READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 222
They say there are three people in the world who look just like you.
It’s just a superstition, not scientifically verified.
Some interpret it to mean that the world is so vast that with billions of people, finding a couple of lookalikes is a given.
However, when it comes to the girl on the screen right now and the girl from the viral video, it’s undeniable that these two aren’t just “lookalikes.”
– Wait, was this not live?
– Looks like a mashup from an old video.
– Too natural to just be a mashup, though!
– Or it could be a deepfake.
– You know messing around in situations like this could lead to disaster; would you even joke? Think before you speak!
– Where’s the host?
Because of this, viewers of Joanie’s stream were throwing out their questions left and right.
Whether they were dedicated fans, truth-seekers, or thrill-seekers who stumbled in, no one expected Joanie to pop up—they thought a girl would appear instead.
The moment the girl showed up, there was a brief silence followed by a total meltdown in the chat, proving just how overwhelming the moment was.
Fortunately, the stream itself was fine, and the chat bounced back pretty quickly after collapsing.
However, the girl on screen didn’t speak after her brief greeting of “hello.”
– …A doll?
If the girl hadn’t lazily blinked her half-closed eyes from time to time, one might have easily mistaken her for a doll.
Her appearance was so unreal that it felt almost reasonable to have that kind of illusion.
As the long silence dragged on, I’d lean forward, but the moment I caught the girl’s face, all my grievances melted away.
They say emotions get channeled into aggression when confronted with something cute.
– Wow, seriously…
– Whoa
– Gah…
– Aah…
– Wuh-oh…
– Why are these people acting like this?
– They’re not people; they’re beasts!
– Damn, that’s too much. LOL
– Come on, you guys, chill!
Because of that, those who succumbed to their instincts were floating around the chat like lost souls, unable to find their words.
But whether she noticed those chats or not, the girl remained silent.
– Is she an avatar?
– Is this one of those VTuber things?
– The fact she’s quiet might mean it’s a real deepfake, right?
– Hmm…
– This is all your fault!
– Me? Seriously?
– Your Honor, I didn’t say anything!
It’s true that just looking at her brings joy.
But isn’t it human nature to want to lie down when sitting, or to sleep when lying down?
Even without her speaking and just blinking, it was enjoyable—imagine how great it would be if those adorable lips would pucker up to make a sound… a greedy thought snuck in.
But if the girl ended up giving a cute smile, I might just faint from the cuteness; people were willing to risk everything to see that smile.
Maybe she understood their feelings.
“…”
Slight tilt of her head.
At that moment, her pink hair flowed down like a waterfall.
People watching were once again left in awe by the natural movement that felt as if it couldn’t possibly be just graphics or a drawing.
Just then, a woman walked into view.
– “Ka… ahem, what’s going on?”
For anyone who knew the original host, that figure was all too familiar—Joanie spoke to the girl in a sweet tone.
– “Ah, Da-eun.”
A trace of surprise crossed the girl’s face momentarily.
Then, suddenly looking uncomfortable, she said, “…Was I supposed to call you Joanie?”
– “Um… I mean, it’s probably better if you do, but don’t stress too much about it. Everyone already knows.”
– “I’ll keep that in mind.”
The viewers’ eyes lit up.
“Something’s definitely up…!”
They’d been suspicious since Joanie appeared on the stream, but the sight of the two having a casual chat was enough to make them certain.
– “So, what’s up? Is there something that’s bothering you?”
“Mmm…”
The girl shook her head.
Of course, she didn’t intend to act cute, but the viewers saw it differently—when the previously stoic girl showed an adorable gesture, they couldn’t help but clutch their hearts.
– “Why were you acting like that then?”
“…It felt awkward.”
Answering Joanie’s question, the girl’s voice dripped with an awkwardness that seemed to prove her own words.
– “Ugh… I can’t take it! Why are you so unbelievably cute?!”
Joanie forgot about the camera and impulsively hugged the girl.
The girl’s expression seemed to say “Here we go again,” yet she accepted Joanie’s hug with a hint of pleasure.
– “If you’re really feeling awkward, do you want me to help?”
“But—”
“Is it because of what I said before? Ah, it’s fine, it’s fine. I actually prefer this.”
“…Then help me.”
That seemed to be the phrase Joanie had been waiting for as she grinned.
– “As you wish!”
Joanie released the hug and moved behind the girl.
Then, as the girl turned to look with confusion, Joanie gently held her shoulders and said, “Okay, look at the camera and say your name and age.”
– ?????????
– Crazy girl, crazy girl, crazy girl, crazy girl, crazy girl, crazy girl, crazy girl, crazy girl!
– Aah! I don’t know anything!
– I was watching the stream when my mom walked in, and I quickly switched to adult content. Thanks!
– What is this? What meme is this?
– Ahhh… you don’t know?
– Don’t lose that innocence…
This statement even shocked those who were occasionally making animal sounds instead of actual words.
The previously warm atmosphere shattered instantly.
– “My name is Canaria. My age… wait a minute. Do I really have to say that?”
– “Of course! When meeting someone new, you have to introduce yourself first!”
– “Really?”
– No, that’s not right!!!
– Don’t fall for it!
– Age?”
– Joanie is corrupting innocent Kana!
– But your name is Canaria, right?
– Oh, that’s right…
– Kana-chan???
In the girl’s eyes, the chaotic chat filled with life.
– “Don’t fall for it!”
“They’re just enjoying to slander me. You’re not going to believe them over me, are you?”
“…”
“…Kana, is that you? No way, right?”
With Kana pondering, Joanie asked with trembling eyes.
Those who didn’t know them might see this as a cute comedic skit and smile, but loyal watchers of Joanie’s streams weren’t laughing easily.
And rightfully so.
Because for them, the girl named “Canaria” had been one who made them laugh and cry for months on end.
From the moment Joanie climbed the mountain to meet Kana to the moment she fulfilled her wish and took her last breath.
Though Kana was likely unaware that they were watching her, they were keenly following every step of her journey.
Even without being beside her, they felt as if they had adventured together.
So when Kana died, they continued to pay tribute even knowing she was just an NPC in a game.
But now, when this sudden girl claims to be “Canaria,” it’s only natural that they wouldn’t accept it right away.
They thought the girl who killed the monster in Seoul was the Kana from Silia Online.
– “Well, it was a joke, but I didn’t say that without a reason.”
Eventually, Joanie, whose foot had gone numb first, threw in the towel.
– “What Kana was trying to say is about the situation we’re in now, so I thought it would be best for her to introduce herself properly.”
– “Hmm… all right, I’ll believe you.”
– “Phew.”
– “Should we do this again?”
– “Yeah. Just say who you are so those people can know.”
– “Okay.”
Kana nodded her head.
The pink eyes, which had been focused on Joanie during their conversation, now looked directly at the camera.
– “My name is Canaria.”
Kana’s voice fell amidst the buzzing chat.
She revealed her name once more, as if affirming the doubts held by the audience.
As the atmosphere turned heavier, the chat slowed down to a crawl.
Once the chat was climbing at a noticeably slower pace, Kana spoke again.
– “I used to be Canaria of Grasis… but now, I’m just Canaria.”
Her words unveiled her true identity completely.
At the same time, they confirmed the doubts that surrounded her.
– “Seems like you guys have a lot of questions.”
Kana said casually while looking at the flood of messages in the chat.
– “I’m not a fan of lengthy explanations.”
– “Should I explain for you?”
– “No.”
Kana shook her head softly yet firmly.
– “This is my thing to do.”
– “Look at my little Kana, all grown up! You can say such thoughtful things now.”
– “I was always like this.”
– “Hmm. But your height doesn’t give that impression… Ouch! No, I was joking!”
Joanie grabbed her red-tinged hands and blew on them repeatedly.
Kana lightly ignored Joanie’s sulking expression and said, “Even if I say this, you probably won’t believe me, so I’ll show you the evidence first.”
With that, Kana lifted a fiery red sword into her hand.
– “Oh?”
– “Isn’t that the one?”
– “Looks like the one that was stuck in the grave!”
– “We should check closely, but it does look similar.”
– “It looks just like it!”
Viewers recognized the sword’s identity and erupted in noise.
This sword was the one that paved the way for Kana’s notoriety.
To obtain it, countless people climbed the mountain, and just as many lost their lives trying to defeat Kana, who guarded it.
In the future, as stories surrounding it emerged, it would mark the perpetrators as trash in pursuit of the sword.
However, just holding that sword didn’t necessarily prove that the girl and Canaria were the same person.
The chance that it was an extremely well-made replica wasn’t zero.
In fact, many people thought so.
– “This alone probably isn’t enough.”
As if reading the viewers’ minds, Kana sprang into action before anyone could type a response.
As the red blade shimmered, pink mist began to rise.
– “I’ll move it like this…”
Kana awkwardly adjusted the camera angle.
Once she confirmed that the camera captured the gym wall far behind, Kana hopped back into view.
– “Watch closely.”
Moving as if to emphasize her point, her arm moved slowly.
Starting from her waist, the sword rose diagonally in a smooth motion.
At the moment when her pink eyes and hand aligned perfectly—
– Whizz!
The sound of slicing air burst forth as the pink energy flew away.
Despite its slow movements, the speed at which the energy dashed was hard to keep up with, heading towards the wall of the gym…
No, it aimed for a sandbag just slightly in front of it.
– Thud!
The sandbag split in two as it hit the ground with a heavy sound.
Thud.
And then came the sound of its insides falling out.
It was sliced perfectly in half, like cutting through tofu with a knife.
– Oh?
– ?
– ?
– Isn’t this rigged?
– For real, isn’t this staged?
– How could you fake that?
– Maybe it was pre-slashed?
– ?????
People who couldn’t easily believe what they saw reacted.
As Kana took in those reactions and pulled back her magic, the pink energy that had been glowing at the sword’s edge faded away.
Just as she was about to speak—
– “My sandbag.”
A voice from beyond the camera froze her stiff.
Yuki, who had been silent until now, stared blankly at the split sandbag.
– “Uh.”
This was not the plan at all.
Impromptu, yes…
– “Uh… sorry.”
Kana lowered her head.
While her demeanor was bold as she killed the sandbag, her disposition now was surprisingly contradictory, and people felt assured.
That what they just witnessed wasn’t a misinterpretation.