CH 14

Tae-Sung’s abysmal compatibility with the premium VR capsules caused the issue.

[The compatibility of the user and the capsule is low.]

[It is advised to use another capsule.]

[Compatibility: 61%]

His compatibility with the stone coffin-like VR capsule, which was called the Requiem 6, was 61%. His compatibility with the capsule was lower than his compatibility with the V-Iron 6, which was the capsule he tried just a while ago.

“Ah…” Oh Jun-Hwan muttered. He looked taken aback by the compatibility.

“It seems that you are not compatible with the Requiem 6 model as well… haha…” he said while laughing awkwardly.

“It seems so,” Tae-Sung replied while exiting the Requiem 6 model.

“Hmm… then I shall show you the other models,” Oh Jun-Hwan politely said.

“Sure,” Tae-Sung nonchalantly replied.

“What do you think of this model? You might be aware of it as well, but this is the model that is now the norm for pro gamers. Haha!” Oh Jun-Hwan proudly said.

The next model he recommended was the H6 model, which was a model personally developed and created by Hive.

However…

[The compatibility of the user and the capsule is low.]

[It is advised to use another capsule.]

[Compatibility: 71%]

Even the H6 model, which boasted the best specification among the premier VR capsules, was not compatible with Tae-Sung.

However, the real problem started from there…

[The compatibility of the user and the capsule is low.]

[It is advised to use another capsule.]

[Compatibility: 54%]

[The compatibility of the user and the capsule is low.]

[It is advised to use another capsule.]

[Compatibility: 69%]

[The compatibility of the user and the capsule is low.]

[It is advised to use another capsule.]

[Compatibility: 71%]

They tested more than 20 capsules after the H6 model, but none of them was compatible with Tae-Sung.

“I-Is there a chance that customer-nim is innately picky when it comes to VR capsules…?” Oh Jun-Hwan nervously asked while profusely sweating.

There were a few people like him who were innately sensitive when it came to their compatibility with VR capsules. In fact, there were rare cases where some people possessed a pretty unique brain wave pattern that they could not log in to any virtual reality games at all.

“I don’t think so. I did not have any issues during the past year with a premium capsule, even though it was a secondhand one,” Tae-Sung replied. He was telling the truth because the VR capsule he had been using right before he lost it all was the previous generation model of the H6, the H5.

“Hmm… How is your compatibility with your current capsule?” Oh Jun-Hwan asked.

“It is at 77%,” Tae-Sung replied.

“And which model are you currently using?” Oh Jun-Hwan asked.

“I am using the Virtual Sports 3 model,” Tae-Sung replied.

“Huh?” Oh Jun-Hwan muttered in surprise as he doubted his ears for a moment.

“I said I’m currently using the Virtual Sports 3 model,” Tae-Sung said once again.

“Are you serious?” Oh Jun-Hwan asked in disbelief.

“Yes, is there a problem?” Tae-Sung asked.

“N-No! There is no problem at all!” Oh Jun-Hwan exclaimed while waving his hands before adding, “It is just that the model you are using is quite old…”

“…”

“I never imagined that I will meet someone still using the Virtual Sports 3 model in this day and age…” Oh Jun-Hwan said.

Tae-Sung did not reply to the branch manager’s comments. Instead, he grumbled inwardly with discontent. ‘What? Have you contributed anything to me so I can buy it? What can I do when I don’t have the money to buy a good one?’

“Customer-nim,” Oh Jun-Hwan called out.

“What?” Tae-Sung grumbled in response.

“I am sure you are aware, but a user would not necessarily be compatible with a VR capsule just because the capsule is a premium one. The abilities and talent of the user along with their compatibility are the most crucial factors when it comes to playing virtual reality games,” Oh Jun-Hwan explained.

“I know that much,” Tae-Sung replied.

The premium capsules only provided a slight increase to one’s compatibility, but it did not do anything else after that since the brain capacity of the user was the most important factor.

“With that in mind… I think customer-nim’s compatibility with premium VR capsules is not that good or…” Oh Jun-Hwan trailed off.

It seemed he was hesitating whether to say the next part or not because he had a troubled look on his face. But eventually, he said, “It could only mean that customer-nim’s abilities are so atrocious, even these premium machines cannot work with you.”

“…”

“However, I strongly believe that a customer being sponsored a new VR capsule by our head office is not someone ordinary,” Oh Jun-Hwan said.

“What are you trying to say?” Tae-Sung asked with a hint of hostility in his voice.

“I shall guide you to the Platinum Boutique,” Oh Jun-Hwan declared.

“P-Platinum Boutique…? What is that?” Tae-Sung asked, seemingly taken aback.

“It is a special place where only our top 0.1% VIP customers are allowed access,” Oh Jun-Hwan proudly said.

“The top 0.1%....” Tae-Sung muttered.

“Now, please come this way,” Oh Jun-Hwan said as he guided Tae-Sung to a secret corridor hidden within V-Lounge.

***

The Platinum Boutique was a place unknown to the public, and it was an area only reserved for the true VIPs of V-Lounge.

Why?

It was all because the VR capsules displayed at the Platinum Boutique weren’t the 6th Generation models. Rather, they were the cream of the crop capsules equipped with the best specification possible that they would at least be the 7th or the 8th Generation models in their respective categories. The prices of those capsules started from a staggering 1 billion won that even those who had struck it rich in recent years would not dare to even shop in this place.

Moreover, the Platinum Boutique was a place only those with both money and social status could access.

“Please take a look,” Oh Jun-Hwan said as he showed the VR capsules in the Platinum Boutique.

There were only four VR capsules displayed in the place.

“These are the capsules with the highest specification possible, and they are equipped with the best next-generation software. As such, these can truly be considered as the pinnacle of virtual reality gaming equipment,” Oh Jun-Hwan said.

Then, he haughtily shrugged his shoulders before proudly saying, “These four models guarantee a compatibility of at least 85%!”

“Did you just say 85%?!” Tae-Sung exclaimed.

He could not help but be surprised at the branch manager’s words since 85% compatibility was an amazing number only 4% of those playing virtual reality games possessed, yet these machines guaranteed that figure.

“Are you saying that these machines guarantee the same compatibility as pro gamers…?” Tae-Sung had to ask and confirm it.

“That is correct,” Oh Jun-Hwan replied while nodding.

The 85% compatibility these machines guaranteed was an astounding number when the 83% to 88% compatibility that pro gamers possessed was taken into consideration.

“If the VR capsules at the V-Lounge were considered to be BMW or Audi in motor vehicle terms, then the VR capsules here at the Platinum Boutique are the Ferraris and Lamborghinis of VR capsules. In fact, these capsules have coined the term ‘Super Capsules’,” Oh Jun-Hwan proudly said.

“Wow…” Tae-Sung muttered in awe.

“Of course, it can only guarantee compatibility since even these machines cannot do anything more for someone without the innate talent to operate it further than that,” Oh Jun-Hwan clarified.

It seemed that even these ‘Super Capsules’ were not an exemption from the basic logic that the ‘pilot’ was the most important part of operating a machine.

The VR capsules were just like motor vehicles, and an ordinary person would not be able to unleash the full potential of a supercar.

“Please try this capsule first,” Oh Jun-Hwan said as he pointed at a golden VR capsule before explaining, “This model is called the ‘Steel Kreuz.’ As for the price… I think it will be better for me not to mention it. Haha!”

“Haha…” Tae-Sung let out an awkward laugh since he could tell from its exterior alone that it would cost more than a billion won.

“Please come and try it.” Oh Jun-Hwan urged.

Tae-Sung entered the Steel Kreuz VR capsule with expectations about how compatible he would be with the capsule.

[The compatibility of the user is 85.1%]

He got a compatibility that was 0.1% higher than the one guaranteed by the capsule.

“Oh!” Oh Jun-Hwan exclaimed and said, “You do have the talent as expected.”

“Huh? Is that so?” Tae-Sung asked in response while seemingly confused.

“The fact that you got 0.1% more than the guaranteed figure is proof that you are indeed talented. It is pretty rare for people to have a compatibility that is higher than the guaranteed figure unless they are talented,” Oh Jun-Hwan explained.

“Hmm…” Tae-Sung muttered as he processed the branch manager’s words.

“Let us keep the Steel Kreuz model aside for now. Please try this one as well,” Oh Jun-Hwan said while pointing at a red VR capsule.

“This is the Ishuka model, and it is designed to have a superior interior that will alleviate the user’s fatigue even more compared to the Steel Kreuz. It was masterfully designed and crafted so that the user would not feel tired even after using it for fourteen hours!” Oh Jun-Hwan proudly explained.

“Ah, is that so?” Tae-Sung said, seemingly impressed.

He tested the Ishuka model as well.

[The compatibility of the user is 85.1%]

His compatibility with the Ishuka model was the same as the Steel Kreuz model he tested earlier.

“Hmm… I think customer-nim’s abilities are more suitable for super capsules compared to the premium capsules,” Oh Jun-Hwan said.

“I-Is that so?” Tae-Sung replied while awkwardly scratching his cheek.

“Please try this as well,” Oh Jun-Hwan said as he pointed at a black capsule this time.

The black capsule was called the ‘Raptor’ model.

[The compatibility of the user is 85.1%]

The result was the same as the Steel Kreuz and Ishuka he tested earlier.

“Hmm… 85.1%... and three in a row at that. I think we have found what we are looking for. I think customer-nim is truly more compatible with super capsules,” Oh Jun-Hwan said.

“Haha… Maybe I’m more suitable for expensive things? Haha…!” Tae-Sung awkwardly laughed.

He was at a loss whether he should be happy about it or not.

His compatibility with an old secondhand VR capsule was 77% while his compatibility with premium VR capsules was below average. However, his compatibility with super capsules was pretty high at 85.1%.

He could not make heads or tails on how his compatibility worked.

‘Well… I guess it doesn’t matter as long as I can get 85.1%. That’s a figure on par with the pro gamers after all,’ Tae-Sung thought.

Search bit.ly/3iBfjkV for the original.

He decided not to think about it too much and be content with the fact that he would get a free super capsule he was highly compatible with.

“Then, shall we test the final model?” Oh Jun-Hwan asked while pointing at a purple VR capsule, which was the last remaining super capsule among the four super capsules.

“Do I have to? I think it’s going to be the same 85.1% anyway?” Tae-Sung asked.

“I do not think so.” Oh Jun-Hwan shook his head.

“Why so?” Tae-Sung asked.

“The model name of this VR capsule is ‘Ogre’,” Oh Jun-Hwan said.

“Ogre? Isn’t that name a bit too vicious?” Tae-Sung said with a frown.

“Its specifications are vicious, too,” Oh Jun-Hwan added.

“…?”

“The Ogre supports a minimum compatibility of 90% and can go up to 99%!” Oh Jun-Hwan exclaimed.

“Heok…!” Tae-Sung gasped in surprise.

“However, the compatibility will be zero if the user does not possess the abilities the Ogre demands from its user,” Oh Jun-Hwan explained.

“Hmm… that’s a picky one…” Tae-Sung muttered.

“That is because it is a hyper capsule,” Oh Jun-Hwan proudly responded.

“Haha…” Tae-Sung awkwardly laughed.

It seemed the Ogre was a VR capsule that possessed specifications better than super capsules.

“Then, I guess it’s going to come out as either 90% or 0%,” Tae-Sung said.

“That’s what I think as well…” Oh Jun-Hwan nodded in agreement.

The 85.1% compatibility was already an astounding number, but it was way below what the Ogre demanded from its user.

“Still, I suggest that you try it just in case,” Oh Jun-Hwan said.

“Sure…” Tae-Sung replied.

Since he wouldn’t lose anything even if he were to test it out, he decided to get a feel of what the best available VR capsule had to offer.

Tak!

Tae-Sung closed the Ogre’s cover and booted it up to check his compatibility with it.

“Hmm…” Oh Jun-Hwan muttered while looking at Tae-Sung and the Ogre.

“it shouldn’t be zero, right? Hmm… this customer is a really picky one. It had been pretty difficult to recommend him a model,” Oh Jun-Hwan muttered to himself.

While he was busy in his own thought, a beep rang from the capsule.

Beep!

The Hyper Capsule Ogre let out a beep to signal the reveal of Tae-Sung’s compatibility.