Star Record.
A virtual company founded by Si-eun, a first-generation virtual VTuber, currently consisting of seven VTubers, two from the first generation and five from the second.
With the successful launch of both the first and second generations, Star Record was now considered an unrivaled force in the domestic VTuber scene.
Si-eun, the head of Star Record, was now fully focused on recruiting the third generation.
“Are there a lot of applicants for the third gen?”
It had been a month since the recruitment notice for the third generation was posted.
The application period had ended yesterday, and now the process of organizing and reviewing the submissions was underway.
“Yeah, well, more or less.”
Ji-hye, the HR manager, who was sipping coffee while working, sent a file to Si-eun.
The file was neatly organized, containing resumes with personal information, self-introduction essays, and individual PR videos for each applicant.
After quickly skimming through the documents, Si-eun spoke.
“Twenty-eight applicants? That’s quite a lot.”
“The industry is a red ocean now. It was a pain to go through all of them.”
Ji-hye stretched with a groan.
Her desk was cluttered with empty coffee cups, proof that she wasn’t exaggerating.
“Good work, Ji-hye. Go home early and get some rest today.”
“Eh… But it’s only 5:30. I’d be leaving in thirty minutes anyway….”
“Then leave on time if you don’t want to.”
“Aah…! I’m heading out now!”
Realizing the value of those thirty extra minutes, Ji-hye quickly packed her things and left.
After seeing her off, Si-eun turned her attention back to the application files.
“Hmm…”
The VTuber industry was indeed a red ocean now, just as Ji-hye had said.
Star Record had seen continued success, which meant they had raised their standards for recruiting new talent.
Unlike the first and second generations, where the requirements were more lenient, they had set a stricter bar for the third.
Even after Ji-hye had filtered out many applicants in the first document screening, there were still twenty-eight left.
This was a significantly higher number than during the first and second generation recruitments.
Clearly, more and more people were aspiring to become VTubers.
“Should I be happy about this or not…?”
Si-eun felt both pride and regret.
It was great to see how much the company had grown, but at the same time, it was unfortunate that only four applicants would make it through.
The rest would inevitably be rejected.
It was an unfortunate reality, but there was no choice.
Instead, she had to focus on selecting the best candidates for the third generation.
Alone in the office, Si-eun continued reviewing the applicants—until something caught her eye.
“…?”
One applicant stood out.
“Kang… Sera?”
Her attached photo immediately grabbed attention.
With silky silver hair and blue eyes, Kang Sera had an exotic appearance, as if she had strong foreign lineage.
Even in the small photo on her resume, her presence was undeniable.
The first thought that crossed Si-eun’s mind was—
“Why would she want to be a VTuber?”
With looks like that, she could easily become a model or an idol.
Why would someone who could use their appearance to their advantage choose a field where they wouldn’t even show their face?
“Was she a trainee before?”
It wasn’t uncommon for aspiring idols or singers to pivot to VTubing.
In fact, even some of Star Record’s second-generation talents had similar backgrounds.
Curious, Si-eun checked Kang Sera’s history, but that wasn’t the case here.
“Her reason for applying… This is so generic.”
“I’ve always enjoyed watching online streams, particularly VTuber livestreams. Over time, I became interested in the field and decided to apply.”
That was what Kang Sera had written in her application.
But Si-eun wasn’t convinced.
Her intuition told her there was another reason—something she’d have to uncover during the interview.
“Her singing skills are a little lacking.”
After watching the short singing clip attached to the application, Si-eun nodded.
Singing and VTubing often went hand in hand.
The VTubers under Star Record weren’t just streamers; they were VTuber idols who released music and covered songs.
Still, this wasn’t a dealbreaker.
Singing could be improved with training, and sometimes, a slightly unpolished voice could be more charming to the audience.
Her voice was unique, and the tone she used while singing wasn’t bad.
It was enough to give her a passing mark.
“She has six months of VTubing experience? A reincarnation case, huh? Makes sense.”
Si-eun continued carefully reviewing Kang Sera’s application—longer than she had for anyone else.
“Hello, Kang Sera. This is Star Record. Thank you for applying for the third generation of Star Record VTubers.”
“We are pleased to inform you that you have passed the first screening and will proceed to the second round of interviews.”
The message was read and reread multiple times before the phone was tucked back into a pocket.
A new breakthrough to becoming the “VTuber Emperor”—
That was to join a corporate-backed VTuber group.
I successfully passed the first round of document screening.
Recalling my past experiences of submitting resumes in the corporate world, I had put effort into writing my self-introduction as sincerely as possible—but I wasn’t particularly worried.
With my striking appearance alone, I was confident I’d pass the document screening.
Honestly, I figured they’d at least let me through to the interview stage out of sheer curiosity, and my assumption was spot on.
Now, having cleared the document screening, all that remained was the final interview, the true determining factor.
And today was the day of that interview.
“Hoo…”
I exhaled deeply, trying to calm my nerves.
Since becoming Kang Sera and deciding to pursue VTubing, have I ever felt this anxious?
I was even more nervous than when I debuted as Mia for the first time.
If today’s interview yielded good results, my current streaming life would end here.
Mia’s activities would cease, and I’d be reborn with a new avatar and a new name.
Even after submitting my application to Star Record and receiving the confirmation that I had passed the first round, I hadn’t stopped streaming as Mia.
It wasn’t that I lacked confidence in the interview, but I still wanted to leave a path open—just in case.
Not that it made much of a difference.
My channel, Mia’s channel, remained stagnant.
The road to becoming the VTuber Emperor was long and grueling.
All I could do now was hope today’s interview would be a meaningful step forward.
With that determination, I headed to the interview venue.
“Thank you for your time. We’ll contact you later.”
“Thank you very much!”
The previous interviewee left with a bright farewell, and Si-eun took a moment to gather her thoughts.
The interview process was finally nearing its end.
She mentally sifted through the candidates she had met so far, sorting those who stood out and those who had left the strongest impression.
It was at that moment—
“The next one is that person, right? The one you were curious about, boss.”
Ji-hye, the HR manager and fellow interviewer, fanned through the files as she muttered.
“The one I was curious about? Oh.”
Si-eun checked the next applicant’s name and let out a small sigh.
“You’re making it sound like I’ve already made my decision beforehand.”
“Haha, but I’m curious too! Her reason for applying is the most intriguing part.”
“Even I…”
A buzz spread through the interview room.
The next applicant hadn’t even entered yet, but the anticipation was palpable.
The short break ended.
“Number 23, Kang Sera. Please come in.”
The door opened.
And the moment she stepped inside, the room fell silent.
There’s a saying that seeing someone incredibly beautiful or handsome can leave you speechless.
This was one of those moments.
“…Uh, should I sit here?”
Kang Sera’s hesitant voice broke the silence.
“Ah, yes! Please sit there… Um, first of all…”
Si-eun quickly regained her composure and pulled up her prepared questions.
“You mentioned you were a full-time VTuber, but have you ever worked as a child actor, idol trainee, or had any experience in the entertainment industry?”
“No, I haven’t.”
Regaining her professional demeanor, Si-eun continued.
“What led you to start VTubing?”
“Have you participated in any online communities?”
“If we were to produce a full album, how do you feel about part distribution?”
Then came the question she was most curious about—the one that truly mattered.
She locked eyes with Sera’s deep blue gaze and asked—
“Please be honest. What is your real reason for applying?”
Sera hesitated for a moment, as if debating her answer.
Then, as if solidifying her resolve, she opened her eyes wide and declared in a firm, determined voice—
“I’m going to become the VTuber Emperor.”
“…Excuse me?”
“I want to be the number one VTuber in the world. That’s my goal.”
She wanted to walk the path to VTuber supremacy alongside Star Record.
It was unexpected.
Her solemn declaration was enough to leave every interviewer in the room momentarily stunned.
“Uh… I see. VTuber Emperor, huh… Well, thank you for your time.”
“Thank you very much!”
Sera gave a confident bow before striding out of the interview room, looking as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
A different kind of silence filled the room this time.
“…Was that last part meant to be a joke?”
“She seemed completely serious.”
“She’s unexpectedly eccentric…”
Si-eun thought to herself—
An interesting person, indeed.
And she made sure to remember Kang Sera’s name.