00010 - The Little Prince in the Ossuary
#Faction (2), Camp Roberts
The 「Talent Advantage(才能利益)」 is a system that helps players reacquire skills they have learned at least once, regardless of their playthrough.
When a skill has been learned n times, the experience required for acquisition becomes 1/n.
It might seem like there's no benefit when n is 1, meaning you've learned the skill once, but that's not the case.
This is because the 「Unknown Penalty」 is removed.
This structure was intended by the developer's plan.
While the initial experiences aim to make players deeply feel the fear of helpless humans in front of overwhelming disasters, later on, players are encouraged to enjoy overcoming difficulties like a superhuman.
By allowing players to enjoy the same content from a completely different perspective, it is an excellent design in terms of managing consumption speed.
Han Gyeo-ul experienced many ends of the world. Although he couldn't always learn the same skills each time, he repeatedly acquired the essentials.
These included most combat-related skills, some survival skills, certain languages, and key social skills like 「Insight」,「Perception」, and 「Deception」.
Skill grades are divided as follows: up to grade 3 is novice, up to grade 6 is proficient, and grades 7 to 10 reach expert level, with anything beyond being the realm of geniuses and superhumans.
Advancing to each level requires more resources.
The boy did not waste the experience he gained by going out to San Miguel. His current skill level was much higher than his progression warranted.
Thanks to the Talent Advantage, many combat-related skills had reached expert or genius levels.
Thus, Han Gyeo-ul had the capability to manage unfavorable battles.
It would be troublesome otherwise, as death during a public broadcast would be a kind of broadcasting accident.
Skills related to combat abilities increased the concealed status of 「Threat Level」.
The effect had been strong since the potential hostile relationships began.
Despite the penalty for being a minor, Han Gyeo-ul was considered a beast.
Rumors exaggerated in a negative way further increased the boy's threat level.
Thanks to this, when he took his place at the promised ration site, people volunteering glanced nervously at him.
Each ration area was run by different organizations, causing those without affiliations to face significant discrimination.
Some familiar faces introduced by Jang Yeon-chul appeared. Upon catching his gaze, they nodded in greeting.
Gratitude was evident. Normal rationing proceeded in the line Han Gyeo-ul was watching over.
"Excuse me."
"Y-Yes?"
"Shouldn't everyone receive the same share?"
The woman chastised by Han Gyeo-ul turned pale.
"Umm, I-I belong to the 「Damul Development Society」."
"And?"
"I mean..."
She looked sideways at the man across from her, whom she had given more rations to because he was in the same organization.
The man, taking it as a matter of pride, feigned toughness, while many in the same line displayed hostility.
Though intimidated by his threat level, they managed to get through with the comfort of numbers.
Refugees without affiliations were at a loss.
While enduring, a man with a muscular build, contrasting with his friendly face, approached with a smile.
His body was like a beast's below the neck, a figure seemingly impossible to maintain with standard rations.
Judging by his behavior, he appeared to be an enforcer.
His voice was strangely soft, using subtle fear as his weapon.
"I hear you're quite the tough little guy. How about having a chat with this uncle for a moment? Is that alright?"
"Now isn't a good time. Perhaps later."
With a firm tone, he cut off the conversation. The man frowned slightly and glanced around.
Even the soldier nominally on guard had stopped to stare at them intently. The man shrugged with a gentle smile.
"There's no good in letting things go this way, you know? I hear our elders have something important to discuss with you, so I'd appreciate it if you could spare a moment."
Trying to exert force, the boy remained steadfast.
The man's visible frustration contrasted sharply with Han Gyeo-ul's technical enhancements allowing him to stand firm and draw a clear line.
"I'll spare some time after the rations are finished. In the meantime, since you seem to know those involved, could you kindly ask them to handle things properly for me? Otherwise, it becomes quite bothersome."
He didn't explicitly mention what specifically would become cumbersome. It was better to let others imagine.
The man observed the boy for a moment before sighing and patting his shoulder.
"Alright, but remember to spare some time for this uncle later, okay?"
"Understood."
When the man said something to those waiting, complaints poured out from people who were held up in line.
However, a stern look from the man silenced them instantly. One who glared at the boy swiftly lowered his eyes when their gazes met, and hurriedly moved away.
Similar scenes unfolded elsewhere.
Only major organizations like the 「Korean Patriotic Society」 or the 「New Village Alliance」 dared make trouble for the boy, while others cautiously adjusted their behavior.
Everyone who received his help quickly finished their rations on the spot.
Despite the cold wind, they avoided going indoors, fearing they might have their food snatched away.
Although members from various organizations were watching disdainfully, they couldn't cause trouble with the American soldiers present.
Two American soldiers giggled. They probably mocked the refugees' behavior without stopping them until now.
The polite middle-aged man returned after the rations ended.
"Now it's time to keep your promise, isn't it? Our elders are waiting, you see."
"Please lead the way."
"Oh dear, so cold."
Though his words were smooth, his voice trembled slightly. His eyes beyond the smile were neither ordinary nor warm.
Glancing back frequently, anger and fear were evident. Walking with the sensation of a man-eating tiger at his back, tension was palpable.
The tent they arrived at appeared ordinary. Like all others, it was military-grade or relief supplies.
Yet inside, it was another world. Lengthened by connecting sections, it had at least five visible stoves, all glowing red.
The lighting was bright and extravagant with numerous bulbs.
On the other hand, the number of resident personnel seemed far below adequate levels.
There were about twenty cots, and the extra space was filled with desks and chairs.
There was even a sofa and a TV. It was questionable how they managed an antenna, considering only news and disaster broadcasts would be available.
Currently, a spacious central area housed a middle-aged man in the forefront, with men sitting in two rows on either side.
Each had a cup before them. All eyes simultaneously focused on the boy. The intent was clear.
An empty seat awaited in the center, likely meant for Han Gyeo-ul. Instead of a table, they used an overturned ammunition box upon which rest glasses, a liquor bottle, and appetizers.
Where they procured skewers of meat fried in oil was beyond him.
"A young warrior has come. Everyone, applause."
Oh, an applause.
While the boy pondered, the men and women on either side raised their voices and clapped with rigid faces.
Their exaggerated arm swings and awkward clapping smacked of an attempt at discipline. Military applause.
Plain as day, this was a tightly regulated organization.
A well-groomed woman, unlikely to be seen in the refugee area, guided the boy to the center.
"Please, have a seat."
More contact than necessary. Though there was contact, by now, with multiple playthroughs behind him, it was too late for his heart to waver.
Han Gyeo-ul quietly sat, fixing his gaze directly ahead.
"So bold. Very bold."
The middle-aged man at the head table laughed heartily, nodding approvingly.
"First, let me introduce myself. I'm Im Hwasu, head of the 「Damul Development Society」. My people call me chief advisor. What is your name, young warrior?"
"I'm Han Gyeo-ul."
"Haha— Gyeo-ul, is it? A good name. It suits your personality! Looking into your eyes, it's like a cold winter wind. Wouldn't you say so, folks? How does he appear to all of you?"
In unison, they responded, "Yes, chief advisor," their voices echoing to the point of reverberation.
Intended to intimidate, their voices amplified deliberately.
Yet, Han Gyeo-ul had no reason to be intimidated, so to him, it was nothing more than a surround sound dog barking.
Witnessing the boy's tranquility, Im Hwasu pursed his lips, sighing theatrically, and nodded.
"You carry weight. That's right, a true man should be so. In my youth, president Park gathered national strength to enrich the country. But our next generation grew too affluent, losing the grandeur of the Great Yushin or Great Goguryeo. I can see you're different from those weak and lethargic young people. Indeed! At the age of seventeen, a man could have boasted of beheading enemy generals! Wouldn't you say so, folks?"
Again, that question, seemingly seeking agreement but actually confirming his authority.
Han Gyeo-ul's inherent proficiency in understanding people, combined with repeated experiences of 「After the Apocalypse」, made it all the more apparent.
Yet again, the people raised their voices, echoing Im Hwasu's sentiments.
Feigning graciousness, Im Hwasu, laughing loudly, gestured to the woman still beside the boy.
"In pursuit of fame and achievement, age doesn't matter. Especially in these times. It's a world for men. It is a given that men enjoy liquor and women. Eun-ju, pour the young warrior a drink."
"Yes, chief advisor."
The woman, named Eun-ju, dressed in form-fitting clothes, clung to the boy. With deft fingers, she opened a bottle, poured amber liquor into a glass with ice.
There wasn't even time to refuse.
Even in such moments, the touch felt warm and soft. As expected, viewer messages were flooding in.
There was no need to open the viewer window to confirm; undoubtedly, the comments called for sex.
Both the ice and the liquor far exceeded the luxuries available in the refugee area.
If this was the extravagance of the second-largest organization, 「Damul Development Society」, one wondered about the 1st, 「Korean Patriotic Society」.
As Han Gyeo-ul quietly observed the drink, Im Hwasu lifted his own cup.
"First, let's drink. Can a meeting of men proceed without a drink?"
"Sorry, but I'll pass on the drink. Let's discuss the matter at hand first."
"Ha, is it your first drink? That's great. Your first drink is significant. This is called Chivas Regal—"
His words halted. Han Gyeo-ul had extended his cup to the right, tilting it and slowly pouring it out.
The head of the organization frowned instantly, and chaos erupted around him.
"This little bastard!"
Some were hastily drawing knives from their sleeves. Mostly kitchen knives. But enough to kill.
Amidst the commotion, Han Gyeo-ul alone remained calm, like the eye of a storm. He placed down the cup, gazing at Im Hwasu.
"Let's discuss the matter at hand."
Im Hwasu, frowning, gestured to calm the surroundings.
"Stand down! What are you all doing? Do you intend to disrespect Im Hwasu?"
"S-Sorry, chief advisor!"
The storm subsided instantly, leaving a calm as if nothing had happened.
However, tensions hadn't disappeared.
Chewing thoughtfully on a skewer, Im Hwasu, smoothing down the situation, emptied a glass with exaggerated appreciation and nodded almost to himself, putting the cup down, his hands resting on his knees, speaking to the boy.
"While having no fear is good, too much might be harmful. Fear is a survival instinct, after all. Sometimes it's wise to set aside bravado. Listen to this advice from the life of a senior man."
"Understood. So, what's the matter?"
"Hahaha!"
Pretending to look around unnecessarily, Im Hwasu once again chewed a skewer, the grease dripping, loud chewing as if it were meant to provoke, watched intently by Han Gyeo-ul who barely moved.
Hence, Im Hwasu once again tapped his fingers meaninglessly, entirely for show.
After a moment, his confidence assured in Han Gyeo-ul's lack of reaction, Im Hwasu's demeanor changed subtly as he finally expressed his intention.
"The reason I called you here isn't complicated. If you're willing, would you consider joining us? With your skills, boldness, and network, we could achieve much. I hear you're especially acquainted with Lieutenant Capston, who's notoriously strict."
"I have no intention."
"Listen to me. It's a favorable proposal. The 「Korean Patriotic Society」 is already the largest force. It's stable. But for someone young like you to become a core member, it would be difficult. Despite being fellow Koreans, the competition for resources means there's no difference from dealing with strangers. Surviving there is a battle in and of itself. But with us, a person like you would be a huge asset. We'll treat you with the importance you deserve. How about Eun-ju here? If you agree to join, she could become your steadfast companion. Should you prefer someone else, we'll provide three or four women as you like. After all, polygamy is a heroic trait. Indulge in wine and tobacco! A man is respected for his capabilities, and you have that."
Turning his gaze aside, Eun-ju approached, clinging to him intimately.
Her heated breath warmed his neck as she took his hand, placing it on her chest, guiding it with her own.
The fragrance was slightly sweet. The soft warmth slid under his fingertips. An expanding warmth rose beneath his waist.
Those watching through "Sensory Synchronization" would undoubtedly be cheering. Female viewers might frown.
Yet some, by now, might even apply sensory synchronization pointing at Eun-ju.
It was said that, despite the simulation environment, there are women who enjoy such things.
Sorry to disappoint, he thought, not particularly apologetic. Gently but firmly, Han Gyeo-ul pushed Eun-ju aside.
She clung to him in haste but faced his firmly established rejection. Frightened, she looked towards the head of the organization.
"Not many?"
Im Hwasu smacked his lips, grinning lightly.
"Then how about this?"
From behind, Im Hwasu orders a Japanese girl to be brought. He was aware that after the Japanese organization, 「Yakuza」, suffered near-annihilation, Japanese refugees experienced severe discrimination, though he hadn't personally observed it outside of journals until now.
Seeing the girl forcefully brought into the room, he understood. Her resistance was evident, though seemingly futile.
"Lay her down."
Following Im Hwasu's order, not men but women restrained the girl. Three women pinned her down, one of them giggling with pleasure.
"A Japanese bitch acting up."
She wore a single garment, a rough piece of cloth cut to look like a kimono. The flimsy outfit easily slipped, leaving her half-naked.
Her hoarse Japanese cry for help sounded desperate. The struggling female forms created a vulgar spectacle. Her captors forced her legs apart.
Transfixed by the sight, Im Hwasu directed a statement at the boy.
"Everyone knows. At your age, one's imagination tends to...how shall I put it...lean toward the extreme. The desire to conquer. See. Doesn't it stir something? Shouldn't there be some response?"
"What if I said I'm not interested?"
"That would be a lie."
Laughing slightly, Im Hwasu cast a shadow, a solitary demonic figure stretching beyond the writhing forms. The surrounding figures, then, become demon worshipers.
The reason Han Gyeo-ul chose 「After the Apocalypse」 over other services was due to its realistic sense.
In a world where the wicked thrived, it aligned more closely with the world he'd experienced. Bright virtual worlds seemed disconnected from reality.
With this recent bout of nostalgia weighing heavily on his mind, he continually struggled with a sense of dissonance.
An ever-present feeling it wasn't the real world haunted him, preventing him from forgetting for even a moment, making enjoyment impossible.
Loneliness, like oil floating on water, separate yet present. The worlds of those living happily and his own winter-born world were vastly different.
At least in 「After the Apocalypse」, one could immerse oneself and perhaps escape heartache.
His deep breath broke the serenity as Han Gyeo-ul bluntly stated,
"Old man, you can eat shit."
Within the room, it was as though a bomb had gone off.
Clacky's Corner:
Gyeo-ul aura farming.