Genius’s Godlike Game Broadcast-Chapter 55 : Rising Popularity (1)

Rising Popularity (1)
Crushing momentum (破竹之勢).
Victory streak (乘勝長驅).
These words summed up the joint broadcast of Lee Gyeongbok and Genome.
Lee Gyeongbok had swept not only the first solo game, but every other game as well.
[Placement matches have all been completed.]
As it was their first duo ranked game, the results were announced after five games.
['PerfectPlay'/'GENOME''s rank is......]
['Platinum'!]
[What a fantastic duo!]
The chat window started to fly with comments as the shining medal appeared.
– LMAO is it for real that it's straight up Platinum? LOL
– Purge Day! Purge Day! Purge Day!
– Zero-to-Platinum carry, that's what I'm saying
– The driver is too strong LOL
– What's with Genome's privilege?
– Ah LOL but Genome did good with navigation though
– This month's outstanding guide, genome!
– lol talking nonstop is not easy either
– The platinum in audio is valid here LOL
– Now what the heck is an audio ranker LOL
Genome clapped with an excited expression.
"Wow! Did you guys see that? Forget everything I said about being a 'bus' on stream! I was just a local bus. This! This is what you call a real bus!"
– LOL local bus
– Honestly, even calling it local bus is generous?
– lol you're full of yourself
– Let's be honest, genome is a tour bus, all talk all the time LOL
– Always gets sidetracked in the middle, yeah.
– Tour bus special: drops you off at a weird store
– What is this, a package tour? LOL
The viewers were hanging on his every word.
['LetmeRideToo' has donated 10,000 won.]
[Next time, instead of OTP, what about 'Perfect Tour'? LOL]
A new donation alert made Lee Gyeongbok's eyes go wide. It seemed Park Juho had sent the donation after placements ended.
"Thank you for the ten thousand won! Oh, tour event sounds like a fun idea."
With that reply, the atmosphere in the chat changed immediately.
– Collection time!
– LOL can't resist donating!
– Let's push the waves of capitalism!
– Move aside! It's my turn!
['It'sForBusFare' has donated 50,000 won.]
[Paying bus fare for Genome LOL]
['PurgeParty' has donated 10,000 won.]
[???: Watching for free is a crime!]
Like a dam bursting, donations started pouring in. But there was one thing in common among most messages.
['NewLegend' has donated 100,000 won.]
[Tribute for witnessing NewtonLord's defeat on live stream]
['SnipeLoser' has donated 50,000 won.]
[Thanks for putting those stream snipers in their place!]
['GodpleTheEducator' has donated 50,000 won.]
[NewtonLord? More like U-turn LOL]
It was all about the match against 'NewtonLord' in the first game— and the victory.
– Ah, that was legendary LOL
– U-turn LOLLLLL
– LOL just turned right back around
– Agent Q is Qdari, newton is now U-turn LOL
– The acceptance necklace is being given to him!
– Nobody could've expected the broken shotgun, really LOL
– Even as a viewer, I was mad LOL
– Congrats on making the induction video for top 10 best demon lessons!
The viewers once again relished that scene, satisfied.
'Is that guy really that big of a deal?'
Lee Gyeongbok wondered to himself but didn't mention it aloud. He felt if he did, these donations would never end.
['WhataboutPart2' has donated 5,000 won.]
[Asking once: what's the content for part 2......]
['PerfectYami' has donated 10,000 won.]
[Is it my turn to step in for part 2?]
As the donation rush slowly ebbed, most messages started asking about part 2. Genome waved his hands as he stood beside him.
"Whoa, did none of you see the notice? There's no part 2! It's not planned, not happening."
– Hey! Hyung, step off!
– Not talking about your stream, hyung.
– lol he must think we all want to see him
– From now on, this broadcast belongs to Godple!
– Then how about swapping host and guest and doing part 1 again
The chat was filled with requests for a second part. Donations were similar. But Lee Gyeongbok only responded calmly, expressing his thanks.
"Since everyone keeps asking like this, I guess there's no way around it."
– Oh!
– Finally...!
– The power of capitalism wins again!
– Wait, that expression isn't it!
– Ah, it's time for the bait-and-switch.
Some viewers were hopeful, others resigned. Which side would win out?
"Thanks for watching today's broadcast. We'll see you next time with an even more fun stream."
It was the latter.
– No! Don't go!
– Don't leaaaave!
– What, you're going to leave after showing us something this epic?
– Step on me before you go!
– Now I can't enjoy any other broadcasts!
– Have the viewers all lost it LOL
Lee Gyeongbok checked the chat and smiled brightly.
"Trba!" (Yeah— closing phrase)
With that one word, Lee Gyeongbok disappeared from the screen. Left alone, genome turned and smiled.
"Hey guys, actually, there is a part 2."
Again, the uproar in the chat shifted on a dime.
– Really?
– Hyung, I knew it! I trusted you!
– Come on, not bad at all!
– Haaa, these pranksters LOL
– Is this effect something we only get to see once?
– Feels a bit suspicious though.
– That's the look when Genome turns into Genomes
– Ugh LOL I'm already mad
Genome, with a mischievous grin, spoke up.
"Ah, sharp as always. From now on, part 2 is just for me! Gonna go have a company dinner with Purple! Trba!"
– Hey! You Genome bastard!
– I knew you'd pull this LOL
– Absolute yabang! Yabang forever, yabang yabang yabang!
– Riding the bus for real LOL
– Be happy where I can see you!
Genome ignored the chat completely and ended the broadcast. He didn't even host anyone, leaving the screen to turn black.
– LOL turns out we viewers are the real purged ones.
– For real, that's Purge Day.
– We were just sacrifices LOL
– Guess I will rewatch the VOD.
– Tri makes watching replays annoying, though......
– Don't they have a full broadcast channel for Godple?
* * *
Late at night, in a seafood restaurant in a bustling commercial district.
Even though the place was quite large, there weren't many customers.
"Isn't it way too expensive to rent out the whole place?"
"Oh, it's not that pricey. We're not renting it for the whole day, anyway. Just order whatever you want."
Genome replied with a hearty laugh to Lee Gyeongbok's question.
"Byeonghun's going to be kicking himself with regret."
"It's a good thing he isn't here. Otherwise, he would've devoured the sashimi without any shame."
Park Juho, who was sitting next to Lee Gyeongbok, pushed up his glasses and added as Lee spoke with a hint of regret.
Choi Byeonghun had chosen video editing with the assistant editor Madman over the company dinner. There was just that much material from today's collab, and the workload was considerable.
"Hey, did you see that? Man, you need to show a bit of that passion too."
"Hyung, you do know passion comes from your wallet, right?"
Genome quipped playfully at the editor, who shot back right away. Throughout the lively atmosphere, everyone enjoyed a light drink.
"Oh, genome. I had something to ask you."
"Oh, sure, feel free."
When the eating had calmed down somewhat, Park Juho asked hesitantly.
"Do you know any good accountants?"
"Accountant? Oh, right, you need to pay attention to taxes now. I keep forgetting it hasn't even been a full month since you started streaming. Hey, dongmin!"
"Yes?"
Genome called his manager from another table.
"Introduce Purple to our accountant. You know, the one Mr. Jang? He's the best."
"Ah, got it. Hold on, let me get the number..."
"If you're okay with it, let's talk outside."
Park Juho got up and moved with the manager, leaving Lee Gyeongbok and Genome alone.
The two shared a quiet drink.
Trying to dispel the silence, genome smiled and started the conversation.
"I really envy you, Purple."
"Huh?"
"It's not just your skill— you're quick to find good people around you."
"Oh, it's just because my friends from high school have always helped me. My editor friend is actually the one who got me started streaming."
Genome poured a drink for him as Lee Gyeongbok returned the favor.
"And I honestly consider you a good connection, too. Feel free to speak casually with me."
"Ah."
Genome smiled a little awkwardly and emptied his glass first. Lee Gyeongbok tried to keep up but Genome waved him off.
Then he poured himself another drink.
"Actually, I'm not the kind who easily drops formal speech."
Genome was different online and offline. On stream, he spoke comfortably even with viewers, but in reality, he even used honorifics with people younger than himself.
"It took me five years to speak casually with my editor and manager."
"Five years?"
"Yeah. In this industry, people switch jobs a lot, and since it's a small world, rumors spread fast. That's why I'm careful about what I say and do."
Lee Gyeongbok nodded.
'Maybe I was too rash.'
The feeling he got from Genome—his sixth sense—was growing even more positive. But that was only from his perspective; for Genome, it might mean something else.
Just as Lee Gyeongbok was about to apologize for any rudeness—
"But."
Genome smiled, raising his glass.
"With you, Purple, I feel like that kind of time isn't necessary. I actually wanted us to get closer, so I appreciate you suggesting it first."
"Ah."
Lee Gyeongbok smiled too, taking the glass.
"Then let's speak casually."
"Yeah, I will. But you have to do the same."
"Oh, right. So do I call you Genome hyung now?"
"Outside, let's just use real names. Actually, we don't even know each other's real names. I'm Nam Ji-hwan."
"I'm Lee Gyeongbok."
"Alright, Gyeongbok. Cheers."
The two clinked glasses once more.
"Gyeongbok, do you know why I think so highly of you?"
"How would I know unless you tell me?"
"Man, look at this adaptability? Anyway, you've got good character."
"Character?"
"Yeah. People with your kind of skill who don't look down on others are rare."
"Oh please, on your stream you always tease me about being arrogant."
"That's different. When I look at you, I can tell, 'This guy really loves streaming.'"
"Really?"
Genome nodded and refilled their glasses.
"Honestly, you know since you've done it too? Whenever I do joint streams, I focus on the guest."
"I get that."
"Yeah, but what did you do on today's broadcast? In the very first round, you told me to shoot the minigun, right? That was you making sure I got some screen time."
Even if he acted goofy on stream, genome was a pro. And pro streamers always thought about how viewers perceived them.
"Honestly, even if you'd said you'd do it, nobody would have objected. They'd probably be happier if anything. But you thought about me. That actually surprised me today."
Genome's lips kept curling up just thinking about it.
"I've done lots of collabs, but most people just worry about getting their own share of airtime. Streamers live off attention. It's only natural to try to stand out whenever you get the chance."
"That's true."
"Right, but you— barely a month into streaming— even made sure I got my share? That's not normal confidence. There's no way I could dislike you."
"There's no need to exaggerate like that. I just thought it'd make the broadcast more entertaining."
Lee Gyeongbok spoke as if it was nothing. That really was his reasoning.
Some of his viewers were Genome's fans—they'd want to see Genome's moments too.
"That's why you're a genius. Not greed for yourself, but for the stream's success. You're a broadcast genius."
"Hyung, you're saying all kinds of stuff even though you're not drunk."
"I get like this around good people, so get used to it."
"So maybe I shouldn't have dropped formal speech."
Lee Gyeongbok joked, and Genome let out a laugh. Just then, the managers returned from outside.
"Hey, good news."
"Hyung, this is huge."
After the two managers spoke, Lee Gyeongbok and Genome looked at them curiously. Park Juho signaled the manager to explain.
"Purple, you're in the pre-experience event too?"
"Really? Why didn't you say so earlier!"
Genome clapped his hands in delight.
"Wow, that's awesome. Then let's team up again, Gyeongbok."
"Team?"
"The pre-experience event is squad mode. Genome is the squad leader."
Park Juho added. Genome nodded.
"Being the leader doesn't mean much. But I get to pick a wild card, and you'd be perfect for that."
Lee Gyeongbok rolled his eyes in thought.
But he didn't need much time to decide.
"I'd love to do Purge duo again."
Viewers had loved it last time anyway. Besides, it was way better teaming up with someone he knew than with a stranger.
"This is really my lucky day. How about another collab with the other team members before the event?"
"Who are the other teammates?"
"Oh, that's still undecided. GGG will assemble the team."
The answer came from Genome's manager. After a brief explanation, Lee Gyeongbok nodded.
"So one skilled player, two for entertainment, and one wild card make the team. But why didn't we know about this?"
"They only told the team leader first, it seems."
When Lee Gyeongbok furrowed his glabella, Park Juho answered.
"It's not set in stone yet, and we don't have a schedule, so we're just sounding everyone out. If the team members get to know each other ahead of time, it's better for joint streams and promotion."
"Alright, let me know when it's all decided."
When Lee Gyeongbok nodded, genome added with a smile.
"No worries. You beat NewtonLord, I doubt anyone would dislike you."
"Oh, newtonLord. I'd meant to ask— what's his deal?"
"The chat called him a stream sniper. I did a search and he's pretty infamous."
With Park Juho's supplementary explanation, genome wrinkled his nose a bit.
"I've streamed for a while, but I have no idea who he is. One thing's for sure though."
"What's that?"
"He's insanely competitive. Once he targets you, he chases you till he wins. Even if you end your stream to avoid him, unless you quit altogether, he'll keep going until there's a conclusion."
Even escaping NewtonLord's sniping was just temporary. He didn't stop until there was a clear outcome.
"And when there's a final result, he always rates you— through a donation. You got a million won yourself."
"Ah, right. My editor said he skipped today because of that."
"That size of donation is unprecedented. NewtonLord had never lost before, either. You broke the legend."
Genome gave a wry laugh as he continued.
"I was stunned too. When I was stream sniped by him, I got 300,000 won and thought, 'At least I saved face.' Since until then, 500,000 won was the record."
"Five hundred thousand? Who got that?"
"There's a streamer named Moonstrong. Retired now. It wasn't GunG, and the game was 'Elden Kingdom', right?"
Genome asked, and the manager next to him grimaced.
"Retired? He just ran away with his pants down."
"Ran away?"
"Yeah. NewtonLord stream sniped him twice. First time, seemed like he was happy— donated 500,000 and promised a rematch. But second time, something was weird."
"Weird?"
"Unlike before, his skill was terrible. NewtonLord crushed him and then donated exactly 1,000 won."
Both Lee Gyeongbok and Park Juho's eyes went wide. From 500,000 to 1,000 was an enormous drop.
"The donation message said, 'This guy used a deputy.' Before that, he'd had someone else play for him and acted like it was himself. But the deputy lost, and maybe something happened so he couldn't hire another. At that time, VIP passes weren't public so it became a huge scandal."
"... After that, it was chaos. Moonstrong said he'd explain but just vanished. Other streamers got flak too. I got hounded about using a deputy for ages."
Genome let out a bitter chuckle.
"That case made NewtonLord blow up. He became this sort of justice warrior. He's not even a streamer but built up a fan circle 'Sagwadan'."
"Sagwadan?"
"They accuse everyone baselessly, demanding apologies, so 'Sagwadan'—Apple Squad. Real scumbags. Plenty of people quit streaming because of them."
At that, Park Juho adjusted his glasses.
"I thought 'Sagwadan' showed up in 'Newton' search results because of the apple, but guess not."
"Afterward, copycat snipers ran wild, all wanting to be NewtonLord. Hyung got targeted a lot too."
"I crushed those nobodies, so no problem."
Genome shrugged, then gave a short sigh.
"Ha, honestly, I thought the result might change if we fought again. But he seemed even sharper now. Pure pro-gamer level. His reflexes were insane."
"Maybe it's just that you're getting older, hyung?"
"You're paying tonight."
"Of course, I was just kidding."
As the two gently traded barbs, Lee Gyeongbok tilted his head.
"Yeah, he was pretty good. He should consider streaming himself."
"... You're probably the only one who'd praise NewtonLord's skills."
Genome shook his head as if exasperated.
"And a guy like that wouldn't suit streaming anyway. He doesn't make others happy, just runs wild for himself."
"Exactly. Only other similar jerks would enjoy that."
"With that much pride, getting beaten by you must have him boiling inside."
"Honestly, watching Purple wreck that punk was so satisfying."
Genome and the manager smiled happily.
"He'll be even madder once the video goes up."
* * *
Meanwhile, at Choi Byeonghun's officetel.
He finished his editing work, eyes red.
[〉It's been ages since the medkit took longer than the editing.]
[〉There isn't a single part that can be cut.]
[〉Your friend really is 'Perfect'.]
After clicking upload, a message arrived from Madman, the assistant editor. Choi Byeonghun stretched and replied.
[〉Just figuring that out now?]
[〉I asked you for a reason.]
[〉Who else but you could really bring this source to life?]
Compliments make even whales dance.
While Madman wasn't a whale, Choi Byeonghun knew he was sensitive to praise and recognition.
[〉No way, Na]
[〉Even without those words, I put real effort into this]
[〉Guaranteed]
[〉It'll hit a million before a day's passed]
Choi Byeonghun grinned but shook his head. He couldn't agree with Madman's estimate.
[〉That's too conservative.]
[〉This one's going to top the trending chart.]
[〉So two million's possible, Lol]
As they chatted cheerfully, a popup appeared on the monitor.
[Upload completed.]