Chapter 256 : 3rd OTP, Purple Rush (1)

3rd ‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍OTP, Purple Rush (1)

Early afternoon.

Lee Gyeongbok logged into Capsule, even though it wasn't his channel time. A few moments later, his teammates began to enter his default studio one by one.

"Ah, did everyone sleep well?"

Lee Gyeongbok greeted them with a bright expression. Except for Park Juho, the other three showed a hint of fatigue.

It was because all three of them had lifestyles skewed toward the nighttime.

"To be honest, since we had a meeting yesterday, I thought there wouldn't be one today, so I slept a bit late."

Choi Byeonghun answered, yawning as if representing their feelings.

"Well, it can't be helped. It wasn't something we could decide just through group chat."

Everyone nodded at Park Juho's comment. The reason for this additional meeting was singular.

"As you've all seen, we have to decide on Qdari's proposal."

Last night, qdari had posted on the fan page about providing a server and a quest as the condition, so they needed to discuss it.

"Can't we just do it?"

Lee Gyeongbok was the first to speak.

"The more participants, the more fun it'll be. And only using pistols isn't even that much of a penalty."

Everyone smiled at those words.

"I doubt there's anyone here worried about that penalty."

"Even if the others are, as long as the CEO's involved, using pistols only is no problem."

"No, I actually think it's better. Just imagining Purple showing off with akimbo...!"

"Akimbo is dual pistols, right? Phew, that'll look amazing."

Choi Byeonghun uttered a small exclamation, then shook his head.

"Anyway, the problem isn't the penalty, it's that it's a private server. I actually considered renting a private server myself."

"Really? Then why didn't you mention it?"

"There's a reason everyone sticks to official sessions. Primarily, the stability of the server is the biggest factor, but also, there's no funny business."

"Funny business?"

That answer came from Park Juho.

"When I got Qdari's proposal, I looked into the difference between official and private servers. On a private server, the host can change settings however they want."

"That's the issue. For example, item drop rates, enemy respawn frequency, things like that. You remember the so-called 'free servers' back when we played games on PC?"

Lee Gyeongbok nodded, understanding what his friends were trying to say.

"Ah, right. It wouldn't matter for casual gaming, but since there's a prize event at stake, if we ran a private server, there could be manipulation controversies."

"Exactly. That's why I didn't bring it up."

"Um, but isn't it a bit different this time?"

Jo Daehan raised his hand cautiously.

"This time, it's not us but Qdari providing the server, right? Wouldn't that clear up manipulation concerns?"

"Hmm, it's not about manipulation per se, but about the host."

This time it was Madman who answered.

"On Purple's channel, qdari tends to seem silly, but originally he's infamous for only handing out difficult quests. There aren't many who have succeeded at his quests."

She rolled her eyes as if recollecting.

"It's just that Purple succeeded easily, but Qdari gives quests hoping for failures."

"You mean Qdari might tweak the server settings to disadvantage Gyeongbok. That's your concern."

Park Juho hit the nail on the head. Everyone nodded, but Lee Gyeongbok was nonchalant.

'He doesn't really seem like a bad person.'

When he heard the proposal, he had already tried gauging it with his divine energy. He didn't feel uneasy about accepting the server offer.

'Still, I can't just callously say we'll do it.'

His friends would trust and follow him, but the other two didn't know his secret. While mulling over how to proceed, Park Juho continued.

"The issue is, the viewers themselves are already hoping for a private server. Of course, they would understand if we used an official session, but it'd be disappointing."

"Well, I want as many people to come as possible too. The viewers probably want it even more."

Lee Gyeongbok quickly organized his thoughts and spoke.

"In the end, the focus is whether Qdari is trustworthy, right?"

The others all looked at him. It was apparent it wasn't a question expecting an answer.

"Then let me talk to Qdari personally."

"In person?"

"Ah, not in reality, of course—using Capsule."

Facing Qdari directly would help make a clear decision. But Madman and Jo Daehan, who didn't know the situation, looked puzzled.

"He'll just deny any concerns, won't he?"

"But if it's the CEO's perfect eye, could he see through him?"

Meanwhile, the friends who knew the circumstances worried for a different reason.

"Will you even be able to set up a meeting in time? Qdari must have a job; it'd only be possible after work, right?"

"Then prep time will be tight..."

At the team's expressed concerns, Lee Gyeongbok smiled.

"For now, let's stick with official sessions as the base. If it feels okay, then we'll move to the private server. We'll draw the participants live on channel. Viewers will accept it as fair, don't you think?"

"Hmm... That makes sense."

"We're giving out goods this time, so I think that's good, too."

"Right now, Purple's idea seems like the best."

"Then I'll send the reply now."

Park Juho swiftly sent the message. Now that a decision was made, everyone was about to disband.

"There's a reply. Qdari says now is fine. But..."

Everyone about to log off turned their heads at Park Juho's words. He looked at Lee Gyeongbok with a confused face.

"This... it's a VIP private lounge code?"

Everyone's eyes went wide at his remark.

"Qdari was VIP tier?"

"Wow! He really is a whale."

"But, didn't he do that deep bow proof last time? He's a whale but did that deep bow?"

Seeing Choi Byeonghun bewildered, Lee Gyeongbok smiled.

"We'll find out when we meet."

* * *

Lee Gyeongbok accessed the lounge using the code Qdari sent.

"Ah, welcome!"

With an energetic laugh, qdari greeted him, and Lee Gyeongbok also laughed.

"It's my first time meeting you face to face, qdari. Hope you don't mind me speaking like this?"

"Oh, of course not."

Qdari's avatar had no head; instead, a large letter 'Q' sat atop his neck in its place.

'He's not bad at all.'

Lee Gyeongbok sensed positive vibes from him. Perceptibly bigger than expected.

'No wonder, if he's VIP tier, he's not normal.'

Meanwhile, qdari shrugged.

"I'm honestly delighted, but didn't expect you'd suggest meeting face to face."

"It's a different situation this time."

"Situation?"

"Yes. Before, it was just a quest, but this time you're actively helping with the event. I should thank you personally."

Qdari looked satisfied and shrugged again before asking back.

"But it's not free, you know? There's a penalty if you fail. You haven't forgotten, right?"

"No one takes on a challenge expecting to fail."

At Lee Gyeongbok's calm reply, qdari clapped without realizing.

"Heh, seeing Purple confidence in person really hits different. That's one reason I always watch your channel."

"Thank you. To be honest, your large monthly donations did make me a bit worried, but it seems you can afford it."

"It's not donations but quests this time, but I can't deny what you said. Don't worry about this server offer either."

Qdari continued with a relaxed grin.

"Lending a server is no big deal for me. Rather than go into specifics, you can just consider me as someone working in this field."

"Ah, of course. No need to reveal any more."

Lee Gyeongbok had no intention of pressing about his identity. For VIP-tier members, it would actually be impolite to dig into their private info.

"Alright. Oh, the server can be prepared any time, so don't worry. I'll have it ready for your channel schedule."

"Alright then, thank you. I hope I'm not wasting your time when you're busy."

"Oh, not at all. How often does anyone get to talk with Purple one-on-one? I'd make time even if I didn't have any."

Lee Gyeongbok laughed at that and held out his hand for a handshake.

"Thank you again. Oh, one more thing."

After the handshake, Lee Gyeongbok raised his index finger as if remembering something.

"Even if you provide the server, I can't give you any special treatment in the draw. I hope you understand."

Qdari laughed even more loudly at that.

"Oh, I wasn't expecting any! I much prefer watching than participating myself."

"I'm glad to hear it. Then see you on the channel."

* * *

That evening, before the event, they held a time for audience interaction.

With a look full of anticipation, Lee Gyeongbok spoke up.

"It's been a while since I got this, but I couldn't show it because of Roderi's ads."

As he said this, Park Juho displayed a prepared photo of the figure on screen.

Audience reaction was instant.

-??????

― What? What is this?

― A figure? The quality is insane, wow

― Wow lol I thought it was just a screenshot cutout

― Bark President! Bark President! Bark President! Bark President!

As chat messages exploded up the screen, Lee Gyeongbok replied with pride.

"I really wanted to brag as soon as I got it, but I had to wait. They even made a custom case, which feels totally different."

A new, illuminated photo appeared on screen.

― The case is handmade too?

― Frankly, the case is just acrylic and normal lol

― The figure is so high quality it makes the case look top tier too lol

― Hyung! You're selling these, right? Right?!

― You'll unveil the shop now, right?

― The SD figure being given out this time too, and all the merch—this is going to keep coming, right?

― Immediate.sale.now

― I'd pay up to 500,000 won at this quality lol

― Ah lol I'll pay, just put it out already!

With the heated chat, Lee Gyeongbok smiled even wider.

'Not all of this is serious, but there's definitely a real demand.'

He couldn't take every single message at face value, but among them were people speaking from the heart.

The desire to buy the goods was abundantly clear.

"Thank you again to 'Pugmalion' for making the figure. I guess the nickname comes from Pygmalion, but your skill is even better."

― At this level, even slapping Pygmalion would be justified lol

― Pygmalion: Why are you hitting me out of nowhere!?

― Godple mentioned it directly? So jealous

― This is a typical Purple viewer? Then what am I...?

-???: We who have no skills, what can we do?

-???: We have no use. Just donate, trooper.

-(crying emote)(crying emote)(crying emote)

The chat became a messy mix of envy, jokes, and sincerity.

Lee Gyeongbok quickly waved his hand.

"No, I'm really just grateful. All my viewers are precious to me, not just the donors. Just subscribing or even just watching is enough. That's what fuels my channel."

― Ah, you liar lol

― The just shining! Just sweet!

― You're telling us to donate, right? Right?

― His skills at soliciting donations are getting better and better lol

― Ah lol I'll pay my friend fee!

― I'll fall for it again for real lol

― This is the 10,000th time I'm letting it pass, right?

― Wait, if it's the 10,000th time, aren't you just always watching lol

Soon, actual donations began to pour in.

['Wallet Warrior' has donated '100,000' won.]

[It's not that I lack talent, just money!]

['FriendshipFeePaid' has donated '50,000' won.]

[Don't have much to give, but accept this at least, hyung!]

['EventWinWish' has donated '30,000' won.]

[God of Luck, please let me win the OTP event! Huh? Why is hyung getting the money though?]

Lee Gyeongbok laughed awkwardly and expressed his thanks.

"Alright, today's content isn't just me, so I can't let it run late. That'll be the end of donations! Really, thank you!"

He wrapped up interactions and started the main content. Waiting, Park Juho opened the random draw program.

[Remaining draws – 127]

As the number of draws appeared on screen, viewers felt satisfied. The number made it clear they'd accepted Qdari's proposal.

― Oh lol 127 people?

― Qdari Quest ON!

― Thanks, you're the best, highest Dari!

― What the heck is Highest Dari lol

― Double scale event!

Seeing the excited audience, Lee Gyeongbok grinned brightly.

"Yes, today Qdari has provided the server. Completely free of charge. Thank you again!"

― Lol, Purple confidence is insane!

― Already cleared the quest, huh?

― Frankly, pistols are enough against Troopers lol

― Still, the range difference will be rough, won't it?

― If it's revolver vs rifle, that could be tough?

― Ah lol but Godple always wins!

As the chat grew increasingly lively, Lee Gyeongbok clapped to draw attention.

"Alright, let's start the draw!"

It was a truly random draw, so it didn't take long. As joy and sorrow mingled in the chat, all 127 participants were finally chosen.

"The winners have had the server code messaged to them by the manager. Please check your messages and connect to that server."

Saying so, Lee Gyeongbok also launched the game.

"Everyone in? Then let's begin the 3rd Over the Perfect!"

― Let's goooooooo!

-???: Staaarrrting! Here we goooooo!

― Wait, why does it sound like Yongjun's voice lol

― Oh man lol I'm so jealous

― Era of the Great Purple Rush!

-127 bounty hunters vs Godple

― This is going to be legendary, right?

The curtain rose on the 3rd OTP, 'Purple Rush'.