As expected by the players watching at the time, the duel video of Youyu VS the Ghouls Group's female vampire went viral instantly.
The Link World Online game has a built-in recording feature, allowing players to record any segment of the game they see as video material in real-time.
After recording the video, the group initially planned to directly post it on the player forum, but then thought posting directly might not be effective. After all, they were just casual players without fame, and the forum had too many posts; what if their post just got buried?
After thinking it over, they contacted a popular content creator with a large fan base. This creator could add some post-production editing and voiceovers, possibly improving the video's effectiveness.
This content creator used to focus on anime critique, especially fond of the Yugi series. After Link World Online's launch, he also took on exciting duel clips, making many high-quality videos.
His ID is Seto the Pigmole. It's a simple and straightforward ID, clearly the old CEO.
As a content creator who transitioned into half-game commentary, Seto the Pigmole's style has been inevitably influenced by a senior from the same section.
Again, the video starts with a bang.
"No time to explain! Today we have the much-loved Youyu playing cards!"
The video starts immediately with Youyu and Vampire Queen standing on opposite sides of the street, and the duel has just commenced.
"I know this newcomer NPC with 'You' in his name, a built-in newbie shop, and a handsome look rivaling the content creator, is the focus of everyone's attention. To be honest, I am also his fan, so let's see with our own eyes the elegance of the You lineage rumored among us..."
Although the video had only been out for an hour, the views had already surpassed a million, with numerous bullet screen comments popping up.
A popular content creator's video benefits from this; once released, after about thirty to fifty minutes, it might already get lots of engagement, unlike lesser-known content creators who might only get three lonely comments on a video after half a month, with two possibly being nitpicky.
For instance, the bullet screen is now filled with comments like "I suspect the CEO is up to something" and "if there's just one peanut."
"Alright, the duel has already begun while we're chatting; it's Youyu's turn with the first move... Wow, Youyu, you claim you're not the protagonist? As everyone knows, making the first move usually spells half trouble in Yugi, except for the protagonist.
I suspect Youyu-san is making the first move to show us he truly is a world protagonist and demonstrate his skills to us out of our suspicion.
And now, you all might know, Youyu is definitely playing a 'Pure Hero Deck,' so he starts with summoning a 'Rapid-Fire Magician' — very pure hero indeed. Then he proceeds to draw a 'Pot of Greed.'
Don't ask me why it's 'Pot of Greed,' you ignorant players can log into the game and check Youyu's personal shop to see how many zeros are behind the 'Pot of Greed.' You might be amazed to find that grabbing quick cash isn't as fast as he earns, and all I can say is K Consortium, well played..."
"..."
As time passes, the video views climb higher, and the bullet screen becomes more active, with the comments section bustling with activity.
Naturally, the explosive video was also posted by the content creator to the game's video submission area on the forum, where the discussion thread was just as lively.
And happily watching the video and bullet screen, players might never guess...
...the protagonist in the video, this NPC himself is also on the forum watching the video with them, stealthily blending in.
Youyu nodded slightly at the video opening, finding it rather interesting.
He also remembers this Seto the Pigmole creator, not particularly great at card games but quite popular in the video section. Link World Online's launch helped him gain more popularity, which will continue to rise.
In the future, if there's an opportunity, it might be worthwhile to groom him to produce more videos related to himself, attracting more audience attention.
Having been among the meme-loving players himself, he knows very well that trending popularity has a short shelf life.
New-age viewers love novelty, and if you can't constantly create buzz to maintain popularity, you will soon be forgotten and gradually fade.
This is why marketing strategies must be effective, constantly staying at the center of new topics, and endlessly generating big news to catch eyes. Therefore, an excellent communication tool is necessary.
Anyway, Youyu's daily experience quota is sufficient, and there are still vacancies in the backup team...
...
As the duel nears its end, video Youyu has summoned the legendary monster "Dark Magician," sparking a new peak in bullet screen comments.
"Oh my God, there's really a Dark Magician!"
"666, could Youyu really be the world protagonist? Both Elemental Hero and Dark Magician?"
"Bold prediction, next version Youyu will pull out a Stardust Dragon to scare us..."
"Utopia requests to battle!"
"By the way, did anyone notice this Dark Magician is red, unlike the King's..."
While the bullet screen actively debated the Dark Magician, another bombshell dropped.
"Magic Card - Bond Between Teacher and Student, special summon from the card deck... Dark Magician Girl!"
The vibrant magic girl appeared on screen, triggering a deep-bomb-like response in the bullet screen. A lot of lurkers popped up to comment.
"Wife! That's my wife!"
"Wife, why are you out of your deck?"
"555 so jealous, I want to be that NPC..."
"Damn, this wand is so big, no, I mean this card is so round..."
"My friend asks how much 'Dark Magician Girl' costs; he says he's preparing to steal a battery to save up..."
"..."
The reactions are completely predictable.
Youyu nodded satisfactorily.
With this, players' interest in him will climb another notch.
Undoubtedly, many storyline-focused players will soon attempt to explore Youyu's connection with Linked World's main storyline, seeking reasons for his possession of both Elemental Hero and Dark Magician.
To this, Youyu wants to say...
...Dig! Feel free to dig!
If you find any clues, I lose!
These meme-loving players are unaware that he not only has Dark Magician Girl but she's even a spirit!
If necessary, it's worth emphasizing that you can not only see but also touch her, and she can even warm your bed!
When they discover this, the meme-loving players will surely explode on the spot.
However, he doesn't plan to reveal this to the players for now.
After all...
...Why showcase everything in one go when you can spread it out?
Plus, he has a more troublesome task ahead.
He intends to note down all player IDs in the bullet screen and comments, who affectionately call her "wife."
These players, if they come to his shop to buy cards, can enjoy a 30% discount.