novelraw Chapter 130 : V-STAR Tour (2)
Chapter 130 : V-STAR Tour (2)
V-STAR Tour (2)
The full-fledged game show tour began.
Before heading to the first stage, Shin Hyerim spoke.
"Originally, we'd move around on foot, but as you can see, a lot of people have come to see us."
The area around the broadcast booth was packed with Purple's fans. Trying to push through that crowd would certainly take a lot of time.
"So, for this tour, we'll be teleporting directly to the venues!"
"Teleporting?"
"Yes! Like this!"
As Lee Gyeongbok looked puzzled, Shin Hyerim immediately operated the Smart Link. The background suddenly blurred, and then, in a flash, they were in a new booth.
― Look at Godple getting surprised lolol
― Top-level skills, but his capsule experience is at newbie level! Smurf, is that you!?
― Cognitive dissonance incoming
― If you see this, you can tell he's only been in virtual reality for two months lol
As the background changed abruptly, Lee Gyeongbok's eyes widened and he glanced around. The viewers burst into laughter.
"Alright! The very first stop on our perfect tour, and anyone who knows games will recognize this one! Dev Brothers' hit game! The 'CakaRun' booth!"
Shin Hyerim cheerfully introduced the booth.
'CakaRun' was a running action game in which characters based on snacks dodged obstacles to survive as long as possible and rack up points.
It gained popularity due to its cute characters and simple controls—it was even made into educational comics.
The booth itself matched the concept, decorated everywhere with characters, snacks, and desserts.
― Ah lol, I used to play CakaRun a lot
― Had friendly score competitions with friends too
― It's great for killing some time
The viewers were clearly familiar with the series.
― But there's such a gulf between newbies and veterans in this game lolol
― For real, the entry barrier's low, but...
― It looks like a kids' game, but it's actually super tough when you play lol
― Watching those seasoned players makes you wonder if they're even human
― Frankly, even the top rankers can't keep up without good characters
However, the game's appearance belied its true difficulty, as obstacles and trap patterns became brutally challenging in the later stages.
"Welcome! The emergency escape for snacks, cakaRun!"
Meanwhile, a staff member who had been waiting approached and delivered their greeting.
Naturally, the MetaGamer tour stream schedule had already been provided to each game company, and every booth had a setup dedicated for streaming.
Shin Hyerim and Lee Gyeongbok bowed in return and began the broadcast.
"CakaRun—honestly, who hasn't at least heard of it? Purple, you know it too, right?"
"Yes. I haven't played it myself, but I've often watched others enjoy it."
As Lee Gyeongbok responded, he turned to the staff member.
"But CakaRun is already out, isn't it? Will you be showing us anything new at V-STAR?"
Usually, it was new releases that were showcased at game shows. But this game was already popular and widely played.
― Look at him smoothly giving them a chance for promotion lol
― No script could make it flow this naturally
― Advertisers, are you watching?
― Godple is perfect, even with sponsor prompts
Just like the chat, the staff naturally took their cue to speak.
"Yes, you're right—CakaRun has received a lot of love. But this time, we've launched a new mode that might as well make it a new title!"
"Oh, can you show us right away?"
"Of course! Please look at this screen over here."
The staff launched the demo version, and the game screen was projected onto a giant display.
"The familiar horizontal, screen-touch style has now become our 'Classic' mode. And we've added a brand-new mode: 'Race'!"
"You said it's as good as a new release, right? Let's see how it's changed! Let's go into Race mode."
As Shin Hyerim raised her voice, the staff activated Race mode. Instantly, the screen changed.
― What?
― Oh lol what's this lol
― They made CakaRun first-person!
― I become the snack!
― It's not an exaggeration to call this a new release lol
― But now the path splits into three?
The chat immediately filled with excited comments.
The stage was now shown from the character's perspective, making it feel like you were inside the game.
The staff smiled brightly as they continued the explanation.
"The Race mode is designed for a new experience, so players can enjoy our game even when they're not able to move around. During actual play, the screen is rendered as a hologram, and you control it with a virtual joystick."
The Smart Link projected a hologram, recreating the scenery from the screen. Under each of the user's hands appeared a lever for left and right movement and two buttons.
"Whoa, you could count this as a totally different game. We have to try it ourselves, don't we? Purple, are you ready?"
Seeing is believing.
In response to Shin Hyerim's question, Lee Gyeongbok smiled and nodded.
"Anytime."
"Great. One more thing before we start—we've heard some good news. Depending on your scores, there are prizes up for grabs!"
"Yes, that's right. Over here, you can see various prizes set according to milestones."
With Shin Hyerim's cue, the staff immediately projected the prize event information as a hologram.
A list of prizes for each score bracket appeared.
― For standard matches, from first to hundredth you get ten consecutive gachas?
― Ah, it goes without saying Godple will take first place
― This is a sure win lol
― Godple is a gacha specialist!
Most of the chat expected an easy victory. But there was some disagreement.
― But mobile games are a little different, aren't they?
― Godple's a master at figuring out traps, but...
― Watching on hologram is going to be different, right?
― Plus, it's a joystick, not moving yourself lol
If this were a capsule game, there'd be no question—but the circumstances were completely different now.
While viewers speculated, Lee Gyeongbok checked the prize chart and spoke.
"May I make a suggestion?"
"Yes?"
With a faint smile, Lee Gyeongbok turned his gaze outside the booth. While they'd been introducing the game, the crowd of fans had surrounded the area.
"As you can see, a lot more fans showed up today than expected. So, I'd like to give any prizes I win at this event back to them as a token of thanks."
The booth vibrated with excitement at his words, though it was soundproofed; the fans' cheers could still be heard.
― Dang lol this is it
― Idiot! He only thinks of the viewers!
― Ah, is it finally time for a 'perfect-sharing' event?
― Use the meme prefix to its fullest lol
― This is what Purple viewers value
― A prize from Godple? Gotta have it!
― So jealous ㅠㅠ
The chat was also flooded with awe and envy. Lee Gyeongbok smiled even wider at their reaction.
"But a single gacha ticket doesn't seem adequate, does it? That's why I'm saying..."
He pointed to the prize chart.
"If I survive 15 minutes in the itemless mode, you give a 100 consecutive gacha ticket, right? And for the top 100 in the standard mode, it's ten consecutive tickets."
"That's... correct?"
"Then how about this—if I survive and maintain first place for both time and score in itemless mode, you give me 100 of those 100-gacha tickets?"
Everyone in the booth, including the staff, was stunned at Lee Gyeongbok's bold proposal—and so were the viewers.
"No, Purple?"
"Huh? Oh, uh... let me double-check."
With an awkward look, the staff stepped away to consult someone. Meanwhile, the chat was buzzing with concern and anticipation.
― Ah lol this is classic Godple!
― He's going for the perfect streaming angle again
-100 times 100 means 10,000 gacha tickets, what the heck lol
― Hey;;; there's a reason that 100 gacha is the prize!
― It's actually really hard to survive itemless mode!
― It's not easy just surviving, let alone going for top score!
― But it's Godple, so I'm hopeful lol
― Legendary moment, fired and ready!
Surprisingly, the answer came back quickly.
"We've decided to accept Purple's suggestion."
― Lightning response!
― It's like Dev Bros are monitoring the stream lol
― This is a sure win!
― Ah lol are they worried about giving away too many Purple Coins?
Shin Hyerim's thoughts were racing. Lee Gyeongbok's proposal hadn't been planned.
'Jackpot...!'
There was no reason, as a reporter, to refuse such a scoop. She smiled radiantly and spoke up.
"This must be why everyone loves Purple! It's a challenge with fan gifts on the line—shouldn't we start right away?"
With her hosting, Lee Gyeongbok nodded lightly and got ready. As he pushed the joystick and buttons, the character moved forward in his view.
The controls were simple: move left or right, jump, and slide. Just four actions.
― Huh? Isn't that CucuDAS?
― Yeah, you can see by his arms lol
― So you're forced to use the default character?
― Dev Bros are being vicious, wow
The chat's concern grew. The challenge used the default, weakest character—CucuDAS.
― Even in classic mode, this one's total trash;;
― It starts breaking even with the slightest damage
― No one uses this outside the tutorial, but here they are...
― And itemless mode means no healing, right?
― Wow, this is rough...
― CucuDAS for 15 minutes?
― Ah lol just watch with Godple's eyes
The flood of concerned chat made Shin Hyerim anxious, but she calmed down when she looked at Lee Gyeongbok's face.
He was relaxed and at ease.
"Hm, I get the general idea."
He had already figured it out after a single round of controls.
* * *
Shin Hyerim was speechless.
"Now! The survival time has passed 20 minutes!"
The 15-minute survival threshold set by the game company was long since cleared.
― Seriously, what the heck
― Can he actually see all that?
― He lied to us! Said he never played CakaRun!
― Fact: He's really never played
― How does he do so well at mobile games too!
― Is it because he's got lots of hair?
― Not that kind of hair lol
― He hasn't taken any damage on CucuDAS, is this for real
― Look at how fast the score's piling up lol
His health bar showed no sign of movement. What was even more surprising was that he wasn't just playing it safe to survive.
Lee Gyeongbok collected every single snack precariously placed between obstacles and traps, maximizing his score.
― Is this CakaRun or F1, for real?
― Never realized CakaRun was such a high-speed game
― Ah lol this is really a "Race" mode
― Reflexes and reaction time on another level
― That's just regular Purple for you
Itemless mode ramped up the speed over time, so by the 20-minute mark, obstacles and traps came at breakneck speed.
But Lee Gyeongbok didn't seem fazed at all.
'The level design is truly brutal.'
The developers had cleverly exploited the limits of first-person perspective. Sometimes, the side pillars blocked the way and behind them lay hidden traps in a blind spot. If you dodged those and came back, there'd be yet another trap behind the next pillar.
Even those vicious tricks didn't stand a chance against Lee Gyeongbok's instincts.
He skillfully pressed jump and slide, weaving through everything.
― Wow lol, there was a trap even there
― Dodging falling meteors is easier than this
― For real, disappearing floors are nothing
― Dev Bros, always trying to get people to spend
― But Godple just clears it anyway for free
― If you could buy physical prowess with microtransactions, sigh
― Then I'd take out a loan to max it out
Just as expected, Lee Gyeongbok delivered a flawless performance. The viewers were certain of his success.
"Amazing! The set first-place score is already in another league! It looks like first place is basically guaranteed now!"
Once again, the booth filled with excitement.
Even Shin Hyerim and the fans onsite were confident of his success.
But at the peak of everyone's excitement—
"Huh?"
Suddenly, the hologram disappeared with a pop. Lee Gyeongbok blinked, confused, and turned his head.
The game had abruptly shut down.
― What?
― What the heck?
― Seriously?
― What is happening right now!
― Hey;;; this isn't the legend we were hoping for!
― Yaaaaaaaah!
― Just kidding? Just kidding? For real?
― Have they lost their minds
The chat, which had frozen for a moment, exploded with messages. The vibrations grew outside the booth as fans expressed their disappointment and frustration.
Shin Hyerim stood gaping; the staff's face had gone pale.
Fortunately, an explanation soon came.
"Ah, um, they said that your success is already assured, so they concluded further play would be pointless. The prizes will be given out as promised!"
The staff explained, visibly relieved. Shin Hyerim quickly regained her composure.
"Ah! That's Dev Brothers' white flag! Of course, Purple has done it again with another amazing success!"
As she applauded, the fans understood and cheered.
― Ah lol, we'll let the devs bail just this once
― You only get one free pass!
― Dev Bros got scared lol
― They probably stopped the game so Godple's record wouldn't be saved
― Record?
― Oh right, if this kind of insane record stayed, it'd demoralize the top players
― Yeah, not even whale players could do that
― Dev Bros must have stopped it to avoid losing money!
― That's a Dev Bros specialty, tsk tsk
Some expressed different opinions in the chat. Apparently, Lee Gyeongbok's record could discourage even veteran players from trying.
Lee Gyeongbok waved his hand at the chat.
"Come on, guys. Even as a joke, let's not jump to wild conclusions. As you saw, the controls were simple and the game was easy, right?"
Everyone turned their eyes toward him. Unfazed, Lee Gyeongbok continued.
"They probably just wanted us to keep to our tour schedule. The immersion in first-person was so strong, time just flew by."
― Dang lol, and he spins it like this
― A smurf who can deflect and hype up at the same time?
― First camo, now this, "Pur-packaging" lol
― We may suspect otherwise, but if Godple says so, then that's it!
― Business-optimized streamer level;;;
― That's why people keep talking about Purple Coin
Lee Gyeongbok's remarks only warmed up the mood further. He clapped his hands, wrapping up the situation.
"Yes, that was a truly enjoyable demo. The prizes I won will be given out on the stream, so please stay tuned. Reporter?"
"Yes? Oh, yes! CakaRun Race mode! What a new experience. But unbelievably, that was just the first booth! There are many more to go—I can't wait! Let's move on right away!"
― No time to hesitate!
― Thanks for the ten thousand gacha tickets^^
― You have to tear snacks apart for the true experience lol
― Lucky! What a treat
Lee Gyeongbok and Shin Hyerim teleported out immediately, and the fans who'd gathered outside the booth began moving en masse.
"Wow, that was really something..."
Finally able to relax, the staff member sighed with relief.
* * *
The next booth's interior was familiar even to Lee Gyeongbok.
All sorts of guns and bulletproof vests were arranged, along with a trademark frying pan.
"Alright, if you're a Purple fan, you can't not know this booth! This time, it's GGG's mobile game: 'Gunner Ground–Showdown'!"
Shin Hyerim energetically introduced the booth.
The original Gunner Ground was a battle royale, but the mobile adaptation, subtitled 'Showdown,' converted it into a 1v1 format.
"Wow! Purple! Welcome!"
A staff member, dressed in a white shirt, bulletproof vest, and helmet to match Gunner Ground's iconic look, greeted them energetically.
"I—I'm a real fan! I've been watching since GunG started! I'm subscribed to your Purple channel and everything!"
"Haha, thank you."
Genuinely moved, the staff's voice trembled as Lee Gyeongbok smiled and thanked him.
― Lolol, even the staff is a Purple viewer!
― Definitely Korean lol
― Living the dream?
― Me too! I'm going to get a job at a game company!
― Shouldn't our Trooper viewers at least leave their house first?
― Cold, hard truth! Stop!
― Students, watch out^^
The viewers jokingly expressed their envy watching the starstruck staffer.
"As expected, Purple's influence is amazing! But our viewers are waiting as well."
Shin Hyerim quickly brought them back on track, and the staff moved to fulfill their duties.
"Haha, sorry about that. I believe there's hardly anyone who hasn't heard of Gunner Ground. So, what makes Showdown different? The key is 'speed'!"
"Speed! Do you mean faster matches?"
"That's right. Because Showdown focuses on 1v1 matches, we stripped down the exploration and looting, putting the emphasis on combat!"
Confidently, the staff raised their voice and played the promotional video.
― Oh?
― That's the military base and School lol
― There's even ruins!
― They turned each loot zone into its own stage
The stages for the mobile version were instantly recognizable to veteran players.
"So existing players can get right into it."
"Exactly! You get it, Purple! You totally got what we aimed for!"
― Lol wow, the difference in their reactions between the reporter and Purple
― So unfair to the reporter
― Explain this bias!
― I'd probably act that way too lol
― If Godple responded to me right next to me? No way I could keep cool
Everyone got a good laugh at the contrast in reactions.
"For gameplay, we offer both touch and hologram modes. When on the move, you touch the screen, and if you've got a bit of time, you can play in hologram mode for more immersion."
"Oh, that's similar to the last booth?"
It was much like CakaRun's classic and race modes. Shin Hyerim pointed this out as an opportunity.
"Purple, great observation! That's the current trend in mobile games—targeting gamers who can't really commit to using a capsule!"
"Exactly. We developed it to fit that need. After all, a capsule game requires at least an hour to do a proper round."
The staff immediately agreed, but Lee Gyeongbok was unconvinced.
"What? It doesn't really take an hour... Oh, never mind."
As he trailed off, the chat responded at once.
― Ah lol, only you can finish that quickly!
― Is he finally understanding the common gamer?
-??? : I don't get it, but I'll just roll with it
― For real lol, that's not understanding
― Pretty much giving up instead
― Sorry for being a commoner!
As expected, the viewers joked in the chat and Lee Gyeongbok just laughed.
"Each person's play style is different, that's what I meant."
"Ahem, anyway, since you're used to touch mode, let me explain hologram mode. In this case, you select the tile on the map you want to move to."
As the staff spoke, a tutorial video played. The demonstrator picked a tile on the grid map, and the hologram scene changed.
"The scenery of your chosen tile appears as a hologram. See, there are weapons and ammunition hidden around? If you grab them, you collect the loot."
"Oh, that really simplifies looting."
"Yes, exactly. As you keep looting, if you find yourself on the same map as your opponent, a battle starts."
The footage then shifted to show combat. The staff continued, even more confidently.
"When a battle starts, the Smart Link scans your real-world surroundings and automatically creates cover."
In the video, the player was in a living room. The coffee table and armchair transformed via hologram into a ruined wall and debris.
"Even if there isn't any furniture, don't worry! The game will randomly generate cover objects."
― Wow! Next-gen tech!
― Oh lol, that's pretty cool
― It's basically an AR game now lol
― Turns into a physical challenge in real life
― Doesn't this make it even tougher than the capsule version?
The demo showed the player winning the firefight with a holographic gun and grenades.
"Wow... that really is unique."
Lee Gyeongbok was genuinely interested.
"Might even have some fitness benefits, huh?"
It was a viewpoint coming from someone worried about losing muscle from using capsules too much.
― Do you get ripped if you play this?
― Can I become like Godple? Right? Right?
― Lol are you kidding? Shame, where?
― Troopers will collapse after a single match
― For real, if you hit the floor after a round, you'll be forced to work out for survival
Shin Hyerim picked up on the chat and laughed as she made her next remark.
"Wow! Fun and fitness all in one. But you never know until you try, right? Purple, can we count on you for another demo?"
"Yes, I'm looking forward to it."
As Lee Gyeongbok replied with a smile, the staff replied joyfully as well.
"So, we prepared two types of matches. One random match with a randomly chosen opponent, and a tournament mode with 16 players on a bracket!"
"Oh? That's interesting."
At this, Lee Gyeongbok glanced toward the outside of the booth.
Seeing the packed crowd, his smile deepened.
"Then we could do the demo match with fans on site."
The booth once again vibrated with cheers as the fans raised both arms to show their enthusiasm.
― Did he just say on-site match?
― Mini OTP?
― Whoa! I should have come to this!
― How is the queue still not moving!
The chat was full of regrets, but the staff was even more delighted.
"That's a great idea! You really are a broadcast genius!"
He wasn't just happy as a fan. As soon as Purple spoke, the fans outside immediately started downloading the demo version.
'This is crazy.'
95% of the channel's members had already downloaded the game. The effect of 'Purple Coin' was undeniable.
But not everyone could play with Lee Gyeongbok at once. There were only 15 spots available.
"Then how about this: Purple can create a room and show the code. First come, first served—it's all about quick reflexes in this game."
"Alright, let's do that. Everyone heard, right?"
As Lee Gyeongbok agreed and addressed the fans, everyone responded with a raised hand or an O-ring sign.
― Look at those docile Purple viewers lol
― Is this a flash mob?
-100% participation rate lol
― Purple Coin craze is wild
― GGG staff must be grinning from ear to ear right now
― So jealous!
― Why didn't I buy an admission ticket!
― I should've taken out a loan if I'd known!
― I could've eaten less chicken ㅠㅠ
― You can't go if you're stuck in the queue anyway
― Aaaah! Expand the channels faster!
Tournament preparations continued quickly, making the chat even more frenzied.
Lee Gyeongbok then opened a private tournament and copied the entry code.
"So, then..."
As he fiddled with the Smart Link, fans perked up and watched him intensely.
With a playful grin, Lee Gyeongbok suddenly raised his arm high.
"Let's all stretch before we start! Everyone, arms up!"
The tense fans relaxed and let out sheepish laughs.
― Wow lol, what is this warm-up tease
― His stalling is chef-grade
― Pur-chef lolol
― Trooper training, even on-site
― CEO habits from Black Company die hard
― Burst out laughing for real lol
After keeping the fans in suspense, Lee Gyeongbok suddenly displayed the code.
"Ah! The spots filled up instantly!"
Shin Hyerim exclaimed in surprise. You could hear disappointed sighs from the fans who just missed out.
― Insane lol, it filled up in less than a second?
― Reflexes on point lol
― This is what it means to be a Purple viewer
― Even if you went, you probably couldn't get in
"As the staff said, speed is everything in this game, right? We'll have another round if there's time, so don't get too discouraged."
Lee Gyeongbok reassured the fans with a gentle smile. Faces brightened and the chat went wild.
― So sweet!
― Watching, I really regret not being there ㅠㅠ
― Getting comforted by Purple himself? So worth it
― It's inevitable to fall for him lol
Smiling at the chat, Shin Hyerim spoke into the mic with a grin in her voice.
"So, with 16 in the bracket, four lucky fans will get a 1v1 match with Purple on their way to the final. This is such a rare opportunity! Who will the lucky ones be? Let's find out!"
― Oh? That's true
― This is way better value than OTP
― Time, someone hand me a time machine! I'm dying of envy!
― Ah lol, I wish I could go back in time
With feelings of envy and excitement filling the air, the tournament began.
***
**New Names, locations, skills, techniques Introduced**