Chapter 13: Not Human, I

He had reached 100,000 subscribers in record time—a turning point that could drastically change someone’s life trajectory. However, Lee Kyungbok’s daily routine remained unchanged.

“Huff…huff…”

As he hung from his chin-up bar, he regulated his breathing. Beads of sweat trickled along the chiseled muscles of his back.

“Whew.”

Ever since quitting his job, he made it a morning ritual to exercise. Even after becoming a streamer, he maintained this daily routine without fail.

After a quick shower, he checked the time and left home.

“Oh, you’re here already.”

Unlike Kyungbok, Choi Byunghoon, who slept late and woke up late, greeted him with bloodshot eyes, still groggy from fatigue. They had planned to discuss matters over lunch, opting for the universally loved dish, tonkatsu.

“I still can’t believe it. I knew it would do well, but not this well.” Choi Byunghoon chuckled.

On the other hand, Lee Kyungbok looked puzzled.

“Huh? You didn’t upload that many videos, right? How did you manage to get over 100k subscribers?”

“On YouTube, quality matters more than quantity. Plus, there were some favorable circumstances.”

“Favorable circumstances?”

“Yeah, you might not know since you were asleep, but I stayed up till dawn, remember? Turns out, many people stream during those late-night hours.”

“Streaming?”

Lee Kyungbok’s confusion persisted.

“This genre is typically dominated by beginner streamers. But Hwang Saerin, your hidden route broadcast blew everyone away. People went crazy for it. And what happens then? Others see their chance and jump on the bandwagon.”

“Ah, really?”

“Dude, didn’t you notice that after your broadcast, the viewership for Bark jumped to 30,000? It quadrupled almost entirely due to your stream!”

Before Lee Kyungbok’s broadcast, the average viewership for Bio Crisis streams was around 7,000. However, with the revelation of the hidden route and subsequent buzz, it skyrocketed to 30,000.

Kyungbok shook his head, “No, I had no idea. I was just told to do the broadcast.”

Choi Byunghoon chuckled softly, realizing he might have revealed too much.

“But still, there hasn’t been any mention of those yellow-headed vipers yet. All we’ve seen are early attempts by police going awry on live broadcasts. If it were easy, someone would have unlocked the hidden route long ago.”

“It actually is quite simple,” Lee Kyungbok stated, leaving Choi Byunghoon momentarily speechless at his disbelief.

”…Anyway, Bark’s popularity is surging again, and it’s also getting positive reactions overseas.”

“Overseas?”

“Yeah, actually, Bark has always been more popular abroad. There was even a movie adaptation released internationally.”

Bio Crisis had been adapted into a film titled ‘Dweller Evil’ for international audiences, which demonstrated its global fan base.

“You’ve seen the comments too, right? Even though you haven’t done anything specifically targeting foreign viewers, they still find your content interesting?”

“Oh yeah, I saw them.”

“So that’s why you hit 100K subscribers. But honestly, there’s one thing bothering me.”

“What bothers you?” Lee Kyungbok’s eyes widened, thinking his friend sounded overly greedy after suddenly becoming a Youtuber with 100,000 subscribers overnight.

“Look at this. It’s great to have people flocking to your channel, but notice how most of them are from abroad.”

Choi Byunghoon shared his channel’s statistics via smart link. The graphs and numbers were overwhelming for Lee Kyungbok, who struggled to comprehend them at first glance. Choi Byunghoon promptly explained:

“As you can see, 62% of your viewers are from abroad, right? That’s great for a Youtuber but not ideal for a streamer.”

“Ah…”

Lee Kyungbok began to grasp the nature of the disappointment.

“These aren’t long-term clients. Many come just because they heard about Bark, and due to time zone differences and language barriers, they likely won’t watch your streams regularly.”

“But isn’t any viewer good, regardless? I don’t know much English myself.” Lee Kyungbok slightly wrinkled his nose.

“That’s true, but having too many foreign viewers might actually drive away your regulars. Why? Because their interactions during the broadcast are part of the content. If they curse or chat in a language others don’t understand, it could make some feel excluded.”

“Should I stop them?”

“Hmm… Not yet, probably. Even if some foreign viewers tune in, there’s still more trash around here. They might just lurk without participating.”

“Then it shouldn’t be a problem. Let’s carry on as usual.”

“You were going to do that anyway, weren’t you?”

“That’s true.” Lee Kyungbok smiled at the response. “It’s my broadcast after all.”

Purple’s third broadcast. The gap between day one and two was significant, but the difference between day two and three was even more remarkable.

“Trha.”

A simple greeting that quickly caught on among viewers. This was evident from the explosive increase in viewership and chat messages.

-Purha!

-Praise! Praise! Praise!

-The Savior of Bark has arrived!

-Congratulations on reaching 100,000 subscribers on PurTube!

-I woke up to find myself with 100K subscribers?!

-When will you do the Silver Play Button unboxing?

Despite being early afternoon, the number of viewers swiftly surpassed 1,500. With the chat moving too fast, Lee Kyungbok adjusted the settings as Choi Byunghoon had taught him.

“Yes, thank you for the congratulations. The chat is going so fast; I’ll enable slow mode.”

Slow chat mode allowed setting intervals between viewer comments. It was commonly used to prevent spamming.

-Already implementing this, our baby Purple?

–Who are you?! Where’s our Purple?

–Let Purple do whatever he wants!

No one seemed to mind this change, as most other streamers had already implemented similar settings by default.

[‘PersonSilGman’ has sponsored you 10,000 won.]

[I couldn’t sponsor earlier, haha!]

[‘PurpleIsTheBest!’ has sponsored you 50,000 won.]

[Deposit for today’s friendship fee done ^^]

[‘StopStreamingNow!’ has sponsored you 10,000 won.]

[Congrats on hitting 100K subscribers!]

[‘DaehanGenA’ has sponsored you 5,000 won.]

[Pleas subscribe on Petyube if you’re Korean!]

Sponsorships continued pouring in. This was because Lee Kyungbok usually disabled donations during gameplay to fully immerse himself in the game.

“Wow, thank you so much for your support. Honestly, I’m still in disbelief that I’ve become a Youtuber with 100,000 subscribers.”

Most of the sponsorships contained congratulatory messages for reaching 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. Lee Kyungbok’s response filled the chat with ‘ㅋㅋㅋ’ laughter emojis.

“It really feels like a miracle. A miracle created by our viewers.”

Lee Kyungbok remained humble. Although his recent success was based on his abilities, he knew it wouldn’t have been possible without his audience.

-SweetPurple, what’s that?!

-Huh? Trying to quell controversy about his character?

-Don’t be fooled by that smiling face! ㅋㅋ

-Our baby Purple has grown so fast…

-A company becoming huge in just three days?

-ㅋㅋㅋ Learning to fly before even crawling, huh?

Lee Kyungbok took a moment to acknowledge the comments. The joy of a streamer can indeed spread to their viewers.

“Oh, and I have an announcement to make.”

-An announcement?

intrigues me -Finally revealing your underwear color as a proper big corporation now?

-Underwear ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Isn’t it against the rules here?

-I missed something? ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

While the viewers were chatting noisily, Lee Kyungbok set up his configuration again:

-The chat management bot is activated.

A notification message appeared in the chat window, and finally, the viewers noticed the announcement.

“I want you to enjoy it as freely as possible, but we need to prevent any potential problems. The rule is three strikes—you will be banned after receiving three warnings.”

-That’s right.

-In fact, this should’ve been done from the beginning.

-Haha, yesterday was all about long messages spamming Eva.

-GodPagog, loyal forever^^7

-Muzzle on those toxic trolls!

-Our chat has changed for the better^^

The viewers readily accepted the notice. Any resistance would only label them as troublemakers.

In this amicable atmosphere, Lee Kyungbok lightly clapped to regain attention.

“Alright, let’s get started then.”

-Cueh!

-Ah, our darling is now on YouTube too!

-Mom, I’m on YouTube!

-I’m going, going, going down!

-What color is her panty?

-Panty fans, get lost!

With these disappointing chats, Bio Crisis began.

It started with a cutscene following Chapter 2’s ending. The eyes of fallen John flickered and opened.

”…Sandra?”

As soon as he opened his eyes, John searched for Sandra. However, all he could see was a flashlight lying beside him.

-In the Chapter 3 preview, it seemed like something happened between them…

-Suddenly, Sandra changed her stance.

-No matter what, Invincible John must have done something wrong.

-Was Honey just a ploy?

The viewers couldn’t hide their curiosity. Lee Kyungbok, equally intrigued, focused intently on the cutscene.

“Sandra?” Holding the flashlight, John scanned the surroundings. Soon, the beam of light stopped at a specific spot. Unlike other dried bloodstains nearby, there was fresh crimson blood—a clear indication that it hadn’t been there long.

-What’s that?

-I hope it’s not Sandra…

-She was alive until they reached the outlet mall.

-She must’ve just gotten injured somehow.

It seemed John shared the same sentiment as the viewers.

“A healing potion, I need to find a healing potion…”

He hastily climbed onto the platform and spotted a first aid kit attached to the wall.

“John?” A voice suddenly called out to him.

John turned around to see Sandra standing there with her shoulder wrapped in bandages, indicating she had treated herself.

“Sandra, are you okay?”

Holding the first aid kit, he approached her, but Sandra flinched and retreated backward.

“Stay away!”

“Sandra…?”

Her face displayed a mix of complicated emotions.

-Why is she acting like this all of a sudden?

-Women can be so unpredictable…

-Isn’t there only one reason for a woman’s reaction like this?

—Lifenest sucks!

—Gatpago-nim! Over here!

Sandra pointed at John’s first aid kit with a disappointed look on her face.

“I can’t trust Lifenest products anymore.”

“Oh… I’m sorry about that.” Only then did John notice the Lifenest logo on the kit.

“She seems quite upset.”

Lee Kyungbok rarely spoke up during streams, but he couldn’t help himself this time.

—She’s pissed…

—Did something happen while Jungong was unconscious?

—It must be because it’s the exclusive reveal. LOL

Both Lee Kyungbok and the viewers knew there had to be another reason for Sandra’s mood.

Soon, the screen darkened as the setting changed. John and Sandra emerged from the subway station onto ground level. Unlike the densely packed buildings of downtown Seoul, low-rise structures dotted the open landscape under clear skies. Additionally, it appeared less affected by the aftermath of the zombie outbreak.

—Ohh.

—This is an undisclosed location!

—Wow, what a scenic view!

—I bet only those damn scavengers knew about this gem.

—How dare you insult us, jerk!

Sandra’s expression brightened as if she appreciated the scenery.

“This way!” She checked the sign and spoke cheerfully. John followed her with a contented look on his face.

…What is this feeling?

At that moment, Lee Kyungbok sensed an eerie foreboding again. As if confirming it wasn’t just his imagination, John’s expression turned serious.

“Sandra! Hide!”

John led Sandra to conceal themselves in a narrow alleyway just in time before hearing footsteps approaching. The heavy yet swift steps indicated they were not from zombies.

“HQ, we’ve arrived at the subway station.”

“Clear.”

“Clear.”

Soon, Lifenest’s private mercenaries emerged.

“Oh, seems like we’re close to the quarantine zone.”

“You heard about the train explosion?”

“That’s right.”

“Time for those mercs to learn their place”

The viewers quickly grasped the situation, allowing Lee Kyungbok to understand the context through the chat.

The mercenaries grabbed their firearms and began searching the area, regaining control of the situation. It was now Lee Kyungbok’s turn to act, readying his pistol.

“No,” Sandra stopped him.

Lee Kyungbok had already experienced a similar situation before.

”…Indeed, if we hear gunshots, reinforcements will likely arrive.”

“Yes, but unlike zombies, even one mercenary could expose us.”

Unlike mindless zombies, they were dealing with skilled mercenaries this time. Sandra licked her dry lips as she pulled out her knife.

“I’ll take care of them.”

The riot baton was effective against zombies, but it wouldn’t work on mercenaries. To kill silently, a blade was necessary.

“Just cover me, just in case.”

-Was this stage set for Sandra’s performance? -Is it meant to compensate for her lackluster scene earlier?

-Looking to tone down his badass image from the cutscene?

-Shouldn’t he ask Sandra for a knife like on the subway?

Lee Kyungbok had similar thoughts. However, unlike before, Sandra refused this time.

“I’ll…keep it with me.”

-She’s definitely being cautious now.

-Wow…she suddenly changed her stance?

-Sandra, whyyyyyyy? ಥ_ಥ

-Haha…can you imagine her shedding tears? LOL

-[Message deleted by moderator (Warning #1)]

Lee Kyungbok looked away from the chat window. Should he just sit back and let things unfold as they were?

That wouldn’t be any fun.

His eyes quickly scanned the mercenary, and a slight smile formed on his lips.

“I’ll take care of him.”

“John?”

Lee Kyungbok didn’t wait for a response. He swiftly emerged from the alley and approached the mercenary.

-Is he going after him?

-Are we talking about a chokehold?!

-CQC incoming!

-WTF is CQC, newbie?!

The chat window was filled with question marks, but their queries were soon answered.

“Huh?”

As soon as the mercenary sensed someone approaching and turned around, Lee Kyungbok pounced on him like emerging from his own shadow. In a flash, he reached for the combat knife sheathed at the mercenary’s thigh. The mercenaries had equipped themselves with knives anticipating that zombies would be drawn to gunfire.

Kyungbok swiftly pulled out the blade and immediately stabbed it through the mercenary’s neck.

“Gurk…!” The mercenary collapsed amidst gurgling sounds of blood pouring out. However, Lee Kyungbok didn’t stop there; he grabbed the mercenary’s belt to muffle any noise.

-What’s this Physical thing?!

-assassin!

-Different from Yoo Sa-assin who claims assassinations only after killing everyone! Heheh

-Awaken, ye with keen ears! Awaken!

-Fact: It’s considered an assassination if no witnesses remain.

The viewers finally realized Lee Kyungbok’s intentions. From then on, it was smooth sailing for him. With a combat knife now firmly in hand, he no longer needed to employ his previous trickery. Concealed behind cover, Lee Kyungbok took out each mercenary one by one.

-This is also one-shot, one-kill…

-It’s his rule of “every shot counts”

-In the original route, these mercenaries were frustrating due to their firepower.

-Info: Unless you’re Purple, this scenario can be quite challenging.

-Info added

Everyone anticipated that things would end smoothly.

“Why haven’t I received any reports…?”

The last remaining member was the platoon leader of the mercenaries. He noticed the eerie silence among his squad members and made eye contact with Lee Kyungbok, who held a bloodied combat knife. Terrified, the platoon leader reached for his radio.

-Shit, we’re busted!

-He’s been found out…

-Even at Purple speed, couldn’t avoid it?

-No mercy, huh?

Just as viewers sensed his imminent failure, Lee Kyungbok swung his arm with force. The combat knife pierced through both the radio and the platoon leader’s hand amidst the sound of air being sliced.

-WA!

-Perfect Punch! Perfect Punch! Perfect Punch!

-O foolish beings, do you still doubt God?

-Still think Purple is human?

The mood in the chat window shifted dramatically. However, the platoon leader was still alive, but Lee Kyungbok had targeted the radio for a reason.

“Aaargh… Gaaah!” As the platoon leader tried to scream, a blade suddenly entered beneath his chin. Sandra had swiftly approached and finished him off.

“Nice work.” Lee Kyungbok had already detected Sandra’s approach.

-Sandra! Sandra! Sandra!

-I believed in you!

-Purple and Dracu combo…heh heh heh heh

-Ahh, this is what ‘couple’ means.

-Is it good to be part of a duo?

The chat window erupted with cheers, chanting their names like at a festival.

With all the mercenaries defeated, the screen faded to black for a cut scene.

“We’re almost there.”

What had seemed so distant earlier was now right before them.

“Fortunately, it looks safe.”

At first glance, the outlet mall appeared intact. There were few corpses or signs of damage. The high walls and metal gates made it seem suitable as a refuge for survivors.

Sandra sped up excitedly. However, just then, they heard the sound of a vehicle engine approaching from somewhere nearby.

“What if…?”

“Let’s hide.”

It could be another squad of mercenaries following behind them. The two hastily concealed themselves.

“…Survivors?”

However, the vehicle that soon appeared was a civilian car. Sandra tried to call out to it, but John urgently held her back.

“John?!”

There wasn’t time for him to explain. Just as he pulled Sandra away again, there was a loud explosion. Shocked, she peeked around the corner.

The civilian car they had seen moments ago was now shattered and engulfed in flames.

“It’s drones.” John whispered urgently while pointing upward. Military drones were flying overhead.

Sandra grimaced before sprinting toward the rooftop of a nearby building.

“Oh my goodness…”

They reached the rooftop to see soldiers swarming across the horizon that had been hidden by nearby buildings.

“Wow…”

“It’s shocking even after seeing it before.”

The viewers weren’t too surprised since they’d already witnessed this scene during the preview.

Just then, a drone descended with a buzzing sound. Without hesitation, John and Sandra raised their guns.

“Are you from Fox City Police Department?”

The voice came over the drone’s speaker. John and Sandra exchanged glances.

”…What is going on here?” John neither confirmed nor denied his affiliation.

The drone continued relaying the message from the soldier behind it.

“Foxtown is currently under lockdown. Were you not informed?”

“Informed?”