Real-Life Reveal (5)
It was the real-life reveal I'd only heard about. I'd just heard tales of it before—this was the first time I'd actually witnessed one. It felt like peering into an archaic culture straight out of a romantic era.
Whatever this reveal stuff, as long as I come out on top online, that's all that matters.
Besides, back in my world, the ultimate trump card was 'I'll sue your ass.' Sure, suing was such a hassle for both sides that it was basically a mutual self-destruct button. And it only worked against one-sided malicious comments anyway—most cases involved shared blame, so nobody bothered. And the biggest risk? Your face gets plastered everywhere.
Just look at Blood Demon. No one even knows his face, yet he's meme fodder galore. If this reveal spirals the wrong way, getting dogpiled is fair game. Human malice doesn't vanish no matter the era or world. Hell, Earth's internet culture feels even more depraved sometimes.
It's just gotten more sophisticated in its depravity.
Anyway, moving on—I checked the video recording Cheonma's feat.
In the footage, a woman in black robes faced off against a hulking brute in tattered martial robes. The size difference was glaring. But it meant nothing; she toyed with him one-sidedly.
She's gorgeous?
The domination was impressive, but Cheonma's beauty stole the show even more. Her looks rivaled—no, surpassed—the elves dubbed the race of beauty. Add her lofty aura, and she was like a flower blooming atop a sheer cliff: untouchable amid endless perils, thorns sprouting from the stem. A perfect match for the grandeur of 'Cheonma'—in might, beauty, and presence.
And this is the one spouting boomer crap in the Gallery?
I wasn't positive this Cheonma was the same as sub-mod Cheonma. But something told me she was. Her Gallery speech, mature yet doddering, translated to dignified poise here. The wallflower vibe became regal aloofness. Even the self-praising nuance matched her stunning looks. No gap between reality and her online persona.
The only snag? Her high status or age. But that didn't matter.
ㄴHow badass is this Cheonma chick? Westerner here, clueless.
ㄴSmartMine) It's tied to Jungwon history—think Burning Books and Burying Scholars on steroids?
ㄴNo idea.
ㄴSmartMine) Beyond oppressing scholars, they straight-up exiled them. It's like a dumbing-down policy they pull in Jungwon…
ㄴWtf is that, weeaboo?
ㄴSpit a one-liner, don't gatekeep.
ㄴSmartMine) Basically, she's a fucking insanely badass lady. That work? She personally lopped off an emperor's head.
ㄴOne-liner go
ㄴThat's not a one-liner lol
ㄴJust get it thru your skull lol
'Cheonma' meant the head of Ma-gyo by definition. You can't dismiss the leader of a massive organization lightly. Positions shape people—maybe sitting on that throne altered her speech.
Her arrogance? Just overflowing confidence, really.
More importantly, I recalled her opponent: the high-nick who posted that hate pic. While the armband was gone, he'd uploaded pics of blood-soaked floors and corpses. Deleted quick, but I'd read it. And it hit me: Cheonma had killed someone who deserved it.
Time to provide some covering fire.
I messaged that without the sword I'd gifted her, she couldn't be sub-mod Cheonma. As everyone knew, Cheonma was a swordmaster. Top-tier, wielding her Man-yeonhan-cheol blade. Though bare-handed she'd dominated anyway, so the sword wouldn't have mattered.
Still, from my angle, better if her identity stayed hidden. If she ghosts the Gallery, that'd suck too.
What did it change if I saw through her? Pointless unless I escaped—and even then, no biggie. We'd been civil and respectful anonymously online. Why would reality differ?
She's my best shot at rescue, anyway.
If her identity blew up and she dipped, it'd be a disaster for me. Best to keep things normal: polite chats, advice-seeking. I eyed the Gallery exploding over Cheonma, then messaged the busiest person—her.
[YasaengGrill: Cheonma-nim. Busy?]
[Cheonma: This lady is ever at leisure. What is it?]
She'd be slammed explaining(?), yet replied instantly. Basically just spectating from afar.
I brushed off my doubts and asked about the Gallery bait.
[YasaengGrill: You the real Cheonma?]
[Cheonma: And if this lady said yes, what would you do?]
[YasaengGrill: Nothing changes. You're still my benefactor.]
[Cheonma: A most pleasing reply.]
[YasaengGrill: So... are you?]
[Cheonma: The true Heavenly Demon is far greater still.]
She's just hyping herself up. It felt that way, oddly. Forced denial or not, I let it slide. I wanted to keep friendly ties with her, after all.
[YasaengGrill: Got it. So when's the explanation? It'll burn hot till you speak up yourself.]
[Cheonma: This lady wishes to savor it now. Seeing them praise me so... it warms the heart.]
One thing was clear: she was enjoying the attention. Wary of Blood Demon meme-worship, her pre-sub-mod aggro posts... My-way-or-highway personality, yet craving user focus.
Makes sense. Even Cheonma's human. Kinda endearing, actually. And her low blows never hurt anyone—just trash talk. Leans good over evil, I'd say.
[Cheonma: Yet something concerns this lady.]
[YasaengGrill: What?]
[Cheonma: They might think this lady is the true Cheonma. Wouldn't you?]
[YasaengGrill: Possible... yeah.]
[Cheonma: And what think you? Would it change much if so?]
She just wanted to keep enjoying the Gallery as usual. She loved the platform itself.
I pondered, then replied.
[YasaengGrill: You'll clarify separately, right?]
[Cheonma: Naturally.]
[YasaengGrill: No need to worry much then. Won't change a thing.]
[Cheonma: Why so?]
[YasaengGrill: You don't know who these people are anyway, right?]
Users might know her, but she didn't know them. One-way street, not mutual. Downside: real Cheonma's rep could tarnish.
[Cheonma: Matters not. They curse the Imperial Majesty freely—why shield this lady from curses? Nay, if they dare curse to my face, I'd respect them.]
[YasaengGrill: 'This lady'?]
[Cheonma: A slip of the tongue. Worry not; this lady cares little.]
She was chill about it, but damn, she was spot-on. Gallery roasts emperors with slurs galore—Cheonma's no different. Her slurs were downright tame, even. Earth? Don't get me started. I realized nicknames could proliferate wildly here.
Sports stars back home had wild ones. Wonder if it's the same.
I'll browse later. Her anonymity seemed safe—her own fix, our rapport unchanged.
[YasaengGrill: Who's this Gold Armband guy?]
[Cheonma: My aide says he's a Blood Cult elder. Decent skill, too.]
[YasaengGrill: No match for you?]
[Cheonma: On par with that white gorilla's boss, perhaps.]
Insanely strong, huh. And she toyed with him. At her level, she'd rule Four Seasons Forest domains easy.
Shaking off idle thoughts, I turned. Kkobong was sawing away diligently.
Does Kkobong know Gold Armband?
Curious, I asked Cheonma for his name in writing. Got it, then called Kkobong.
"Kkobong! C'mere a sec!"
"?"
He dropped his sawing and bounded over. Just days ago, he'd ignore me—now he came running. Guess the glasses built trust.
"Know this guy?"
"…."
I wrote the name on the floor. He stared, then nodded knowingly and grunted at me.
"#%@#%"
"…Right, still no Korean."
"Ukki?"
"Sigh. Shit."
Gotta teach him fast. Communication barrier's killing me. Plus, routing through Cheonma's a hassle. Felt bad too.
Anyway, she translated his words verbatim.
[Cheonma: His most trusted subordinate, apparently. Groomed as Blood Cult's next heir.]
[YasaengGrill: Huge deal then. Him vanishing...]
[Cheonma: Makes those gorillas the real heirs.]
[YasaengGrill: Think Blood Cult'll hit Four Seasons Forest for them?]
Killing or grabbing the heir's critical for them. With Gold Armband—their core strength—downed by Cheonma? What could they do? Nothing, unless desperately hunting Kkobong and the boss.
[Cheonma: Can't rule it out. World's vast, crazies abound. Aide says Blood Cult nutjobs are hardcore crazies.]
[YasaengGrill: I want normals, not psychos.]
No matter how lonely, I ain't bunking with Hitler fanboys. Language barrier aside, they'd probably harm me.
Normals wouldn't touch this forest...
Earth has cultists doing wild shit—even worse here, no doubt.
I planned to monitor Blood Cult, then told Cheonma.
[YasaengGrill: Thanks for the heads-up. Posting soon?]
[Cheonma: Prepared an explanation perfect for Gallery users. Infused with your advice—expect great things.]
[YasaengGrill: Ooh, looking forward.]
What explanation warranted expectations? I tossed Kkobong a Wall Valley Pill as thanks. He devoured it happily. Ppareumbo eyed me weirdly, but I ignored it. Plenty left.
Wonder if she's posted...
While scrolling Gallery—
[This lady is Cheonma.]
An unmissable title jumped out. And it fit. Denying verbally, yet owning it? Baffled by the inconsistency, I clicked in. Laggy from traffic.
Title) This lady is Cheonma. But Cheonma? A lie. So what will you do? What can you puny worms do? Rage, curse, belittle—that's all you insects amount to, failing even to touch the heavens.
ㄴSwordTasteStar) What even lololol
ㄴThis is some bullshit lololol Cheonma my ass lololol
ㄴIf that's real Cheonma, Ma-gyo folks gon cry ;;
ㄴWtf kinda Cheonma is this lolol Just a noob
ㄴSmartMine) I'ma pretend it's not. Easier that way.
ㄴDidn't you say you're Ma-gyo?
ㄴSmartMine) Fuck no you asshole.
ㄴWhy curse tho;;
"Uh...."
One thing was certain.
She's wise as hell? Incredibly so.
