Gourmet Gaming

Ares was seething in anger at the meeting held between all of the executives of Beyond the Heavens Kingdom. This was because he learnt that Minhyuk had signed a huge contract without discussing it with them.

But what made Ares more furious was the fact that everyone from Beyond the Heavens Kingdom did not react to it, nor found it strange. It was as if they were fine with it. As someone that had just joined Beyond the Heavens, Ares felt like all of them were idiots.

‘They became a kingdom through this old-fashioned bullshit of a guild operation? Was everything that Beyond the Heavens Kingdom achieved because of their luck?’

Another reason why he was furious was because of the articles that had been published. It had only been a few hours since the contract between Joy Co. Ltd. and Beyond the Heavens was signed, but articles about Joy Co. Ltd. choosing Beyond the Heavens as their main focus for the trailer for the continent integration had already been widely spread.

And these were the viewers’ reactions…

[Beyond the Heavens will appear in the main advertisement? Everything’s fine but what’s with the ‘Beyond the Heavens is involved with reviewing and editing the scenario’ part? No matter how famous they are, there are parts that they should not recklessly touch, right…?]

[The main advertisement is already done for. Hahahaha. What’s the difference between this and a famous idol that’s only learning to act as the main protagonist?]

[Trusting that everything goes well. Let’s do a good job.]

[Maybe the video is going to be cool, after all the Beyond the Heavens is a name that’s worth a lot, right?]

[Above comment, please think carefully about this matter. What do you think will happen if our country’s best actors joined together to film an already ruined scenario? The ingredients might be good, but the soup will still stay shitty, right? Isn’t there a saying like that? That’s what’s happening with Beyond the Heavens right now. It does not matter how famous they are, they still only need to do what they’re good at. Why are they even trying to get involved in making the scenario?]

Around 10% of the viewers were excited for it and 90% were all hurling criticisms and curses. That was right, each and every person had a field that they were good at. Just as doctors could not suddenly work as lawyers, most felt that the rankers should just continue to play their games. The netizens were furious that these rankers were trying to stick their noses in the production of the scenario.

However, Ares was someone that had only recently joined Beyond the Heavens Kingdom, and he was already overreacting.

Then, Minhyuk entered the room. Ares was prepared to pounce at the opportunity to release his anger and criticize him.

‘If you don’t come up with a solution to this matter then…’

In fact, Ares was already thinking of leaving Beyond the Heavens Kingdom.

“I believe everyone has already seen the details of the contract through the articles published on the internet.”

All of the people that were sitting around the round table nodded. Then, Minhyuk’s gaze turned to Ares.

“And Ares, I believe I owe you an apology. Our guild has already given me full authority and rights with regards to dealing and signing contracts and deals… I should have told you in advance.”

“…”

Ares was struck dumb, watching Minhyuk bowing at a 90 degree angle to express his apology.

‘What? Why is he apologizing like this?’

Minhyuk was the king of Beyond the Heavens Kingdom. They might look like they were friendly to others, but the fact that they were superior would never change. That was the foundation for the kingdom to work properly and survive for a long time. But Minhyuk apologized to Ares for his rash actions.

Seeing this, Ares’ anger almost subsided. But he thought that he should not forget his duty.

“I’m sure you’ve seen the comments in the articles, Minhyuk. Did you sign the contract without taking that into consideration?! Everyone is comparing us to idols that forcefully filmed a movie!!!”

Ares stood up, his anger out in full display. But no one stopped Ares. Genie just looked at him and thought, ‘You’ll soon realize why we left everything up to him.’

Minhyuk just looked at Ares calmly. He nodded and pondered for a moment before opening his mouth and saying, “This might sound like an excuse, but I want everyone, including Ares, to listen to what I have to say.”

Minhyuk looked at everyone present, his voice calm and unperturbed.

“A lot of people are criticizing our Beyond the Heavens after learning the fact that we will stick our noses into the production of the scenario. However, I believe that the views of the advertisement will increase thanks to the public’s opinions.”

“What in the world…”

“Advertisements are free but movies aren’t.”

“…!”

Ares was very shocked after hearing Minhyuk’s words. He had never considered that fact. Whenever an idol starred in a film and became a hot topic through the people’s harsh criticisms, the people could cut off its movie ticket sales through word of mouth by boycotting.

‘But what if it’s free…?’

Since they wanted to see how bad it was, more people might just turn to watch it.

“Besides, if Joy Co. Ltd. knew that releasing the fact that Beyond the Heavens would review and modify the scenario to the world would be harmful to us, was it really necessary for them to release that news?”

That was also an undeniable fact. In fact, Minhyuk and President Kang Taehoon were both thinking the same thing. Advertisements could be easily criticized since it was free for viewing. However, that also meant that it could generate a high revenue and secure high viewership ratings once it was released to the world.

“Also, what if the scenario that we reviewed and edited is better than expected?”

Ares gulped dryly after hearing the implication in his words. The number of views would already be high from the public’s criticism, but if the release turned out to be better than expected, then the views would increase further through word of mouth. Simply put, the advertisement’s total revenue would dramatically increase.

‘This…’

Ares blushed. Everything was contrary to what he thought, Minhyuk had already thought about everything even before he signed the contract.

“Someone very reliable is reviewing the scenario as of now, you can trust their credibility and the quality of their works. Coincidentally, we’re at the phase where we have to develop our kingdom and open our doors.”

Everyone nodded at Minhyuk. They had to grow and develop. In other words, they had to do their best, even to the point that they had to move and utilize all of their NPCs and players, and use all kinds of methods to develop their kingdom.

The reason why they had to grow their kingdom was, first and foremost, in preparation for the continents’ integration. Second, they had to become a stable and unyielding kingdom for the security of their people, and to avoid another incident like that incident with Akhan.

“We’re supposed to do it in the first place anyway so we can just use this opportunity to increase the advertisement’s revenue.”

Ares gulped once again. Beyond the Heavens Kingdom, a kingdom that had not shown themselves to the public so far, was now going to open their doors?

‘Not only will the number of the Beyond the Heavens’ immigrants increase, the fact that they are now going to go public and participate in public activities would mean that they will draw a lot of attention to the main advertisement.’

Then, Minhyuk stood up and used magic to write the number 200 billion on the large whiteboard inside the room before saying, “Our goal is to get more than 200 billion from this advertisement contract.”

“…!”

“…!”

“…!”

“…!”

Two hundred billion was a jaw-dropping amount. But what made Ares truly awed was the fact that it was not impossible for them to achieve that amount, as long as the scenario and video was well-shot. It was not a far-fetched dream, especially after the fact that all of the members of Beyond the Heavens would give their all in the promotional activities.

After the meeting ended, Ares realized that they truly had a shot to get that 200 billion.

This novel is available on bit.ly/3iBfjkV.

‘What the hell… is the Food God…’

The Beyond the Heavens Kingdom was now preparing to actively recruit people. This meant that they would be able to generate a huge amount of profit and also increase the number of immigrants to their kingdom. This was the epitome of hitting two birds with one stone.

Ares smiled before grabbing Minhyuk, who was about to leave the room. He said, “Sorry. You must have already thought about everything but I was too angry to realize that fact.”

Ares was known for his hot and fiery temper. It was only now did he realize that he had been too prejudiced against Minhyuk.

“No, it’s fine. I can understand where you’re coming from. However, I want you to understand this, Ares,” Minhyuk stared at Ares with warm and gentle eyes as he continued, “I will always do my best for Beyond the Heavens Kingdom, and that includes you.”

Minhyuk’s words thrilled Ares to the bones. This was because Minhyuk’s voice was so reliable.

‘Food God…’

Ares, who was regretting joining Beyond the Heavens Kingdom just a few hours prior, had now made up his mind.

‘Thank you for accepting me as part of Beyond the Heavens Kingdom.’

Then, Ares asked, “Then, how are you going to promote the kingdom?”

“By doing what I’m good at.”

***

The guild members of Beyond the Heavens Kingdom began to promote their kingdom using various methods. However, Minhyuk made sure to tell everyone that the promotional activities should not interfere with their daily lives.

Khan chose to promote in a very unique way, a PVP battle with certain conditions. In his battles, if the other player lost against him, then they would move to the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom. If Khan lost against them, then he would pay them twenty platinum.

Genie decided to start her own beauty blog, while Alicia decided to make appearances on local TV and radio broadcasting stations. Locke even made an appearance on a broadcasting program called ‘Ah! My Doggy!’. Everyone tried to promote the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom in their own way.

As for Minhyuk? He tried to do what he was good at. And that was none other than eating. But before doing so, he made sure to discuss it with Know-it-all Dictionary, someone that had reached the peak of the Korean BJs.

‘Actually, you don’t have to do anything flashy. You only need to do what you’re best at, Minhyuk. If you do a mukbang, I’m sure that there will be a huge impact on the promotions.’

Minhyuk understood a little of what Know-it-all Dictionary said.

‘Do others really enjoy watching someone else eat?’

He did not understand that part but he still decided to try it. Right now, Minhyuk had around eighteen kilograms[1] of samgyeopsal piled up like a mountain in front of him. He also had a special guest, Beanie, sitting right beside him.

Since Athenae and the player’s personal broadcasting channel were linked, any player could summon a camera to do a broadcast of what they were doing. After summoning a camera in front of him and Beanie, Minhyuk immediately decided on the ‘title’ of his broadcast.

[Minhyuk’s Lonely Meal has started broadcasting.]

Minhyuk intended to do what he usually did in this broadcast and do a mukbang. However, he displayed the words ‘The Beyond the Heavens Kingdom is recruiting players. 1,000 lucky immigrants will be given buffed dishes every week.’ in large fonts and pinned at the top of the broadcast viewers’ chatting window. After doing that, Minhyuk and Beanie did not pay any heed to the camera and went all out on their mukbang.

“Kgghhk. Look at that color…”

Minhyuk gulped at the sight of the samgyeopsal in front of him as the stone grill began to heat up. Once the grill was properly heated up, Minhyuk grabbed some samgyeopsal with his tongs and lined up four in a row on top of it.

Sizzleeeee—

Smoke fluttered above the grill as the pleasant sizzle of the meat rang.

Bubble, bubble—

The oil from the samgyeopsal bubbled and danced on top of the grill.

“Oiiiiink! Oink!” Beanie said, gesturing to Minhyuk with his cute and tiny paws to grill some kimchi.

Minhyuk immediately placed the red and well-ripened kimchi where the samgyeopsal’s oil had gathered on the grill.

Sizzleeeeee—

The loud sizzle of the kimchi made both Beanie and Minhyuk lick their lips in anticipation. Of course, that was not all. They also had plenty of sides, especially the spicy ones prepared and boiling in the earthen pot right next to the grill, like the dish usually served in a set with the samgyeopsal in meat restaurants.

Sizzleeeeeee—

With perfect timing, Minhyuk flipped the cooking meat. When he flipped it, the other side was perfectly golden. Once everything had been cooked, Minhyuk immediately took out his scissors and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Then, Minhyuk grabbed a piece, dipped it into the prepared flavored oil[2] before placing it in his mouth. The juices from the meat coated Minhyuk’s mouth with every chew, the oil and salt adding a savory flavor to the meat and creating a pleasant flavor.

“Wow… Beans, it’s melting. The meat is melting!”

“Oiiiiiiink!”

Of course, Beanie was not going to lose against Minhyuk. He quickly reached out with his adorable piggy hooves, and grabbed a piece of lettuce and a piece of perilla leaf. Then, he grabbed two pieces of samgyeopsal, dipped it in ssamjang, before placing it on top of the leaves. Of course, he also added some garlic, some of the grilled kimchi that Minhyuk prepared earlier, a bit of green onion and wrapped everything up. The finished wrap was almost as big as Beanie’s face, but he was a bold and brave piggy. He opened his mouth wide and placed everything inside, successfully chewing on it, while a delighted smile bloomed on his face.

“O, oiiiiink…”

Seeing this, Minhyuk thought that he should not be outdone. So, he scooped a spoonful of sweet and warm freshly cooked rice in his mouth which was immediately followed by a spoonful of spicy soybean paste stew.

“Kghhk~ This is cooked really well.”

Beanie immediately copied Minhyuk, scooping a spoonful of the soybean paste stew. Of course, his spoonful was filled with zucchini and tofu. He dumped the spoonful of stew on his rice, mixing everything together before eating a huge mouthful.

“Oiiiiiiiink!”

Minhyuk and Beanie were two beings that knew how to eat well and happily. They continued to eat the eighteen kilograms of samgyeopsal happily. But was that all? Of course not. Minhyuk also took out some cold noodles from his inventory and ate it with Beanie.

“O, oiiiiiink!”

Beanie mixed some mustard and vinegar on his bowl. Then, he lifted his entire bowl and slurped the cold soup.

“Oink!”

Beanie smiled brightly at the pleasant tingle that appeared in his head. Then, he clamped a mouthful of noodles and… Sluuuuuuurp! Then, he immediately placed a piece of samgyeopsal on top of the noodles, grabbed everything with his chopsticks, and slurped everything up.

After finishing everything, the two looked at each other as if they were congratulating each other for eating well.

“It feels a bit sad, right?”

“Oiiiink…”

Originally, eating a mouthful of delicious food was said to relieve and console someone that was sad. It was absolutely not something that two beings that finished around eighteen kilograms of meat should say.

Then, the two prepared the finale to wash their mouths clean from grease. They filled their own glasses with ice cubes and poured cold and refreshing cider in it.

Fwiiiiiish—

The bubbles from the drink rose as the two toasted and clinked their glasses together.

Ting!

The grease and oil from the samgyeopsal was slowly getting washed away by the refreshing and cold cider.

Gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp—

Gulp, gulp—

“Oink!”

After eating, Minhyuk said, “See you guys tomorrow. Same time, same channel.”

Then, he ended the broadcast. After finishing everything, Minhyuk tilted his head, thinking, ‘Will people really watch this…?’

Minhyuk and Beanie really just ate on their own. He did not even bother to check the chat window. Actually, he did not check the responses because he was a bit afraid that he would see subpar reactions to his broadcast and be disappointed.

With those thoughts flashing in his head, Minhyuk stood up and went to deal with the pile of work left for him to handle.

***

The next day. The second day since Beyond the Heavens Kingdom had started their full-fledged promotional activities. Truth was, Minhyuk was already a day later than the other guild members when doing the promotional activities. During the day when the other guild members started, they were able to attract a hundred more immigrants to the kingdom. Assuming that they only received around 150 immigrants regularly, the fact that they could increase it by a hundred more on the first day meant that they had increased the amount by a lot.

‘Since His Majesty has started to do promotional activities, would the numbers improve a bit?’ Haze thought, calling for the captain of the guards with a bit of expectation.

“How many of the foreigners wanted to move to Beyond the Heavens yesterday?”

To that question, the captain of the guards replied, “There are 3,311 people.”

“I see. So there are 331 people… The numbers improved a bit, just a tiny bit. Ah, it’s a bit disappointing though.”

“…Miss Aide”

“Yes?” Haze asked, looking at the captain of guards with confusion.

“It’s not 331, it’s 3,311 people.”

“…?!”

Haze was very shocked.

‘From what I heard, His Majesty only ate?!’

It was something that far surpassed her comprehension and common sense.

1. The measurement that they used here is 30근. 근 is the Korean pound and is equivalent to a catty or roughly 600 grams. So 30근 is around 18,000 grams or 18 kg. ☜

2. 기름장 (gireumjang), a sauce made with sesame oil and flavored salt. ☜