NOVEL NEXT Chapter 106
3D model debut.
The 3D model debut of a VTuber carries a very special meaning.
Of course, those unfamiliar with this industry might ask such questions.
Isn’t a VTuber supposed to work with a 3D model from the start?
But that’s not the case.
While it’s true that many of the early VTubers, starting with our ‘boss’, began their journey with 3D models, there’s one huge downside to a 3D model: it costs money.
Modeling itself requires funds, and additional gear for utilizing that model costs even more. Preparing a space to use the model also requires money.
In fact, many early VTubers were heavily dependent on staff because they posted scripted videos faithfully adhering to their RP.
In simple terms, it’s a huge burden to dive into 3D modeling without proper assurance of revenue.
However, after one of the early VTuber companies started using moving 2D illustrations, commonly known as ‘Live2D’ technology, the VTuber industry stepped to the next level.
It costs far less money and time now, and the number of devices required for VTubers using Live2D has drastically decreased.
Moreover, the trend in the industry shifted from posting recorded videos to ‘live’ streams where interacting with viewers and the unknown outcomes became the focus, reducing dependence on staff.
Thus, nowadays, many VTubers operate using Live2D illustrations instead of 3D models.
…But even if times have changed, the essence of a VTuber is still in 3D modeling.
That’s why a VTuber’s 3D model debut holds such a special meaning.
Live2D is cheaper and more convenient, but it also comes with various limitations compared to 3D models.
In other words, a 3D model debut is also a declaration that says, “Get excited because I can do so much more from here on!”
Of course, we are no longer in the early days of VTubers, nor are we in the peak era – this is our second peak after having once collapsed and risen again.
It doesn’t require as much money and time to work with 3D models like before, and the Live2D technology has advanced tremendously, removing many constraints.
Plus, the quality of basic avatars has skyrocketed, making it virtually no issue whether one uses a 3D model or a Live2D illustration.
However, for viewers, seeing a VTuber who had been active with Live2D illustrations debut in a 3D model moving freely is touching enough, and that’s why, to this day, a 3D model debut is deeply significant for VTubers and their audiences.
Since it’s an event that can only be experienced once, some viewers even consider it as special as an anniversary live broadcast.
…Isn’t it strange to be moved by just that much?
What are you talking about? Otaku are inherently sensitive people, right?
We’re not weird; it’s the world that’s too bleak!
[Manager: I think it’s time for your 3D model debut, Izumi.]
Well, anyway, it seems that time has finally come for me.
★
[Since Izumi has finally started lessons, I thought it might be that time.]
[Well, it can’t be put off forever, right? Izumi started the lessons, and the company has likely adjusted the schedule as quickly as possible.]
That would be the case….
Naturally, everyone received texts about the 3D model debut.
And the order was given in reverse to the debut broadcast: me, Yukari Akabane, Suzuha Koga, Aki, and Ayaka Utsumi, as added by the manager.
Why do I have to go first? I dislike being the first one.
I knew there was no helping it, but I couldn’t help but envy Suzuha, who is going third for both the debut broadcast and the 3D modeling.
[Have you all decided on what songs you’re going to sing…?]
[Yep! Of course, it’s still a secret!]
[I’ve decided too. Well, it’s not confirmed, and I’m still discussing it.]
[I’m going through various songs my manager sent that match my RP.]
Typically, a 3D model debut broadcast involves singing one or two songs.
In other words, the 3D model debut means this will be my first time singing on air.
Singing for the first time in front of the Izutomo during my 3D model debut broadcast.
[Mei-chan is such a total nerd that she’s probably too shy to sing and will delay her 3D debut, lol.]
Well, while I have a song in mind, I truly have no idea how it will turn out.
Just because I want to sing doesn’t mean I can sing for sure.
[3D debut… honestly, it doesn’t feel real to me, is it just me?]
[I was expecting it, but feeling it is a different matter.]
To Ayaka’s words, I vigorously nodded my head in agreement.
Of course, nobody else would know that I’m nodding, but I believe my feelings will get through.
Honestly, all my peers are kind, so bringing up the topic should not make the atmosphere awkward, but then again, who knows?
If I say something strange and make it awkward, I might bite my tongue.
I’m still not able to speak when so many are gathered; it’s more of me being considerate.
[Well, it’s almost time for the broadcast, so I’m heading out.]
[Good luck, Yukari….]
[I also need to go since it’s dinner time.]
“Ah, goodbye….”
Ding-ding-ding the sound effects of missed calls echoed multiple times, and only Suzuha and I were left in the call room.
“S-Suzuha, you not heading out…?”
[You didn’t log off either… I wanted to talk for a moment.]
Something you want to talk about? I can’t guess what that could be…
[As you probably know, our 3D model debut broadcast doesn’t just end with that.]
“…Huh?”
What does that even mean…?
[If we’re following the schedule we received, I’ll need to host a birthday commemorative broadcast right after the 3D model debut, and you also have your birthday commemorative broadcast a month later.]
“…Ah!”
[You really didn’t know?]
“Th-that’s… I forgot about it….”
My birthday is June 12, and Suzuha’s birthday is May 24.
Just as she mentioned, the schedule is tightly packed after the 3D model debut.
How can I forget my peer’s birthday and my own? Is that even reasonable!
I could ask, but this is unavoidable.
Suzuha’s birthday.
Strictly speaking, the birth date of the person inside Suzuha, ‘Yuyika,’ is February 1, and I’ve already congratulated her.
Of course, both Kayanoh Mina and Kainoh Izumi’s birthdays are June 12, but when birthdays overlap, it’s natural to prioritise my real birthday, right?
Which means, I’m not in the wrong.
[Well, I guess that could happen. Anyway, we’ve got our schedules overlapping one after another, so we must be a bit busier than the others. I’m fine because I’ve had similar experiences, but… I’m wondering if you’ll be okay, Izumi.]
“Ah….”
Honestly, I’m not okay.
Hearing Suzuha just now made me anxious, and my stomach churned at just imagining it.
But.
“…I’m okay.”
Still, it seems like I should say I’m fine for now.
“I can’t, um, just give up and run away….”
What’s more, I’ve definitely set a solid goal.
I want to step on stage and do a live broadcast.
Though it’s tough to consider a 3D model debut as a live broadcast, a birthday commemorative broadcast can absolutely be viewed as a live broadcast, right?
So, I really can’t run away.
[…Really? That’s a relief. But if it gets tough, just say that you need help anytime. I’ll do my best to assist you.]
“Th-thank you, Suzuha…”
[Yep. Let’s both do our best to prepare!]
“Yes…!”
After those words, Suzuha left the call room, and I ended the call, stretching my body.
According to the manager, the 3D model debut broadcast is in mid-May, with roughly a month left.
And the birthday commemorative broadcast has about two months remaining.
Whether short or long, I wonder if I can achieve results that satisfy me during this preparation period.
I have no confidence. All I can do is effort to erase my anxiety.
So everyone can be happy.
And above all, so that I can be satisfied.
★
[【Important Announcement!】I’m going to read MyCarons! There’s a big announcement at the end! #KainohIzumi#Star’sFlow]
[Will you marry me?]
“You guys… teasing me every time I broadcast, sending MyCarons like this… is there no shame?”
– Not ashamed ≧ω≦
– Teasing girls you like is basic etiquette for boys.
“What are you, a pre-teen boy….”
I feel like the number of bullies has significantly decreased compared to before.
– But Mei-chan is cutest when she’s about to cry!
Is that so? Has it just gotten familiar to me?
Am I in real danger here?
“Well, anyway, I’m sorry, but I can’t marry you guys… if you want to marry me, come back as a girl like Natsune.”
– Here it comes! Mei-chan’s unique yuri move!
– Is this how she naturally flirts with girls around her?
– Mei-chan is a seductive woman!
“Well then, I guess it’s about time to read all the piled-up MyCarons… let’s start…?!”
– Is this really it?!
“Three….”
– Thump-thump
“Two….”
– Well, I’m guessing it’s that~ (;￣ー￣川
“One….”
– Come on!
“Zero…!”
At that moment, the broadcast screen switched to my avatar’s illustration.
And in the center was the message written.
[Kainoh Izumi 3D Debut!]
[Saturday, 8 PM, May 2nd Week]
– It’s finally here!!! ＼（Ｔ∇Ｔ）／
– So moving!
As everyone predicted, it was the announcement for the 3D model reveal.