat.

Anyway, before I ramble on, let’s get started quickly. First, we’ll cover the gun balance patch, which you all probably consider most important….”

Due to the nature of the game, providing content for millions of concurrent users, numerous details flowed from Unreal’s mouth.

Starting with the multitude of firearms appearing across the PVE landscape to how they applied to users enjoying PVP.

Delving into specifics was endless, so even summarizing major points in a single sentence caused time to fly by.

Then came announcements about various changes and upcoming raids, and introductions to numerous events following the in-game seasons.

Covering the overall changes in the game meant that the time inevitably stretched on.

However, the Dark Zone was so vast, and checking notices or game guides would take even longer, so Unreal’s introduction wasn’t actually lengthy.

“…Wow, this is exhausting. Next, we’ll address minor bug fixes, but I’ll just list them on the screen because I can’t explain each one individually.

To summarize briefly for you, there were no bugs or malicious glitches affecting users or the game’s foundation this time as well.”

He paused to catch his breath.

Normally, or originally, he would have ended with a closing statement and edited the video to wrap it up around this point. Despite informing others, he was a gamer himself.

So, usually, this would be the point to enjoy playing the game, but….

Not today.

Looking directly at the screen, he quickly added.

“And next is the play feedback segment. Once again, many of you have sent in a variety of videos… but I think what you all want to see is different.

Anyway, as many of you requested, today we’ll analyze the gameplay of a user called Yoo Jin, who’s been quite the topic of discussion lately.”

With a gesture, a video clip popped up in midair.

Most were viewed from Harmony’s perspective, but some were queued up, ready to play.

The past week’s worth of Yoo Jin’s journey was neatly organized and displayed.

“Before we begin, let me say that this analysis was made possible with the cooperation of streamer Harmony and user Yoo Jin.”

A swish.

The video began playing and then paused, words overlaying it.

“We’ll start by checking the clip from the UN General Assembly… Yes, the shoulder stability is solid, and there’s no wobble in the aiming point while moving. The grip technique is very flexible… And doesn’t hide behind car doors. Just from this, it seems like they know a lot fundamentally.

Moreover, the team coverage is very well done. Even informing the team during reloading… Wow, that’s not easy to do. Many people overlook this during engagements, but there’s no such omission here.

And next… Is this engagement speed even possible? I’ve never seen anyone fire single shots this quickly. It looks easy, but it’s actually incredibly hard to do? And maintaining accuracy on top of that?”

The analysis turned into astonishment and admiration.

However, as time passed, the expression grew serious, the words less frequent, and the sounds of shallow breaths became more frequent.

Various thoughts were swirling in his head. According to the pre-delivered information, this user was in hardcore mode, but these movements didn’t seem possible in hardcore.

One overlooked aspect by many people.

The weight of the name hardcore mode. It’s not just about reduced correction. It’s like throwing a random person into a battlefield.

Those accustomed to assists mimicking the movements of countless soldiers to the extreme might not realize it, but… Unreal, having once tried hardcore mode as a test, knew how devastating the results could be.

Is this even possible?

How on earth?

Several hypotheses arose as Unreal cautiously opened his mouth.

“…Uh, wow… This is amazing. I’m really curious about what this person does in real life. At least, it seems like they’re deeply involved in the military or this field….”

The chat window on the right filled with comments asking, “Is it that serious?” but even that wasn’t everything that had been said.

Half convinced, he thought that user was likely something beyond imagination.

The most plausible scenario was that they were a special forces member testing third-arm technology or a PMC… Not just a subcontracted force, but a former military personnel whom private military companies were eager to recruit.

Possibly a bit far-fetched, but….

He pulled out the most moderate possibility in his mind.

“…Well, maybe they run a tactical shooting range in the US. Who knows, really. Delving deeper might be inappropriate.”

Despite the enthusiastic analysis, the conclusion was ambiguous.

But it was hard to blame him—no other Yourspace channel, not even those run by former special forces members, had reached a clear conclusion either.

It was a complete mystery. Yoo Jin hadn’t disclosed anything directly, and the circumstantial evidence from their actions alone made it impossible to figure out.

Ultimately, their analysis only served as a fuse that ignited more curiosity rather than providing clear answers.

And furthermore, the situation was heating up as Desperado Team—who were wiped out in a minute by Yoo Jin in the Unauthorized Zone—uploaded a video after finally getting Yoo Jin’s permission.

The latest Yoo Jin-related video on their channel, which usually averaged five thousand views, skyrocketed to over two hundred thousand, causing chaos with a flood of trolls and fans, turning the comment section into a battleground.

Amidst the intensified talk about Yoo Jin, there was a suspicion creeping in.

Hacking.

Despite the Dark Zone’s measures to completely separate VR access devices and computers’ networks, and prevent any file infiltration, it meant nothing to trolls and extreme haters.

Throwing plastic and styrofoam onto well-burning logs to produce toxic smoke, they rode the wave of rising opinions, bringing out various conspiracy theories.

The lowest quality of gossip, yet easy to grab attention—such baseless hypotheses and nonsense swept through, inevitably getting noticed.

Attempts to refute or prove these theories were thwarted by illogical arguments, and the ensuing heated debates, or ‘keyboard wars,’ attracted more people, perpetuating a vicious cycle.

Thus, or unfortunately, their goals were achieved, and many places began to catch fire.

It was a splendid mess befitting the August weather.

-[Harmony: The internet is in an uproar, Teacherㅠㅠㅠ]

-[Harmony: Even now, I’m getting flooded with emails asking if they can contact Yoo Jin!!]

-[Yoo Jin

: It’s a good world when you can become famous just by playing games.]

-[Harmony: Noooㅠㅠ]

-[Yoo Jin: I’m joking.]

-[Yoo Jin: The situation does seem quite serious.]

Despite everything, I wasn’t so disconnected from modern society that I completely neglected checking internet opinions.

Specifically, while countless people were making a fuss online, I wasn’t interested enough to get swayed by every single thing.

Maybe back when my life was more intertwined with phones and computers.

But this stance, which could be seen as neutral in a positive light, was closer to naive. To put it bluntly, it was neglecting even the parts that needed attention.

If left unchecked, such things could grow uncontrollably and tarnish the social reputation of the people involved.

If Harmony, who merely played games with me, got affected, ignoring it would be irresponsible.

In any case, the core issue of public opinion was whether I used hacks.

Many people were firmly stating it was impossible in reality, but without direct proof from the person in question, it would never turn into complete certainty.

So, I needed to prove I didn’t use hacks….

But I couldn’t think of a suitable method.

-[Harmony: What are you planning to do??]

-[Yoo Jin: Proving it is no problem since I can contact ICARUS, but]

-[Yoo Jin: I don’t know how to show it to many people.]

-[Harmony: ??]

-[Harmony: You can do it through a broadcast! o(*’▽’*)/☆’]

-[Yoo Jin: Broadcast?]

At that moment, Harmony, as if waiting, began pouring out messages.

The flood of words filling the chatroom almost made me dizzy, but to summarize, she was saying she’d handle the promotion and broadcast setup, so I should just prepare to prove it comfortably.

For a moment, I wondered if I should accept such kindness, but her next words hit the mark.

-[Harmony: I’ve received much more help from you, Yoo Jin, so don’t feel burdened(´▽`)］

-[Yoo Jin: Thank you (′？)］

-[Harmony: Ah!!]

-[Harmony: Teacher, you’re using emoticons too??]

-[Yoo Jin: They seemed cute since you used them often.]

-[Harmony: Hehehehe.]

Anyway, things were progressing in a way beyond my expectations.

After a few minutes of discussion, we decided to delay the broadcast until we secured evidence proving I didn’t use hacks and organized it well enough to present to others.

But the sooner, the better, and it would be best before all the baseless rumors caused direct harm.

I didn’t expect to contact these people again.

-[Yoo Jin: I’ll contact you later.]

-[Yoo Jin: I have to make a call.]

-[Harmony: Okay^^7]

After a brief moment of relaxation, I picked up my phone.

In the still sparse and desolate contact list that had started to grow little by little, there were two names I hadn’t contacted since the physical measurement.

Assistant Manager Lee Jin-chul, ICARUS PR Team.

Employee Han Seol-ah, ICARUS PR Team.

I clicked on the top one and put the phone to my ear.

A familiar voice answered.

The method I chose was simple.

“Hello, this is Yoo-jin Lee, who had the physical exam last time. Can I talk now?”

-Oh, hello. It’s been a while. What brings you to call today?

“Well, I need….”

To prove I wasn’t using hacks, getting certification from headquarters would suffice.