novelraw Chapter 113 : Autograph Session? (3)
Chapter 113 : Autograph Session? (3)
Autograph Session? (3)
Gunner Ground's developer, gGG's Q-tube channel.
Not only did it upload every update, but it was also where various event announcement videos were posted. On such a GGG channel, a new video had gone up.
But this wasn't just a regular video—it was a Premier, a first-time exclusive release.
― Who the heck developed the Premiere function, lol
― Isn't this so cheeky?
― And yet, what are we doing here so early, hahaha
― Seriously, we need to smack GGG for this
― Just release it all at once, C'mon!
Before the premiere, viewers began to gather in the chat window.
― Which member will definitely surprise us?!
― Purple viewers, are you here?
― You too? Wow! Me too!
― Purple's verified jump-scare, can't miss it, lol
Some of them were viewers from Purple's broadcast. They had tuned in to check which member would be the "surprise," as had been mentioned in the previous broadcast.
Before long, the screen changed and a countdown began.
― Finally, is it the third member?
― The lineup is already incredible, lol
― GGG must have shelled out a lot of money this time
― It looks like they invested a lot in this update and event
As anticipation built, the countdown finished and the screen transitioned to a sharply dressed woman, who smiled and greeted the viewers.
"Hello! I'm Jung Soyoon, the caster for Gunner Ground's event match, 'Time Warfare!'"
Game caster, Jung Soyoon.
She was the only prominent woman in a mostly male field, a highly popular figure in her 40s, known for her deep knowledge of games.
― Jung-caster! Jung-caster! Jung-caster! Jung-caster!
― Aunt Soyoon is the best!
― GGG's outstanding choice
― Jung-caster's always legit, lol
― I can already hear everything so clearly, hahaha
Even though this wasn't a live broadcast, viewers greeted her warmly.
"Today, we're revealing the third member of the participating teams. Let's check them out one by one!"
Jung Soyoon smoothly carried out the introductions. As each member was unveiled, viewers multiplied.
― Hahaha, is that the "Blind Duck" game room?
― That no-skills guy as a team member?
― I gotta avoid that team at all costs!
― Gamo" [laughter] is participating, haha
― This is pure chaos, lol
― This is a broadcasting accident waiting to happen, lol
Each time a streamer the viewers knew appeared, laughter erupted in the chat.
"Next up is the team of rising star, rookie streamer Purple and the experienced Genome, right? Here's the third member of Team PerG-Day!"
It was now Purple and Genome's team's turn.
― Let's go!
― Finally revealed!
― Big guy next to big guy! Big guy next to big guy! Big guy next to big guy!
― Which member will definitely surprise us?!
With the excitement from Purple and Genome's fans, the chat started lagging. In the video, Jung Soyoon flipped her cue cards and her eyes widened.
"Huh...?"
Despite her experience, she was briefly speechless.
Just who could it be?
Expectations peaked, and she finally spoke.
"This is truly unexpected! The third member of Team PerG-Day is none other than...!"
She paused, and a data screen appeared in the video. Unlike the previous reveals, a photo of someone in armor and a helmet popped up.
"It's streamer Eclipse!"
-?
― Huh?
― Eclipse?
― What is this? Is this a broadcast error?
― Hold on;;; Isn't this the GGG channel?
― Did I come into Fromme's channel by mistake?
― Sir, why are you showing up there?
Viewers had no idea why Eclipse was there. With the reveal, the stream of question marks and chatter overwhelmed the chat.
Thankfully, since it wasn't a live broadcast, the video continued. Perhaps GGG had expected this type of reaction.
"Wow, I've hosted a lot of events before, but I think this is the first time I'm mentioning another game. But I can't not explain, right?"
Eclipse's profile appeared on screen. Jung Soyoon gave a quick summary.
"Why did Eclipse, who's devoted himself so strictly to a single genre, decide to take part? He said, surprisingly, that it was thanks to his teammate Purple!"
― Purple?
― Why is Godple showing up here?
― What the heck did he do?!
― Breaking News: Prosecutors spot newly-formed 'Elden Cartel.' Serious investigation underway!
― What cartel, lol
― Oh, I get it! Is it the hypnosis app thing?
― No way, that's insane!
― Purple viewers can't resist this meme, right?
With Purple's name mentioned, the chat went wild.
"He said he wanted to broaden his horizons by learning from Purple and decided to take on a completely new experience with this participation!"
― Haha, for real
― Seriously, what happened between those two?
― What? Is Eclipse not Korean?
― Just check Purple channel, guys
― A 15-year veteran changing genres? This is a real upheaval
― Even Purple's appearance itself was an upheaval
― Info: Godple is only a two-month-old streamer now
― Huh, baby?
― Baby (Dragon Roar)
― What's with Dragon Roar, lol
― Godple is Dragonborn baby, I'm telling you!
Viewers enjoyed Eclipse's comment.
But not everyone felt the same.
― But has Eclipse ever even played a shooter game?
― Fromme's games don't have guns, do they?
― There's one mecha title, but it's totally different from GunG
― You mean Core Armor? That's from the console era!
― Even so, surely he's played GunG at least once off stream?
― He's into swordsmanship training even in real life, but guns? Lol
Eclipse's genre switch was ambitious, but it was also cause for concern. However, it seemed GGG was prepared for this.
"In addition, Eclipse left us a statement! I'll read it as it is."
Jung Soyoon cleared her throat and lowered her voice.
"Eclipse says: 'Even though the battlefield may change, chivalry remains the same. So I shall train in seclusion until the time comes, so as not to become a burden to my comrades.'"
With her delivery, the chat's mood transformed.
― He actually said that, lol
― What's with the deep voice, haha
― This is why everyone loves Jung-caster!
― So he's keeping the knight concept, even here? Lol
― Knight of the battlefield, what?
― It's cringy but also cool, haha
― I wondered why he hadn't streamed recently, now I know, lol
― Godple was right!
― Seriously, you can't help but be shocked
After the explanation, the video moved on to reveal another team. But the chat's topic wouldn't change so easily.
― Is it for real that we're seeing the PerG-Day lineup again?
― This is why you gotta make good friends!
― PerG-Day is absolute legend status, lol
― That lineup value is just insane, hahaha
― Another scientific proof that Uhwooper is the answer, lol
― We still don't know who the fourth member is?
― Anyway, Purple's winning!
The chatter about Team PerG-Day continued non-stop. If this were live, the caster would probably intervene, but as it was a recorded video, the flow continued.
― But is there anyone who could even fit into this lineup?
― For real, the other three are already top-tier
― The fourth member's gotta be even crazier, right?
― If you're not on their level, you'd go crazy from the pressure, haha
After Eclipse, the anticipation for the fourth member was sky-high.
* * *
The day of the Sweeties autograph session.
Lee Gyeongbok and Choi Byeonghun visited Park Juho's house.
"... Wow."
"Damn, what is all this?"
As soon as they entered, the two were stunned.
"This is my first fan-sign, I can't go unprepared."
Park Juho, who'd finally come out as a fan, had taken out his entire Sweeties merch collection to greet his friends.
"From here on are the light sticks from album one through the latest release, and over here, that's organized by season. I've got towels too, but those have been used, so I can't lend those."
"But... why are there multiples of the same items?"
Choi Byeonghun stopped his fast explanation and asked. In response, Park Juho frowned.
"Of course you have to separate collection-only and regular-use merch."
"Oh, collectible ones..."
"But if these are collectibles, is it okay to lend them?"
Lee Gyeongbok asked in confusion.
It was nice to be lent something so precious, but he felt a bit pressured, too.
Park Juho adjusted his Anqing glasses and smiled.
"It's fine. The ones I took out are spares I bought, just in case I lost some."
"... Spare?"
"The real collection pieces are safely stored in mint condition, don't worry."
At his answer, Lee Gyeongbok and Choi Byeonghun exchanged looks.
'Park Juho, this guy...'
'He's the real deal.'
They didn't need words to understand each other. Watching them, Park Juho cleared his throat.
"Ahem, if it's your first autograph session, you don't need to bring everything. But I've prepared the essentials for you."
"What're the essentials?"
"Right here."
Park Juho handed them waterproof pouches he had organized.
"Photo cards and post-its? What's the letter paper for?"
"The most basic thing is to get a signature on a photo card. The post-its are for writing the nickname and message you want the member to sign. Did you guys bring any extra gifts?"
The two looked at each other and shook their heads. They weren't even real fans, so there was no reason to prepare gifts.
"Exactly, right? It's hard to choose what to give at first since you don't know their preferences. I was the same."
Park Juho interpreted their reasoning differently. The two friends didn't bother correcting his misunderstanding.
"That's why, back to basics! I've prepared letter paper so you can write a fan letter! The waterproof pouch is in case it rains."
Hearing this, the two nodded.
'He's way more hyped than usual.'
'This is real.'
Their friend's unusual excitement made them smile unconsciously. Even though they weren't true fans, they didn't want to let him down.
"But if you only hand over a fan letter, isn't it a bit much?"
"Why not add some snacks or drinks? Something sweet for Sweeties."
Choi Byeonghun joked, but Park Juho's eyes turned sharp.
"Impossible."
"Impossible?"
"Sometimes malicious people put weird stuff in the food. Sweeties haven't experienced this, but it's happened to other idols."
"Oh... so you can't give food?"
The two nodded easily. Now was the time to follow Park Juho's guidance.
But soon they hit a roadblock.
'Even if it's a fan letter...'
'What should I write?'
They pondered over the blank stationery. Seeing this, Park Juho smiled in satisfaction.
"You probably have so many things you want to say that you can't choose, right? I was like that at first. But it's best to just write what comes to mind, comfortably."
Luckily, the misunderstanding didn't deepen. Park Juho checked the time and called to his friends.
"There's still plenty of time, so think it over and let's start getting ready soon."
"Ready?"
"Lee Gyeongbok, take this."
He handed Lee Gyeongbok a mask.
Why the mask, all of a sudden?
Seeing his curiosity, Park Juho explained.
"At fan signings, you rarely see folks coming in normal like us. Most people have cameras for taking pics."
"I get that, but... why this?"
"With your face, you'll definitely attract attention. Whether you want it or not, you'll likely end up in some photos."
Even though it was a fan event, Park Juho hadn't forgotten his duties as manager.
"If you ever plan on revealing your face, it's best to keep your traces hidden now. Honestly, I'd prefer to have you wear sunglasses too, but that'd look suspicious, so I skipped them."
"Fair enough."
Lee Gyeongbok accepted his suggestion. The mask covered him from nose to chin.
"What about mine?"
Choi Byeonghun asked next to him. Park Juho shot him a sidelong glance.
"For you, it'll actually be less noticeable if you don't cover up."
"Eh?"
Choi Byeonghun rolled his eyes, not understanding, then realized what he meant.
"Hey! They say I'm good-looking at home!"
"Then wear the mask at home."
Having instantly shut down Choi Byeonghun, Park Juho finished preparations.
"Already getting ready to leave?"
"There's still lots of time before the session starts?"
There was more than enough time before the session. Even so, Park Juho hurried his friends.
"The seating and signing order are decided by a draw when you arrive. It's chance, but the later you arrive, the fewer options you have. Lots of fans are probably there already."
"Is it that serious?"
"So that's why you called us so early. Being a fan isn't simple."
They clicked their tongues at his words. Soon, without complaint, they followed Park Juho's lead.
Today, Park Juho was having a 'perfect' day.
* * *
The Sweeties autograph session was at a large hotel downtown.
In the grand hall, just as Park Juho had predicted, other fans were already there.
The three took their place in the long line.
"Man... these people are dedicated. True fans have to be diligent too, huh."
"Looks like over half are already here."
"Tsk, this makes things tricky."
While the others were amazed, Park Juho's expression darkened.
"Gyeongbok."
"What?"
"Please be lucky this time too...!"
Park Juho sent him an intense look.
"The further back you get in the signing order, the more rushed it'll be. Just avoid getting a late spot, please!"
"Hey, it's just luck, it's not like I did anything."
"Then I trust your luck!"
At his friend's plea, Lee Gyeongbok let out a laugh.
"Come on, don't blame me if it goes wrong."
Thus began the long wait in line.
The line didn't move quickly, partly due to the careful ID checks and because fans were drawing lots with extreme caution.
They waited.
Suddenly, Lee Gyeongbok's phone vibrated.
"Hey, I need to take this call."
"Go ahead."
"Don't wander off too far."
Asking his friends to keep his place, Lee Gyeongbok found a quiet spot and answered.
"Hello?"
〈Hey, Gyeongbok. Can you talk now?〉
"Yeah, what's up?"
Genome's voice was gloomy on the other end.
〈First... I'm sorry.〉
"Sorry for what?"
〈I said confidently to you and Eclipse, but recruitment has gotten a bit difficult. No excuses...〉
"Recruitment? Why?"
Lee Gyeongbok's eyes widened. With Genome's network and reputation, there should be no rejections.
〈It's turned into a bit of an ironic situation.〉
"Ironic? How?"
〈Our team's value has gotten too high, so it's intimidating.〉
"... Value?"
Genome explained quickly.
Now with Purple, genome, and the newly announced Eclipse, each member was among the most prominent, making their team the highest profile in the event.
But Lee Gyeongbok was still puzzled.
"Shouldn't people be begging to join, then?"
〈I thought so too, but apparently, we've passed the critical point.〉
"Critical point?"
〈They're weighing the risks. Joining us would definitely get their name out there. But whether it gets 'well-known' is a different issue.〉
Genome clicked his tongue and continued.
〈Honestly, I get it. No one wants to join just to look like dead weight. Anyone willing to take that pressure is either a complete beginner or already a top streamer...〉
"The former, gGG would veto. The latter's probably leading another team."
〈Right. Which is why I'm reaching out—it's probably too much for me alone. Sorry...〉
"It's fine. When's the deadline?"
〈The day after tomorrow. I'll be calling Eclipse after this. We should figure this out together.〉
"Hmm, a streamer on our level..."
Lee Gyeongbok frowned.
Most good candidates were probably taken by other teams. Where would he find the right person at this point?
'Wait a second...'
His brow smoothed out as he glanced at the photo cards Park Juho had given him.
'This might actually work...?'
An idea flashed through his mind, and he smiled faintly.
"Hyung."
〈Yeah?〉
"The event's for influencers, right? Not just streamers?"
〈... Yeah, that's right.〉
"So as long as they're well-known to the viewers, it's okay?"
〈I guess, but... Is there anyone the audience would know who isn't a streamer?〉
Genome couldn't hide his confusion.
Where would you even find such a person?
"I'm not sure if they'll say yes, but I'll ask and let you know the outcome."
〈Oh? Oh, sure. Thanks. And sorry again.〉
"No worries. Just be sure to call Eclipse too."
〈Okay!〉
After hanging up, Lee Gyeongbok took out a photo card from the waterproof pouch.
Not another member's, but Yoon Nara's card, along with the post-it and empty fan letter.
'Now I know exactly what I want to write.'
A deeper smile played on Lee Gyeongbok's lips.
---