Goodbye, Everyone! (3)
An arched automatic door and a panel placed beside it. Unlike the Private Room, this panel had power supplied to it.
"Here we are."
Lee Gyeongbok arrived at the Control Room and lightly activated the panel with his Access Key.
With a swoosh and the sound of air escaping, the doors slid open to either side.
― Oing?
― What's this lol
― Why is it so empty lol
― I thought there'd be tons of machinery or sothing lol
Viewers let out awkward laughs at the scene beyond the door. Inside, all that was left was a tablet-sized panel and a solitary screen behind it.
"Oh?"
As Lee Gyeongbok stepped inside, the screen began to light up.
[Colony Power Status]
[Core Remaining Power – 67%]
[*To change the power flow, please use the panel.]
The screen gave information on the state of the Core. The viewers quickly reacted.
― Whoa? It's already dropped by about 30%?
― Insane lol, are these all veteran players or what!
― Did they go straight from Private Room to Control Room as soon as they got out lol
― Is it dangerous now?
― Only 20 people can escape, so just 5% power needed, right?
― Whoa lol, is it already ti for six people to get out?
― No way lol, you think only six people took that much?
― Hyung! Let's see the power distribution!
Since checking the power distribution would give a more detailed status, Lee Gyeongbok was just about to do that as well.
When he activated the nu, a hologram list appeared.
"Hmm, the top ranks are using around 2% each on average. The leader's already surpassed 4%."
The gap was bigger than expected, but the viewers weren't flustered. Instead, the chat filled with laughter.
― LOL, what's up with that 4%?
― Wow lol, that's a super top-tier veteran
― Yep~ Sure, but it's all pointless lol
-lol Even if you charge 4%, did you even attach the battery?
― All that charging just to crash and burn at the end lol
― He charged? He did not.
The people who had charged up a lot had likely arrived at the Control Room first. In other words, they hadn't checked the escape pods.
"There probably weren't many who checked Port Zone first. Those who ca out late probably rushed straight to the Control Room after seeing the core power dropping."
Lee Gyeongbok added a word of comntary.
― Oh lol that's right
-lol With competitors leeching off the power, what else would they be thinking!
― King honestly, these veterans can't resist the urge to compete
― Being a veteran backfires; you fall right into the trap
― Godple ca out first, so didn't need to worry about that, huh
― Ah yes, this is what real composure is
Viewers strongly agreed with his reasoning. Smiling at their reaction, Lee Gyeongbok grabbed the Access Key.
"Well then, I'll join in now too."
When he activated the panel, a hologram spread out. The semi-transparent form of the space colony filled the room.
In the center, a blue sphere glowed and several cables of differing shapes extended out from it.
"This is that, isn't it? A pipeline puzzle."
The mont he saw it, Lee Gyeongbok recognized the nature of the puzzle.
― Oh lol that's exactly it!
― What's a pipeline?
― You place pipes between start and finish to connect them
― Haven't you played those gas with ㄱ, ㄴ, ㅗ, ㅡ, ㅣ shaped pipes?
-lol Using Hangul shapes, what the
― There are even more shapes since they're cables
― Yup, there are so shaped like ㄷ and ㅅ too
― Must be a more complicated version huh
The viewers quickly caught on. anwhile, Lee Gyeongbok lightly moved his hand.
The controls were just like manipulating a Smart Link hologram, so it was easy to adapt.
He minimized the hologram to check the area marked with his number, zone 1.
"Wow... maybe because it's for 100 people, this is pretty big."
Cables extended from the core like strands of hair in every direction.
It was a cable puzzle spanning 100 zones, so the number of cable tiles that needed to be placed and the complex structure was almost dizzying.
― Oh jeez;;; Seeing it from afar, it's a bit gross
― My head is spinning just looking at it
― They made this for players to actually solve?
― Realistically, you'd only be able to care about your own zone and adjacent ones
― Imprisoner! I give up on thinking!
Lee Gyeongbok chuckled awkwardly at the viewers' horrified reactions in chat.
"Ahaha, please don't forget this was originally designed for a five-player the, everyone! When you play, it won't be this bad!"
― Oh right lol, this is just howork
― Troopers, keep your wits about you!
― So. Mu. Ch. Fun.
― Shall we all say it together? Pu.zz.le. Lov.ers!
― And I Also spaceti... isn't this the line?
― Let go of the Arica spaceti lol
― The puzzles are considerate and the owner is fun^^
Laughing, Lee Gyeongbok adjusted the hologram to show only the core, zone 1, and nearby areas.
"Looks like the red-marked cables are connected to other zones. My cables are blue, so they're easy to tell apart, right? And as the core loses power, its size seems to shrink, so you need to keep rearranging the cables."
Since this was a sponsored stream, he made sure to give a clear explanation while rearranging the cables.
― Yep, makes sense
― Good point about the details
― But both of Godple's flanking zones are already set up, wow
― Zones 2 and 100, are those the ones with over 4%?
― Is Godple surrounded by top-tier veterans?
-lol It just feels "Kingly" suspicious, huh?
― Yep, you think that's a coincidence, really!
Having the toughest competitors on both sides was obviously intentional. To clear up misunderstandings, Lee Gyeongbok explained further.
"Ah, I was already told. They'll assign zones by test score ranking, to place closer to the top players. At first I thought the zones wouldn't matter, but with a puzzle like this, I see why."
― As expected, it was indeed expected lol
― But really for balance, this is much better
― Yeah, if they're going to check Godple, it couldn't be helped
― I want to see those veterans get 5% and run to the pods, only to get crushed
-lol That would be hilarious
― If it were , I'd rage-quit on the spot
The viewers laughed at the amusing scenarios they imagined. anwhile, Lee Gyeongbok completed the cable placent between the core and his zone.
The tangled cables connected with a blue glow, and his power gauge began to rise.
-???
― What? You connected it already?
― Insane lol
― Wait;;; weren't you just explaining a minute ago?!
― What is this? Magic? It looked like he was placing them randomly?
-lol His physical prowess is actually magical
― This is "Octa-Core," lol
― Comntary solving a puzzle? That's just two tasks!
― Ah, this is what they call perfect-tasking.
Viewers couldn't hide their amazent. Just deciphering the route in that ss of cables would normally take considerable ti.
Yet, Lee Gyeongbok not only managed without a hitch, he even took the shortest path.
But the man himself was perplexed.
"Huh? Haven't you all organized cables at ho before?"
― Wiring lol managent lol
― Sensei! My house doesn't have anything that complicated!
― I can't even untangle my earbuds in my pocket!
-lol That was the earphone gremlin's doing
― The sincerity in his face just makes it more infuriating lol
― For Godple, this wasn't even a puzzle, just daily routine
Their enjoynt didn't last long, though. The blue-glowing cable suddenly snapped.
Lee Gyeongbok chuckled at the abrupt change.
"So this is how you're going to interfere?"
-?????
― What is it? What changed?
― Oh! Soone swapped the cable there!
― Wow lol, it's so complex, I didn't even notice the change
― Troopers, just turn off your brain and watch!
The viewers only realized what happened after Lee Gyeongbok pointed out the changed cable segnt. Other people had started sabotaging his power flow.
"These are so skilled players. They've swapped things very efficiently."
Lee Gyeongbok smiled even more as he moved his hand. But he wasn't restoring his own power cable.
-????
― Hyung?
― What is this? What's happening?
― Wait;;; why is he helping zones 2 and 100?!
What Lee Gyeongbok was touching was the cable setups of the competitors next to him. Yet rather than sabotaging, he was actually helping them.
As proof, the number of red-glowing cables increased and their charging rate soared.
The viewers, initially baffled, soon realized what he was up to.
― Oh! Got it!
― Yep, now I see
― Wow, that's just evil
― Tell what's happening!
― He's getting ready to rob the empty house lol
― He's speeding up their charge so they eave faster lol
― What evil is this?
― Breaking news: Goethe's Faust inspired by Purple—the real phistopheles
― Insane lol, is this the Devil's temptation?
Lee Gyeongbok rely smiled in response. Thanks to his help, it took hardly any ti at all for zones 2 and 100 to reach the 5% charge.
"The cable changes are slowing down."
Yet perhaps because they were veterans, 2 and 100 didn't leave imdiately. They must have suspected sothing, especially with Lee Gyeongbok helping them out.
But that suspicion was hard to keep with such a huge grand prize at stake.
― Oh lol, they stopped completely
― They ran off right away?
-100 seems to be a bit behind?
-lol Please hurry up and go!
― The first one there wins!
― First place (battery: 0%)
― Troopers can't resist spamming the lever lol
― Ti to rob the empty house!
― There should be enough ti to switch batteries at Port Zone and return lol
As soon as the cable changes halted, the chat went wild. Lee Gyeongbok responded by moving his hand.
"Oh, you really didn't have to do all this. But since you've prepared this much for , it would be rude to refuse, right? I'll gratefully use it."
With his relaxed jokes, the chat filled up with even more 'lol's.
The cables to both sides quickly turned blue.
-lol this is so sweet
― It's faster because it's closer to the core?
― Yup lol, already over 1%
― Everyone, let's all do it together!
― Ye--
― Never mind, we've already won?
Viewers were sure of victory.
Lee Gyeongbok didn't just sit still—he restored the connection to the core again.
With power flowing from three directions, reaching nearly 4% was just a matter of ti.
"Hmm?"
But once again, things changed.
The cable layout was rearranged, and the power supply was interrupted.
-???
― What? Did the veterans already return?
― They must have seen their power drop and co back lol
― No, but the cable changes are way too quick
― This seems like more than just a few people working together?
The problem was that the number of cable changes was incomparable to before.
Even though Lee Gyeongbok dealt with them, more cables changed positions than he could handle.
"Looks like I'm facing a coordinated group interference."
At this point, it couldn't be missed. The participants now had every reason to unite against him.
― Isn't a group ganging up a bit too much!
― Not even defending their own zones, just targeting Godple?
― But that's honestly the best plan lol
― If Godple takes first, no one else gets the prize—so he's their top target
― Oh man! Almost hit 5%!
The charge already surpassed 4.5%, but sabotage from the other participants ant the charging kept getting interrupted.
― Just a little more...! Just a little more!
― Wow lol, but the fact that it's still charging at all in this situation
― King honestly, only Godple could pull this off
― I'd go crazy from just watching all those cable changes
― How does he always find the right route in there?
― Because he's 'Perfect' (nod)
-4.7% reached!
― Look at Godple's eyes darting around lol
-lol, perfect-Eye ON!
Even in a tough situation, the viewers felt at ease. They trusted the skills Lee Gyeongbok had shown, now being proven right in front of them.
But the atmosphere didn't last long.
"Hmm..."
With Lee Gyeongbok's groan ca blurred vision, a ringing in his ears, and stiffened arms.
By coincidence, the penalty cycle had begun again. With the change, the viewers scread.
― Oh! Oh! Why now of all tis!
― Another-nalty! Stop!
― Troopers who chose #2, Bang your heads!
― Please! Just 0.1% more!
― Stopping at 4.9% is too much!
― What the hell, is this even possible?
-(Kemalcon)(Kemalcon)(Kemalcon)
― Angry Kemalcon lol
― This is such bull lol
― King honestly, how do you win if it's 1 vs 99?
Especially since this was right before first place.
All the competitors piled on, and even through the haze, Lee Gyeongbok could see sabotage happening left and right.
The blue lines tore away as if ripped apart.
Lee Gyeongbok silently lowered his hand. He quietly pulled out the Access Key.
The hologram disappeared, uncomfortable silence filling the air. The chat similarly fell silent for a mont.
"There's no more reason to cling here."
Lee Gyeongbok's voice was as calm as ever. That made the viewers feel even sorrier for him.
― This isn't a failure because Godple was lacking
― Yep lol, no one could clear it if it's going to be like this
― So close...
― Honestly, just reaching 4.9% is more incredible in this situation
― If not for the penalty, he'd have won already
Comforting ssages filled the chat. Lee Gyeongbok furrowed his brow.
"Huh? Failure?"
But that wasn't an emotional outburst. He was just squinting to better read the chat through his blurred vision.
And then Lee Gyeongbok spoke again.
"I'm going to escape now."
This ti, the viewers were the ones who had to squint.
What was that supposed to an?
* * *
Lee Gyeongbok imdiately headed back to the Port Zone. The viewers still didn't understand what he ant.
― Hyung? How is he going to escape?
― Did he get a 5% charge? No, right?
― I watched the King replay, it was 4.9%
― Is he about to do so magic?
-but lol Why does it still feel like he's going to succeed
― Please, give us the answer!
At their cries, Lee Gyeongbok just gave a bashful laugh.
"I told you, didn't I? I can't reveal the answer right away. Feels like that's part of the puzzle, but still, a promise is a promise."
Anyti people asked how he could escape, he declined, citing advertisent requirents. The viewers' curiosity only grew.
"Oh, looks like the Access Key responds when there's power."
The Access Key's laser pointed at the escape pod. As Lee Gyeongbok approached, a swoosh sounded and the pod opened.
― You an it actually works?
― If it does, isn't that a bug?
― Is he pulling off a Perfect-bug in a howork stream?!
― If so, the advertisent is dood lol
― Honestly, even the Imprisoner must be sweating now lol
― But with Godple, you never know
― Yep lol, he always cos up with the perfect move
Viewers held out hope seeing the pod working, but there were still doubts.
Soon, as Lee Gyeongbok inserted the Access Key into the pod, a hologram ssage appeared.
[Battery power is insufficient]
A different ssage from what they hoped for.
The viewers were about to sigh, but then—
[Would you like to charge the battery?]
[Required power – 27%]
Below that, a new ssage appeared.
-eh?
― Whoa lol
― Isn't this the sa ssage as when opening the door before?
― Wait lol, you can use your suit's power?
-lol, recharging lol, insane lol
The chat was flooded with shock. In contrast, Lee Gyeongbok nodded calmly.
"The goal of this the is escape, after all. Drawing power from the Core is just a ans. If you have power, there's no need to cling to the Core itself."
― Nice reasoning
― Rember when it said you need 5% to open the Personal Room at the start?
― Yup, open that and you can't escape
― The way he saved the most crucial power, that was genius
― Wow lol, that snowball effect
― So this all connects together
-lol This isn't just a puzzle, the whole event itself goes boom
― This is why you have to watch howork streams live!
A flood of admiration filled the chat.
The charging soon completed and the pod's entrance smoothly closed.
― WA! WA! WA!
-lol, it's a real escape!
― Everyone else is probably celebrating beating Godple right now lol
― Yup lol, they must be going insane over the prize money
― Goodbye everyone!
― I'm casting off every shackle and restraint of this world!
― Off to find my own joy!
― The Purple viewers' unity is legendary lol
― I can hear it! I can hear it!
-lol, the s just spout out automatically
The pod began to tremble. Soon, a new ssage appeared before him.
[Ergency escape initiated.]
With that, the pod launched.
The vastness of space unfolded, and the pod fell towards a blue planet.
〈You have escaped the space colony safely. A new planet and a new life await you. But sohow, you don't feel like venturing into space again.〉
Along with the narration:
[You Are Escaper!]
A clear ssage appeared before his eyes. With his first place confird, the chat burst into cheers.
― Godple wins! Godple wins! Godple wins! Godple wins!
-5252! I always believed in you!
― Physical prowess! Physical prowess! Physical prowess! Physical prowess!
― Over the Perfect? Under the Perfect! Over the Perfect? Under the Perfect!
― Trying to overdo it was overdoing it, huh?
― Forget top universities or law schools! Godple has a Perfect-Brain!
― He won, but still fought well! He won, but still fought well! He won, but still fought well!
-lol, it was obvious all along!
― Purple, he's just too good! Purple, he's just too good! Purple, he's just too good!
The second Over the Perfect competition.
The result was the sa as the first.
***
**New nas, locations, skills, and techniques introduced in the story:**
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