Chapter 3: Reincarnation
Reincarnation.
A term you’d expect in fantasy web novels, but in the VTuber world, it’s practically jargon.
In crude terms, it means swapping out the whole package.
Not just the avatar.
The nickname too, starting fresh with a new identity—that’s reincarnation.
In other words, it’s a clean slate after quitting.
Many VTubers reincarnate for all sorts of reasons.
Maybe to reshape their image, or to start anew on a platform that suits them.
Perhaps a big opportunity comes, like the Children of the Stars project, to stand out.
Or, like me, they fall into ruin and have no choice but to reincarnate.
‘That’s probably rare, though.’
Cases like mine, where I can’t use the name Ariel again, aren’t common.
Most probably reincarnate because their streams aren’t taking off.
Either way, I had to reincarnate.
It’s the only option left.
Cam streaming… wasn’t even on the table.
Too much hassle, and I didn’t have the confidence.
I couldn’t imagine getting dolled up every day to go live.
‘The avatar needs to be completely different from Ariel’s, right?’
As I said, VTubers live off their image and voice.
The avatar is what defines a VTuber’s character most clearly.
Right now, Ariel’s image is rock bottom, hitting new lows daily.
I can’t use an avatar that reminds anyone of Ariel.
A similar one might give away that I’ve reincarnated.
The problem, as always, is budget.
It’s not like I can afford a 3D original avatar like before, but even a 2D avatar is out of reach for me now.
‘…Nothing’s ever easy.’
Before, the company handled all avatar-related issues.
Looking back, being with a company wasn’t so bad.
I didn’t appreciate it at the time.
Does that mean I want to go back to being a corporate VTuber? Not at all.
‘Who’s to say I won’t get stabbed in the back again?’
Let’s not forget!
Why I’m in this mess.
I’m staying quiet for Astra’s sake.
Plus, if I stand tall on my own someday, that dopamine hit will be huge.
…Anyway, without company support, my connections for avatar work are slim.
Most are tied to Astra, so asking for help isn’t easy.
“Haa…”
No answers.
Hoping for a lead, I rummaged through my computer.
It wasn’t easy.
[Group Collab Script Final Ver 3.txt]
[Cover Song Candidates FinalFinalFINAL Collection.hwp]
[22nd Astra Meeting Notes Summary.txt]
[First Composed Song 13th Revision.mp3]
[April Collab Sync Room Practice Edited Score.mscz]
Among semi-organized files were countless “final-final” revisions, barely distinguishable.
Isn’t every VTuber’s computer like this?
“Huh?”
While poking around, my eyes widened.
I found exactly what I needed.
[Graduation Gift for Ariel.model3.json]
It was a relic from the past.
During Astra’s first album celebration stream, we did a VR collab with fans.
I remember inviting early Ariel fans for a VR map hangout.
“OMG! Ariel unni! I’m finally meeting you!”
“Oh my, who do we have here? An original Byeolmuri, right?”
“No way! I’ve been an Arisongi from the start!”
“Haha, I see.”
This file—this avatar—was used by an early fan in VR, later gifted to me.
They said they were “graduating” as a viewer to chase their dreams.
From what I heard, it was a Live 2D avatar they hastily made for the VR content.
For something thrown together, the quality wasn’t bad.
More importantly, it was cute—completely opposite to Ariel’s sleek image.
‘Daisy purple.’
The key was its daisy-purple hair, the total opposite of Ariel’s white.
No one would connect this avatar to Ariel!
Since I’m moving to another platform, if anyone brings it up, I could say I was an Astra fan and brush it off.
‘Just do it!’
A free avatar? I’d be a fool not to use it.
I’ll get used to a 2D avatar in no time.
With the avatar sorted, next was the voice.
Luckily, I didn’t need to worry much about that.
As VTuber Ariel, my voice was modulated through an audio interface.
‘…Why was that again?’
Early on, the company assigned each Astra member a streaming RP.
Mine was a noble lady from the prestigious Astra family.
I started with a calm, refined image, and my voice got a noble tone.
Over time, I got used to it and kept it up.
“Ah, ah. Hello, everyone? Ariel’s here!”
I practice my old stream intro out of habit.
Without the interface’s modulation, the tone’s similar, but the voice is a different person.
‘This should work.’
If I tweak my speech enough, no one will think of Ariel.
‘Plus, I’ve decided to stream with my real voice from now on.’
No more modulation.
The biggest reason? The discomfort I felt.
Streaming is about sticking to a concept, but virtual artists take it to another level.
Your voice shapes your actions.
A different voice meant a different tone, and I ended up acting to match the RP.
In a way, I nailed Ariel’s role as Astra’s main vocalist.
But it always felt like wearing clothes that didn’t fit.
Now, I want to be more relaxed.
Lee Ria’s clear voice isn’t bad for streaming anyway.
There’s one thing to address, though.
My voice could be a strength in future streams.
But I can’t show off Lee Ria’s true strength—her vocals.
‘I’ll have to hold back for now.’
Ariel’s vocal tone is like a fingerprint to fans.
It’s just my opinion, but objectively, everyone would agree.
If I make singing my main content after reincarnating, my past as Ariel will get exposed.
The public’s ears are sharper than you’d think.
‘Maybe I shouldn’t sing at all?’
Back to community talk, but there’s a place called Virtual Sniper Gallery.
It’s where the worst of the worst dig up VTubers’ personal info, secrets, and reincarnations.
After this scandal, VTuber Ariel became their prime target.
‘…They’ll sniff out any clue.’
No need to give them more fuel.
Starting with penalties isn’t ideal, but I’ll have to push through.
Lastly, my new stage name.
Surprisingly, this was an easy choice.
A virtual name taken from Lee Ria’s real name.
“Ria.”
VTuber Ria.
That’s my new name and calling card.
…If I had to give a reason, it’s because I want to stream confidently from now on.
Anyway, I’m Ria now.
I became her at some point, lived under another name for a while, but I’m back to living as Ria.
‘Let’s do this right.’
With all preparations done, I took my first step toward a new start.