The Little Prince in the Ossuary

00032 - The Little Prince in the Ossuary

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#Upward

It had been a while since Gyeo-ul sought out the cozy darkness. The blackest weightlessness. During that time, the stars he had gathered filled the round celestial sphere. Even when starlight was scattered, nothing was touched. Every direction was just a faint void. And that was good. If there was something, one would have to deceive oneself, saying it was real.

Then, one must desperately try to cut off the ensuing thoughts.

That's right. The darkness was good. A sanctuary for the heart's rest.

Since the twenty-seventh game had started, he hadn't once sought this place.

'Because I had to become someone other than myself.'

In truth, he shouldn't have returned. Here laid Gyeo-ul, and nothing existed beyond Gyeo-ul. Hence, the boy found his original self. It was a nuisance.

Yet, he couldn't not come. The stone within his volatile heart was particularly heavy today. That weight had dragged the boy into the abyss. Gyeo-ul waited for the right moment. With time, he would naturally becosme lighter. It was a waiting he had grown accustomed to throughout his life.

Letting the torn fragments of his heart sink into quiet oblivion. The time when the inflated past turns into a small sediment—a rare method of self-consolation for the boy.

However, it was hardly sinking.

Today's festered wound was the most humiliating memory for the boy. Seldom was he treated as a complete human being in his life. But never before as thoroughly treated like an object as back then. The rage seethed like molten lava. Like a sharp, hot stone. It felt like it could explode at any moment.

He struggled to think about something else. Fortunately, there was one thing: a person who was not treated as human along with him. The sadness from that brief encounter left a deep impression. There is someone else like me in the world. I'm not the only one who lived painfully.

A slight relief from loneliness.

How long had he drifted in silent patience? There was a signal awakening the boy. Light and sound. An inhuman message reminding him it was time to return to those who sought lives beyond themselves and thus lost their consideration. Gyeo-ul sighed. The night that passed while he was mulling things over was far too short.

Still not complete.

'Can I do it?'

There was no choice.

#Negotiation, Camp Roberts (2)

Gyeo-ul had his eyes closed. Because of his still-fluttering emotions. Even standing still, it felt like the ground was rippling beneath his feet. Just a little longer until full immersion.

Three. Two. One.

The boy opened his eyes and asked quietly.

"Are you saying it's unacceptable?"

In front of him stood two people. The two people who had been waiting in front of his accommodations, Park Jin-seok and Lee Yura. Yura was shrinking in on herself, and Jin-seok was watching Gyeo-ul's reactions. It was due to the boy's earlier silence with his eyes closed. They seemed to think he was angry.

However, that character would not avoid saying what needed to be said. Jin-seok nodded.

"Yes. If it was Je-jung-hyungnim, I could understand. But not Yura. Think back to what happened at Paso Robles. It endangered everyone."

It was a protest regarding Yura being appointed as the combat leader. He argued courage and ability are separate. Jin-seok's respectful language was now quite stable. That represented Gyeo-ul's current position. The unnecessarily firm tone was likely his effort to erase the still lingering awkwardness.

"She's much better than those who only think of themselves. But we must distinguish between will and skill. I don't think Yura has the qualifications to lead anyone."

He was also ambitious because he wanted to be combat leader. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing. A person without ambition lacks drive. Thus, it was a talent. If 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」 was to avoid becoming complacent, someone like Jin-seok was necessary.

Usually, that is.

Right now, Yura shouldn't bow her head. Gyeo-ul spoke.

"Do I have the qualifications?"

"What?"

"According to your standards, wasn't I someone who endangered everyone?"

It was a direct hit. Jin-seok was greatly unsettled. Flustered to the point his face reddened.

The current Gyeo-ul had his footing, skills, and achievements. Thus, Jin-seok had to defend Gyeo-ul. But it won't be easy. In his heart, he still likely believes the decision Gyeo-ul made at Paso Robles was wrong.

Before Jin-seok could answer, Gyeo-ul turned to Yura.

"What do you think?"

Yura squirmed. Many emotions flitted across her face. Guilt and fear were the largest, followed by a lack of self-confidence. The boy waited calmly. As expected, her words were just as he anticipated.

"I'm a woman and... weak... I'm sorry. I'm grateful the little leader trusts me, but I'm not confident."

There were attentive gazes watching from nearby. The boy wasn't foolish enough to not know what they signified. Yura was aware too. No, those gazes were the pressure that had pushed her here. For Jin-seok, they were likely a source of strength.

Yura deliberated a little longer, then spoke again with trembling lips.

"It's okay if I get hurt or die. But it's not okay if others get hurt because of me. I can't handle that. I have no skills. And..."

"And?"

"Most of the people going outside are men. I think it would be much more comfortable for others if Jin-seok takes the lead over me."

"That's exactly it."

Gyeo-ul crafted a smile. Both Yura and Jin-seok appeared perplexed. Yura tilted her head in bewilderment.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Jin-seok, would you mind turning around for a moment and covering your ears?"

"What? Why...."

"Please."

It was an odd sight. Jin-seok complied, albeit reluctantly. People who had been listening from a distance as if nonchalantly, pretending not to overhear, were also pushed back a few steps by Gyeo-ul's scrutinizing gaze. They retreated further with each steady look. Awkward coughs as a bonus.

What would be said? Seeing Yura's nervousness, Gyeo-ul gently shook his head.

"No need to be tense. I'm just going to explain why I appointed you as the first combat leader. Please listen comfortably. If you still dislike it after hearing me out, I will reconsider."

"Ah! Yes, yes!"

Telling someone to listen comfortably was pointless. Yura clenched her fists and swallowed dryly. She stepped closer for the secretive conversation. Gyeo-ul thought it would gradually get better.

"You mentioned it. Mostly men go out."

"Yes, and?"

"The male-to-female ratio is an issue."

The words flowed smoothly.

"The ratio is already off. Do you know why? Because whenever something happens, it's mainly the men who step up, fight, and die. Even while evacuating to the camp, more men died. Now, they die due to external activities and clashes between factions."

In areas with high crime rates, men die more frequently. Since strength and violence are male-dominated realms, fighting and dying become their lot. A principle where better resources are simply depleted first.

Here, the refugee camp at Camp Roberts has a higher crime rate than any pre-pandemic criminal hotspot. Every gathering of refugees wanting to protect themselves is half a gang.

"It'll only get worse. The atmosphere will deteriorate as time goes on. Because mentally-sound men die quickly. People with strong consciences or a sense of responsibility are the first to face injustice, exposing themselves to danger for others. People like Jin-seok, while hastily tempered, are very rare."

Yura nodded earnestly. Even within the 「Gyeo-ul Alliance」, there were quite a few suspiciously acting men. While there were few women, the proportion was high among men. Probably because the rational men, as Gyeo-ul pointed out, were the first to die.

Capability and conscience aren't proportional.

It was the same in San Miguel. When everyone swarmed the roadside restaurant, one man floored others and stuffed his bag first.

Among the refugee applicants, he was the one with the best physical condition.

"And after it's come to that, what do you think the remaining men will start demanding from the women? That's what worries me."

Yura wore a difficult expression.

"You have a point, but it might be an unnecessary concern. There was something about women's rights strengthening when men were fewer...."

What she vaguely mentioned were cases like France or the former Soviet Union. But the refugee camps now don't apply.

"That would be difficult here. Women don't have roles to fulfill. You felt nothing looking at how other groups operate?"

Women's rights increased during wars due to maintaining societal production. But Camp Roberts had neither a proper society nor means of production.

"Oh, um..."

Yura toyed with her fingers, looking troubled. Her next words were more of a whimper.

"Even with the little leader here...you think that'll happen?"

"If enough men with sour hearts protest collectively or break away into another group? I can't handle the entire group alone. Even if I can't say it will surely happen, it's too big a risk to ignore. We need prevention."

The 「After the Apocalypse」 users sometimes deliberately caused these issues. Trying to establish polygyny or polyandry in communities. To them, this wasn't a problem but more of an objective.

Typically, it goes like this: reduce the number of men, keeping only the capable ones. This process involves a trick. Every time women go out with them, they intentionally sacrifice people. Men who are going to die anyway. Upon returning, they claim that the men died instead of the women. Some women need to die too, to instill fear among them.

Repeated lies become the truth. Community consciousness changes, and women themselves begin to limit their roles. The sacrifices that occurred become evidence. Difficult to dispute.

Men and women alike want to live. With external dangers directly eliminated, women find it easier to convince themselves. They instead give up responsibility and rights while becoming safer.

That's right. Concession leads to a transfer of power.

The AI responded to the stream of consciousness.

「AI Help (Perception Level 10): 『Community Trait – Male Supremacy』」

「Prerequisite conditions for applying this trait to a community are as follows: 『⓵ Male-to-female ratio with women exceeding 180%.』, 『⓶ At least 30% of women in the community attributed with indolence trait.』, 『⓷ Male average skill level at least 5 levels higher than females.』, 『⓸ Formation of a community opinion harmful to women.』, 『⓹ At least 80% of community members assigned conservative traits.』..........」

「If 『Community Trait – Male Supremacy』 is applied to 『Gyeo-ul Alliance』, expected effects are as follows: 『⓵ Possible implementation of polygyny.』, 『⓶ Powerful immutable downward adjustments to organizational efficiency, integrity, diversity, productivity.』, 『⓷ Powerful immutable downward adjustments to female productivity.』, 『⓸ Fatal immutable downward adjustments to female external activities in the community.』, 『⓹ Downward adjustments to the morale of men in the community.』..........」

There was no need to read any further. Almost no advantages and overwhelming disadvantages. People with several playthroughs or who had piled on DLC wouldn't struggle, but Gyeo-ul had no intention to do such. It was simply unappealing.

"I understand what the little leader wants from me."

Yura sighed, having been contemplating thus far.

"Just like you are the military's face, I have to be yours, right?"

"That's right. I honestly think only you can do it."

"It's absurd! You know how lacking I am!"

She clasped her forehead, almost in tears. Courage exists, but confidence in her ability doesn't. Therefore, her bravery manifests defensively. Since no one else would step up, she would reluctantly do so. That was the case at Paso Robles.

"I have no talent for fighting, I assure you."

"I wouldn't know."

Yura was momentarily speechless. Gyeo-ul softly continued.

"Have confidence. You volunteered to go outside, and then once again for a much more dangerous task. That is true talent. Fighting? To be honest, no one is particularly good here. They're all on the same level as I see it. It's like competition among minute differences."

"That's because your standards are sky-high, leader."

Yura was exasperated. To her, Gyeo-ul had already exceeded a normal frame of reference.

"Can't you trust my judgment? Do you not trust me?"

"Well...not really..."

She couldn't bring herself to say she didn't believe him and fell into a pouting expression again. Gyeo-ul sealed the deal.

"If it truly becomes too hard, you can quit."

"What? Really? Why? Isn't that wasting time and opportunity? You'd be taking away the chance for others to grow..."

"It's not wasteful. Do you recall when I said we needed a goat at Paso Robles?"

"What? Oh, that? Yes. But how does that..."

Gyeo-ul narrated "The King of Kurimpo" to her who found it hard to keep up with the conversation. Then, gently reassured.

"I'm serious. You can stop if it's too tough. There's always something for Yura to do. Experience is never wasted."

"Uhh..."

She held her forehead in a soft whimper before finally agreeing.

"Since you say so... I'll try."

"Ah, thank you."

Gyeo-ul brightened. Yura sighed, sighed again, and eventually followed with a smile.

"I don't know what you see in me that makes you believe so strongly, but I won't let you down."

"Yes. I appreciate your continued help."

Jin-seok still stood unmoved. Gyeo-ul tapped his shoulder softly. Jin-seok turned cautiously, surprise absent. Gyeo-ul gestured at his ears.

"You can stop covering your ears now."

"Has it ended?"

"Yeah."

Gyeo-ul stared at him intently. Jin-seok quickly averted his gaze.

The fact that he hadn't fidgeted while holding his ears, didn't flinch at a tap, and avoided eye contact first. Lastly, his expression. All clues in reading him.

You've eavesdropped.

He worried he might not overhear. He likely heard the praise for being a decent person too.

'He's probably still bothered by that incident.'

Leaving unresolved conflicts leads to dissatisfaction.

What will Gyeo-ul think of me? Now that his position as leader is firm, will he disadvantage me in the future? Such anxieties, assuredly harbored. Indecisia doesn't offer solutions and circulates into baseless resentment.

This is why so. Hidden praise works better than outright commendations.

Feigning ignorance, Gyeo-ul spoke.

"Yura being combat leader is definitive. A leader's decision I won't withdraw."

"Understood."

There was no further objection. Because he knew Gyeo-ul didn't harbor any ill will, it seemed. Based on that reaction, Gyeo-ul was further sure Jin-seok had eavesdropped. So he continued.

"Still, one thing you must know."

"What's that?"

"I said Yura was 'first'. Perhaps because it was singular, it was glossed over."

"That implies..."

Rising anticipation. Gyeo-ul nodded.

"We need to organize a volunteer platoon. I think of combat leaders like squad leaders. At least two, four according to regular structure, or more if considering rotations. I envision you being second, Jin-seok. It's currently impossible due to personnel issues today, however."

"... I'll be waiting."

A noticeably firm tone.

"If there's nothing else to address, may I go? I probably should meet folks from the 「Sumiyoshi Society」 as well."

Jin-seok grew tense.

"Be cautious."

"Certainly."

Gyeo-ul even gave an unexpected nod before leaving. Only courtesy, but still.

Yura deliberated again.

"As the combat leader, I should accompany you for protection if it's dangerous, shouldn't I?"

"I don't expect you to go that far yet. I'll only assign tasks fitted to your capability, so no worries."

"Ah, that's a relief."

Brightening up, she proceeded seriously and warned Gyeo-ul again.

"Those folks are scary. Seething with desperation."

"I should be alright. They still have their heads attached, so surely won't act against me."

"Really...."

She finally left at ease.

But there was still someone with business with Gyeo-ul.

"What's the matter, Deputy Min?"

Min Wan-gi approached quietly, cautioning in a low tone.

"Someone's been inciting Jin-seok."

"Yes, likely."

The observant gazes Gyeo-ul perceived. Those among them self-proclaimed Jin-seok supporters. Seeking influence and camaraderie.

Easily accepting, surprising Min Wan-gi.

"Even so, you promised him a combat leader role?"

"It's convenient to gather visible issues in one place. Would Jin-seok as combat leader make a fine lure?"

"..."

The boy's calm voice.

Hoo. Min Wan-gi adjusted his glasses, assessing the boy.

"The little leader is quite frightening, aren't you?"

"Well, I aim to be kind to those who can be kind and who I can afford to be. Anyway, this is all hypothetical. There won't be any cleanup."

Modest but heavy words. The middle-aged scholar laughed contentedly. He was someone who naturally sought his duties.

"Then I'll keep a close watch over both."

Gyeo-ul nodded. Yura also had the label of an executive now, drawing sincere approaches and temptations. Those wanting to befriend for vested interests.

Factions.

People and desires are indistinguishable.

---------------------------= Author's Note ---------------------------=

#The Future the Author Dreams Of

Author: You! Be my reader!

Putin: Sure lol

Clacky's Corner:
The author's notes is like a ray of sunshine to this bleak but beautiful novel.