The Divine Genius’s Game Broadcasting Chapter 128

Episode 128 – Humanity in the Barn (3)

Late at night, Genome Broadcast.

“I finally woke up! This fu*king game!”

The armored man shouted loudly and threw the pheasant he was carrying on his back.

-Oh lol I'm finally breaking this

-Success in 38 seconds!

-This game really made me mad lol

-The sole purpose is to make the players suffer!

The audience laughed and congratulated him on his success. Genome immediately quit the game and returned to the studio.

He leaned back in his chair with a tired expression.

“Oh my… … The Jangdokdae game and other games like that, why do they keep coming out like this?”

-Isn't it okay because we enjoy watching it?

-Ah haha, this is perfect for content

-Really lol How much is the sauce that came out today?

-There were so many ugly scenes like the last oneㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Genome chuckled as he watched the chat. He certainly wasn't wrong.

“Okay, anyway, I’ve successfully cleared this ‘ALTTAP’ game! I’ll end today’s broadcast here and make an announcement.”

At Genome's words, question marks appeared one after another in the chat window.

“I’m not the type to suddenly do something like this, but tomorrow is a day off.”

-Huh? Break? What?

-No;; If you want to use the monthly fee, you need to get payment in advance!

-Didn't your blood pressure go up today because you were drinking alcohol? ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

– Judging from the expression on his face, it doesn't seem like a bad thing?

-What? You have a girlfriend? Is that it?

-Treatise on Mother Teresa?

-Teresa, okay lol

-5252, How ugly can you be, not even keeping to your broadcast schedule!

-There must be some reason lol

Viewers responded playfully to the sudden news of a hiatus. However, Genome could sense the underlying worry.

“It’s not like there’s anything wrong, it’s just that there’s a purge day after-party scheduled for tomorrow.”

The atmosphere changed in an instant at his remarks.

-Huh? This is a Purge Day after-party!?

-Wow lol offline?

-mchdmchng

-Ah! Why are you playing when we're not here?

-Let's play together!

-Immediately. At. The. Night. Room

-Hold your breath until you wake up!

Viewers immediately demanded an outdoor broadcast. Genome waved his hand without paying attention.

“No, kids. What kind of wild joke are you making? You know that none of our members are doing that.”

-You're so deadly with facts… …!

-That means you want to see it that much.

-Why don't all the Smer people I like do facepalm?

-But this is really unavoidable

-I don't really care about my face.

-No, as a human being, it is impossible not to be influenced by appearance.

The chat room soon became filled with regret, and naturally the topic of revealing one's face began to flow.

-He's an old man, but even so, isn't it worth revealing Godple?

-Really ㅋㅋ When I unboxed the capsule, the body looks awesome

-It's not just the body that's good ㅋㅋㅋ His head is also really small

-With such good conditions, why don't you do a face-lift?

-I guess you have that many complexes.

In the meantime, a chat about Purple's face came up. Genome laughed inwardly while looking at it.

'If Kyungbok shows his face, I'll really flip out.'

For him, who had seen the real thing, the viewers' chat was no different from comedy.

'It's possible to be a gaming genius, a broadcasting genius, and even a face genius.'

If Lee Kyung-bok reveals his face, the streaming industry will surely be shocked once again.

Genome couldn't figure out why he didn't show his face.

'Well, I guess there must be some reason.'

But that wasn't something he should get involved in. No matter how close he was to Lee Kyung-bok, he didn't know everything about his past.

“Guys, keep your distance. Do you know how many people have asked for favors like this and then given up?”

Genome warned the chat not to become too loud, and viewers reacted immediately.

-That's right again

-You guys, be careful^^

-Just say "Really ㅋㅋ"

-Huh! Then I'll tell you the story later!

“I’ll go and think about it. Okay, good night everyone! Tva!”

The screen went dark with Genome's greeting. The number of viewers had decreased, but there were still many people in the chat window.

-But it's still such a shame that I don't do night clubs ㅠ

-I'm jealous of seeing Godple in person ㅋㅋㅋ

-Eclipse was originally a holiday

The chatting soon began to die down.

Most people would have left, except for those who fell asleep with the broadcast on.

That moment when you think the chat is about to be cut off.

-But if we throw away the fuzzy day, will Newton come too?

The chat window became lively again when a viewer asked a question.

-Huh? Come to think of it, it's wrong?

-No way lol Newton would come to an offline meeting lol

-But doesn't he have the potential to be king? Even though he was recruited as a team?

-What about the King Neungseong? Lol, it's probably just the three of them playing together

-If you come, it'll be really awesome lol

-Isn't Newnuna a total rich person? Doesn't she just buy everything when she comes?

-Then what are you doing? I can't see it!

-Either way, the winner is Genie… …

-Why are you suddenly getting angry?

Viewers once again expressed their envy.

* * *

The next day, early evening.

The manager glanced at Yoon Nara, who was sitting in the back seat.

'This is a big deal.'

During her holidays, Yoon Nara rarely came out like this. She mostly stayed in her dorm room.

'Looking at the mask and glasses, it looks like he's going to meet someone.'

He wore a mask that covered half of his face and round glasses to change his image. He had non-prescription glasses because sunglasses with a mask would draw more attention.

'He's probably not a normal friend… … '

I didn't know why, but Yoon Na-ra had never actually met a regular friend since her debut.

One of the things I was taught when I became Sweeties' manager was not to ask about Yoon Nara's story about her figure skating preparations before her debut in the entertainment industry.

'Hey, let's drive well.'

The manager was curious, but didn't show it. Even though he was just an assistant, he couldn't invade her privacy.

Yun Na-ra, the person in question, was lost in thought.

'It's been a really long time since I just came out to play.'

I was having fun before I left, but now I have mixed feelings. It's been so long since I've participated in a gathering outside of broadcasting that it feels strange.

She wasn't like that from the beginning. She had many friends that she became close with while preparing for figure skating.

But it's easier than you think.

'Oh, my, isn't he a bit unlucky?'

'What I'm saying is, when you asked me to give you some tips, I said I just practiced.'

'Oh my, this is really disgusting.'

'Honestly, the blushing is bigger.'

'Really. And yet you always pretend to try so hard. It's so disgusting.'

'If my face had been smashed, I would have already gone to hell.'

'Should I just pretend it was a mistake and cut it with my skate blade?'

'Oh! That's a real tip!'

The relationship fell apart.

While she was away, she happened to hear the true feelings of her 'friends'. They were not the friends she thought they were.

After hearing that conversation, she fell into a slump. Even during practice, she would cringe when they approached her.

Her relationships with her friends and her grades were both on the decline. Eventually, she had to give up the path she had been preparing for since childhood.

It took a long time to overcome it, and time did not wait for her.

'I didn't become successful through anything like natural talent.'

It is not talent but hard work that makes a life complete. She has proven this with her life.

She entered the entertainment industry thanks to her parents, but the process was entirely her own hard work.

'They probably aren't those kinds of people. But… … '

As she reminisced about the past, she thought of her Purge Day teammates. She knew in her head that Purple, Genome, and Eclipse had different personalities from their 'friends'.

But there was still a worry in my heart. I wondered if there was another face behind them.

'I'm learning little by little.'

That was also the reason why she kept her distance and did not speak comfortably to her manager.

Didn't it take time for you to trust the other Sweeties members? Since you've been through ups and downs together since your trainee days, it was easier for you than for others.

“We have arrived.”

Meanwhile, the vehicle arrived at the location indicated by the navigation.

“Oh, thank you.”

Yun Nara bowed her head slightly to express her gratitude and opened the door.

“I’ll be waiting nearby, so please contact me when you’re done.”

“Yes, don’t worry.”

With her answer, the manager disappeared along with the vehicle. Yoon Na-ra glanced around and operated the smart link.

'Is there really a place where I can unwind…?'

Half skeptical, half curious.

She checked the location that Lee Kyung-bok had given her again. It was a place that could not be accessed by car, so she had to walk.

It didn't take long. Yun Na-ra, who was walking along the map, glanced around.

'No matter how you look at it, it doesn't look like a place to eat.'

A shabby building located in a slightly backward alley. But what caught her attention wasn't the building's exterior.

'Why an escape room cafe?'

Yoon Na-ra was conflicted for a moment.

Are they trying to do something to harm us? Wouldn't it be better to just go back now?

'Purple wouldn't be that kind of person.'

The doubts were quickly dispelled.

She decided to trust her eyes. Wariness and suspicion were clearly separate things.

As the door opened with a squeak, Yoon Na-ra became even more suspicious.

'No one there?'

When the door creaked, silence fell.

There was no sign of life. There was no staff at the counter.

Instead, there was a silicone mask and a note on top.

[You can come into the room wearing a mask. –P-]

The message that Lee Kyung-bok left behind was clear. When Yoon Na-ra confirmed it, she was more curious than worried.

'Is this some kind of test?'

The first thing that came to mind was 'Escapers'. He must have known that he had participated as a promotional ambassador for Sweeties.

'I am alone in the dark.'

There was only one theme that could be entered. Yoon Na-ra twitched the corners of her lips and put on a mask.

“Oh… … ”

The theme that soon followed was as the name suggests. There was a darkness so thick that you couldn't see even an inch ahead.

'You have to find a way to leave the room without relying on sight.'

The door closed and she felt around cautiously. With her vision limited, her other senses gradually became more acute.

'First, I need to figure out where the exit is. Then I'll look for something that can be used as a key.'

She also had some experience, so she skillfully decided the order of actions. She briefly leaned against the wall.

'Is someone there?'

My heightened senses picked up the presence of people. For a moment, a chill ran down my spine.

But that was only for a moment. She turned around in an instant and immediately got into a stance to respond.

"What are you doing?"

But soon, she let out a short breath at the sound of a voice coming from the darkness.

That was because the voice was familiar, it was Lee Kyung-bok’s voice.

“What are you doing? I’m looking for an exit.”

“Find the exit?”

“… … Aren’t you looking for an exit?”

Lee Kyung-bok laughed at that answer.

“No, I invited you as a guest, so why would I make you suffer? This way.”

When I heard it, it was true.

Yun Na-ra couldn't hide her embarrassment, but fortunately, the darkness remained.

She moved following Lee Kyung-bok's voice. But she couldn't see him, so she couldn't help but hesitate.

“Catch it.”

Suddenly, she felt something approaching her. Yoon Na-ra intuitively knew that it was Lee Kyung-bok’s hand.

For a moment she hesitated.

'They're not just any kids.'

Isn't holding hands with a guy something that happens a lot at fan signing events? And since Lee Kyung-bok is also a fan(?), the aversion quickly disappeared.

'It's warmer than I thought.'

She swallowed dry saliva without realizing it. She had already felt Lee Kyung-bok's touch when he saved her during the event.

But there was a difference in the warmth of virtual reality and reality.

Yoon Na-ra held Lee Gyeong-bok's hand and walked through the darkness.

“It’s a little dazzling, so be careful.”

At Lee Kyung-bok's attention, she covered her eyes with her other hand. A bright light leaked out as the exit opened.

She frowned slightly and tried to complain to Lee Kyung-bok.

'If you have something like a night vision goggle, just give it to me.'

But she couldn't put that thought into words.

“Everything is good, but this is a bit inconvenient.”

That was because there was nothing on Lee Kyung-bok’s face as he spoke to him with a smile.

Yun Nara's pupils dilated greatly when she saw his bare face.

Having already seen it at the fan signing event, I expected that the face hidden under the mask would be handsome.

Of course, he was more handsome than she had expected, but what surprised her was something else.

'You're just going there without any night vision goggles?'

How could he distinguish everything in that darkness with his naked eye? How sensitive must he be?

In the meantime, Lee Kyung-bok lightly touched her mask with his finger. As she flinched, Lee Kyung-bok pointed to the mirror on the wall.

“This is… … ?”

A mirror I looked at absentmindedly.

Inside, a face appeared, made of a sophisticated hologram that was completely different from hers, but did not feel out of place.

“It’s a special makeup mask developed in Japan. It’s hard to tell the difference without touching it. It’s made of silicone, so the movements are natural.”

“I know.”

“You know?”

Lee Kyung-bok's eyes opened wide at the unexpected answer.

“It’s something used by Japanese idols, or more accurately, virtual idols. I’ve heard about it before since we’re in the same industry.”

“Virtual idol?”

“… … There is something like that. Anyway, I heard this is quite an expensive item. It’s not something you can afford as event prize money, and it wouldn’t be easy to obtain.”

Lee Kyung-bok smiled awkwardly at her words.

“I didn’t prepare it myself.”

Since I had entrusted the matter to Aunt Yang Gyu-ri, I didn't know the details. I just gave a description of the items to reassure others.

Yoon Na-ra didn't ask any more questions. The two crossed the hallway and arrived at another room.

In the antique interior, there was a round table in the center, and the guests who arrived earlier were seated there.

“Wow, you really came? You thought well!”

“Are you here?”

Genome and Eclipse greeted them warmly. They too wore the same masks, but their faces looked just like in the virtual reality.

The only one with a bare face was Lee Kyung-bok.

“I see. You wrote that. I was wondering if I could see your face.”

Yun Na-ra shook her head at Genome's words.

“If we had to reveal our faces, we wouldn’t have gathered in a place like this. Isn’t that the same for you?”

“Oh, right. Well, actually, it’s not like he has a great face.”

“There may be scars or burns. Each person has their own reasons. But at least I want you to know that the people gathered here do not judge people by their looks.”

Eclipse stepped forward as Genome awkwardly smiled at the sharp answer.

Is it the interpretation of a dream that is more important than the dream itself?

Genome rolled his eyes for a moment and then nodded.

“Okay, that’s right. Let’s sit down first!”

Lee Gyeong-bok, who guided Yun Na-ra to her seat, smiled brightly and explained.

“Okay, everyone, thank you for coming despite your busy schedule. You can order whatever you want from the menu at the kiosk.”

The mobile kiosk had a variety of food categories listed, including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Western food.

“No, are all of these ordered?”

Genie was surprised by that number and asked. Lee Kyung-bok nodded slightly.

“It’s my first time, but I heard that it’s all possible. When you order, they’ll start cooking right away, and the food will be delivered by a serving robot.”

Even the chef preparing the food has no idea who the customer is. All he has to do is prepare the food that is ordered.

Yoon Na-ra relaxed a little more at that explanation.

“How on earth do you know about a place like this?”

“No, that’s what I’m saying. This is the first time I knew there was a place like this.”

“Thanks to Purple Kyung, my horizons have broadened again.”

Lee Kyung-bok smiled at the three people's reactions.

“This is why connections are so great. You can order as much as you want.”

* * *

The food I ordered came out quickly.

“Crazy! The quality is no joke!”

“Well, not bad.”

“I feel like my sense of taste is expanding.”

The level of cooking was beyond satisfactory and was so admirable that Lee Kyung-bok smiled as he watched the three people looking satisfied.

The conversation continued over the meal. The topic was the 'Time Warfare' event, which all four could relate to.

“Honestly, I was quite shocked at the end. Who would have thought that Newton would come after me?”

As they were once again reflecting on the success of Team Purge Day, there was a moment of silence when Eclipse spoke.

Genome and Lee Kyung-bok glanced at Yoon Nara. She calmly met Eclipse’s gaze.

'I wasn't expecting this kind of criticism.'

It was something I had been prepared for since I decided to come here. Eclipse must have been upset, but she was innocent.

But that doesn't mean it's pleasant. It might make the atmosphere uncomfortable for no reason.

“Thanks to that, it gave me a chance to reflect on my complacency. I realized that each battlefield has different rules. I, too, was really stiff-headed.”

The three people's eyes widened at his subsequent words. Contrary to their worries, Eclipse was not a thoughtless person.

“I think that diverse experiences make the mind more flexible. That’s why I’m thinking about trying out for the Mystic League.”

He smiled curiously and turned his eyes towards Yun Nara.

“Next time, I won’t be so easily fooled.”

“Oh, that’s right. If you’ve dug a well, or rather a nuclear power plant, to the extent of Eclipse-nim, you can dig somewhere else!”

Genome quickly interjected and made a joke, lightening the mood once again.

Yoon Nara quietly chewed the salmon steak.

'Next is… … '

She felt strange.

So far, 'Newton' has responded to criticism and ill feelings. There were people who supported her, but in reality, there were those who used her as a shield and caused trouble.

'Do you want to play a game with me next time too?'

But these were different.

This was because he knew that Eclipse, as well as others, had no intention of rejecting him.

It also meant that it wasn't a relationship that would end after meeting once.

'No, if you think about it, it was like that from the beginning.'

The first opponent I couldn't defeat, the only one who had lasting effects in what had been a one-time relationship up until then.

The change began with my encounter with Purple.

'That's interesting.'

She glanced back at Lee Kyung-bok. He was smiling as purely as when they first met.

'… … comfortable.'

The leader of Sweeties, Yoon Nara, has a responsibility to shoulder. But for Newton, there is no such responsibility.

She realized that the game she was playing with them and the reason she enjoyed this place so much.

“Oh, there’s something I’ve always wondered about. Mr. Newton, do you have any plans to broadcast?”

In the meantime, the guy who had been laughing and chatting changed the direction of the conversation.

“Huh… …!”

At those words, Lee Kyung-bok turned his head and held back laughter. Hearing that, he asked if he had any intention of doing a broadcast in front of real celebrities. What an ironic situation.

Yoon Na-ra glanced at him and answered.

“I don’t care about streaming. I don’t play games to get attention.”

“No, I just asked because I thought it would work out well since you have a clear character. Hey, are you okay?”

At her firm answer, Genome smiled awkwardly and quickly changed the subject.

Lee Kyung-bok, who was pointed out, rolled his eyes and then opened his mouth.

“I was going to talk about this anyway. I’m going to be co-hosting a game show with Metagamer this time.”

“Are you talking about a game show?”

“Huh?! No way, Buster?”

“In Bosta… …?”

All three showed interest in Lee Kyung-bok's words. Among them, Genome showed the greatest reaction.

“Wow! Congratulations! I’ve hosted a B-Star once before. This is a great opportunity for streamers.”

“Oh, the editor and manager were talking about that too.”

“Yeah, this is a lot of beans. The participating companies are giving out some for events. Do viewers flock to get them? This influx is just, ugh… …!”

Genome, who was experienced, gave a thumbs up and sighed repeatedly as if he was reminiscing about old times.

Eclipse nodded at those words, but his interest wasn't in attracting viewers.

“It’s a game show… … Then you’d like to enjoy a wider variety of games.”

“So I’m kind of looking forward to it.”

“It certainly seems like a good opportunity. I should take a look around as an individual.”

“Oh! Then shall we go together?”

Jinom sneaked in and looked at the merger. While the two were talking like that, Yun Na-ra asked Lee Gyeong-bok.

“… … Is that confirmed?”

“Huh? Oh, it’s confirmed. If it wasn’t confirmed, I wouldn’t have said anything.”

Lee Kyung-bok smiled brightly and nodded.

“But why is that?”

Yoon Na-ra stared blankly at Lee Gyeong-bok, who was asking questions, and then just shook her head.

Lee Kyung-bok was puzzled, but did not ask any further questions.

The meal came to a close. All four of them stood up from their seats, feeling satisfied.

“Oh, I ate too much without thinking… … Thanks to Purple, I think I ate until I really exploded.”

“I’m just at the right level. The food was delicious and I had a really good time.”

“Thank you for your hard work. I didn’t know you would make room for me.”

Lee Kyung-bok smiled at the greetings from the three people.

“I’m glad everyone is okay. Oh, and by the way, the rules here are that we have to leave one by one in the order we arrived. So I’ll be first. See you next time!”

So the four of them left one by one. They headed to the car where their manager, Yoon Na-ra, had been waiting, as they had contacted her in advance.

“Shall we go to the accommodation?”

“Yes, please.”

She answered yes and stared out the window.

Soon, Yoon Nara's eyes started to wander around and then turned to the manager.

“Excuse me, there are no changes to my schedule next week?”

“Change? Yes, I didn’t hear it.”

She nodded at the manager's face, which seemed to be new to her.

Within seconds, she had her schedule pulled up by Smart Link.

'So, when is next?'

She smiled faintly.

[V-STAR Online Celebration Performance & Event]

The first day of the game show opening.

Sweeties were also scheduled to participate.