NOVEL WEB Chapter 41
Do you know what “molkara” is?
Everyone probably knows it’s short for “hidden camera.”
In the West, it’s called a prank, a way to deceive someone or create a certain atmosphere to surprise the target later, shouting “It’s a hidden camera!”
Of course, there are secret cameras used for crimes or to secretly film or sexually harass someone, and those are undeniably illegal, but pure hidden cameras have become a cultural phenomenon with the popularization of cameras and the rise of video channels.
Naturally, there are many amusing pranks, but also malicious ones, and sometimes they cross the line, which can cause anger and disbelief in the victims. Yet, onlookers often find themselves rolling on the floor laughing at the absurdity of it all.
In the West, there was a craze for hidden cameras that tailored to clown phobia, where people would dress as clowns and scare passersby at night.
Of course, to shoot more provocative videos, the pranks evolved to include bizarre and horrific costumes, sometimes even real clowns wielding knives or weapons, laughing manically while chasing people. In one situation, the owner of a channel that continually crossed the line in pranking met their end at the hands of an armed citizen.
Anyway, on the streaming platform ‘Switch,’ known for video and streamer content worldwide, many people also film hidden camera pranks, but the key is that they must not cross the line.
Whenever a serious event like the Great Rift occurs, or if many are injured or killed, the social atmosphere turns heavy, and as a result, hidden camera streamers and that culture can vanish for a while.
It was only after S-grade Hunters like Yeonseo actively worked for society that order was restored, and then the hidden camera and prank culture began to regain its vitality.
It may be an over-interpretation, but that “prank” is only possible because the world is at peace.
When people laugh together, doubling over at primitive pranks, it is a testament to how stabilized the world has become.
And in 2088, there is a channel named “Prank & Joy.”
“Hi, Prank & Joy! Welcome!”
[Hi~]
[Ha!]
[Joha!]
[Jeoi!]
[ㅎㅎㅇㅇ]
As a leading channel for hidden camera pranks, many streamers were thriving, but Prank & Joy stood at the forefront.
Prank & Joy was operated by Choi Hyung-Min, a B-grade mutant Hunter, and his team, with each clip consistently ranking in the top 30 on Switch.
Primitive laughter is naturally polarizing, yet that same laughter granted the channel immense popularity and generated significant profits.
Furthermore, while they were known for sudden pranks on ordinary civilians or passersby, what really skyrocketed the popularity of Prank & Joy was their hidden camera pranks targeted at Hunters.
During the early days of the Great Rift, Awakened Ones and Hunters, categorized as ‘non-humans,’ felt like deities to regular folks.
However, the hidden camera channel revealed that Hunters are just humans like the viewers, making them laugh. Initially, it bridged the gap between Hunters and normal people. It even enlightened people that Hunters exist to protect humanity.
Actually, about 40 years ago, there was a video where the living legend ‘Yeonseo’ was the target of such a prank, but finding that video today is nearly impossible, treated more like an urban legend.
“Honestly, if they’re capable, Hunters are indeed the perfect targets for pranks.”
Choi Hyung-Min’s journey into broadcasting started after hearing rumors that “Yeonseo” had been pranked.
At that time, even after exhausting searches on the deep web, Choi Hyung-Min couldn’t find any footage of Yeonseo being pranked. But he thought, if it couldn’t be found, why not create pranks himself? Thus, he began filming his first Frank video, targeting Hunters.
Hunters possess incredibly robust physiques compared to ordinary people, but they still get startled by pranks and hidden cameras just the same.
From a regular person’s perspective, pranks that “cross the line” can appear trivial to a Hunter.
With crafty tactics, Choi Hyung-Min chose those ranked below him or those unlikely to get furious and engaged in “crossing the line” pranks.
Even if someone genuinely felt furious, Prank & Joy was already a major channel with hundreds of thousands of average viewers.
Many criticized him, yet many defended his antics.
Even if they got mad, it was rather…
[Ah, lol, Hunters are so petty, lol!]
[Are they eating the rank through their back door?]
[LOL, look at how seriously they took a joke.]
[Hey, this is a prank! It’s just a prank!]
[IT’S A PRANK! IT’S JUST A PRANK!]
[Hey, it’s just a prank, lol! Can’t you see the camera?]
[How serious!]
[That’s a serious face, lol!]
These reactions were the majority.
Even those with high ranks or who could raise their voices against Choi Hyung-Min were limited, while low-ranking Hunters (F~C grade) with less than 10,000 average viewers couldn’t even afford to express anger.
No matter how much the distance between Hunters and the general public was narrowed, Hunters are still Hunters. Awakened Ones remain Awakened Ones. Returnees are still Returnees.
Ultimately, the viewers were normal people and, from their perspective, despite any harsh pranking done to the Hunters, they didn’t take it too seriously.
“Okay, today, who should we dunk?”
“Dunk” sounds like something gangsters would say after killing someone and burying them in cement, but to Choi Hyung-Min and his viewers, it was just slang for administering a hidden camera prank.
To prank Hunters, certain absolute conditions were required.
First, the prank might need to be resolved afterward, and one must have enough skill to ensure nobody gets hurt or dies.
And Choi Hyung-Min’s skill level was B-grade.
He could transform his body into the form of monsters he knew, and it was a versatile ability that allowed some mimicry of monster powers.
Originally, he could have ranked up to A-grade a long time ago, but instead of focusing on evaluations as a Hunter, he dedicated himself to developing new prank contents as a streamer, postponing opportunities to advance.
‘What’s the point of ranking up to A-grade if it means getting forced into dangerous missions? It’s much sweeter and better to grow the Prank & Joy channel with this ability and keep reaping money from Susus.’
The content of the Hunter prank videos is simple.
Choi Hyung-Min visits popular dungeons where Hunters are easily discoverable.
Once there, he’d transform into A-grade or even S-grade monsters, terrifying Hunters in the process.
Though rated B-grade, Choi Hyung-Min’s practical strength was already at A-grade, and the diverse effects, setups, and sounds led Hunters seeing him for the first time to panic without question.
Monsters that were not supposed to exist—monsters that could spell disaster just by their presence.
In particular, there was a legendary video where a C-grade female Hunter, freshly graduated from the academy, was attacked by Choi Hyung-Min disguised as an A-grade monster, resulting in her crying and collapsing in shock.
Some criticized, claiming he crossed the line, but by that point, his fanbase had grown immensely, easily overshadowing any opposing voices.
Everything getting serious?
Then it’s simple.
Just enter the “Apology Mood.”
“It was a misunderstanding. What I intended was just a prank; I sincerely apologize to anyone who felt hurt.”
Simply projecting heartfelt remorse would flip public opinion.
Before Choi Hyung-Min could even do something genuinely right, the audience and public would start saying [He apologized, let’s give him a break.] or [He bowed to a low-tier, what more is needed?], and oftentimes, the big corporation that was Choi Hyung-Min ended up being the victim while someone who was upset became the accused.
Of course, the tail could get stepped on.
Choi Hyung-Min wasn’t a fool; he maintained a large corporation for a reason.
If he sensed he had overdone it, he would ease back, running warm and light broadcasts for a while, experimenting moderately with a self-reflection period.
Then, he’d pull something explosive that could evoke primitive laughter from the audience.
Initially, Choi Hyung-Min had been transforming solo, scaring people as a monster, but now, with the evolution into a big corporation, he had an entire team managing the broadcasts.
Three staff members awakened with C-grade hallucination abilities, a manager serving as an assistant director who was a B-grade mutant Hunter, and several awakened individuals from Hunter Academy hired each broadcast, producing more colorful and meticulous hidden camera videos.
Choi Hyung-Min stood at the threshold of A-grade, thanks to numerous assistants and managers, capable of pulling off pranks that felt like a true S-grade monster had descended.
‘The most entertaining reaction was from Cheon Ah-Young, right?’
At that time, while streaming in a B-grade dungeon, Cheon Ah-Young had been so terrified that she yelled and hurled her protector, and no joke, because she possessed A-grade abilities, she was fine. If another staff member had been there, someone could have easily died or been injured.
That episode was among the most extravagant and widely viewed of all the videos created over the years.
It wasn’t just about scaring Hunters while transforming into monsters; the skilled A-grade Hunter, Cheon Ah-Young, and Choi Hyung-Min, transformed into a monster, staged intricate combat, delighting audiences across the board.
‘Viewers think I’m B-grade, but given my real abilities, I can consider myself A-grade…’
Battling similar strengths results in the most tragic, heated, and entertaining matches.
The videos combining Choi Hyung-Min’s pranks as a transformed monster and combats with the A-grade Cheon Ah-Young were spectacles even he could appreciate.
Though it also ended up with three of his ribs breaking and a collarbone fracture, only then did Choi Hyung-Min untransform and shout, “It’s a prank! Haha!” The stunned face of Cheon Ah-Young is still used in clips today due to its immense popularity.
Of course, while Cheon Ah-Young was furious, money can resolve most issues.
Thanks to the legendary video that captured both the successful prank and the grand fight scene, Choi Hyung-Min earned far more than the amount he offered to Cheon Ah-Young as compensation.
“Hmm, well, I’m here, but nothing noteworthy comes to mind….”
Choi Hyung-Min and his staff had arrived at the popular B-grade dungeon, the Suwol Plains.
The Suwol Plains featured tall reeds swaying in the wind, towering over the height of people.
Though there were occasional swampy areas or ponds, the smooth terrain allowed Hunters to conserve energy, with monsters typically graded between F and C. However, many spawned beasts yielded valuable Graden minerals highly sought after in the Hunter Market.
The Graden mineral was the most durable material processed by 2088, used in everything from buildings to weapons and more.
Thus, for those needing money or lower-grade Hunters training, the Suwol Plains stood out as the optimal location.
“Hey, guys. There doesn’t seem to be suitable prey around, right?”
[Where did all the Hunters go? lol]
[Did they all run away after hearing the streamer’s coming?]
[That’s possible lol.]
“Ah, no way.”
In reality, Choi Hyung-Min was on the blacklist among Hunters.
It wasn’t that he’d committed a real crime.
To lower-tier Hunters or newcomers, his mere presence was that of a malevolent entity capable of draining energy from them or leaving them empty-handed during dungeon hunting that day.
Thus, they shared intel within their ranks to hurry and stop their ventures as soon as Choi Hyung-Min’s name surfaced.
Of course, the people sharing such information were a select few based on personal connections, allowing many Hunters to still end up as mocked targets featured on Prank & Joy.
The absence of people in the Suwol Plains that day was merely a coincidence.
“No, I finally got the chance to morph into an S-grade monster, so if there’s no one to prank, it’ll be disappointing…”
[What monster?]
“Dragonborn.”
[Oh ho!]
[You don’t trust us, streamer?]
“I trust you. But I trust money more.”
[‘Omarung Omarung’ donated 150,000 won!]
Did that count?
“Thank you, Omarung Omarung!”
[LOL]
[Gold digger! LOL]
[Look at him hitting his head! LOL]
“Have you heard of Dragonborn? ”
[Yes, a Dragon’s minion, right?]
[Isn’t it the monster born from a Dragon’s teeth?]
“Dragonborns are typically B-grade but categorized into different tiers. Some can train, evolve, and reach S-grade.”
Crackle!
[Oh….]
[For real…]
[Seriously!]
As Choi Hyung-Min snapped his arms, flames erupted, transforming his arms.
It was the transformation into the S-grade Dragonborn arm he’d just mentioned.
Dragon’s scarlet scales clung to his arm like armor. His transformed limb, now over five times larger than his original, looked like it housed immense strength.
“That’s just a sample. If anyone appears for a real prank, I’ll show everything…”
[Choi Hyung-Min, someone is up ahead!]
At that moment, Choi Hyung-Min halted upon reading his manager’s text.
If someone was there, it worked out perfectly.
After all, what he intended to showcase today wasn’t just who he’d prank, but what monster he’d transform into for said prank!
Ultimately, the viewers loved stunning visuals.
Even a hidden camera prank would thrill the Susus if the monster Choi Hyung-Min morphed into appeared dazzling and authentic.
Great. Who’s there?
Choi Hyung-Min immediately held his breath, hiding his body among the reeds.
As indicated in the message, little smoke was rising from a distant campfire.
The bright moon lit up the night Suwol Plains, making the fire and smoke stand out like ‘I’m here.’
“Great. I picked my target. Let’s have some fun with that poor Hunter over there. Don’t worry. Naturally, I’ll uphold my ethics.”
[LOL]
[This is when it gets the most hilarious.]
[Poor Hunter….]
[Tsk, I don’t know who they are, but being caught by Hyung-Min, they might as well pack up for the night! LOL]
[Of all times to be caught, it had to be when Hyung-Min can transform into an S-grade!]
Observing the heightened reactions from his viewers, Choi Hyung-Min swiftly transformed his entire body.
Scarlet scales and spikes emerged across his form, while his human face morphed into that of a massive dragon.
His eyes blazed with fiery intensity, and the pressuring, overwhelming aura made it feel as though a real S-grade Dragonborn had arrived.
[Whoa, omg… this is definitely an S-grade!]
[Wowza!]
[Pro-level!….]
[Check out how badass the Dragonborn looks!]
[‘CalculusRejector’ donated 50,000 won!]
Wow, the Dragonborn looks epic…
[‘AhoisanCaptain’ donated 200,000 won!]
Hey big bro, let me see those abs just once…
‘Of course, it’s not all just my power…’
With three armed with hallucination abilities and two being transformists, he had borrowed various powers from real Hunters and Awakened ones to make himself appear like a true S-grade Dragonborn.
To pull off a convincing act of real S-grade monstrous behavior, Choi Hyung-Min went as far as using doping potions to surge his abilities temporarily.
Alright.
The audience’s reactions were ecstatic.
The viewer count exceeded 80,000!
At this rate, just performing a hidden camera would yield a successful broadcast, allowing him to suck up money from countless Susus.
Alright. Here we go!
RRRAAAAAHHHHH!!!
“Hm? What was that sound?”
Issuing a roar akin to a dragon’s, Choi Hyung-Min instantly charged towards the unfortunate “hidden camera target.”
“Huh?”
With heavy footsteps resonating, Choi Hyung-Min felt confident that all transformations had been perfectly executed, ensuring this prank would succeed.
Just until the moment the “hidden camera target” turned their back…
“…….”
“…..?”
In that instant, a feeling as if time had stopped washed over Choi Hyung-Min. Something felt off.
Isn’t this the point where the target panics, screams, and they engage in a thrilling chase, filming all the while…?
And as the moonlight unveiled the silver hair, Choi Hyung-Min sensed an odd foreboding.
In 0.001 seconds, in the fleeting moment where time seemed to accelerate, Choi Hyung-Min’s Hunter instincts blared a warning about the danger to his life.
Slurp…
She sweetly licked her lips.
Her sizeable chest and beautiful visage were captivating.
Naturally, any man would glance at a pretty woman.
But what if, simultaneously, she was blooming grotesque tentacles like a monster?
Those tendrils felt beautiful yet terrifying.
No, the horror swiftly eclipsed the awe.
What would it feel like if her eyes turned a vivid red, licking her tongue in his direction?
At that point, instead of fear or panic…
‘Oh no, I’m so dead.’
The thought sank in.
“This will be… delicious!!!!!!!”
THWACK! CLACK, CLACK, CLACK!!!
The tentacles blossoming from the silver-haired woman’s body collided tooth on tooth, and in that instant, Choi Hyung-Min realized.
He was so dead; like seriously, seriously dead.