The unexpected buzz mainly stemmed from the leader of "Hanno Knight" guild, a well-known big spender in the Linked World, who seemed like a punching bag.
When their village's only hope, Cola Sprite, revealed that Youyu was planning to go to Egypt, a thought instinctively engraved in the DNA immediately flashed through the president's mind.
Time to show off!
Quick, make a post to show off!
And as a big spender, the way he shows off must naturally be different from ordinary players.
So the simplest and most crude method is to throw money around!
Not only should he post and announce first-hand news, but also highlight that the girls from their guild are accompanying Youyu, and further use a financial offensive to catch attention and promote their guild.
Such things, while not common, are not unheard of. For example, when a boss unlocks a hidden story in a game or obtains some super rare card, sometimes there are people who shout for red packet celebrations.
Some big spenders truly don't care about that little money. Distributing red packets can increase the post's buzz, and making a name for themselves isn't a loss for real big spenders.
Led by this punching bag, many big spenders from the Egypt Zone also showed up to follow the trend, saying they'd give away red packets worth ten to twenty thousand if noticed by Youyu-san—creating quite the commotion.
This actually served as indirect promotion for Youyu.
The "Hanno Knight" guild leader seems like a decent person. Through Cola Sprite, Youyu somehow got to know this guild leader better.
Overall, the impression is of a relatively straightforward and genuinely game-loving big spender, leaving a rather good impression.
This time, Youyu could be considered as having received his favor.
This favor from Youyu has also been noted. If there's a chance in the future, perhaps take care of their "Hanno Knight" a bit.
Actually, despite the high popularity Youyu currently enjoys among players, he still has significant room for improvement, with potential markets waiting to be tapped.
Not to mention those who—due to various reasons—haven't yet jumped into the Linked World; even among those who have, not everyone is a fan.
Though Youyu doesn't interact much with Muto Yugi on an everyday basis, Yugi, the true child of this version, the original-appointed protagonist of the world, certainly has no shortage of little fans around him.
And there are players who scoff at choosing just one, expressing love for both Youyu and Yugi.
This group includes female players as well.
Can you otakus call out "my wife" passionately to ten or eight cardboard cutouts, yet I can't have a few more husbands?
Sometimes, there are even Youyu faction and Yugi faction players who start arguments on forums. Occasionally, disagreements escalate into in-game challenges, deciding outcomes through card duels.
Hmph, since Yugi-san and Youyu-san ended in a draw, let us determine the victor for them!
When Youyu saw these posts, he could only shake his head helplessly.
Even the card enthusiasts can't escape the fandom culture invasion?
Moreover, what struck Youyu even more was...
...The idol is actually me.JPG.
Yet Youyu's fame isn't high enough, or rather not popular enough to be a household name.
On his second day in Egypt, after harvesting today's batch of new players, dining, Youyu decided to take a nighttime walk to relax and enjoy the night view.
Unexpectedly, his casual stroll led him to discover another promising talent.
This player's ID is quite normal, called "Heart Flying with the Wind."
The reason this player caught his attention is naturally because Youyu has some impression of him.
If he's not mistaken, Heart Flying with the Wind became renowned among players even earlier than the previous player he met, who wouldn't haggle on prices.
Similar to the non-haggling player, this person also hasn't revealed the origin of his fortuity to anyone, so even now, Youyu doesn't know where his opportunity came from.
The Linked World is so vast, it's impossible for Youyu to encounter every opportunity and quest. There will always be hidden missions encountered by other players.
Players who get lucky or obtain powerful card decks can easily become overnight sensations, worshipped by countless as gaming gods, just like players who obtain ultimate martial arts manuals in similar MMORPGs.
And this Heart Flying with the Wind was especially formidable.
Because his strength in versions 1.0 to 2.0 of the Linked World ranked among the top tier of all players!
Hence, this budding talent is not someone Youyu would let pass easily.
Youyu thought about it, then pretended to coincidentally run into Heart Flying with the Wind.
"Hello, may I ask you something?" Youyu spoke politely, with a warm yet respectful smile, "Do you know how to get to World Trade Center's third hotel?"
That's also where he's staying temporarily.
Of course, Youyu knew the way. He just needed a random excuse to approach and strike up a conversation with this player.
When an NPC initiates a conversation with a player, subtitles appear on the player's screen. At the start of the subtitles, the NPC's name is prominently highlighted.
Look closely!
It's me, Duel King Youyu, personally speaking to you!
If it were any ordinary small-time player, they'd probably scream in surprise now, eager to show off and flatter, right?
However...
"I don't know." Heart Flying with the Wind answered bluntly.
Youyu: "?"
Nani, shouldn't you be checking the map and finding the route for me in such a situation?
Looking at this guy's calm reaction, a thought that even Youyu found unlikely popped up.
Could it be this guy... doesn't recognize me?
Hah? Is there still a player nowadays who doesn't know me, Master You?
Don't you have a phone?
Youyu cleared his throat, deciding to change his approach. He pretended to notice Heart Flying with the Wind's Duel Disc suddenly: "Eh? You're a Duelist too?"
Heart Flying with the Wind was about to leave, looking slightly annoyed that Youyu called out to him abruptly.
Wearing an expression that screamed "What's up, you're delaying my dash to the supermarket discount sale!"
Youyu thought he might have a "well" symbol floating above his head at this point.
He started contemplating if maybe he should switch strategies this time around.
This time, let's ditch the peaceful recruitment. Directly pin this guy down and beat him up... or just go directly into a Dark Game and cost him a life, making his avatar revive and walk back. This might catch his attention more...
Just then, other players passed by.
A girl player's eyes lit up, and she shouted like she'd encountered an idol on the street: "Youyu-san! It's Youyu-san!"
With her voice, nearby players gathered around, becoming intrigued by the focal point Heart Flying with the Wind.
"Youyu-san? Where?"
"Really?"
"Holy smokes, it seems real! It's him!!"
"..."
Seeing players gather and gradually capturing attention, Heart Flying with the Wind remained confused.
What? Youyu-san?
Who are they referring to?