Illegal Dumping (4)
I heard all sorts of stories from Judaek and Cheonma. Most of them were about trash illegal dumping. Judaek had dumped without even bothering with separation(?), and Cheonma had tried to sort it but the trash came walking in on its own two feet. You could argue it's too much to treat people like garbage, but they deserved it. One side was a bunch of parasitic scum that had been rotting the country from within, and the other was a group of murder demons who killed people at every opportunity.
Seeing this, El Dorado seems better by comparison.
Cheonma told me that the Blood Cult had plundered countless villages just for this operation. They even implanted suicide bombs in slave porters to buy time. I don't know if those bombs would work inside the Four Seasons Forest, but they were definitely trash. If things went south, they'd use the porters as shields to escape—that was their plan.
Scary bastards all around.
The problem is we don't know if these people are dead or alive.
El Dorado's criminals are better off, at least. Most of them are old, and with Ludwig standing guard like a tank, they won't pull any stunts even if they make it here.
"Uncle. What'll you do if the people you banished come here?"
"$#%^&&." [He says he'll shove them across the river.]
We'll ship them back across the river before they try anything. They were supposed to be executed anyway, so whether they live or die is none of my business. This isn't some prison for vicious criminals, and I have zero intention of showing mercy.
Still, just in case, I removed all the nearby signposts. I wanted to destroy the bridge too, but disposal would be a hassle, so I left it.
Their survival odds are damn near zero.
Even Ludwig would've died ages ago without his Mithoricon sword. Them surviving without any support? No chance. The Blood Cult remnants are the only ones with a shot, thanks to their martial arts.
According to Cheonma's explanation, the Blood Cult had invented a new technique specialized in strengthening external power. You might think it's useless since you can't use mana inside here, but it's different. Their method converts all internal power into external power. Instead of gathering it in the dantian, they spread it throughout the body, storing it in muscles and bones.
[YasaengGrill: Is that even possible? Storing it in bones and muscles instead of the dantian?]
[Cheonma: It's just that the efficiency is abysmally low, not that it's impossible. But the Blood Cult showed signs of human experimentation. They must've improved that efficiency, even if just a little.]
Basically, that's how it is. It shows how much the Blood Cult threw everything into this. They get beaten like a punching bag in the Gallery, but in terms of sheer viciousness, they're unmatched.
And Ma-gyo took care of that Blood Cult.
It was a post that went up in the Gallery. A video of the real-life Cheonma—not the sub-mod one—wiping out the Blood Cult remnants. It spread like wildfire since Judaek was away briefly.
Her overwhelming power was one thing, but her stunning beauty played a huge role too. Photos and videos usually fail to capture true looks, but not with Cheonma.
That's why the Gallery's such a mess...
The aftermath was the problem. Posts worshiping Cheonma sprang up everywhere. She was flawless, so it was inevitable. Well, this is just Gallery reactions—reality might differ.
Title) Cheonma is My Wife (Photo of Yuso Wol massacring the Blood Cult)
Disagree and you're wrong lol
Your face ain't getting roasted?
Why would I roast it?
No counterarguments. lmao
Cheonma) This lady has no husband yet.
Fake, get lost.
Cheonma) What if this lady is the real Cheonma?
Show your face and I'll believe it yeah
Cheonma) This lady's visage is not for casual viewing.
She's ugly lol
Hey, no-flaws-mod. Go grow some plants.
As expected of the Gallery, it birthed side effects that weren't quite side effects. Some posts crossed lines but got deleted fast. Probably Cheonma banning them. The Gallery's gonna buzz with Ma-gyo talk for a while.
Not a big deal for me.
Wait, no. She really is the Cheonma.
I couldn't say it had nothing to do with me. Now that I'd realized she was the real Cheonma. She hadn't outright said it, but the evidence pointed to 99% certainty. Wiping out the Blood Cult remnants was proof. Plus, she'd told me directly about it.
That made me even more curious. Why reveal her identity indirectly after hiding it so long?
[Cheonma: Because this lady failed to keep her promise to you.]
[YasaengGrill: Promise?]
[Cheonma: You showed this lady only kindness and grace, yet did this lady not put you in danger? Thus, this lady wished to apologize.]
The reason was simple: guilt. If she'd handled everything, she'd have glossed over it. I briefly wondered when I'd made a promise with Cheonma, but let it slide from above.
[YasaengGrill: Don't beat yourself up. They probably won't make it here anyway.]
[Cheonma: This lady broke her promise, yet you forgive?]
[YasaengGrill: I don't even remember any such promise; Anyway, what're you planning next? You'll be busy with Ma-gyo stuff for a bit.]
[Cheonma: Ma-gyo affairs can be left to my aides. This lady will cultivate the herb you gave her.]
Her aide must have it rough. And with Cheonma as boss, no slacking off. Gallery and reality might differ, but Cheonma seems... pretty much the same.
This person talks like that in real life too.
The videos and photos oozed dignity. A bit surprising she'd use the Gallery, but the world's wide. No harm in getting closer, and I wasn't planning to mooch off her.
[YasaengGrill: Good luck ahead. Let me know if you need anything.]
[Cheonma: First, this lady asks you. You've realized this lady is Cheonma.]
Cheonma paused a bit, then asked carefully.
[Cheonma: What do you think of this lady?]
[YasaengGrill: Nice, pretty, and strong?]
Easy question. Didn't matter who Cheonma was. Same for anyone else. Trapped in the Four Seasons Forest, Gallery high-nics were my real people.
[Cheonma: That's all? Not scared or intimidated...? Nothing?]
[YasaengGrill: If you came to the Four Seasons Forest, yeah.]
[Cheonma: Ah.]
That single "Ah" held a world of emotions. She went silent for a while, then messaged.
[Cheonma: This lady still has far to go. This lady prides herself on knowing martial arts better than anyone, yet people remain difficult.]
[YasaengGrill: Honestly, I kinda wanna worship you.]
[Cheonma: Truly?]
[YasaengGrill: If you came to the Four Seasons Forest.]
[Cheonma: Huhu. This lady wants to say something harsh but will hold back.]
A bit of teasing, and Cheonma seemed relaxed. I typed a message then deleted it. Considered saying she's insanely pretty, but that'd be too thirsty.
[YasaengGrill: Looking forward to working with you.]
[Cheonma: Someday, this lady swears to show you the outside sky.]
Chat with Cheonma ended. Pretty meaningful. I closed the Gallery and headed out.
Outside, Kkobong was roasting sweet potatoes, surrounded by Wonmo, Tyrano, and even Largo all cozy together.
"Kids. Time to work. Gotta build the drying shed."
"Just one bite."
"You'll get fat for real."
The kids are hooked on sweet potatoes lately. It's been nonstop since winter. Wild sweets are rare, I guess. Honey's too sweet; potatoes hit just right.
They won't get diabetes, right?
Animals with diabetes sounds funny, but can't ignore it. Once snack time ended, we started on the drying shed.
Candles are good for dehumidifying.
Heard that from PassingDwarf. Candles and newspaper work great. And it's just for drying jujubes anyway—no need for anything fancy. Summer's coming soon too.
Just do the frame and call it.
We finished the frame with the crew and took a break. Gallery time during breaks is tradition. Probably all Ma-gyo chatter.
[Time to pick a Galju, no?]
"Hm?"
Digging through concept posts, I spotted one with huge recs. About picking a Galju. Curious, I jumped in.
Title) Time to pick a Galju, no?
Gallery's been active lately, think we need a Galju.
Yeah, never had one till now.
Unusually quiet lol
Galju. Short for Gallery Lord. Galleries/communities are themed, so the most related or famous person becomes Galju. Think of it as the symbol. Means they're that renowned.
Wonder who the previous Galju was?
Curious, I commented.
YasaengGrill) Who was the last Galju?
Wi Ho Chang
YasaengGrill) ;;;
Wi!
Ho!
Chang!
That's why the Blood Cult grew ㅇㅇ
But Blood Cult's smashed now, so irrelevant.
Before Wi Ho Chang it was Immortal King lol
SaryeongSul-eun Sarang-ida) Seems I was famous after all.
Uncle stay out. Blood Demon and Immortal King as Galju? What kinda Gallery is this? I was dumbfounded, chuckling dryly, when someone commented.
Honestly, this era's Galju is obvious, right?
Yeah, same.
Don't know? You're screwed lol
World's in chaos cuz of him lol
No complaints if he becomes Galju ㅇㅇ
These comments made me uneasy. I recalled what a Galju is. Something the Gallery chews, tears, tastes, and enjoys whenever. In short, a punching bag. Gets hit for doing nothing.
YasaengGrill) Sorry, but I don't wanna be Galju.
Your opinion doesn't matter, ok?
YasaengGrill) wtf why no say?
Cuz it's the Gallery lol
If you hate it, don't do Galju-worthy stuff lol
Judaek. Start the vote quick. New Galju-sama has arrived.
Cheonma) This lady wants to be that Galju too.
Talking about Cheonma? Sorry, but Grills has more influence.
Yeah, even if Cheonma flies and crawls, she's way behind Grills lol
Caught a dinosaur? No? Then shut up lol
Cheonma) Convincing. Must strive harder.
YasaengGrill) Wait, why accept it?
In this escalating unease, someone dropped the finishing touch.
Don'tAbandonHero) Hm! Time to vote right away! Gotta pick a Galju!
YasaengGrill) Teacher?
Don'tAbandonHero) Everyone's cheering for Grills-nim!
YasaengGrill) Feels like high-level koroshi tho?
Grills. No need to be shy.
Just reveal your face already.
Wait, didn't he eat that Pumpkin Jack inner core? That face?
Yeah, use that lol
My opinion? Casually ignored. I gave up. Whatever happens. Being Galju could draw attention. More eyes might mean more helpers.
Title) Galju Vote!
Don'tAbandonHero Voting for Galju! Candidates: one person and two beasts!
1. YasaengGrill 2. Wonmo 3. Tyrano That's it!
Why weird ones included?
Don'tAbandonHero) They're cute!
Agreed.
Wonmo and Tyrano added outta nowhere, but no biggie. Time passed, vote started...
Title) Vote Over! Results!
Don'tAbandonHero 1. YasaengGrill: 11% 2. Wonmo: 49% 3. Tyrano: 40%
Wonmo-nim is the Galju of this era! Give her a big round of applause!
Genius!! Knew it! Our cute Wonmo!!
Better than some dark dude lol
Wanna see Wonmo pics asap hehe
Can I spam Wonmo face without ban?
SwordTasteStar) Wonmo's definitely popular.
StarlightPrincess) Wish I had a pet like Wonmo...
SunForever) lmao so much to say but holding back.
Defying all expectations, Wonmo became Galju. I was stunned but called her.
"...Wonmo."
"Kyuu?"
"Let's take a pic."
Can't let this slide.