Chapter 159
Chapter 159
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 159
Chapter Title: 78. Photo (1)
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As the weather thawed, it wasn't just the ice that melted.
The final thread of patience snapped.
According to the reporter, armed groups had launched attacks on government facilities around Christmas.
There had been protests and violent incidents targeting government buildings before, but this assault was on another level entirely—in terms of the attackers' professionalism and the quality of their equipment.
Over ten mortars rained shells into the government district, ringed by barbed wire and concrete walls. Sporadic firefights erupted, with rockets slamming into warehouses and guard posts.
I had no idea how many casualties there were, but it was certain that five minutes of mortar barrages had claimed dozens of lives.
Rumor had it that inside those walls at the time, a select few elites were throwing a Christmas party.
People pointed to the growing militarization of the shelters as the backdrop for the group assault.
After Yang Sang-gil's downfall, citizens had demanded a new representative to replace him, but the Incheon government responded with the same vague answers as always, dragging their feet and buying time.
The citizens, burned one too many times already, refused to tolerate it any longer. Forces formed within individual shelters.
The old government would never have stood for it, but now their power wasn't what it used to be—they just watched it happen.
The rumor circulating on Failnet was that some of these militarized shelters had received weapons from the Legion faction and carried out the attack.
Currently, Incheon's streets were locked down by tanks, helicopters, and armored vehicles controlling key points with ironclad security... but who knew.
Another cold snap was forecast, and could they really maintain this level of vigilance then?
Online sentiment was just as sour.
Adding fuel to the fire, the attack's vanguard was none other than Dongtanmom—Baek Seung-hyeon—already infamous worldwide.
Dongtanmom had started spilling her China tale.
She recounted the facts of her ordeal matter-of-factly, but her intent was obvious.
To condemn the government for dumping hundreds of thousands in China.
She hadn't gotten to the China part yet, but the intensity would ramp up soon enough.
Her exposé would fan the flames of rage scorching all of Incheon.
A very Baek Seung-hyeon move.
Keeping his mouth shut until the moment he deemed advantageous, then opening it.
Hundreds of Failnet-style comments flooded his post—a spectacle unto itself.
No need to even look.
Pure rage, hatred, the roar of an explosion on the verge.
Honestly, this should have happened last year.
When the pioneer fleet abandoned people and so many froze to death—it should've blown up then.
Call it the uniquely Korean patience, or gentleness. That trait bought them another year, but now even that leniency has hit rock bottom.
By this time next year, the Incheon government probably won't exist anymore.
Unless they pull off some drastic measure, but I doubt it.
Separate from Korea hurtling toward its end, Viva! Apocalypse! was gearing up for a grand year-end event.
A photo exhibit to wrap up the year.
Photos, huh.
Definitely a lower barrier to entry than lives.
Content on the scale of Baek Seung-hyeon's—backed by video pros, killer backdrops, and sheer volume—is tough for a solo user like me to compete with.
With just a camera and decent subjects, anyone can try photos. Compared to Dongtanmom jacking up expectations with her lives, it's way more accessible.
But lower barrier means more competitors.
Anyone and everyone can jump in.
Photos might even lure out elderly users who rarely post.
And sure enough, plenty of old-timers are photography pros.
"......"
Obviously, SKELTON couldn't sit out a global festival like this.
At least online, I'm a very proactive guy.
Traditionally hot photo subjects: historic buildings, kids, animals, nature.
Reflect the era, and the value skyrockets.
Think of m9 pre-war: obvious.
At John_nenon's meetup that day—the barbecue joint where m9 just ate raw meat without grilling—he was your average dimwit.
But apocalypse m9, surviving alone in a leaning apartment? I don't know the guy, but he's treated like a legend.
The keyword for this photo contest is probably the era itself.
This doom we all share—our civilization and fate—will be the decider.
Come to think of it, I once snapped some photos that blew up.
When the colossal beast appeared, I caught Rebecca and Soo holding hands, their backs to the dispersing particles as it vanished.
In that two-year-old shot: family, kids, stunning backdrop, the times, even universal beauty.
Two years ago me? Not bad.
But is this enough?
This quality could win.
A colossal vanishing at midnight amid swirling glowing particles? Rare as hell.
Plus Rebecca and Soo—mother-daughter perfection.
But a win like that? Kinda lacks punch.
Now's me could do better.
Even I admit my emotions are richer now.
Crafting a masterpiece to tug every Viva! Apocalypse! user's heartstrings—far surpassing my old rep—should be doable.
Subject's the issue.
Can't summon a colossal like two years ago.
Need something to top past-me without one. Anything good?
As I pondered endlessly, the comms buzzed.
Defender.
I let out a shallow sigh before answering.
Guess it's time for him to go.
Bittersweet, but inevitable.
I'll see him off with a smile, I thought, picking up.
"Yeah, what's up."
"SKELTON."
It was Dajeong calling.
I asked cautiously.
"You leaving now?"
"Nah, sticking around a bit."
"Oh?"
"SKELTON, got time?"
"Time?"
"Yeah. Wanna head to Seoul with us?"
"Seoul?"
The barren ruins—that's all left of the city where I was born and raised—flashed in my mind.
"Why Seoul?"
"To take photos."
*
Seoul.
The capital, now a ghost town, abandoned by all.
Definitely romantic subject matter.
Dajeong's plan: treat the empty streets as a set, snap a bunch of shots.
For the Photo! Apocalypse! contest hosted by Melon Mask.
And hey, get some pics of us too.
"Memories fade, but photos last. When else we gonna carve out time like this?"
Come to think of it, I'd never taken photos with these guys.
"Departure day's set—might be our last. Day trip sightseeing can't hurt, right?"
Day trip tourism.
Not a bad idea.
And I've got the perfect ride.
Vrooooom—
The Hummer from Rebecca and Soo.
It guzzles gas like mad, but I've got plenty.
Plus.
"Whoa, what the hell?!"
The Defender siblings reacted exactly as hoped.
"No joke."
"SKELTON looks extra cool today?"
"......A car worthy of hubby."
Cars are always a good look.
"Where'd you get this?!"
"From those US military buddies next door."
"They gave you this? Big spenders......"
While Dajeong gawked, Defender inspected every inch seriously, then smacked the hood.
"Not bad. Solid. Engine's a bit noisy, though."
I eyed them both.
"Who stuck the heart on?"
I was curious.
Who did that cutesy heart on my Christmas tree?
Thought it was Dajeong, but no.
Dajeong snuck a glance at Defender.
"......You?"
"Sorry."
Defender answered with his murderously blank face.
"Ah."
But there's one more.
Lurking behind, gauging the mood.
I knew without looking.
Heo Jong-cheol, mooching off the Defenders.
Sensing my gaze, Defender asked permission.
"SKELTON, sorry didn't mention earlier. Need a photographer. Wanna preserve pics of us three.
One photog's a must. Plus, this guy's an Awakener, as you know. Killer at spotting ambushes. He pulled some weird shit before, but deep down, good guy. Deep down."
Defender rattled off Heo Jong-cheol's "benefits" like that restaurant wall poster on "duck meat virtues."
Amused by his uncharacteristic rapid-fire rambling, I replied casually.
"Fine by me."
No grudge against Heo personally.
World's warped him, like the 18th batch—Heo, Defender.
His thinking wasn't entirely off: kill everyone in Incheon, and the rest live safe. Theoretically sound, at least.
Plus, he seemed remorseful now.
Remorse or not, probably our last meet.
Might face as enemies someday, but what's one more?
I kinda wanted a three-shot of me, Defender, and sis lined up. Good vibes only.
At my okay, Heo bowed 90 degrees, apologizing fervently.
"S-Sorry for not recognizing you before!"
"Nah, it's cool. Relax."
"No, but that famous pro......"
I chuckled at him.
"World's all going to hell anyway. Does it matter?"
And so the trip began.
The whitewashed Hummer roared toward the ruined capital, churning packed snow with mighty engine growls.
Defender had a truck, but Hummer for the thaw.
Surprisingly fragile in cold compared to my bike, and thaws mean people stir.
People means looters and killers too.
Hummer shrugs off stray bullets.
Blocks the riskiest wild cards.
As scenery whipped past the window, I asked Defender.
"So, when you heading to the Legion?"
"January 2nd."
"Day after tomorrow."
"Yeah."
"All packed?"
"Yep. Just show up."
Defender rode shotgun.
Relaxed seat, but sharp eyes scanned relentlessly for threats. Back seat: Heo and Dajeong, well-spaced.
Still on bad terms.
Heo snuck peeks but no complaints.
Guy might like Dajeong.
"Put on some music? Get in vacation mode?"
Dajeong suggested from behind.
Me and Defender ignored.
Even on a trip, blasting tunes crosses the line.
Seoul ain't safe.
No people, but newtypes roam.
The meatballs and caterpillars I named.
Plus infamous for all sorts of grotesque mutations.
Hope they're all frozen dead, but life's not that kind.
Better safe.
Real life's got one life, unlike games.
Half excitement, half vigilance, the Hummer hit Seoul.
A half-smashed megabuilding loomed over a frozen lake, abandoned amusement park a touch melancholic.
Click—
Gear up, hop out.
"No people around. No mutations either."
Heo scanned with his faintly glowing eyes.
Secure, then Dajeong disembarked.
"Damn, even here it's done for."
She gazed nostalgically.
"Never came much—too pricey."
"Shoot here?"
Nice vibe.
That half-collapsed megabuilding screams impact.
"Not bad spot."
Today's director: Dajeong.
She squinted around, dissatisfied, then beamed.
"Subway?"