Chapter 143
Chapter 143
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 143
Chapter Title: 73. Armband (1)
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Unicorn 18's live stream didn't offer any clear resolution. It only sparked countless controversies and questions.
The video itself was so unstable and consisted of nothing but fragmentary hints that only a tiny fraction of viewers could grasp its true meaning.
To give you an idea, setting aside the stale CG debates, even the blurry image of Hallasan Mountain in the middle led to endless arguments over whether it was Hallasan or Baekdu Mountain, or whether Unicorn 18 had a male or female voice.
In truth, for anyone unfamiliar with Jeju Island's situation, recognizing it as Jeju isn't easy at all.
Instead of the familiar citrus groves, stone harubang statues, lush green forests, mountains, and seas of a warm southern island paradise, what unfolded was a landscape of concrete barriers, bunkers, fortresses, and scorched black earth. Few could confidently say, "That's Jeju Island."
Decisively, Unicorn 18—the one who released the video—went right back to spamming nonsense comments like always, maintaining that infamous 20:1 reply-to-post ratio from the peanut gallery.
Anyway, it's a fact that Unicorn 18 posted such an important video on Viva! Apocalypse! that it got selected.
According to Viva_bot, the final approval for live material comes from Melon Mask, so this means it got Melon Mask's endorsement.
And there's only one reason Unicorn 18 uploaded that live stream.
To separate us from the Failnet users who spam begging posts and whiny complaints to the point where board life is impossible.
Viva_bot even promised to block Failnet if live material was provided.
Yet nothing changed even after Unicorn's stream.
They say thousands die every day in Incheon from cold and malnutrition, and a similar number from shootouts between refugee camps. But honestly, what can we do about it? We don't even want to know that truth.
What we want is a peaceful haven for us doomers.
With no answers in sight, I messaged Viva_bot about it.
I wasn't the only one; Viva_bot posted in the admin chat window.
It's easy to tell our Viva_bot isn't the most diligent part-timer—just chat for a minute.
Sure enough, she tossed aside her promise like an old rag.
Instead, her "solution" was...
In short: deal with it yourselves. Utterly irresponsible.
But this response from Viva_bot contained an element no Korean could just brush off.
"...Board keeper?"
It hit like a thunderbolt, snapping everyone to attention.
People think alike.
Other users showed interest in the novel concept too.
This is a problem.
No—this board keeper system will bring more drastic change to the board than anything we've seen before.
Board admins, selected from users.
As Berkut put it, it's a petty, vile idea to exploit users for free labor. But what country is South Korea?
Put an armband on someone, and they'll eat shit if you ask. They're everywhere.
Just look at the board. A few already.
Chaos erupted.
Total fucking mayhem.
If these inhuman bastards get the armband, the hellscape unfolds like a panorama before my eyes.
"..."
One thing's certain.
If a board keeper emerges from these inhuman types, an innocent oldbie like SKELTON could get unjustly banned for no reason.
I could get exiled from my soul's oasis.
Leaving like John_nenon or Defender because public opinion turns? Fine.
I'd own my mistakes.
But getting chased out by someone else's malice against my will? Unacceptable.
My eyes naturally turned to Viva_bot's fingertips.
I watched intently, eyes burning, for how the soon-to-be-introduced board keepers would be selected.
Half a day later, Viva_bot posted a new notice.
Viva! Apocalypse! Korean Board New Board Keeper Recruitment Guidelines
📍 Quota: 1 person
⏰ Powers: Block malicious users (max 72 hours), edit/delete malicious posts, promote low-like posts to popular, etc.
🎁 Selection: Apply, then vote; top vote-getter appointed board keeper
"..."
Perfect admin powers.
Delete and edit.
Even the unexpected power to boost unpopular posts.
I stared at my hazy reflection on the monitor.
"Gotta do it, right?"
And answered.
"Of course."
I'd never been interested in armbands.
No class president runs in elementary, no student council stuff in school.
Honestly, wearing one means hassle, unwanted responsibility, criticism.
Back in school, my only goal was honing monster-killing skills—no side distractions.
But if having or not having that armband affects my remaining days, I'll grab it by any means.
Viva! Apocalypse! Korean Board - Board keeper applicants so far: 8.
List as follows:
Applications are free, so unknowns appear.
Like Anonymous 1031, Dolsingman, Anonymous 424.
I've chatted with Dolsingman and Anonymous 424 once or twice—no real threat.
Berkut_break's a nobody too, but he's been clustering with similar snobs in board corners, forming a clique with baseless debates.
The real threat is Dies_irae69.
Even while blocked, he steadily absorbed users low on supplies or lonely.
This cunning ex-military formed a gang of at least 30.
Could call him the biggest faction leader.
But he's known as a group leader, not a personal brand.
His votes won't exceed his gang.
Most famous candidate? Probably m9.
No one in Korea doesn't know him; he's a symbol of the nation's fate, in a way.
Legion faction controlled Seoul, supplied him food and goods—tribute or support, who knows.
He's a freak, but undeniably popular. Won't deny that.
m9. A strong opponent.
Dongtanmom, once a mere aggro user, skyrocketed to global star after China.
If picking one with most dramatic change on Viva! Apocalypse!, it'd be my senior Baek Seung-hyeon, no one else.
Dunno if she has content creation talent.
Rumors her wife (Baek's) was ex-YouTuber, but Baek handles the China content—credit to him.
Dongtanmom. Another to watch.
Against them, SKELTON seriously has a career flashier than all combined.
Call me biased, but a giant who dominated an era.
Unfortunately, can't reveal my identity easily.
Woo Minhee's here, plus possibles like Kang Hanmin or Na Hyein.
Won't show Professor.
Must beat these tough foes with just the SKELTON brand.
But SKELTON's brand... not very populist.
Like neighborhood hole-in-the-wall diner vs. one-table restaurant by Cordón Bleu chef.
Some gourmet fans get me, but my brand's an acquired taste.
"What? You're running for the armband too?"
I contacted Dajeong.
Might miss her if she moves.
Hiding disappointment, I asked her opinion.
"Be honest. Real talk. Think I'll win?"
"Absolutely not."
"Why?"
"Why? SKELTON's unpopular. Objectively unlikeable."
Felt okay about her moving now.
Ended call quick, checked board vibe.
Still dominated by "ㅇㅇ" Failnet beggars.
Save us, help us.
Probably plunderers faking it.
Real desperate folks have no time for this.
Incheon's doomed, so powerful gangs eyeing bunkers for mass move.
Post-Yang Sanggil fall, Incheon gov's hands off.
No word from Woo Minhee since.
She pops on board sometimes—means even she can't do shit.
Unicorn 18 said good news come spring. Doubt it; this winter feels endless.
Christmas hasn't passed.
Early December.
"......"
Any way?
To overcome disadvantage, win multiple users' votes at once for SKELTON.
In reality, could bribe with food/booze. But internet world.
Worst: armband vote right after Viva! Apocalypse! ends.
Means make live content.
Good for all board users, but live...
Tough.
Can't expose myself anyway.
Even harder with possible Kang Hanmin/Na Hyein contacts.
Feels like a taboo against revealing myself rooted in my heart.
Realistic live material for me? Just mutation hunts at best.
But hunting exposes Park Gyu identity.
Stuck in agonizing days when sudden incident.
Failnet stopped.
End of <73. Armband (1)>