The Birth of the Maelmang Gallery
A few days had passed since the meteors fell and the zombies appeared. Society was starting to stabilize, bit by bit. Or could you even call it that? It was more like the people who were going to die had died, and the survivors were forming a new society under new rules. With so many dead, it felt like outright riots were hard to come by anymore. Kind of like how a place that's already been bombed doesn't get hit again.
Still, it felt more stable than the early days when looters were ransacking everywhere. 'Crimes like that need some kind of social foundation to even happen.' Most civilians who banded together at supermarkets ended up as zombie chow. Guess they weren't big internet users. That said, some folks had formed groups with people they knew. I heard some apartments had organized by building unit. Wherever you go, numbers equal power. Even in this apocalypse.
Of course, how long that lasts without food is anyone's guess.
"Hmm, about this much."
Compared to them, I was living pretty comfortably. My Siwoo's Bunker was thoroughly prepared, stocked to the brim with supplies. No headaches over food or water anytime soon. The freezer was packed with meat and ingredients, shelves full of canned goods and emergency rations.
These days, my routine was waking up when I wanted, working out, then lounging around reading novels. Preparation directly ties to survival, obviously. I even felt a swell of pride for my past self who'd prepped all this.
"Haa, but time still drags no matter what."
I'd thought about starting a farm or picking up a new hobby later, but with looters still everywhere, it felt too risky. To others, I'd look like a walking golden goblin. So the good boy Siwoo decided to keep his distance from people and light up his own future.
"Munch munch, these military MREs are surprisingly decent."
Still, eating alone like this got the thoughts flowing. Was there really no way to stop or prepare for this? If I'd spread the word about the apocalypse more aggressively, could I have reduced the casualties? But those thoughts always ended in 'NO'.
'No one would have believed me anyway.' Even if the world suddenly turned into a game, hardly anyone would've bought it. People were calling the countdown in the sky a North Korean plot, for crying out loud. Plus, being that proactive would've put me in danger—IP tracking, fake government agents, all that. Plenty of dangerous types gunning for my info.
I'd like to help others if I could. But if it risks my life? Eh... In a world where being a good guy just means getting screwed, a jaded adult like me knows better.
"...If I'd done that, I wouldn't be eating this leisurely right now."
Being cooped up in the bunker must be stirring up random thoughts. Maybe head out for a walk soon? My brain was thinking that, but my body had already flopped onto the soft bed.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
The CCTV screen lit up with the rhythmic alarm. Security is essential for safe living. My bunker was fortified better than anything SeSco could dream of. The cameras everywhere pinged if anything showed up outside. No thanks to dying clueless inside.
"Hmm, just a zombie?"
The screen showed a zombie shambling around. Not all zombies travel in packs—sometimes you get these lone 'loner zombies' wandering sadly. Of course, plenty of idiots die stupidly to blind ones like that, so no slacking. Especially unarmed civilians, but—
"......Perfect for post-meal exercise."
Today's dessert... er, post-meal treat. Zombies are dangerous, sure, but you can't just run forever. You'll face them eventually. Better to fight early, rack up experience. Otherwise, in a real pinch, you die without swinging once. I'd sparred zombies before to keep my edge. Felt just like the game. A solo one like this? Bring it.
'Plus, having one loitering by the house isn't fun.' If it leaves on its own, fine. But if it settles in and calls friends? Total pain, like mold that won't scrub off.
-Creak.
Grabbing my new beloved axe—instead of my smartphone—I headed out. Sneaking up, it didn't notice. I kicked a can with a rock inside nearby.
"Kraa?"
Zombies have poor vision but decent smell and super-sensitive hearing. As it turned, my axe smashed its neck.
-Crack!!
Dull bone-crunching, neck twisting grotesquely. Axe is more for smashing than slicing. Its head spun like a top into the sky. Body flailed late, then collapsed with it.
"Hmm, about this."
Malnourished, maybe? Skinny. I could handle a dozen like this. A well-fed zombie or monster? No way this easy.
You have acquired 10 Points.
The point alert chimed as it died. Just like the Last Day system. Little things like this really drove home that the world had become a game. Points buy stuff from the Shop. Problem? Prices jacked up 5-10x.
'A crappy bread chunk costs three zombies? Skrull would pay better.' Three zombies for one bread? Bad math. I caught it easy thanks to prep. Average Joe risks life for one, assuming armed adult male. The test bread I bought? Tasted like ass. Only for desperation.
'Reality harsher than the game. Still gotta farm 'em.' People must've noticed zombies drop points by now. Hunter groups targeting zombies or humans could pop up anytime. Haven't seen any yet, luckily.
'No internet makes this annoying.' Used to gauge outside just from communities. Now? Scout yourself.
As I felt that pang of regret—
The only community left in this world!
Maelmang Gallery invites you!
****
After disposing the zombie corpse and returning to the bunker, I sat on the bed, but my excited heart wouldn't calm.
"...What the hell is this?"
A blue window floated before me. Sadly, no webnovel protag status screen. This was precisely the Maelmang Gallery.
'......And that means what?' Even a hardcore vet like me never saw this in Last Day. New update for Earth server? Anyway, a new world I didn't know had unfolded.
Feeling a slight thrill, I entered the screen.
Maelmang Gallery
The screen mimicked some internet site parody. No activity yet, not even one post. Thought it was new, but the real reason was—
Posting requires 20 Points.
Commenting requires 5 Points.
"What, even this has a paywall?"
Posts and comments both cost points. Not a big deal for me. Plenty of others probably have enough. But who'd burn points on bullshit in this mess? Everyone's probably lurking, gauging.
How much time passed? Finally, the first post went up.
Like a starting gun, comments flooded in.
Once mouths opened, everyone chimed in. People used to yap 24/7 online via smartphones. Suddenly no outlet? Must suck. Sharing eased anxiety too. Despite 30 points total cost, posts piled up.
Mostly survival check-ins, family searches, nonsense. Some seriously sharing tips. As a vet, I considered posting... but then.
You have met the conditions and unlocked a Trait!
Looks like that's not for me right now.