The Count’s Youngest Son is a Player

It had been one year and three months since Connect officially launched. The production of Connect access capsules increased rapidly, and the number of users surpassed 200,000.

Connect Inc. declared that they would distribute one million capsules by the end of the year, but even that wouldn’t satisfy the public’s hunger. As the advertisement tagline suggests, “Connecting to a new world” people were fervent about this new reality.

Moreover, studies revealed that being connected to Connect was almost akin to sleeping. This meant one could work during the day and connect to Connect at night without any disruption to their daily life.

Connecting to Connect means living twice the life others live. Such statements became common. It was no wonder people scrambled to obtain a capsule as soon as possible.

Seoul, South Korea.

With over 30 million people in the metropolitan area, it was a densely populated city. The digital signboards in the bustling business districts were now dominated by advertisements and videos promoting Connect.

“…There are discussions suggesting that Connect might not just be a virtual world but a real place. What are your thoughts, doctor?”

The screen on one of these billboards showed experts discussing Connect.

“Haha, rumors are just that—rumors. Do you really believe such a place exists and that our minds are transferred through capsules? Our understanding of the human brain is still full of mysteries…”

The host cut off the lengthy explanation.

“Yes, so you’re saying it’s impossible. But what about the theory that an NPC, a character from a game, has established a company in reality? Could you share your thoughts, dr. ***?”

“It’s not entirely impossible. For instance, the recently founded First Company falls under this category. The concept of a ‘corporation’ already exists. The law recognizes corporations as entities with rights and duties. So, this time the debate is whether to recognize a game character as a legal entity or not…”

Kim Ilwoo stared blankly at the program on his smartwatch until the cab driver’s voice brought him back to reality.

“No matter how advanced the world gets, it’s amusing to think that a computer program could become the head of a company, isn’t it? Don’t you think so, sir?”

“Oh, yes. I suppose so.”

Ilwoo replied, scratching his head awkwardly. He wondered what the driver would think if he knew Ilwoo was acquainted with that very computer program.

“And it’s getting so hot these days. Can’t breathe without the air conditioner on, and the fuel cost seems to have doubled…”

The cab driver’s incessant chatter continued, but Ilwoo took it in stride and engaged in conversation. Ever since connecting to Connect, he hadn’t had many opportunities to go outside and hear other people’s stories.

‘It’s really strange when you think about it.’

Though it was only March, the temperature felt well over 30 degrees Celsius. Amusingly, the Meteorological Agency’s readings showed it was only around 10 degrees. As he worried about how to cope when real summer came, the cab arrived at their destination.

“Thank you.”

After paying the fare and stepping out, the cab driver was about to leave but paused to look at the building’s signboard.

“First Company? Isn’t that from the broadcast? Since when has it been here?”

Like the cab driver, Ilwoo stood in front of the building, catching his breath. Despite having been here multiple times already, it still felt surreal.

The front of the building was bustling with people moving furniture and delivery trucks unloading supplies. Avoiding the busy main entrance, Ilwoo walked around to the quieter residents-only back entrance.

“Welcome!”

The guards and guides recognized Ilwoo’s face and greeted him with bows.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Outwardly, it seemed like an ordinary high-end apartment’s security system, but in reality, it was much more sophisticated. The entire premises were covered with state-of-the-art security systems, almost excessively so.

‘I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this.’

Ilwoo had already moved in a few days ago. He was returning from selling his previous two-room apartment. Living here felt more burdensome than comforting.

‘Do I really deserve to live here?’

The company’s headquarters. It was an officetel comparable to a suite in a luxury hotel. Living there without paying a single penny still felt like a dream to Ilwoo. He walked past the opulent marble-finished lobby towards the office elevator instead of the residential one.

Next to the elevator was a directory listing four companies:

First Company Inc. (31F~35F)

First Investment Inc. (26~30F)

First Management Inc. (16~25F)

First Security Inc. (5F~15F)

The entire 60-story building was occupied by the First Group. The offices spanned from the ground to the 35th floor, with residential officetels starting from the 36th floor.

‘So my office is….’

Ilwoo checked his email on his smartwatch again and pressed the button for the 25th floor.

“Twenty-fifth floor.”

The elevator announced as it opened, and Ilwoo hung his employee badge around his neck before stepping out. A quick glance at his badge caused another passenger to gasp and cover their mouth in surprise.

“Welcome, Vice President Kim Ilwoo.”

“Keep up the good work.”

Exiting the elevator didn’t mean immediately entering the office. Entering the company lobby required passing through several security checks.

‘Why does the management company need such a security system….’

Regardless, procedures were procedures. After following the security guard’s guidance and completing the checks, he was finally inside the company.

“Vice President, you’ve arrived. In 30 minutes, there’s a group-wide executive meeting scheduled. It will be held as a video conference. Where would you like to attend from?”

A secretary approached and informed him of his schedule as soon as he entered the lobby. Startled by the unfamiliar treatment, Ilwoo asked, “Have any of my friends arrived yet?”

“By ‘friends’, do you mean the directors?”

“Yes.”

“Five directors are waiting in the conference room.”

“Please guide me there.”

Following the secretary, Ilwoo entered the conference room.

“You’re here, Vice President Ilwoo! That suit looks great on you!”

“Good to see you, Ilwoo.”

“Mr. Kim, you look fantastic in person too!”

Han Seohyun, Wang Tianming, the American Louis Blake, the German Manninger, and the British Linda all stood up to greet him. These were the top executives of the Purple Guild and directors of First Management Inc.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they sat down.

“This is amazing. It’s slightly inconvenient, but simultaneous translation like this is impressive!”

“Indeed. I was worried that we wouldn’t understand each other when meeting in real life.”

Their earphones translated the languages, and the subtitles on their smartwatches made conversations easy. This was thanks to the real-time translation device developed by Connect Inc., extracted from the technology used in the capsules.

Despite four different languages being spoken, communication was smooth, though not as seamless as within Connect.

“I honestly still can’t believe it. Every morning when I wake up, I wonder if this is real.”

Ilwoo said, shaking his head in disbelief. The others nodded in agreement.

“When the chairman gathered us in Calix Castle and told us about this, I thought it was a joke. In Connect, maybe, but a company in reality? Then suddenly asking us to take on director positions? I thought Connect was pulling a prank on us.” the American Blake added with his characteristic exaggerated gestures and laughter.

For reference, the chairman Blake mentioned was Raul.

“I felt the same. I thought we’d just rent a modest office and put up a sign. Frankly, I’m amazed.”

Wang Tianming said with a serious expression. The room was filled with murmurs of agreement as they processed the surreal reality of their new roles and the scale of the company.

The First Group’s rapid ascendancy and the unexpected transition from the virtual world to reality were almost unfathomable. The high-level security, state-of-the-art facilities, and the sheer size of the company were testament to the influence and resources at their disposal.

“Now, let’s get to work.”

Ilwoo declared, rallying his friends and colleagues. A new chapter awaited them, filled with challenges and opportunities, both in reality and within Connect.

(To be continued…)