00026 - The Little Prince in the Ossuary
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# Executive Order 9066, Camp Roberts (2)
In the world setting, there hadn't been any significant incidents for quite a while. At most, there were some minor supply missions, but they didn't pose any substantial threats.
During this period, Gyeo-ul completed officer training and strengthened the community's unity.
Even though it was called officer training, there wasn't much to it. No administrative structure would run smoothly in a crisis.
The tent that Gyeo-ul sought in the refugee zone was now bustling with more people than before. Those who couldn't enter gathered, sitting crouched or loitering near the entrance. As Gyeo-ul approached, they all buzzed and swarmed around him. Perhaps they each had a favor to ask, or maybe they harbored ill intentions. Gyeo-ul gripped the gun handle and extended his other hand.
"Sorry, but please don't come too close."
Despite their initial fear, most people understood. In fact, it was common to be cautious when approached by a stranger in this camp. It was a world where people died too easily. Even those who lacked understanding swallowed their pride when they saw the gun.
Even though the refugee zone frequently saw murders, openly killing someone in broad daylight wouldn't go unpunished. But Gyeo-ul was different. At least, that's what the refugees thought.
Jang Yun-cheol, waiting at the entrance, greeted Gyeo-ul with a bright smile.
"Welcome, little leader."
Now, "little leader" was becoming Gyeo-ul's unique nickname. Everyone called him that, and it wasn't unfavorable. He himself thought it was fine.
The atmosphere inside the tent had changed significantly. If Gyeo-ul previously gave a floating impression, now he was more like a stabilizing weight. It became quiet as soon as he entered. There was a palpable sense of authority and respect but not fear.
Things were going well. With everyone's focus on the boy, there were no longer any skeptical glances. Occasionally, there were eyes filled with a competitive spirit, but when their gaze met his, they looked away first. They were conceding, at least for now.
He had taken a long time to prepare what he wanted to say to them. He revisited the 「Textbooks」, prepared his script, and practiced it extensively in his mind. He believed it would make a good show for the viewers as well. The tension was electrifying. However, he didn't show it.
Acting was an exhausting endeavor.
For those who still weren't smiling, Gyeo-ul offered them a smile.
"Everyone, did you have a good breakfast?"
Cheerful answers sprang up from everywhere, creating a pleasant harmony. They all seemed considerably brighter. In its dual meaning, not only were their expressions brighter, but their complexion had also improved, and they looked cleaner than before.
Being protected by Gyeo-ul, the most influential individual among the refugees, meant that other organizations wouldn't dare lay a hand on them. There was no longer a need to defend themselves with feigned poverty and deliberate filth.
The women, in particular, were intimidating. Released from basic survival instincts, their desire for beauty exploded, and they washed and groomed themselves with fervor regardless of their age. Despite experiencing this countless times, it was always an adjustment to see. It was a man's limitation. Nonetheless, it was pleasing to the eyes.
Before getting into full operations, it was necessary to decide on a name for the community. With his position as a leader firmly established, he could exercise the system's community management rights. He had told people to think of appropriate names.
Although he could unilaterally decide and announce it, this approach seemed more fitting for Gyeo-ul. It aligned with the nature of the community he wanted to create. As everyday incidents accumulated, they influenced the members significantly. It wasn't something to overlook.
Moreover, the name of the community itself would impact members' psychology, community character, and external image. It wasn't a trivial matter.
"Have you all thought about what I mentioned? About the name of our group."
Responses poured out in a torrent. Gyeo-ul raised his hand to calm them.
"I'm sorry. It's a bit chaotic. Please raise your hand if you wish to speak."
Consequently, everyone raised their hands. Observing quietly, it seemed more about wanting to stand out rather than having a good idea. It was a mild manifestation of power, and it was all fine. If a good suggestion came up, they would adopt it. Gyeo-ul made eye contact and called names. It was a benevolent aspect of leadership.
The first person called made an energetic proposal.
"For the proud name of our organization, I propose the 'Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea'!"
The people burst into laughter. It wasn't ridicule; it was a wave of positivity. A name too grand for fewer than a hundred people, but the nostalgia felt by people suffering from the lack of a nation was tremendous. Gyeo-ul tilted his head with a vague feeling.
"The Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea? Isn't that too ambitious? And I heard the Korean government still exists in some form. Others might laugh."
"Eh... Anything grand will have a glorious end. Then how about the 'Korean National Party'?"
Although a new suggestion, it was essentially an extension of the Provisional Government. Both were independent organizations founded around Kim Gu, with the Korean National Party being the ruling party of the Provisional Government.
If decided on a name with strong national or ethnic characteristics, it would facilitate the influx or cohesion of refugees of Korean origin. However, the flip side would be that it becomes challenging to accept refugees from other countries, and they might become a target for nationalist organizations.
Of course, even Korean organizations weren't on harmonious terms. The issue of leadership would arise.
"I think it's best to avoid such names. We need people with a strong sense of responsibility, and such people are rare, right? If they exist, I want to accept them regardless of nationality. I don't want to reject others because they're from different countries, have different skin colors, or speak an unfamiliar language."
Pausing for breath, he continued.
"If someone can be of help to each other, I want to endure these difficult days together. If you all insist, I can't help it... But since you decided to join me, I hope you understand me."
Gyeo-ul wasn't this eloquent from the start. When he first experienced this world setting, he was just a boy of tender age.
However, it was virtual reality. A hedonistic imitation of reality. Provided it was a well-made imitation, most lessons reality provided could be learned in virtual reality too. The accumulated experiences were equivalent to a wealth of life experiences. Plenty of time for thoughts to mature. Thoughts matured to the point they could now be expressed without embarrassment.
In preparation for the public broadcast, he had studied many things.
Truly, many things.
Indeed, those efforts weren't in vain. The response was positive. Some were moved to tears. Though he didn't think it warranted such a reaction. It was evident how much the situation impacted people. Perhaps it was an adjustment due to affinity. Viewer messages were mostly favorable. They praised the boy's acting, likening it to watching a movie.
Outside the tent, whispered sounds were heard. The abilities enhanced by various technologies captured even the endings of sentences clearly.
Eavesdropping didn't matter. Even if there were discussions after the name was decided, there wouldn't be anything detrimental. More importantly, it was beneficial for other organizations to be certain that Gyeo-ul was the center of this small community.
"If that's the intent, how about something simple and easy to understand like 'Union'? Foreigners wouldn't find it unfamiliar, and it lacks any nationalist or ethnic shades."
Some people nodded at the suggestion. Gyeo-ul, not aiming for anything grand, also nodded.
"I'll consider it as a candidate and make a decision after hearing more."
Encouraged by the little leader's positive response, those waiting for their turn raised their hands more eagerly. It was amusing to watch, seeing how tense their raised arms were.
When a young man proposed 「Brotherhood」, a woman among them retorted, "Include the women, please."
People burst into laughter again, and since she had said it jokingly, she laughed along. The young man, scratching his head, awkwardly.
Gyeo-ul said he would also include his proposal in the list of candidates.
A woman holding a toddler spoke up, suggesting 「Children of Tomorrow」.
Because she had a child, her words carried weight. Previously, she said her husband had joined Damul Development Society, found a new woman, and abandoned her. When he first saw her, she looked much older due to her gaunt frame, but she appeared younger now. Her once broken voice had found its tone. It was nice. She would sound good singing.
Amidst this, there was someone who bewildered Gyeo-ul.
"「Gyeo-ul Alliance」?"
Thinking he misheard, he asked again and saw vigorous nodding confirming it. It was maddening. It sounded like a mafia group named after its boss. Although Korean gang names are arbitrarily named by the police, the point is it sounds like that.
However, the elderly speaker explained that his suggestion had additional reasons.
"In these precarious times for everyone, I'd like to call this the winter of humanity. With the hope that spring will inevitably come one day. From the desire to endure the cold season together, I thought 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」 was fitting."
He adjusted his cracked glasses.
"Besides, it's amusing to see our little leader flustered."
As Gyeo-ul hid his face in embarrassment, cheers erupted.
Though there were excellent suggestions like 「Kvieto」, meaning peace, calm, and stability in Esperanto, or 「Chicago Abyss」, denoting the last place of human civilization in some post-apocalyptic novel, none surpassed the support for 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」.
The hands slowly came down, and soon no one waited for their turn anymore. Regardless of age or gender, the eyes of everyone gleamed with joy. They were so bright that it was overwhelming to face them directly.
"Alright. Alright."
The boy leader raised his hands in resignation.
"You win. From today, we are the 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」."
Applause erupted. The viewers' message window was filled with laughter. Apparently, they found it amusing. People lined up to send stars as gifts. Mostly small amounts. The sentiment was appreciated. These were people who genuinely liked the boy's style.
Although the name, unintentionally tied to his face, had been decided upon, it wasn't bad looking at the results. In the future, members would frequently reflect on this moment.
The words overheard from the eavesdroppers could be easily imagined. It was vastly different from the coercive atmosphere of other organizations. Of course, those rotten to the core might see it as a sign of weakness. But it also meant that some would sway. The gains and losses entirely depended on Gyeo-ul's capabilities.
"Everyone, please pay attention for a moment."
He clapped his hands to gather attention. It quickly quieted down. If someone kept chatting obliviously, others subtly nudged them to be quiet.
This was a difficult moment. He could only hope his preparation and practice were enough. Standing before the quiet audience, Gyeo-ul began.
"With the name decided, there's another important issue we need to agree upon: our organization's decision-making process. We can't determine something ad hoc every time an event occurs."
While carefully observing the changes on the community attributes and management screen visible only to him, the boy continued.
"Let me share my thoughts on this. For everything we embark on together, I'd like to be able to make decisions, by default."
Most, enamored by the little leader, nodded. It had practically been this way until now. Moreover, they were depending on the boy unilaterally.
The dissenters were rational ones who thought anything ought to be done by consensus, and emotional ones who didn't want to acknowledge the boy.
The boy easily read them.
"I know. It's autocratic, right? But gathering opinions every time is practically impossible. Let me reiterate, it's not hard; it's impossible. What are the chances everyone will be together every crucial moment?"
A bit more agreement emerged. Gyeo-ul's support rate and power-share rate, as indicated on the management screen, also traced a slight upward curve. They could already proceed to a vote, but he decided to shake them up slightly more. Some provocative phrase was necessary. But what would be good?
Among the system-assist keywords, one caught his eye.
"As you might guess, America wants to use us as cannon fodder."
Cannon fodder. The expected reaction to his well-chosen barb came through. Disturbance. Aiming at that disturbance, Gyeo-ul drove in more realistic words.
"Mercenaries only needing meals, foreign laborers not requiring danger pay... Think about it. Why are they working so hard to package me as a hero? Because I'm a real hero? Of course not. It's about idol-making. A billboard advertising rewards for compliance."
There are times when self-deprecation can paradoxically grant authority. Maintaining a confident demeanor is crucial. While laying out the reality matter-of-factly, showing willingness not to leave it as-is forges determination. It exhibits the self-assurance that vision exists. Whether success was truly forthcoming or not, a leader must always overflow with belief. Exceptional politicians from across the spectrum mastered this art, irrespective of moral boundaries.
Despite its delicate balance, he carefully adjusted while reading and guessing at the expressions on each face.
"The ones feeding us probably aren't interested in what you think. They'll just ask for my decisions. Will you do it or not? How can I ask your permission every time?"
He didn't need to furnish evidence. It sufficed not to contrive those situations.
In communication, the content of the speech itself doesn't wield great influence. Voice, encompassing pitch, intonation, and stress, along with gestures, are more significant. This is known as the Mehrabian principle.
Gyeo-ul's rhetoric was a result of painstakingly studying, considering broadcast execution. Gyeo-ul himself was the lead actor. If intending to perform as a leader, mastering a leader's role was only natural. One has to immerse and act.
One must become someone who is not oneself.
The necessary gestures accompanied swelling emotions, enhancing the appeal.
"In short, let me restate that given the reality, it cannot be otherwise. If you can't acknowledge this, I can't fulfill my responsibilities. From the appearance I've shown you thus far, I hope to believe that you would just trust me. If it seems I'll miserably abuse my rights, or if I can't be trusted to make decisions as a leader, please say so. We can end here. For me, that's easier too. But if not, please trust me."
It emphasizes the inevitability of the situation, along with words like leader and commander. It makes it clear what you are about to choose. A choice was given—but it was only symbolic. Still, the fact that it was given at all is what matters.
Positive responses have increased. Among those who gaze with fervent eyes,
there is no trace of any leadership penalty.
He crossed the hurdle. The boy read, guessed, and confirmed the people.
It was time to drive it home. Based on what he learned, people always shouted out with strength at the end. Gyeo-ul refrained.
Here, he would do it his way, crafting a kind smile.
"How about it? Can you do it for me?"
Measured emotion, a single concise phrase. For the awaiting audience, it was one signal. He was wrongfully buried under the sound, loud enough to make his ears tingle. Wherever he looked, there were people clapping. Eyes riveted on the boy, in a good sense and bad.
Internally, a prolonged sigh of relief. It worked out well.
***
A man with glasses, who earlier proposed the 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」, raised his hand.
"I have something to say to everyone."
Given his previous remarks, it wouldn't be anything negative. Gyeo-ul gave his permission.
"Please, go ahead."
Standing, he politely nodded to those around. Especially in Gyeo-ul's direction alone, he bowed once more. It didn't look servile. His eyes showed undaunted pride. Intelligence devoid of moral separation was evident. Gyeo-ul thought he understood his nature.
"I'd first like to express my deepest gratitude to the little leader for your efforts thus far. You probably knew it. That there were many who hadn't acknowledged you. I was one of them, which is quite embarrassing. Indeed, some probably still do."
He surveyed unknown and glaring eyes identical to those Gyeo-ul had previously filtered, with a smile.
"Even so, I feel that we've only now become a family in the true sense. Not only the little leader but everyone here. Before you appeared, we were just a bunch of people with nowhere to belong. Just a group traveling together temporarily under similar circumstances. Wouldn't you agree?"
Some nodding in agreement. This man likely wielded a fair amount of influence even before Gyeo-ul arrived. If Gyeo-ul had been shaky on several fronts, he likely would have continued flying under the radar.
Inviting Gyeo-ul was the original work of Yun-cheol, who somehow appeared uneasy. Gyeo-ul thought he understood why.
When the group's scale exceeded leadership thresholds, cohesion weakened, and various problems arose. One way to overcome this was to bring in leaders with leadership qualities as executives. Having multiple subcommunities within a single community was a common phenomenon.
Humans were tools, becoming good or bad based on use.
"We've erred in failing to properly evaluate the little leader up until now. No, rather than failing, we didn't. We judged based on age, intent only on utilitarian ends. At least I was. And I'm not alone in that. That's why I wish to say this."
After a pause, he continued in a lower, steadier voice.
"Let's not repeat the same mistake. We've chosen to follow him. Don't retract it. Don't waver. No one within this camp rivals the little leader. They lack courage, embarrassing though it is, we're adults with no substance. It's rare to see entities being venerated purely based on seniority; let's discard such useless pride. At least if we can't help others with as much courage as the little leader displays."
To articulate up to this point without preparation requires considerable ability. Gyeo-ul assessed him. It likely also served his agenda. There was a hint of fawning, yet not so desperate as to appear humiliating.
Indeed, amidst the chorus of agreement, several began eyeing this man warily. Gyeo-ul deemed it fine. It was preferable to have aspirations toward a second-in-command rather than competing with Gyeo-ul directly. It signified the start of a machination among those desiring the coveted the deputy leader position, signalling a solid establishment of Gyeo-ul's foothold.
"The leader's requests weren't demanding. Even in normal democratic nations, the president exercises emergency powers during a state emergency. They sequester private properties and issue total mobilisation orders. It follows the same logic, doesn't it? Didn't he already say it was humanity's winter? Isn't it only natural that a leader should have broad powers? Especially when it's our self-elected leader."
The citizens clapped. Having reached his goal, the man satisfactorily concluded his turn.
"I've conveyed what I wished. But if permissible, could the leader give some insight into the future of our group? After all, it's the day the leader becomes the true leader. We can't help but hear the inaugural address, right?"
Gyeo-ul smiled wryly. He hadn't prepared anything more. Becoming someone else seems enough for today.
Yet he didn't take a step back. Showing reluctance while under hopeful, expectant gazes would make it anticlimactic. This likely contributed to viewers enjoying this world setting not as participants but as spectators, considering technical and economic matters too.
"Allow me to keep it brief."
Acknowledging with a nod, the boy continued, carefully choosing his words, maintaining a friendly countenance throughout.
"Our group's,「Gyeo-ul Alliance」's, top priority is survival. However, I aim for a more challenging route than mere survival. We aren't assimilating to become beasts outside; we want to live as dignified humans, because we're the ones who want it. Um, I hope that's agreeable, right?"
He concluded with a smile.
"That's all."
The atmosphere set, several people were overwhelmed and cried openly. Mostly women, though spotting tearful men wasn't devoid of challenge.
***
End of Work's Afterword---
1. Regarding answering Lasiai-ion's question, delving into Chairman Go Guncheol's mind unveils spoilers. For now, please just refer to last episode content. Didn't the chairman say that? "Born with a body, miraculously void of rejection," he said.
2. Tunguska's risky move... and overreach. Four episodes uploaded today. Now rest until Tuesday. Please give recommendations.
Clacky's Corner:
After 26 chapters, we now know the reason why Gyeo-ul was watching and studying the speeches of Toni Morrison, Sadako Ogata, Lyndon Johnson, Martin Luther King, John Kennedy, Winston Churchill, and Adolf Hitler...
They were charismatic leaders, and he's trying to emmulate their habits and speeches.