Concept Is a Big Deal (1)
The trial stream had ended safely, but the advertiser, cAP Company, couldn't relax yet.
The main point and true purpose of the sponsored stream, pre-order sales, was only beginning.
That's why, despite the late hour, the Korean distributor's headquarters was still brightly lit.
"Branch manager! Tr-traffic overload, the server's down!"
Even at the team leader's report, the branch manager wasn't flustered. Server outages were a common occurrence whenever pre-orders began.
Perhaps that's why the emotion on his face wasn't panic, but surprise.
"Oh, that was much faster than I thought. Even though we prepared and prepared, to crash in just 30 minutes."
He let out a wry chuckle.
The reaction to this trial stream had been exceptionally positive, so they had prepared even more thoroughly than for other pre-order launches.
Nonetheless, the server went down even faster than usual.
"For now, proceed with normalization as scheduled, and send the sales report imdiately, too."
"Yes, understood!"
Soon after, the sales report ca through. The branch manager's eyes glead as he looked at the holographic docunt.
It covered just 30 minutes of sales.
'Did the limited edition completely sell out?'
All units of the limited edition had sold out.
['Immortal' Edition – 1000/1000 (01:17)]
The limited edition package, with a physical Durante figure and artbook, sold out in about one minute. Despite the high price of 320,000 won, they were gone in an instant.
['Hellgate' Edition – 10,000/10,000 (03:47)]
The limited edition with just the artbook, no figure, was also gone in less than four minutes.
But what really caught the branch manager's eye was sothing else.
['Perfect' Edition – 40,756 (29:53)]
This was the regular edition, sold without any limited bonus items; the only extra was a 100% discount code for the 'Perfect Voice' DLC.
In the 30 minutes before the server crashed, sales of this regular edition exceeded 40,000 units.
'What on earth is this?'
It was good news, but at the sa ti, he was suspicious.
The main channel's peak viewer count had exceeded 20,000. Yet including the limited editions, the Korean office's sales had surpassed 50,000 in just 30 minutes.
'Even if every viewer bought a copy, 30,000 units in 30 minutes is a big discrepancy.'
Realistically, it's not as if every viewer would instantly make a purchase.
He glanced around, then called the waiting team leader again.
"You called for ?"
When the branch manager asked about the situation, the team leader offered a careful opinion.
"Could it be, um, resellers after all?"
Resellers: people who buy limited editions to sell them at high prices later.
Indeed, resellers must have sward for this pre-order.
"But resellers wouldn't have a reason to buy the regular edition, would they?"
The branch manager still found it odd.
When the limited editions had all sold out, the server was still running fine. There was no reason for resellers, who can't flip regular editions for profit, to buy them.
"Ah, sir. We've determined the cause of the traffic overload. It was largely due to overseas logins."
"Overseas logins?"
The branch manager frowned.
Pre-orders weren't just handled by the Korean office; the North Arican office and Japan headquarters were each running their own separate sales.
But then his eyes widened in realization.
"Overseas direct purchases, then."
In North Arica and Japan, the package market is vibrant, so limited edition competition is fierce. It's obvious so people sought out the relatively less competitive Korean market, even planning to use international shipping.
"From the overseas login records, please single out and list only the accounts that succeeded in purchasing the limited edition."
"Yes, understood."
Once the team leader left, he checked the ti. Straightening his clothes, he operated his Smart Link.
〈Looks like everyone is here.〉
Executives from the North Arican office and Japan headquarters appeared before him. It was a eting to report on the pre-order situation.
〈I was worried about what to do when the server crashed, but all the limited editions sold out before that happened.〉
〈That's a relief. Now all the prepared limited editions are gone.〉
From their explanations, the branch manager realized the situation wasn't all that different in other countries.
"I do have sothing to report."
He explained the matter he'd just discovered. The HQ executive's expression imdiately hardened.
〈Hmm... That's troubleso. The limited editions for this event were strictly tallied by country, after all.〉
He pondered for a mont, then lightly clapped his hands.
〈Let's do this. Cancel the sales to those buyers who used workarounds. And those cancellations...〉
The HQ executive wrapped up with a gentle smile.
〈Let's give them as event prizes to Mr. Purple, who contributed so much through the trial stream.〉
"Understood."
〈Oh, that's an excellent idea.〉
The branch manager imdiately agreed, and so did North Arica.
The mood of the eting was almost festive. Despite the server outage, their ease ca from one thing.
〈Now, let's look at the sales numbers for 'Stream.'〉
Stream.
It was the na of the largest virtual reality ga platform in the world.
The pre-order page's primary purpose was the sale of limited editions with physical goods. Even regular editions purchased there were registered as gas on Stream.
[Demon Must Cry]
[Stream Unit – 1,070,479]
The worldwide number of ga owners was over a million. And not even one hour had passed since purchases opened.
At that number, everyone burst out laughing.
〈What an encouraging result! To hit a million-seller in under an hour!〉
〈Completely beyond all expectations. If I recall, bio Crisis's first day sales was sowhere around 400,000...〉
The executives couldn't hide their delight. It was a result far surpassing their other flagship gas.
And it hadn't taken the sa ti fra, but only a single hour.
"At this rate, it looks like we'll be breaking Elden Soul's record."
At the branch manager's words, the other executives nodded.
〈At this pace, we're sure to break the first-day sales record with ease.〉
〈Elden Soul had 15 million total sales, didn't it? We should surpass that comfortably.〉
As everyone burst out into hearty laughter, the branch manager spotted another exceptional statistic.
"This one's a real odd case as well."
He stealthily operated his Smart Link and enlarged the relevant record.
[Demon Must Cry, 'Perfect Voice' DLC]
[Stream Unit (Without Ga) – 51,479]
This was the number of accounts that bought only the DLC without buying the full ga – over 50,000 people purchased only Purple's voice pack.
〈Looks like these must be custors waiting for a discount.〉
〈It's unusual, but those 50,000 are all potential custors, then.〉
Clearly, people hesitant to buy the whole ga bought the DLC first. But logically, there's little reason to do that.
It wasn't a limited release, and anyone waiting for a sale would typically wait for a DLC discount, too.
There was only one explanation for why this phenonon occurred.
"It just shows how many fans Mr. Purple has."
They'd bought it first, motivated by fandom alone.
〈You can really see how effective the trial stream was from this alone.〉
〈And the timing's perfect; we have good news for the Korean office.〉
"Good news?"
When the branch manager's eyes widened, the other executives bead with satisfaction.
〈No one can deny the effect of strear Purple's recruitnt and smooth stream managent. So, shouldn't rewards and recognition be clear?〉
The HQ executive lightly sent a docunt via Smart Link.
"This is...?"
〈It's the headquarters' decision: regardless of sales volu, we've decided to issue a special bonus in gratitude to all Korean office staff for their hard work.〉
The headquarters had already decided to grant bonuses as the trial stream was progressing. That's how impressive the stream had been.
〈Now it seems an even wiser decision in hindsight.〉
"Thank you. It will be a wonderful gift for everyone."
〈Haha, not at all. But...〉
When the HQ executive trailed off, the branch manager grew nervous. Was there another demand to follow, using the bonus as leverage?
〈All I ask is that you continue to maintain a good relationship with Mr. Purple going forward.〉
"Ah, of course."
Grinning, the branch manager spoke with conviction.
"I'll be sure to convey our gratitude, as well as the canceled limited editions."
〈Yes, we'd appreciate that.〉
〈If it weren't such a late hour, we'd have invited him here in person.〉
〈It would be best to thank him directly, but I imagine he's asleep at this hour.〉
〈We can only hope for another chance next ti.〉
The branch manager bead at the executives.
Unlike their usually serious etings, this one was all laughter.
* * *
anwhile, at Lee Gyeongbok's house.
Unlike the executives thought, he wasn't asleep yet.
"Whew..."
Freshly showered, Lee Gyeongbok checked his Smart Link.
[〉Good job getting through the week ㅋㅋ]
[〉Stream's off tomorrow]
Under the last ssage he'd posted before his shower, his friends had left their replies.
[〉You had it the hardest]
[〉While stream's off, I'll check out translation jobs]
[〉Rest up and get so sleep.]
[〉Choi Byeonghun, you keep at it.]
Park Juho's ssage made Lee Gyeongbok let out a wry chuckle.
"Geez, I told them to rest, why do they keep working?"
Scrolling further, he checked a ssage from Choi Byeonghun.
[〉Ok, good job everyone]
[〉I'm turning in early too]
[〉Ending part is long so editing's actually easier, lol]
[〉Later!]
It was officially Choi Byeonghun's work ti now. Lee Gyeongbok lightly toweled off the remaining water and lay down on his bed.
He wondered if he should just sleep as he was.
'Ah, maybe I should check what Geno's up to these days.'
He'd been thinking of contacting Geno after the stream, and it was a good idea to find out what he'd been up to lately.
He imdiately checked Geno's stream.
[Clang! Clatter! Operation: Storm-Calling Adaptation! 'Easy Ti']
[GENO]
[Mystic League]
After checking out the stream title and the ga, he let out a stifled laugh.
'So he's streaming with Ecl?'
He tuned in imdiately.
Perhaps to help Eclipse adapt, they weren't playing ranked gas.
'Is this that 3v3 lane ga...?'
Even more, it wasn't a typical 5v5 ga.
Each player took only top, mid, or bot for a 3v3 normal match.
〈Ecl? Ecl! Please, seriously!〉
Geno's desperate voice rang out. Lee Gyeongbok switched to spectator mode right away to find Eclipse.
"Oh boy..."
He couldn't help but chuckle as he watched.
Eclipse's champion – the armored knight, guyen – was dominating top lane.
Despite clear advantage, there was only one reason Geno was pleading.
〈Please, use your skills already!〉
Eclipse was pressuring opponents with only swordplay, without using a single champion skill.
〈They're not worth it.〉
Eclipse's reply made the chat explode with laughter.
-???: I don't use skills on weaker opponents.
― Ah lol told you to bring a strong one!?
― Insane, actually wins with pure chanics and auto attacks
― It's a crazy play only Ecl could pull off!
― Honestly, our guy's a good champ anyway!?
― For real, it's all pilot skill
― Geno suffering again lol
Viewers were obviously used to this kind of thing from him.
'Very like Ecl.'
Lee Gyeongbok found himself chuckling, but he was also a bit worried.
Top lane battles are usually 1v1. Geno surely sent Eclipse top even in this 3v3 setup for that very reason.
Based on his personality and style, Eclipse was a perfect top-laner.
'But even for a top-laner, if he only does this, he won't adapt in ranked.'
But Mystic League was emphatically a team play ga. No matter how good he was at 1v1, if his team fell behind, it would spell defeat.
'In 3v3 there aren't proper team fights, and he's hardly practicing skill usage at all.'
His eyes flicked around, instinctively analyzing the in-ga situation.
'I get Geno-hyung's intent, but...'
The feel is totally different between Elden Soul, with stats, and Mystic League, which has no level concept at all. Geno was clearly prioritizing adaptation above all.
But Lee Gyeongbok thought differently.
'Eclipse already trained with swords in real life, so this kind of adaptation isn't necessary.'
Eclipse had always had good body chanics. No need to practice 'motions' all over again.
Better to focus instead on Mystic League's unique team play and skill usage.
'If he practices only 3v3 lane gas, he'll just reinforce bad habits.'
People tend to focus on what they're already good at.
And as Eclipse was already masterful at 1v1, practicing only in 3v3 could actually cent the wrong kind of habits.
Even so, Lee Gyeongbok had a bigger concern.
'Above all, he won't really enjoy himself this way.'
He could feel it.
Eclipse's tone just now had the flavor of boredom. He was also the type, like Lee Gyeongbok, who enjoyed close matches against strong rivals.
At this rate, he might lose interest in Mystic League entirely.
After weighing all the factors, Lee Gyeongbok decided it was best to practice in 5v5 normal gas, if not ranked.
'But...maybe I'm overstepping?'
But he couldn't just blurt out backseat advice. It was Geno's stream, after all.
No matter how close they were, geno must have his own content planned; he couldn't barge in.
'Still, it'd be nice if they had more fun.'
Lee Gyeongbok hesitated a mont.
After making up his mind, he checked his divine energy to gauge things. He wanted to be sure his intervention wouldn't bring misfortune.
"Hmm..."
He felt so mild rebound in the form of a headache, but nothing harsh. He hadn't glimpsed deep into the future, and his inquiry was vague.
Other than that, the sense his divine energy gave him was calm.
So, he typed into chat.
-3v3 is really fun, but aren't you doing any 5v5 gas?
It was an indirect, diplomatic suggestion.
But that single chat ssage instantly changed the mood of the stream.
–Is that the mid MIA?
–No, not MIA!
–Stop fake pings Grandmaster!
–Hyung, stay in your own lane and stop popping around!
–Is this Geno's instincts showing up?
–?
–What was that just now?
–Whoa? Is this for real?
–LOL, a guest in disguise
–Weren't you supposed to be asleep though?
–Charging up that Purple withdrawal like this, lol
Suddenly, the attention shifted to him, away from teasing Geno.
It wasn't just the viewers whose attention shifted, though.
〈Oh? What the? Purple's here?〉
〈Is it true? Sir Purple is with us?〉
Geno and Eclipse quickly seized control of the lane with a shout.
〈Oh! Welco, Purple! Really enjoyed the Derc trial stream! The final episode's going up today, right?〉
〈Before Sir Purple, I cannot show an embarrassing display!〉
While Geno relayed his greetings, Eclipse charged at the enemy. Alard by the sudden barrage, the opponent retreated to the tower but couldn't escape death.
― LOL
― Godple buff!
― Smurfs handing out buffs just by showing up!?
― Look at Ecl's energy skyrocketing lol
― anwhile, geno's full tower-hugging
― Geno, just do your thing...
Lee Gyeongbok's appearance totally changed the chat's energy.
〈No, it's just that we were winning handily, so I was taking it easy! Anyway, isn't it your bedti, Purple? You must be busy these days, gotta take care of your condition.〉
Geno's question prompted Lee Gyeongbok to type again.
― I'm lying down to sleep, lol
-was just dropping by, saw you playing Mystic so I asked, haha
-and now that howork's done, I'm free again ㅎㅎ
Geno's voice changed at that chat.
〈Huh? No more howork? That stuff must be really stacked by subject!〉
― Yeah, right, stacked by subject lol
― Godple showing off Trchoip instincts?
–Look at Ecl's tower destruction speed!
― Both of them are totally buffed now lol
〈No, guys, you don't get it. It's not blue chips that are the hot item in the industry now, it's all about Purple chips! That's the word on the street!〉
― Haha, what's a Purple chip supposed to be now – he just said he's not busy anymore!
― That's the 'Perfect Schedule' for you.
― Humph! If you're not busy, co play with us!
― Classic tsundere energy lol
― Typed like a jerk, I'm reporting
― Just boot him already!
Lee Gyeongbok chuckled at the rapid-fire banter.
― For now, I'm going to do whatever I want, haha
― But isn't this a duo content for you two anyway?
When he typed that, the mood shifted again.
〈No, no, not at all! Actually, this is perfect. No one's been able to beat Ecl in a 1v1 today. If you're willing, please co and give us the Perfect backseat coaching!〉
〈I will follow whatever guidance Sir Purple gives!〉
Geno raised his voice, and Eclipse raised his sword high after smashing the tower.
― What, perG-Day incoming?
― PerG-Day! PerG-Day! PerG-Day!
― It's purge party ti!
― Doing it right now!?
― Lol, there goes everyone's sleep tonight
The chat was soon abuzz with excitent.
Lee Gyeongbok hesitated.
'I wasn't saying I'd join them right now, though?'
He'd be happy to hang out, but joining suddenly like this wasn't easy.
Not only was it late, but he had just told his friends the stream was off tomorrow.
If he joined a group stream now, it would only burden his friends further.
As he wondered how to decline politely—
〈Hey, you guys, you think you're gonna get a zero-to-hero bus just because you jump on it? Do you realize how little ti's passed since Purple's own stream ended? Seriously, you're nuts.〉
Geno was first to calm the chat.
〈Sir Geno is correct. Requests made like this lack proper etiquette, even before chivalry. Let us not be rash.〉
With Eclipse's addition, the chat cooled down right away.
― Ha, that's totally Matjji
― Didn't you see the final boss fight with Perante!
― Totally epic, seriously
― Of course we'll wait for PerG-Day if it happens lol
― But, question: why did Geno bring up the group stream and now acts innocent?
― So sneaky lol, ducks out at the first sign of trouble
― Truly, Chu is living up to his na
Viewers playfully shifted their teasing target to Geno.
〈What, you trying to spoil Derc for people now? Want to show you a scarier blade than Ecl's sword?〉
Geno diverted the attention once more. Lee Gyeongbok couldn't help but let out a stifled laugh.
'This is the stuff.'
He felt the kind of carefree freedom you can't get from sponsored streams. Checking the ti, he typed one last chat and decided to back off.
If he stuck around, he might genuinely disrupt the broadcast.
― Let's talk it out tomorrow, then!
― Trba!
Settling in to sleep, he felt a renewed certainty.
'A Mystic League joint stream is going to be really fun.'
Ultimately, stream content is all about having fun.
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