Chapter 52: Chapter 52 – Synchronization Test [1]
"Hahahaha, don't be discouraged. I think the first pose is good. It's too bad that the director rejected it, as it doesn't really look professional. Pfft–"
"Don't laugh, Flexy. I am embarrassed here."
"My bad, my bad… Remembering it is still funny. But hey, at least you managed to finish your photo session quicker than that MadLad. That scary-looking guy was so stiff that he even got the director fuming in rage. Ah, maybe that's why his handle name is MadLad."
"Whatever…"
Max leaned his back against the soft sofa as he exhaled a tired sigh. His pose, which he had thought deeply about before, was rejected. In the end, he went with the mainstream folding arms that almost all professional e-sport gamers did in the past.
When he posed like that, the director immediately gave him an ok and ended his session. It felt… suck.
'Not even a hot chocolate will make me forget this disappointment. Forgive me for not following the diet plan, Ava. But I want to enjoy this chocolate for today.'
While disappointed, Max also couldn't complain as he thought his pose was a bit too much. So he accepted the result and went to the hotel prepared by Biozone Entertainment with Flexy. The others were also resting.
The room prepared by Biozone Entertainment was a suite. Every streamer invited for today's photo session was given VIP treatment and had their own room. There was also a room with the latest VR capsules near the hotel lobby that they could use to log in or livestream.
So, Max was confused.
"What are you doing in my room, Flexy?"
He looked at the orange-haired guy who sat on a couch and had his legs crossed as if this was his own house.
"Hmm?" Flexy looked over his shoulder at Max, who sat on his bed and grinned. "I am bored being alone in my room, so I came. Besides, I am going with you to your and the other two's synchronization tests. I am curious how high you will achieve."
"There is still an hour before that…" Max grumbled in displeasure. "Besides, it will be recorded by the director to be revealed after the announcement tomorrow at the press conference. You will find out at that time."
Indeed. To add more excitement, Mr. Taka also added this synchronization test, as all the newbie streamers who joined hadn't revealed theirs yet.
Usually, this would be an important moment in a livestream for almost all streamers. Viewers were always curious about good players or streamers' synchronization rates, and the announcement usually was a big deal for a streamer.
There was no better place to reveal it than an event that was also attended by three veteran streamers like this. So Max also agreed to it.
"How could I miss my friend's test? That's just impossible."
Flexy complained and shrugged his shoulders.
"Ah, my synchronization rate is 92%. Even if you think I am stupid and loud, my result is still within the top 2% of the world, you know? I can even debut as a professional gamer with this."
For a variety streamer who didn't focus on games like Flexy, 92% synchronization rate was indeed pretty high. That was why he could almost learn wall run in such a short time.
It was more than enough to play better than most players and compete with a pro. Only one in a million, or maybe two million, had such a high synchronization rate.
The average synchronization was around 85 to 87%, and that was enough for them to feel as if they were in the real world when entering VR.
Knowing that, Max nodded at Flexy. Maybe this orange-haired guy wasn't as bad in the game as he initially thought.
'As expected, I am indeed abnormal.'
"That's amazing." He flattered Flexy and clapped his hands.
The other party wasn't pleased.
"Stop with that fake compliment. I know that your synchronization rate is higher than mine."
"Who knows?" Max shrugged his shoulders and stood up.
Watching Max, Flexy raised his brows and asked curiously.
"Where are you going?"
"Toilet."
"Ah, have fun." He lost interest almost immediately and played around with his smartwatch.
***
Max went to the hotel lobby when the time came for the synchronization test for the three newbie streamers. He appeared from the elevator with Flexy, who hummed pleasantly.
Everyone had already gathered, including StoneSword and RoninKnight, and Mr. Taka stood in front of the four with an old doctor dressed in a lab coat.
Mr. Taka looked at Max, who approached them, and smiled.
"It seems everyone has arrived. And I see that the three of you are also here, although it's not really needed as we already know your synchronization rate."
"I am curious about my sister's synchronization rate. We have never tested it before." StoneSword said, followed by a small nod from Lily.
"Well… I have nothing to do." RoninKnight added while scratching his cheek. "Are we not allowed here?"
"No, you're all welcome to watch. But please don't livestream or leak the result before tomorrow's press conference. We will use the synchronization test to promote the program, too. I believe it's written in the newbie streamers' contract."
Mr. Taka looked over at Max and the other two newbies. All of them nodded, confirming his words. It was written just above the non-disclosure agreement, saying that Biozone Entertainment was allowed to use any content before the announcement for promotion.
Of course, as it was something normal and they couldn't talk about it anyway, there was nothing wrong with accepting the term. It would also benefit them if their faces and names appeared in the promotional video; it could make them further known to people.
"Great." Mr. Taka pushed his glasses and smiled, "First of all, allow me to introduce Doctor Ardi. He will be the one who will monitor your vitals when you're undergoing the test."
"It's nice to meet you."
The doctor, with a friendly smile, greeted the six streamers. Everyone nodded back without saying anything and turned their attention back to Mr. Taka.
"If everyone is ready, please follow me. I will explain the test while walking. It's located at the end of the hallway over there."
Having said that, Mr. Taka walked down the hallway with the Doctor first, followed by the others right after.
Max looked around curiously, looking at pictures put across the wall. These pictures were successful games that Biozone Entertainment released. Only those that managed to reach a peak of one million viewers on a streaming platform were put up in this hallway.
In short, this hall was the hall of fame for games that Biozone Entertainment released.
'There are at least 15 games. It's really a lot. And the genres are different too, from RPG to FPS. There is even a survival one… It's amazing.'
While walking the long corridor, Mr. Taka explained to the streamers.
"The synchronization test we will do is a bit different from a normal one. We will push your capability with the latest technology, making sure that you achieve the best result. The test itself won't be much different from the usual.
"It uses the 10-minute format with various obstacles that professional gamers use. Just focus on the test and leave everything else to us. Please, just do your best."
As he said that, Mr. Taka stopped in front of a door and placed his palm on a glowing screen beside the door.
A whirring sound followed suit, and the steel door opened slowly. Mr. Taka smirked and spread his arms proudly.
"Welcome to our most advanced testing facility. Flexy, will you show your junior how to do the test? Of course, I can do it too, but isn't it better for you to show them."
"Heh, it can't be helped." Flexy huffed and put his hands on his hips, "Leave it to the most quiet streamer, Flexy. I will show you how to do the test."