Genius’s Godlike Game Broadcast-Chapter 71 : Knight's Duel (1)

Knight's Duel (1)
MetaGamer Headquarters.
The atmosphere in the Influencer Team's office was heavy.
"er Shin, the master sergeant is calling for you."
"Ah, yes."
er Shin Hyerim glanced around cautiously before finding the master sergeant. When she entered, she saw the master sergeant nervously tapping away at his keyboard.
"Master sergeant?"
"Oh? Oh, right. Have a seat, have a seat. You've finished discussions with Eclipse, right?"
"Yes, I'm done."
Eclipse wasn't particularly interested in the broadcast itself. He replied back saying that the rights to this duel were entirely up to Purple, and that he'd go along with that opinion.
"Ha... so now, we just need Purple's okay..."
The master sergeant gnawed irritably on his fingernails, eyes darting about. Shin Hyerim spoke carefully, scanning his mood.
"Um, perhaps our proposal was a bit overwhelming?"
"Overwhelming?"
"Well, considering the whole story, it was supposed to be a light spar between the two, but now we've jumped in and made it a big thing..."
The master sergeant stared at her blankly for a moment, then let out a sharp breath.
"Phew, er Shin. The duel itself isn't what's important."
"Sorry?"
"What's our team called? Influencer, right? People matter, right? Even if the scale of the project is small, the scale of the people involved is what's truly impressive."
He projected a hologram in front of her widened eyes. It was a news article featuring a live interview Purple had hosted before.
"Look, there are over 300 comments just on this, you know. D'Artagnan had around 200, this one's at 300. And it hasn't even been a week—it's already off the main page!"
"Ah..."
"er Shin, once you write an article, are you done? Don't you monitor it? Come on, you're holding onto a gold lifeline and don't even realize it."
"A gold lifeline?"
"Yes! Not a rotten rope, not an ordinary rope—gold! Pure 24K gold rope!"
The master sergeant let out a dry laugh as he showed her a graph.
"See this? As soon as the duel news broke yesterday, views soared again."
"Ah, yes yes."
"er Shin—no, hyerim! The editorial team's got a really great eye on us right now. You realize how much buzz the keywords 'Purple' and 'NewtonLord' are generating?"
With the master sergeant's impassioned explanation, Shin Hyerim's eyes began to sparkle with energy.
"And now Eclipse is involved too, huh?"
"That's right! You're catching on! This isn't just about year-end bonuses. This is a chance for you and me to hit career highs!"
It was very rare for a rookie attracting this much attention to appear. It was a rare opportunity for the Influencer Team as well.
Having finished his passionate explanation, the master sergeant finally slumped back in his seat.
"So let's pray, okay? Let's just pray that Purple, please, pleeease, gives us those broadcast rights."
"... Master sergeant, aren't you an atheist?"
Shin Hyerim asked slyly, to which the master sergeant clasped his hands together.
"For now, Purple is my god."
* * *
"For that reason, I'm sure MetaGamer is pretty much down to praying by now."
Park Juho finished his explanation, idly adjusting his glasses. Lee Gyeongbok blinked his eyes.
"Is this duel really that big of a deal? I just thought it would be fun."
"In the end, both streamers and webzines live off people's attention. Right now, you're right at the center of that attention."
"That's true. Where people gather, money gathers. But you're doing more than that—you're grabbing them by the collar and dragging them along."
Choi Byeonghun also chuckled, agreeing with Park Juho.
"So, what's Meta offering?"
"A base of 5 million won, plus all viewer donations from the MetaGamer broadcast channel. They'll hand it all over, without taking Tri's commissions."
"They'll even cover the commission fee themselves? Wow, meta's really going all in."
Choi Byeonghun couldn't hide his amazement.
Lee Gyeongbok never accepted donations mid-game to stay focused. But this time, viewers would have a chance to donate during the event.
On top of that, there would be no commission fee and no need to wait for any payments to be settled.
"It's a good deal."
"Dude, it's not just good, it's a jackpot!"
"Agreed."
"It's not just the money either."
Lee Gyeongbok added, smiling. His two friends had question marks on their faces.
"Remember when I talked to Genome hyung back then, trying to find out what kind of person Eclipse is? He told me something."
"Told you what?"
"Yeah, he said when PVP opens, all sorts of people are going to rush in."
Genome had recommended Eclipse to Lee Gyeongbok with this very reason. He'd warned there'd be malicious stream snipers and attention-seeking streamers all looking for a chance to crash the duel.
"If MetaGamer is in charge of the broadcast, won't that filter things out?"
"Right. Just like how they blocked Sagwadan during the last interview."
"Ah, the viewers loved Meta's protection back then. And now we're getting paid too? Man, this is really delicious."
Choi Byeonghun's lips twitched with amusement. Lee Gyeongbok smiled at that and nodded.
'And I don't even have a bad feeling about this one.'
The spiritual energy was calm, and there was nothing to lose.
"Looks like no one's got any objections, so let's go for it."
There was simply no reason to turn it down.
* * *
That evening.
The much-anticipated Purple's broadcast time approached. Even though the stream hadn't started yet, viewership had already surpassed 9,000.
As soon as it hit the scheduled time, the screen changed.
― Something big is coming!
-5555555!
― Let's gooooo!
-(Perha-con) Perha!
― Trha!
Viewers greeted one another enthusiastically. But the person greeting them wasn't Lee Gyeongbok.
"Yes! Hello!"
At the center of the screen was Shin Hyerim, dressed in light armor. Question marks instantly popped up in the chat window.
-??????
― Who are you?
― Where's our Godple!
― What's this? Is it a bug?
― Did our hyung become a Vtuber?
― Vtuber LMAO
― Broadcast hijacking?!
But that reaction didn't last long.
― Don't know today's MetaGamer broadcast is a relay?
― er noonim! Take care of us!
― Lol, look at all the new folks not reading the notice
― Literally, haven't watched the live interview either
― Don't go around saying you're a Purple viewer if you don't know this
Diligent fans who'd checked the announcements quickly explained the situation.
"Yes, for today's duel! MetaGamer will be in charge of the broadcast. I am MetaGamer's er, Shin Hyerim."
Shin Hyerim bowed as she greeted them, then took a deep breath.
'Wow... There are even more people than the interview.'
Viewer numbers had already cracked the tens of thousands. There weren't many people used to addressing a crowd that size.
Shin Hyerim was no exception—she needed to steady her racing heart.
'Bringing someone else on for this was such a good idea.'
Luckily, she wouldn't be commentating alone today. Maintaining a bright expression, hyerim spoke up.
"We've also brought on an excellent commentator to provide more professional hosting and insights. Please, come out!"
As she said this, the screen zoomed out. A heavily armored knight approached her side.
He looked straight into the camera and lifted his helmet.
It was—
"Trha! The man who games at a genetic level, genome here!"
Streamer, genome.
― Hyung?
― Why are you here meme
― Lol, I knew it'd be you.
― No wonder you took an impromptu break today, lol
― Already imagining your actual face!
― Naturally, when it comes to commentary and hosting—it's gotta be Genome!
-right after stepping down as Tri's top, instant commentator career swap LOL
A large chunk of Lee Gyeongbok's fans were also Genome's, so the reactions were instant.
With the mood shifting, Shin Hyerim felt herself relax into a more comfortable expression.
"Yes, and Genome, you have some connection to both Purple and Eclipse, correct?"
"Yes, they both appeared in my MasterDissection content streams. For those who haven't seen it, I recommend checking GenomeTube after the broadcast."
― What's with the ad LOL
― Can't resist a sneaky ad slot
― Our hyung is embarrassing no matter where you put him
― What are you doing on someone else's stream!
― Got that strawing in quick, Lol
Viewers teased playfully. Genome just held his head high, unashamed.
"I've also done a lot of content centered on Elden Soul. Both friendship and experience-wise, I have every reason to be here."
― Self-praise, what?
― Lost it LOL are you really going to do this in front of so many?
― Genomes entry.
― Genome, get out of Genome's body!
― Guess the older you get, the more shameless you become tsk tsk
Naturally, the mood now centered around Genome. Thanks to that, Shin Hyerim felt more at ease.
"Haha, thank you for agreeing to the invite so willingly. Shall we get settled in, then?"
"That sounds great. Now, I'm sure the audience is eager for the duel, but er, are you familiar with Elden Soul's duels?"
At Genome's prompt, Shin Hyerim cocked her head.
"Isn't it just two players fighting?"
"Yes, that's correct. But there's more nuance. In Elden Soul's PVP, there are two types: 'Duel' and 'Invasion.'"
"There's a difference?"
"Yes, but since today is a duel, we'll skip the latter. Still, even a duel requires certain settings."
"Settings?"
"Yes. Since Elden Soul has character progression, there can be variances between characters."
― That's right
― Yup lol, the difference between Godple and Eclipse is almost astronomical
― Day 3 character vs a fully cleared character
― Stats are going to be worlds apart
Viewers agreed and Shin Hyerim, reading their reactions, asked another question.
"So, in terms of playtime, how big is the gap?"
"Purple is on Day 3, actually has only played about two days. In terms of hours? About 6 for Purple."
"And Eclipse?"
"As far as I know, Eclipse plays at least eight hours a day. Since Elden Soul launched about five months ago, that's... roughly 900 hours."
At Genome's words, the chat buzzed.
-6 hours vs 900 hours, what lol
― Frankly, given FromSoft game experience, isn't this 6 hours vs 12 years?
― Twice the difference, really?
― No, lol, don't just look at the numbers! The units are completely different!
― Put that way, it's insane
― Spoiler: Godple wins anyway
― Love how this confirms you're a Purple viewer, lol
As the chat exploded, genome clapped his hands, gathering attention.
"That's why Eclipse requested a 'duel.'"
"There's a reason?"
"There is. The duel aims for 'fairness'! Both characters' stats are matched, and the available spells and abilities are limited, as is equipment."
"So, pretty much all other variables are excluded, and only 'skill' is measured."
"Exactly! And with that, let's bring out today's duel's protagonists!"
Genome finished his explanation and raised his left hand. The screen zoomed out, revealing the duel's stage, the Sword's Grave.
Just like its name, countless swords stood like walls all around. It looked like something straight out of a famous overseas drama—the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones as a wall.
Genome cleared his throat and began introducing the participants.
"First, today's challenger! A tireless striver who's pursued the dream of the perfect knight every single day! Recognized by all as a romanticist! The modern Don Quixote—Sir Eeeeeclipse!"
― Lol, great intro text, lol
― Genome really is good at this
― Totally shifted into the host role, lol
― Details like calling him 'Sir' are top-notch
― Modern Don Quixote, that's so fitting
― As a Godple fan, even I admit Eclipse is cool lol
Amid viewers' cheers, the knight in heavy armor entered. Wearing a cross-shaped helmet, he landed lithely.
Eclipse straightened himself and raised his sword in a dignified salute.
― Check out that form, lol
― How much practice did he do?
― This is true 'role play'
― This is why he shows up as an NPC in Elden Kingdom, lol
― I'm jealous, living life obsessed with one thing like that
Genome nodded slightly at Eclipse, then raised his right arm. The camera shifted to show the other side.
"And now, the champion who accepted today's challenge! He burst onto the scene like a comet, but his impact is Armageddon-level! Just like his name, the perfect streamer! Per~fect Play~eeeer!"
― Lol, what's with the meteor reference
-'Per-mageddon' LOL
-(PerStamp-con)(PerStamp-con)(PerStamp-con)
― Perfection, that's Purple for you (nod)
― Master craftsman! Master craftsman! Master craftsman!
― God.ple. descends
Excitement peaked as Lee Gyeongbok appeared.
"Trha!"
Lee Gyeongbok, clad in light armor, landed and waved, making no effort to hide his identity as a streamer.
"Yes! Today's protagonists, both here before us! The viewers' passionate support makes me clench my fist without thinking!"
"Huh? Should we wait a bit longer then?"
"Excuse me?"
Shin Hyerim's eyes rounded, but Genome just smiled.
"Just kidding! Let's begin right away!"
― Lol, almost swore there
― Hyung, if you mess around, you might get cut off as host
-(Insert strong curse)
― The transitions are so smooth, I double-subscribed to GenomeTube^^
― I'm already subbed, so I just clicked again lol
― What's with the unsub joke lol
The screen now focused on the center of the battlefield, not the commentators.
Lee Gyeongbok and Eclipse drew closer. The two faced off.
"Both sides are approaching each other. A proper greeting before the duel is only polite!"
Just as Genome said, the two exchanged greetings.
"Thank you for accepting this duel, sir Purple."
"No, I should thank you for making the broadcast so enjoyable."
It started out amicable, but the mood soon shifted.
"Complacency is a shame for any knight—I promise to go all out!"
With Eclipse's open declaration, genome immediately weighed in.
"Oh! Sir Eclipse is declaring full force! Usually, elden Soul players are kind to newbies, you know? Declaring this means he fully recognizes Sir Purple!"
"The tension's already high! How will Sir Purple respond!?"
With Genome's excitement, Shin Hyerim's energy rose as well.
"That's great and all, but..."
As all eyes fell on him, Lee Gyeongbok smiled even more deeply.
"You'd better try harder than just your full effort."
And with that—
"Oh! Here it is! He's said it! The bluff has landed!"
"This confidence! It's what makes Purple's stream so popular!"
The commentators raised their voices.
― Purple confidence ON!
― This is the flavor! The flavor you don't get anywhere else!
― Delicious! Delicious! Delicious!
― Bluffing before the match? Opening move!
― Opening move wins are meta, lol
― Godple already won, gg
― Spoiler bans please lol
― This is... the six-hour gaming swagger?
Their greetings alone sent the chat into a frenzy. Eclipse nodded.
"Pushing past one's limits is a part of chivalry! Let the rest be said with swords!"
"Yes, let's get started then."
Both men turned to create distance.
"And now, the duel is about to begin! Everyone focus! As soon as both stand in their marked spots, it starts!"
"Ah, even I'm getting nervous!"
Lee Gyeongbok and Eclipse each headed toward a golden circle.
And just before the final step—
"Hm?"
Lee Gyeongbok stopped, discomfort surging inside him. But it wasn't from Eclipse.
"Huh? What's that red circle?"
"A red circle?"
The commentators' voices pierced his ears.
Just then, crimson circles suddenly emerged across the duel field. From within, dozens of blood-red characters sprang forth.
There were easily more than twenty.
Genome barked out, like thunder.
"Invasion!? er, did you forget to turn off the invasion function!?"
Since MetaGamer was running the broadcast, game functions were under their control.
― Lol, no way, did you really not turn off invasion?
― No, seriously, what are you doing!
― This was going to be a legendary match!
― That screams apology letter
-fucken, it's stream snipers
― Damn, those who entered can't even leave now
― What kind of loser guys are these!
― Quit out fast?
Viewers who knew Elden Soul immediately caught on. A mood of blaming MetaGamer was brewing—
"Yes! The invasion function is active!"
But instead, Shin Hyerim sounded even more excited. The chat filled with question marks, while Genome looked like his eyes would pop out.
"It was just as you both expected!"
"Both? So Purple and Eclipse planned this?"
Genome instantly assessed the situation. If it wasn't a mistake, it had to be planned.
"Yes, in case anyone tried to interfere with the duel..."
Shin Hyerim couldn't hide her grin.
"They said they'd deal with them personally!"
A mishap becomes a problem only if you can't solve it. But if you can? Sometimes, it's the event itself.
― Lololololol
― It was bait?!
― Unreal lol
― Luring in stream snipers to cut them down? That's just too good
― These guys are great at appetizers
― In fact, it was the invaders who got ambushed, not the hosts lol
― Once again, proof they're broadcast geniuses!
Viewers quickly caught on. Meanwhile, Eclipse glanced back at the stream snipers.
"How dare you...! To interrupt an honorable duel!"
He didn't hide his anger.
Of anyone, Eclipse was the most eager for this duel.
"Just think of it as a warm-up."
On the other hand, Lee Gyeongbok casually scanned them, speaking coolly.
The stream snipers were more flustered by this unexpected reaction.
'This isn't what we expected?'
'Why are they so calm?'
'Were... they waiting for us?'
But it was already too late.
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