000025 〈-- The Little Prince in the Ossuary --〉
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#Dialogue with Viewers (1)
「Function Utilization Guide (AI): To B-612 registered user, Han Gyeo-ul, in the 「After the Apocalypse」 worldview. The chat window you are currently viewing has an active filtering function according to user settings. Messages without meaningful content, repeated content, those with a history of multiple reports from other viewers, or those that the user wishes to blind are not displayed in the chat window. If you wish to change the settings, please call the control AI.」
「YeominROCK: Oh, it seems the broadcaster has opened the chat since the notification shows.」
「KorMericanAlliance: The BJ is hereeeeeee!」
「Han Gyeo-ul (Broadcaster): Hello, everyone.」
「ProudPrincess♡: Kyah~! Hello, cute oppayang! I'm enjoying the broadcast, puwooo♬」
「YourMom: Host hihi」
「Han Gyeo-ul (Broadcaster): Hello, ProudPrincess♡, YourMom.」
「YourMom: Yessyess.」
「JessicaFullTimer: BJ youuuu!」
「SnowFieldFox: ?」
「BigBlackPines: You evil one!」
「Mustapha: Your sins!」
「TeamLeaderKimMiyeong: Reveal them!」
「Jjarappappa: Reveal them, what's this, hahaha」
「LikeableAppearance: Morons can't even sync their breath, hahaha」
「SnowFieldFox: ?」
「JessicaFullTimer: Wahhhhaaaaahhhhohhhnooo.」
「Han Gyeo-ul (Broadcaster): What's wrong?」
「JessicaFullTimer: What's wrong, you say! Host, please play a game!」
「Han Gyeo-ul (Broadcaster): A game? Did you mean the typo 'gye-eum'?...... I'm already playing, so I'm not sure what you're referring to....... I don't plan to connect to any worldview other than 「After the Apocalypse」 for a while, but if you let me know what you'd like, I'll consider it later.」
「BigBlackPines: Look how pure the BJ is, haha」
「ChiliConCarne: Pure, my foot. You guys are just using an outdated catchphrase, you old folks.」
「ChiliConCarne: Pure, my foot. You guys are just using an outdated catchphrase, you old folks.」
「JessicaFullTimer: Do kids these days not know 'gye-eum'? You know, the thing that's good for both men and women.」
「Han Gyeo-ul (Broadcaster): ...... Are you perhaps talking about sexual intercourse?」
「SALHAE: Indeed! Why ignore me!」
「Han Gyeo-ul (Broadcaster): Pardon?」
「SALHAE: I gathered courage and spent 100,000 won on stars and requested a quest... you canceled it as soon as you saw it. Why do you act like this, really? ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ」
「Han Gyeo-ul (Broadcaster): Ah...」
「SALHAE: After rent, food, transport, insurance, savings, housing deposits, and other bills, I have 200,000 won left as allowance, and I spent half on this. It's a fortune for me... A 30-year-old guy who can't even afford a girlfriend, let alone marriage, and all I want is to, you know, take care of things but you canceled it. Honestly, your broadcast is neither lagging nor boring, but it's frustrating that my precious purchase goes unused... I might end up doing something drastic... ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ」
「SnowFieldFox: ;;;;」
「Wilma: Ah. Host, wake up. ㅠㅠ」
「Han Gyeo-ul (Broadcaster): It's not because the amount was small....... I canceled it because I felt I wouldn't be able to immerse myself properly. I'm sorry if I upset you.」
「DoomtsDoDoomts: That's your business. If you start broadcasting intending to get money, shouldn't you follow what the customer wants?」
「Storm224: Don't talk nonsense, DoomtsDoDoomts. Seriously, I've seen several channels I liked collapse thanks to trolls who donate money thinking they have a say and spam ridiculous quests. The content will happened when it's time.」
「SpicyLaw: Yeah, I should admit what Storm224 is saying, this broadcast is legit, super entertaining, right? BJ's quick thinking is legit, right? Yeah, totally! Unnecessary interference is disgusting, honestly, if you don't agree with this you're worse than lowlife, haha bashful」
「Han Gyeo-ul (Broadcaster): ?」
「SnowFieldFox: ?」
「Function Utilization Guide (AI): Additional filtering option notification. Choose to block or use online search to interpret the meaning of SpicyLaw's messages.」
「Function Utilization Guide (AI): Activated search function, but automatic interpretation per translation guidelines failed. Attempting to update the translation engine.」
「Function Utilization Guide (AI): Update failed. You are using the latest version of the engine. User manual interpretation is recommended.」
「DoomtsDoDoomts: What's that nonsense he's barking.」
「ActiveXStaresDown: Don't do that.」
「Ryu Kwon-nae Lau: Yeah, don't. I don't want to see the room blow up. Even the most successful broadcasters do their thing without restraint, honestly, it's tiring. I'd understand a reasonable amount, but this is too much.」
「Don'tPitchWithNames: Stay strong, host. It's nice to see you stick to your principles.」
「Don'tPitchWithNames has gifted 100 stars.」
「Han Gyeo-ul (Broadcaster): Thank you. I'm relieved that many of you understand.」
「IntenseDog: Even 1,000 stars isn't a small amount, but I laughed seeing you dismiss the quest without hesitation as soon as it appeared. BJ's like a firm pumpkin, haha」
「IntenseDog has gifted 5 stars.」
「ActiveXStaresDown has gifted 10 stars.」
「EccentricConservative: It's been a week since I started watching, and still no sex... feels like being teased.」
「SnowFieldFox has gifted 100 stars.」
#Journal, page 45, Camp Roberts
I heard I am to receive medals: the Bronze Star and the Valor Device. These two are often awarded together for distinguished valor in the field.
The U. S. government classified the massive creature I defeated as a special mutant and named it 「Grumble」.
It apparently appeared simultaneously in multiple contaminated zones, and I am the only one who took it down using just guns and grenades. Others had to call in attack helicopters or tanks to crush it. That's what the public affairs officer told me.
The public affairs officer, who came from Washington for the awarding ceremony, always wore a gas mask. He only ate food he brought himself, which suggests he was extremely uneasy about entering the quarantine zone.
There have been no cases of the pathogen transmitting through the air so far. If it were as contagious as he feared, the camp would have already turned into hell. Inside the barbed wire, everyone lives without gas masks.
The officer did not only bring the medals. I also received a handwritten letter from the U. S. president, along with a citizenship certificate. Moreover, he offered me a path for wartime commission to become an officer if I wanted. The only cost: an oath of allegiance to the United States. I, of course, said yes. From the start, I intended to become a soldier when I accepted my status as a volunteer soldier. If I'm to become one anyway, being an officer is much better than being an ordinary soldier. So, the award ceremony also became my commissioning ceremony as a second lieutenant.
I received all sorts of congratulations from U. S. personnel I knew. According to Lieutenant Capston, there seems to be a compelling reason for the rapid decision to award me the medals.
I was a billboard targeting refugees. That's all I was, but the severe damage caused by Grumble has changed things a bit. Now, I also need to fulfill the same role towards U. S. troops and American citizens. The emergence of a special mutant, vastly different from the previous mutants, has caused considerable chaos even in the safe zones. To calm indiscriminate fear, they're trying to make me a hero as the only one who defeated Grumble.
Additionally, there's an intention to utilize me as a role model at the national level amid worsening public opinion toward refugees. I get it. The government is likely planning to employ refugees as mercenaries. While camp commanders had been accepting volunteers as a temporary measure, it will now become a national policy.
Even so, commissioning me straight from a volunteer soldier to a second lieutenant is excessive. A billboard should be as grand as possible, but it seems over the top. Besides, I'm a minor. The U. S. government must be in a bad state. At any rate, there was nothing bad about accepting what was offered.
There were people with especially poor expressions during the award and commissioning ceremony.
First, Captain Markert. When he saw me in my officer dress uniform with rank and medals, he openly frowned. Well, he had to retreat miserably, and I cleaned up after him, so it's understandable he'd be resentful. Although there are many other commanders who got trashed by the Grumble, they're recognized for their inability to resist. However, there's a rumor he lost much popularity amongst his subordinates. A commander who abandons his troops and runs.
He apparently wasn't popular to begin with.
Perhaps because of this, there were no people around the captain. Isolating a superior might make subordinates miserable, but it's likely not comforting for the superior either.
Additionally, there were quite a few sullen individuals among the refugees they gathered to take good pictures. It wasn't hard to guess their affiliations. To strengthen cohesion, it's common practice for organizations to have unique tattoos or shared symbols.
While cameras were flashing and multiple cameras were recording, the battalion commander read aloud the president's handwritten letter, which was essentially this:
「You undertook risks not required of you for 34 American citizens, rescued American sons met with a formidable foe, and bravely confronted a new threat to national security with remarkable courage and skill. As the president of this nation, I extend my gratitude for your extraordinary determination and selflessness, and offer rightful honor in return. From now on, we expect you to fulfill your duties as a citizen. May God bless the United States.」
Although it's hard to blindly be optimistic about the future, hostile organizations attacking me seem even less likely now. And those who are with me will surely acknowledge me more genuinely.
#Executive Order 9066, Camp Roberts (1)
An option to choose officer dress became available, but Gyeo-ul continued to wear combat gear. Efficiency-wise, the dress uniform was advantageous due to its leadership enhancements. However, Gyeo-ul found it childish.
He accepted the offer to stay at the officers' quarters. Although he couldn't help but worry about Captain Markert, it was to familiarize himself with the officers. Should the camp collapse or the U. S. fall into anarchy, he needed to establish connections with those possessing the most abundant combat capability.
"Hey, young Second Lieutenant, where are you off to?"
This was greeted by a sly salute and a laid-back greeting. It was Sergeant Cohen, who still relied on crutches. U. S. soldiers generally treated Gyeo-ul with this demeanor. It wasn't an acknowledgment made grudgingly. It was a mix of admiration for the youngster's accomplishments and a playful expression of affection.
Even as a second lieutenant, he was not their direct superior. They were part of the National Guard, while Gyeo-ul was treated as a federal military officer on detachment. He thought there was no need to keep things regimented to the point of creating bad feelings. Achievements and skills could speak for themselves and now he merely showed a gentle smile.
"I received orders to form a volunteer platoon. I plan to recruit volunteers from among the refugees."
Gyeo-ul was fundamentally a billboard, making it difficult to integrate him into existing U. S. military structures. No matter how spectacular the record, there's bound to be resistance within the U. S. military. The leadership had therefore proposed trying out a permanent platoon consisting solely of refugees on a trial basis.
There was precedent with a Korean-American, colonel Young-Oak Kim, who made significant contributions during World War II by leading Japanese-American volunteer soldiers. The battalion commander explicitly encouraged him to strive to become the second Young-Oak Kim.
Although it might seem like discrimination, it's actually a privilege. Gyeo-ul had full authority to select the members. Those chosen would be recognized with the same special U. S. military status that Gyeo-ul had received before his commission. Given the dire circumstances facing refugees, there would be plenty eager for this opportunity.
In the 「After the Apocalypse」 setting, if a specific government system persists and the player is a refugee, the player's accomplishments can influence the treatment of refugees and the duration of the government system's existence. It seems questionable that one person's efforts could impact to that extent... but since it's the protagonist, a butterfly effect might be a simple explanation.
"Want a hand to go with you?"
The sly grin and ambiguous demeanor were unfamiliar. Gyeo-ul had thought Cohen straightforward and unlikely to harbor hidden motives, but apparently, he was mistaken. There was no malice. The updated affection information suggested that Cohen couldn't harbor ill will toward him. Although he guessed the intent, he pretended to not know as he inquired to confirm.
"What do you mean?"
"I may not be smart enough for Harvard, but I grew up in the slums, so I understand how those folks operate. From the camp's atmosphere, I'd guess there are lots envious of your success, chewing sour grapes. We comrades have each other's backs, right? A cool dude like me can't sit back and let them have at it without doing something, can I, Sir?"
Though mixing plain and polite speech styles haphazardly, Cohen's sentiment was genuinely warm. A U. S. soldier accompanying him would make many things smoother. It would deter anyone from causing trouble. Gyeo-ul slowly smiled again.
"I appreciate the sentiment, but please take care of your recovery. Having a protector is a child's privilege, and I'm not a child. If belittled, I'll overcome it with capability."
"Oh, playing it cool, huh?"
"Was it cool?"
The final, sincerely postured remark popped the laughter bubble for the Black sergeant. Laughing heartily, Cohen bumped fists. "Yo, cool brother," he said. A show of endearment common among the Black community in slums, where brothers could be blood-related or not. Gyeo-ul returned the fist bump with a smile.
Having parted ways with well wishes for recovery, Gyeo-ul hadn't gone far when Corporal Elliot approached awkwardly, hesitating. Gyeo-ul considered Elliot a friend since their acquaintance in Paso Robles and after San Miguel. Unlike the still limping Cohen, Elliot seemed fully recovered. After receiving Gyeo-ul's salute, he shyly proposed joining him.
"If you're heading to the refugee area, um, can I accompany you?"
Gyeo-ul chuckled heartily before declining courteously.
"Also, feel free to be casual when it's just us."
"Respecting ranks regardless of the meteoric rise of the lieutenant is essential. You must already face challenges gaining proper respect. It might be different meeting personally after duty hours, though."
"I see. Really, thank you."
No matter how realistic virtual reality seemed, these bits felt unreal. There couldn't possibly be this many good people. Sending Elliot off with a salute, Gyeo-ul proceeded toward the refugee zone with lighter steps.
---------------------------= Author's Note ---------------------------=
1. Being ranked 18th in Noblesse, I'm pushing a bit to see if it can reach 15th. Now I get to rest until Monday...
2. Clicking 'recommend' might be helpful, or maybe not?... Who knows...
Clacky's Corner:
After 25 chapters. I decided to keep the format of the chapters as the author intended. I won't be adding spaces between paragraphs anymore.
But if you think I should, I will listen to your feedbacks!
P. S.
There are light chapters like this one and there are dark chapters as well. The previous chapter irked me. But this novel tackles things that aren't usually tackled in cookie cutter novels. And things don't happen just for the shock factor. Things happen to show why Gyeo-ul reacts the way he reacts. An example of this is with the viewer quest in ch 23, which was immediately rejected by Gyeo-ul. And in ch 24, we found out the reason why he was averse to it. And it's actually very traumatic. And what makes it worse is that it happened before he lost his body.