Chapter 260 : 3rd OTP, Purple Rush (5)
3rd OTP, Purple Rush (5)
Smiles never left the lips of the bounty hunters.
"Wow, you're a really great shot!"
"The boat has slowed down!"
"Everyone, hold your positions!"
After shooting the escape expert, the fishing boat's speed had dropped. What's more, being in the middle of the river made it hard to just swim away.
On the contrary, they themselves had taken high ground on both riverbanks, perfectly encircling Lee Gyeongbok.
"Good! You all know, right?! If we catch Purple here, that's at least 500,000 won each!"
The hunter who had taken the lead shouted loudly. Part of that was to let the people on the opposite hill know, but it was obvious how excited he was.
The others felt similarly even if they didn't say so. Just thinking of the prize they'd get for taking down Lee Gyeongbok here made their hearts race.
"Don't get greedy for nothing! Just keep your positions and stick to the plan! If trust breaks, it's game over for everyone!"
The leader emphasized again.
If they betrayed their companions here out of greed for the bounty, the situation would flip instantly.
Fortunately, there were no suspicious moves. The leader poked his head out to check the fishing boat.
"Huh?"
Their eyes met.
The one person whose eyes you should absolutely never meet was looking right at him.
Realizing that fact, a flash and a gunshot rang out.
"Gasp...!"
"Take cover!"
As the leader took a bullet through the head and tumbled down the hill, the rest quickly flattened themselves to the ground.
With that single shot, the atmosphere completely changed.
"You yelled way too loud. With Purple, even that much is enough to pinpoint your position."
"Damn... that's seriously insane."
"Nobody stick your head out!"
"Since one person is out, our share increases, right?"
Using the dead leader as a lesson, they just stuck their rifles out and pulled the trigger.
Unsurprisingly, their aim was terrible.
In that situation, Lee Gyeongbok was baffled.
"Why are they wasting bullets like that?"
Bullets rained from the hill, but most of them landed in the river, not on the boat.
Occasionally, stray shots hit the deck, but those too were far from the cabin where Lee Gyeongbok was taking cover.
― One shot and instant coward mode lol
― Lol if that's what they're gonna do, why'd they even show up
― They have the numbers and position advantage, and they're hiding!??
― But honestly, you gotta understand why—they have to be careful, lol
― It's true, you saw what happens if you so much as peek...
― If you act cocky, you're dead meat, right?
― So in this case, don't you just have to wait it out?
― Yeah, once bullets run out, they'll probably run away
The viewers just found their response laughable. Lee Gyeongbok let out a dry chuckle as he glanced around.
'Ah, so it's like this?'
He already knew all of their positions thanks to the divine energy he'd gathered. Some of them got up and started to fumble for something.
"They can't be acting without a plan. There has to be a reason to tie me down like this."
Lee Gyeongbok spoke, figuring out their intention. The clueless viewers spammed question marks in the chat.
-?
― Huh?
― Something's falling?
― Sparks?
― Dynamite!
― Holy?!
Dynamite was falling from the top of the hill. The viewers quickly grasped the situation.
― Ah! They're trying to sink the boat!
― They can't win by shooting so f**k it lol
― Even if they just make him fall in the water, that's a win
― If he falls in, just snipe him while he's in the water?
― But there's no way it works, right?
Lee Gyeongbok dashed out of the cabin before the viewers even had time to process what was happening. Bullets whizzed around him, but he'd already calculated their trajectories in his head.
Crossing the deck, Lee Gyeongbok rushed to the bow.
― Wow lol look at how fast he puts out the fuse
― None of this works on Godple, fool
― You've already stopped assassins, so this is nothing
― They think adding a few more sticks will make a difference?
― Laziest strategy ever
With rapid pistol shots, the dynamite fuses were sniped away. The viewers relaxed at that sight.
-????
― Hyung?!
― There's one! There's still one left!
― What the heck, why is he taking so long to reload?!
― Just load one round and shoot fast!
Once his six bullets ran out, Lee Gyeongbok quickly reloaded. In that time, the last piece of dynamite drew closer.
Strangely, Lee Gyeongbok reloaded the entire cylinder instead of just one round.
"This dynamite has to explode, after all."
Lee Gyeongbok finished reloading and smiled. Then, as if on cue, he stepped toward the bow.
In front of him, the dynamite—fuse almost entirely burned—fell down below.
A thunderous explosion rocketed a spray of water upward, lifting the bow sky-high.
"Now the opportunity's here."
Using that recoil, Lee Gyeongbok leapt. Soaring high, he twisted his torso, pistols in both hands.
The hunters lying low on the hill raised their heads in shock.
"What......"
"Holy!"
"This is insane..."
Before their astonished words were finished, the muzzles flashed.
Those prone and shooting went limp right there, and those about to throw more dynamite tumbled forward.
The burning dynamite in their hands rolled along the ground.
"Okay, cut."
With Lee Gyeongbok's single word, the dynamite exploded. Leaving the flash behind, he calmly tossed his pistol down and dived into the river.
― WA! Aerial shooting!
― He calculated it all the second he saw the dynamite?
― Like seriously, who the hell does that?
-(Kemalcon)(Kemalcon)(Kemalcon)
― What is this, is he filming a movie?
― How did he time the explosion like that!
― Cut wasn't that cut, it was a cinematic shot!
― Just admit it! This is all staged, right!?
― Is this guy the director or something lol
― Fact) Actually, godple co-directed the GGG commercial video
― Art is an explosion! Art is an explosion! Art is an explosion!
― Lol the style is off the charts
As the chat exploded with praise, Lee Gyeongbok surfaced and swam leisurely back onto the fishing boat.
"Wow, the water's really cool."
Lee Gyeongbok habitually slicked back his wet hair. His clothes, soaked and clinging to his body, accentuated every curve.
― This guy finished filming a movie and is already shooting a pictorial lol
― Purple swag is out of control?
― Art is Purple! Art is Purple! Art is Purple!
― I recognize this! I saw it when drawing at art academy!
― Seeing stuff like this just makes me want to start working out, lol
― But we all know we'll start 'tomorrow', right?
― Exactly lol, too busy with 'work' to exercise
― Lol that goes for Matjji, too
― If your body looks like that, even a bald uncle would want to approach lol
The amazement continued, though the content had shifted a bit.
* * *
Meanwhile, the higher-ranked participants could not simply admire the fight as spectators did.
"Just as we thought, they failed."
"It really did feel hastily cobbled together."
"Against anyone else, maybe, but it was just too sloppy against Purple."
They immediately assessed the situation, both from the decreasing number of participants and reports from stream snipers.
"Honestly, even with preparation from the start like us, it'd be close."
"Seriously. Even we're debating our options here."
"The people who failed this time got too greedy."
"As long as we don't make the same mistake, we'll be fine."
They nodded in agreement, then returned to their conversation.
"As expected, Purple always reaches the endgame content."
"It's happening faster than I 예상ed, but the basic premise still stands."
"Robbing the New Noir bank was huge. I didn't expect that to end so quickly."
"Still, good thing we finished our prep in advance."
From the beginning, the higher-ranked participants didn't plan on targeting Lee Gyeongbok directly. Instead, they predicted his path and chose a showdown spot in advance.
"If Purple sticks to his usual approach, he'll take on any tough mission as soon as it pops up."
"Yeah. Honestly, if we don't get him this time, he's unbeatable."
"Luckily, one of us has online experience."
If it was Lee Gyeongbok, he would survive to reach the missions they'd anticipated. So they prepared to ambush him at that location.
It was an anxious strategy, built on belief only a fan could have. Now, they could see their judgment wasn't wrong.
"Ah, Purple's on the move now!"
At the comment, everyone checked the minimap. The red dot marked as Lee Gyeongbok was moving. Watching his path, they all nodded.
"Just as we 예상ed."
"Let's move, too."
As Lee Gyeongbok headed off to receive his mission, the hunters prepared their final card.
'No way he escapes from even this, right?'
Everything was going according to plan, but somehow, the unease never left.
'If he pulls this off too, he's actually nuts.'
But oddly enough, that unease also held a kernel of hope.
* * *
Lee Gyeongbok trotted along slowly.
He arrived at yet another familiar place.
"Nothing seems to have changed here."
It was the outlaw town of Nowhere—filled with wary glances and an unpleasant air.
― Hey! Why are you staring with those weak little bounties under $5,000!
― Outlaws are classic bullies, right? What makes them glare so much?
― Purification by fire is the right way, matjji style
― You burning things down again? lol
He arrived at his destination by boat, now carrying a bounty of over $5,000 thanks to his successful New Noir bank job.
Lee Gyeongbok grinned at the chat's playful banter.
"First, let me check the mission."
A new mission had unlocked here once his bounty surpassed $5,000. When Lee Gyeongbok dismounted and let his horse loose, nearby outlaws whispered among themselves.
"That's the guy, right? New Noir bank."
"There's a $5,000 bounty, and he's not even affiliated with anyone?"
"He's alone, but his bounty's already $5,000—what on earth did he do?"
"He robbed a bank in three minutes, I heard."
"Isn't that an urban legend? With the Federal Marshals right there?"
"Idiot! The security's pissed precisely because it's true!"
Their voices were so loud that Lee Gyeongbok could hear it all. In the meantime, some outlaws approached him.
"Mister, are you Purple?"
"That's right."
"Our boss wants a word with you—do you have a moment?"
"A word?"
"Someone with such a high bounty walking around alone is gonna end up dead soon enough. We'll talk in more detail over there."
"No, not interested."
The approaching outlaws belonged to different gangs, but their intentions were the same.
― Of course you're gonna try to recruit Godple!
― Outlaw celebrity, godple
― What even is an outlaw celeb, lol
― Jerry must've spread the bank rumor, right?
― Kingly deduction, obviously lol
― If you're talented, it shows, that's the truth
The viewers were enjoying the recruitment offers as if it was all happening to them. Lee Gyeongbok, meanwhile, was more entertained by their chatter than the offers themselves.
"It's not really talent, it's just easier because it's online. Anyone could get here by doing the missions."
― Gotta sniff that Purple confidence today
― He's not wrong, which makes it more infuriating lol
― Who even does these missions like that!?
― If the bounty hunters knew about all this, it wouldn't end like this
― Yup, if this was about recruiting him, they'd be the ones groveling instead
― Robbing a bank alone in 3 minutes and taking out a group of bounty hunters—what boss could do that!?
― Yeah, they'd pay under the table just to get him in
-'Under the table' lol is even recruitment an outlaw thing now?
As the viewers chattered, Lee Gyeongbok arrived at the saloon, marked with a mission icon.
'Hardly anyone's here?'
Unlike when playing single player, the saloon was nearly deserted. Even scanning with divine energy revealed barely any people.
Lee Gyeongbok pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"Hm?"
"Oh-ho."
A couple of short exclamations. The empty saloon held just two patrons.
― Why's it so empty?
― Is business bad?
― The smuggler looks scared stiff!
― In single-player, the atmosphere was totally different; now with no customers, he's all shriveled up lol
The saloon owner silently kept an eye on things. As expected, his attention was on the two guests.
"You're Purple, right?"
"Guess I'm lucky today."
The two outlaws addressed Lee Gyeongbok with familiar smiles.
"That's right, and who might you be?"
"H-hey...!"
At Lee Gyeongbok's question, the owner looked startled and nervous.
"You mean you robbed the bank, and you don't know who these guys are? Seriously?"
"Should I?"
His indifferent reply made the owner's face turn pale.
"Don't tell me you've never heard of the 'Wild Pack' gang, with a bounty up to $30,000?"
Lee Gyeongbok didn't react, but the viewers certainly did.
-$30,000?
― Big shot. Just showed up.
― I thought the mission giver would be the owner, but I guess not?
― Why's this guy acting nervous, anyway? It's not like he's famous
― Classic bully, lol
― If our guy had time, $30,000 would be nothing for him
The two stopped the owner from introducing them.
"Leave it, boss."
"Yeah, introductions should be direct, that's courtesy."
Casually, they tapped the seat across from them, inviting Lee Gyeongbok to sit.
He sat, and they grinned.
"I'm Bunch Cassidy, and this here is Sunday Kid."
"Sunday Kid?"
"Not my real name. I take Sundays off."
Apparently thinking his joke was clever, they both snickered.
― Cassidy and Kid?
― Wait, this is a parody, huh lol
― Info: There was a legendary outlaw gang called the 'Wild Bunch' in the Old West.
― So they really modeled them after real big shots?
― Thanks, criminals' Wagon!
― Wow, don't call us troopers criminals like that!
The chat clues helped Lee Gyeongbok figure out who they were. Definitely people worthy of giving a mission.
"Well, guess retiring means people might not recognize us anymore. Maybe that's for the best."
"Retiring?"
"That's right. You know, coming all the way to Nowhere means you've run out of places to live."
"So we're planning on heading to Mexico. Think you'd want to join?"
Sunday Kid's question made Lee Gyeongbok raise his eyebrows. Almost as if he expected that reaction, bunch gave a bittersweet smile.
"We were supposed to all go together, but in the end, it's just the two of us left. The sheriffs and detectives really are relentless."
"No matter how much money you have, you can't use it if you're dead. So, a new life in Mexico."
"Still, just the two of us is a little risky. We're looking for friends in a similar situation—and with similar skills, not just problems."
Bunch subtly lifted his coat to show a revolver. It was scratched from years of use, but well-maintained.
"And you seem like a decent fellow in that respect."
"Just about everyone knows the name Purple by now."
Lee Gyeongbok grinned.
"So this is an illegal immigration mission. Looks tough."
― Look at this guy already smiling lol
― Did hard mode just show up?
-???: Is there really anything tough for Matjji?
― Spoiler: It's not hard for Godple
― When does this ever get hard!?
― Roc&Roll: Doesn't he already have handicap mode on?
-???: Even pistols make this easy!
― I bet the devs are flabbergasted by now lol
The viewers already knew Lee Gyeongbok would complete the mission. He went along with their expectation.
"Sounds fun. Let's give it a shot."
"That's the spirit!"
"Departure is..."
Just as they beamed in response to Lee Gyeongbok's answer—
"What? What's happening!?"
"Damn! Run!"
"Shit!"
Suddenly, chaos erupted outside and the saloon doors burst open.
"Sheriff, sheriff! The Federal Marshal is here!"
Gunfire began in earnest at that shout.
"Looks like the mission's starting right now."
It clearly wasn't a coincidence.
As Lee Gyeongbok sprang to his feet, the other two scrambled up as well.
"Damn it, can't get caught yet!"
"There's a carriage out back! This way!"
The three dashed out the back door. Bunch took the driver's seat, while Lee Gyeongbok and Sunday Kid jumped in the back.
"It's the Wild Pack!"
"This way!"
"Surrender or we'll open fire!"
As the carriage took off, marshals on horseback chased after them.
"Damn it! Purple, Sunday Kid! Take care of those guys!"
"Just drive!"
As the carriage rattled furiously, Sunday Kid snatched up his repeater—only to freeze.
"...what even is that?"
He was staring, dumbfounded, at Lee Gyeongbok's customized revolver—impressed even in a crisis.
― Even legendary outlaws are stunned by that revolver lol
― First time seeing a sniper revolver, huh!?(It's really the first time)
― This is the moment the AI engine should have crashed
― Lol in any other game, it'd be a straight-up bug crash
― Actually, it's a testament to the devs that the game isn't crashing here
Viewers laughed at the reaction. Lee Gyeongbok took aim at the marshals.
It looked like it'd be impossible to aim, with Bunch whipping the horses so wildly.
"Oh my god."
But that only applied to others.
As Lee Gyeongbok fired in rapid succession, federal Marshals fell one by one off their horses. Sunday Kid's jaw dropped in disbelief.
Lee Gyeongbok replied with a smile.
"What else could it be? It's a gun."
"How in the...?"
"Don't worry. You'll find it fits your hand quite well."
Confidence in his tone, Sunday Kid blinked, then nodded.
The viewers thoroughly enjoyed it.
― Come on lol he's totally reacting like a trooper would
― If you were controlling Sunday Kid right now, raise your hand!
― How can you not believe it when you see it in front of you lol
― Is there even a weapon that doesn't fit in our hyung's hand?
― A true master isn't picky with tools. That's perfect common sense, right?
― That's not normal common sense, is it?
― No, real masters pick their tools carefully
― There's no such thing as a master who isn't picky with tools...
― Except Godple does it all anyway!
A genius isn't limited by their tools.