Second day of work.

As always, when Lee Shin arrived at the MBS broadcasting station on foot, a massive crowd was waiting for him.

“Lee Shin!”

“How was your first day at work?”

“Is your wrist okay?”

Reporters had gathered.

Fortunately, only a few were actually asking questions—most were cameramen snapping photos of him arriving.

Since he had already answered plenty of questions in an official interview, there wasn’t much left for them to dig up.

However…

“Kyaa! Oppa!”

“Lee Shin oppa!”

“Hyung, can I get an autograph?”

“Wow, he’s so handsome!”

Fans surrounded him, either taking pictures with their smartphones or shoving notebooks and pens at him, putting him in a tough spot.

He wanted to ignore them and walk away, but they completely blocked his path.

Some people even took selfies with him without permission, making the situation even more chaotic.

And yet, his expression didn’t change in the slightest—truly, a mental fortitude worthy of being called divine.

At that moment, members of the MBS team, who were arriving at the practice room, witnessed the scene.

Seeing the bustling, marketplace-like situation, the players started commenting.

“Ugh, I’m jealous…”

“I wish I could get that kind of attention.”

“I’d be happy if even one reporter asked for an interview.”

“Dumbass, you have to beg the reporters if you want an interview.”

“Damn it, is he a coach or a celebrity?”

The players couldn’t help but feel a mix of envy and admiration for Lee Shin’s overwhelming popularity.

That afternoon, the real-time news in the eSports section was practically flooded with articles about Lee Shin.

[Lee Shin ranks #1 in real-time search for the third consecutive day]

[Lee Shin’s first practice match with first-team player Park Shin: ‘Wrist recovery progressing smoothly’]

[Netizens react passionately to the return of the god]

[Will Lee Shin’s comeback bring new energy to Korean eSports?]

[Lee Shin’s player return imminent? ‘Still too soon’]

[(Column) The legend of Korea recorded in the World SC Grand Prix]

The eSports scene was abuzz with Lee Shin’s reappearance.

Since the World SC Grand Prix was currently underway, the fact that Lee Shin had once dominated the world for three years made his return even more noteworthy.

Space Craft-related communities were already debating who was the best, comparing a potentially returning Lee Shin with the current three strongest players.

- How dare you worship false idols?! Who dares compare anyone to a god?

- Hwang Byeong-cheol, the ‘Heretic,’ was just a media-fabricated rival who always flopped against Lee Shin. And Park Young-ho, the first-half champion, has a career record of 1 win and 6 losses against him. As for Choi Young-jun? He lost to Park Young-ho. Okay?

- That comment is hilarious. Do you really think this year’s awakened Park Young-ho is the same as last year’s? His current performance is comparable to peak Lee Shin.

- I admit that Lee Shin was the greatest, but that was in the past. Compared to last year, players have improved significantly.

- He’s 25, still young, but in pro-gaming terms, that’s practically retirement age...

- He’s past his prime and has lingering effects from a serious injury. Even if he returns, winning an individual league title is impossible.

- But in life, Lee Shin already won. Agreed?

- Agreed.

- We all know who wins in terms of height and looks.

- He was born winning in terms of appearance.

- His bank account balance alone is enough to prove his victory.

- Even if he doesn’t win, it’s okay, oppa! Even if you lose, it’s okay! You’re handsome, and that’s all that matters. Just show your face on TV often. ♡

- Honestly, our god should just quit pro gaming and become a celebrity, hehe ♡

- If he appears on a variety show like Extreme Challenge, that would be awesome!

- Hey, you crazy fangirls, the oppas are having a sacred debate. Stay out of it.

- The comment above is hilarious. You’re just a shut-in. Try resembling even 0.1% of Lee Shin oppa.

- Silence, all of you! I’ll settle this cleanly. (Choi Young-jun’s attack power) + (Park Young-ho’s defense) + (Hwang Byeong-cheol’s decision-making) = Lee Shin

- If the three top players in the World SC Grand Prix come back without winning a single medal, only the followers of Lee Shin Sect will still be talking…

- Shin Ji-ho: Wait, why am I not included??

- LOL Shin Ji-ho LOL

- Park Shin: I’m here too!

- LOLLLLL Fake Shin! LOL

- Fake Shin LOL At least he didn’t lose in height!

“Kuhuhu….”

“What are you watching that’s so amusing?”

A voice suddenly spoke from behind.

“Ack! N-No, it’s nothing!”

Director Park Sang-hyuk, who had been chuckling at his monitor, was startled and rapidly pressed Alt + F4.

“Did you call for me?”

Lee Shin asked.

“Yes, Coach Lee Shin. It’s just that the broadcasting stations have been persistently sending requests lately…”

“I refuse.”

“…I haven’t even finished my sentence yet.”

Director Park Sang-hyuk’s face looked wounded.

Lee Shin spoke.

“It’s a broadcast appearance offer, isn’t it?”

He had already received numerous offers from various producers.

“Well, yes, that’s correct. But given how much attention you’re getting right now, appearing on a simple talk show would not only benefit you but also increase our team’s visibility…”

“I refuse.”

A merciless rejection.

The wound that had just been inflicted grew even deeper, metaphorically bleeding out. However, Director Park Sang-hyuk mustered his strength and continued persuading.

“If a regular talk show doesn’t interest you, you could appear on a game-related program instead. Especially since it’s the World SC Grand Prix period, there are many special broadcasts happening, and some producers even want to film a documentary about you…”

“Not happening.”

“C-Couldn’t you do it just for the sake of our team?”

“No, I couldn’t.”

Director Park Sang-hyuk, looking like he was about to cry, asked,

“Is there a particular reason why you won’t?”

“I don’t particularly dislike appearing on broadcasts. However, the timing isn’t right.”

“The timing?”

“If I appear on a show, what kind of questions will I get? ‘Do you have any leads on the culprit?’ ‘How is your wrist healing?’ ‘It’s unfortunate.’ ‘Your effort to make a comeback is admirable.’ It’s all just a predictable melodrama.”

“……”

“I understand that fans are curious about me, but now is not the time to satisfy that curiosity. I need to keep them wondering so that their interest continues to focus on the MBS team.”

“Ah… so that’s what you were thinking.”

Realizing Lee Shin’s deeper reasoning, Director Park Sang-hyuk was moved.

“I didn’t realize you were considering us to such an extent. I was too hasty. Your dedication to the team is truly touching!”

“As long as you understand.”

As Lee Shin stepped out of the director’s office, he added,

“And honestly, it’s just a hassle.”

“……”

Director Park Sang-hyuk’s swelling emotions disappeared like a lie.

Leaving him behind, Lee Shin thought to himself as he walked out of the office.

‘There’s no need to waste my image unnecessarily.’

Not only would he avoid TV appearances, but he also planned to decline interviews for the time being and stay quiet.

The next time he stood under the spotlight would be when he reclaimed the throne.