Chapter 143: The Ghost Swallowing Coins
Shortly after, as the venue opened, people waiting outside rushed in like a flood.
"Please, the limited edition set of Raon Dragon Emblem!"
"Me too!"
The limited edition set, priced at 49,800 yen including the flash memory cartridge, sold like crazy as soon as it opened.
It was an exorbitant price for just a console and a cartridge, but in reality, this product was quite cheap.
Because the flash cartridge containing the Dragon Emblem was a high-capacity version...
Raon's device price alone was 29,800 yen.
And the high-capacity flash cartridge was 19,800 yen. Together they were 49,600 yen, so the Dragon Emblem was practically included as a bonus.
Plus, with the exclusive white version of the Dragon Emblem limited edition device, it sold out within 30 minutes of the event's start.
"Darn it! I've been waiting since 9 am!"
A user who narrowly missed the limited edition caused a small commotion, but there was nothing that could be done.
Although there were additional quantities available, they couldn't be sold casually because they might be needed for exchanges due to possible device malfunctions.
Some diligent individuals had waited for almost four hours, even taking the first train to purchase the item. As the back became noisy, they reluctantly gave up.
Meanwhile, those who bought the limited edition held their specially made shopping bags with expressions as if they'd conquered the world.
"Hah, it's worth waiting instead of buying the first edition."
"Pentagon is really good at business. Who would've thought they'd include the device in the Dragon Emblem limited edition?"
"I already have Raon, but... I might get one more."
"At this rate, won't they release Dragon Emblem II limited edition later?"
"Oh... no. My wallet..."
I couldn't help but laugh at a conversation I overheard somewhere.
A common marketing tactic I knew from the future, yet it was astonishing how well it worked even in the early '90s. Human desire truly knows no bounds.
Then, another voice caught my attention.
"But are they really showcasing Psych Battle today?"
"It seems like it? When does it start?"
Due to the prior leakage of information about Psych Battle during the Dragon Emblem sales event, customers who purchased the product stayed at the venue, eagerly awaiting its start without going home.
As the venue gradually filled with people, I stepped onto the prepared stage and grabbed the microphone.
"Hello. First of all, I'd like to express my gratitude to all of you who came here today to purchase the Dragon Emblem."
Behind me, including Yuki, ten demonstrators slowly stepped onto the stage.
"You might or might not remember, but the people behind me were the users who stayed until the very end during the Dragon Emblem event hosted by Famitongshin in 1986."
"Wow, was that already five years ago? Time flies."
"Oh? I remember that lady. She was there till the final boss battle and when she lost, the winner handed her the cartridge."
"Huh? Really? Why?"
"I saw it in a magazine last year, apparently, the winner was the developer of Dragon Emblem. The person speaking on the mic right now."
"What? They developed it and were the first to clear it?"
"It was insanely difficult back then. Cartridges were hard to come by, and to top it off, the event was called Dragon Emblem Extermination. Even though it's a game from five years ago, it's still incredibly popular. Do you know how much an original Dragon Emblem cartridge is being traded for?"
"How much?"
"Over 200,000 yen depending on the condition, especially with the remake release and news of the second sequel overlapping. That's my whole month's salary."
"But still can't afford it. Anyway, that developer invited those ten people as a gesture of apology during last year's event."
"Wow, that's a grand gesture. Honestly, at this point, no one would have anything to say."
"He used to be a Mintendo employee but moved to Pentagon last year. Because of him, the gaming industry turned upside down at the end of last year."
"Wow, really?"
As I handed shopping bags and shook hands with the people on stage, I couldn't help but smile at the conversations I overheard.
After finishing distributing the gifts to everyone, including the man who reacted gruffly with his arms crossed from the waiting room, I took the mic again.
"It's a great pleasure to conduct this event today alongside the users who participated in the Dragon Emblem event five years ago. If any of you who participated in the Dragon Emblem Extermination five years ago are here, would you please raise your hand?"
Then, nearly a third of the people gathered in the venue swiftly raised their hands. Among them were those who looked at me with hopeful eyes, wondering if they too could receive a Dragon Emblem.
"Thank you. It seems quite a few of you have been eagerly anticipating the Dragon Emblem remake. As a developer, it's truly heartwarming. For those of you, I'd like to introduce a special guest here today. You might remember him; he was a reviewer from the monthly Famitongshin who reviewed the society back then. Please welcome Mr. Ishimoto Junpei!"
"Wow~ It's Junpei!!"
As I introduced him, Junpei, wearing his baseball cap as always, energetically climbed onto the stage and enthusiastically greeted the users.
"Hello!!! It's Ishimoto Junpei from Famitongshin!!!"
"Wowwww~"
Junpei had been a game journalist for quite a long time, so he was somewhat of a celebrity among gamers.
Passing on the mic to Junpei, I whispered softly with a slight smile.
"Try not to say any unnecessary things related to game development."
"Of course!"
Grabbing the mic as if snatching it from me, Junpei faced the audience and started revving up the atmosphere.
"Everyone, this guy here was the devil who forced us to sacrifice either Katrina or Mirea in our games!!"
"Wowwww~"
"Not just that. Remember the brutal difficulty of Psych Battle! Is that something a human would do?!"
"Wowwww~"
"And then, making innocent folks shed waterfall-like tears in my absence in the game!"
"Yeah!!!"
He sure knew how to hype up the crowd. I smiled and took a step back.
Then, Junpei, after gazing at the enthusiastic crowd for a moment, chuckled and spoke.
"I'm proud to say that this guy is my closest friend..."
His words tugged at my heartstrings as I stood behind him.
"I think your enthusiastic response is because you truly enjoyed the game he created. Thanks to him, I've had truly new and enjoyable experiences. If I were to choose five memorable games while playing numerous games, I'd pick Dragon Emblem and My Absence in the Game without hesitation.
And if I had to pick one more..."
As he was about to reveal information, at that moment, due to the concept shift to an 8-player battle idea, the entire development was overhauled, and Psych Force had strangely become a mysterious, occult concept. As a result, there hadn't been any public disclosures.
I wondered why?
The gathering of users here began to show a fervent response to Junpei's introduction.
Junpei, pleased with the enthusiasm of those following him, opened his mouth with a satisfied smile.
"But before that, there's something I'd like to touch upon."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"The initial Psych Force demonstration will be joined by ten users behind me. Then, momentarily, I'll kneel at the last stage of the Dragon Emblem Conquest and have a brief interview with Ishikawa Yuki."
"Huh!? Wait, that wasn't in the schedule, was it?"
But before my bewildered words could stop, Yuki, standing beside me, approached Junpei.
At that moment, as Junpei playfully teased Yuki, he winked at me with a smile.
Could it be... the two of them schemed this?
"Hello. I'm Ishikawa Yuki, who participated in the Dragon Emblem Conquest event."
"Wow~!! A girl who loves games~!! And cute too!"
"A being that understands a man's hobby... Does such a creature really exist!?"
"Isn't she the last person remaining from the users back then? Incredible..."
"But, wait, she's someone we've never seen before. Why does her voice sound so familiar?"
"Yeah, I feel the same."
Despite the blush on her face due to people's reactions, Yuki held onto the microphone firmly, not stepping back.
"It seems some of you find my voice familiar. Would saying this help you understand better?"
After Yuki cleared her throat for a moment, she leaned closer to the mic with small lips.
"As I thought... I still miss that person so much..."
Suddenly, the bustling event hall fell silent at Yuki's voice.
And a moment later...
"Wow!!!! It's Hasegawa Miyuki!!!"
"It's real!! The real one appeared!!"
"Oh my goodness, that means she was the voice actor for 'The Empty Streets'!?"
"Hearing her real voice feels like... my heart is stopping..."
"That voice is detrimental to the heart."
In the midst of the stunned audience, Yuki and Junpei smiled at each other.
I hadn't anticipated that, but did this really hit the bullseye?
Yuki smiled at me, drawing a 'V' with her fingers as if gesturing to the fans of 'The Empty Streets'.
"To the fans of 'The Empty Streets,' it's an unforgettable line, isn't it? But I've heard that Ishikawa-san has something to say here, what is it?"
"Oh, well, I was recently proposed to by my boyfriend."
"Wait... What did Yuki just say?"
"Congratulations!"
"Thank you. But after the proposal, I was very disappointed in him."
"What? How did he propose..."
"Well, he made a significant proposal over the phone without even seeing my face."
Simultaneously, murmurs of condemnation toward me spread through the hall.
"That's harsh..."
"Who is it? Who dares!!"
"Hasegawa... No, anyway, Yuki-san!! Marry me instead of that guy!!"
Yuki, waiting for the atmosphere to settle a bit, removed her lips from the mic again.
"So today, I want to officially receive the proposal here."
"Wait, does that mean her boyfriend is here!?"
Junpei, though aware of everything, wore a surprised expression.
"Yes..."
"May I ask who it is?"
"The person I first met at the Dragon Emblem event and has been by my side since then is... the developer of Dragon Emblem, Kang Junhyuk."
"Whoa!!"
"Wait!! That guy is Yuki's boyfriend!?"
"Ah, suddenly feeling like asking for a refund."
"Damn!! Take my money and the girl!! Just give me the game until I die."
"Jealous..."
"Seriously. Jealousy is a loser's game!! Don't be jealous!!"
Amid all eyes fixated on me, I approached Yuki, briefly covering my face with my hand and asked her.
"Were you pretending to sleep back then?"
To which she stuck out her tongue playfully.
"Nope~ I was pretending to be asleep because the confession was too awkward~"
"You, seriously..."
In that moment, Junpei, grabbing the mic, shouted swiftly.
"So, here, I'll hold a surprise event. From now on, in the Psych Force demonstration, let's have Junhyuk and Yuki join the battle together."
"Huh? Together? What does that mean? Are they going to fight together?"
Users not entirely familiar with the Psych Force's battle system seemed puzzled by Junpei's explanation.
Junpei, smiling wryly at their reactions, replied.
"No need to worry. The Psych Battle is the world's first 8-person battle system. Therefore, including Junhyuk and Yuki, eight players can enjoy the battle together."
"Wow!!!"
"So, if someone dies in the initial battle, another player will be substituted."
"Wow~ Amazing!! So, all eight will constantly battle it out!?"
"Go and crush that couple!!"
"We deeply support you!!!"
Junpei responded to the overwhelming cheers directed at him.
"Of course. Standing at the forefront of the solo squad, I will definitely... deal with those two."
And a while later...
Caught up in the sudden whirlwind of the atmosphere, I found myself sitting in front of the demonstration model of Psych Force.
"What... what's this..."
At that moment, Yuki looked at me and smiled.
"Looks like we get to play together with a developer again. So, please take care of us this time too, Junhyuk."
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