Chapter 82
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 82
Chapter Title: Lakeside Night, Fort Roberts
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#The Haste of the Crucian Carp (2)
「9th Grade Civil Servant: Came into this channel after seeing it featured on the relay portal main page... but something feels off...」
「9th Grade Civil Servant: Went through from the early broadcast footage to now, syncing the digest of key sections, but no matter how I look, there are no sex scenes. Am I the weird one? What do you guys think?」
「Pizza Is Obvious: Same here. Even sorted by satisfaction level, it's all rated for teens.」
「Dongmakgol Smigol: Come on, who gets afterlife insurance and doesn't fuck around?」
「Appsooni: Hing. Really no banging? The host matches my tastes. Seems like good acting, and unlike other hosts, he creates situations worth immersing in. Wanna eat him up quick. ^_^」
「Sweet Mocha: Yeah yeah. Seems nice but not purely nice. How to put it? Half adult? Anyway, got this dual charm. Feels like two flavors ♡」
[Sweet Mocha gifted 30 stars.]
「Olympic Gold in Insanity: Ask the ones who've been watching from before. Anyone, step up.」
「Storm224: Welcome, newbie bastards. New crazies are always welcome!」
「Olympic Gold in Insanity: Something weird popped up. How long you been watching, punk?」
「Storm224: From the start. Call me senior.」
「Olympic Gold in Insanity: Crazy. You blind to my nickname? Wanna go all night on the Olympics with me?」
「9th Grade Civil Servant: That's enough.」
「Pizza Is Obvious: Storm224. Check the logs and you'll know what we want. Reveal your happy time bookmarks quick. If you watched from the start, you marked the spots, right?」
「Storm224: Don't have any.」
「Pizza Is Obvious: No way... You're kidding, right?」
「Sweet Mocha: For real none? ㅡㅠ」
「Storm224: Yeah, none.」
「Storm224: Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.」
「Jessica Full-Time: Hard to believe, but it's true. I'm one who watched from the start too, and the host doesn't seem to do insertions. Even kicks away thousands of stars.」
「Deep Kimchi: Yup. Everyone just gave up and keeps watching. It's fun anyway.」
[Deep Kimchi gifted 50 stars.]
「20s Resigned: I see...」
「20s Resigned: Makes sense. Never imagined the 'Day after Apocalypse' world going like this. Had to double-check the relay title thinking if it's the game I know.」
「9th Grade Civil Servant: Walked in for instant ramen and it's a fancy hanjeongsik place.」
「Hard Gay: Analogy lololol」
「Dongmakgol Smigol: Did I skim the past broadcasts too much? Still don't get what's so good.」
「SALHAE: Better off not knowing.」
「Dongmakgol Smigol: ?」
「SALHAE: Advice to the newbies. Don't watch this broadcast.」
「Appsooni: Huh? Why?」
「SALHAE: It shows up in your dreams.」
「Appsooni: ...What’s that lolololol」
「Olympic Gold in Insanity: What’s this other lunatic? So many threatening my throne.」
「SALHAE: Not joking. Saying it for your sake.」
「20s Resigned: What the hell? No idea what you mean.」
「SALHAE: This broadcast's too realistic. The virtual personalities all feel like real people. When synced with the host, feels like I'm disappearing.」
「SALHAE: Problem is, fuck, I want that. I wanna be Han Gyeowol, care for people, be loved...」
「SALHAE: Then when it's time to log off, mood's fucking shit. Don't wanna go back to reality. Don't wanna be someone else. But that someone else is the real me. Cage-trapped irregular waste of life. Living but not really living...」
「SALHAE: Fuck fuck fuck...」
「Olympic Gold in Insanity: What. Just a regular game addict? Loser lololol」
「One Jab: Hear that weird noise? Sounds like inferiority complex bursting.」
「Nitrogen Packed: Self-esteem loser thinks everyone’s at his level. That’s why you’re irregular. No will or effort to change reality, just escaping to VR, defeatist punk. Country spoils with welfare, everyone gets lazy. Hate the cage? Then try getting out. Tsk tsk」
「Kim Miyoung Team Leader: Unsecured credit loan consultation available. 0100-8282-****」
「SALHAE: Yeah, say whatever, you fucks.」
「Olympic Gold in Insanity: Yep, reported.」
「Matsumin: Everyone's too harsh. And loan consult in the middle? Don't mock others' struggles! No matter what, if someone's hurting, ask if they're okay first!」
「Loan 100Million: Whoa whoa. Calm down everyone.」
「Loan 100Million: Kinda get what he's saying.」
「Loan 100Million: Never felt it before subbing, but 'sensory sync' might be dangerous. SALHAE's not weird.」
「Wrath of Grapes: Agree. Not that bad, but I feel uneasy too.」
「Mustafa: No wonder SALHAE's not on about sex lately. lolol」
「groseillier noir: Hmm. Our media's weirdly critical of Korean afterlife insurance, thought it was just economic loss bitching? But watching you guys, kinda get why. Can't explain well yet.」
「groseillier noir: Still like afterlife insurance though. :)」
[groseillier noir gifted 172.25 stars.]
「Владимир: Indeed. Korea's afterlife insurance is an artificial paradise made with science and capital. Would be better without ActiveX. From personal experience, Russia needs it too. Minus the ActiveX.」
「BigBuffetBoy86: Oh, Ruski. Steady on this channel. Game skills improved?」
「Владимир: Not at all. Feels like regression. Can't understand. Just did a skirmish, had one pro-level Korean on our side, still lost. Why?」
「BigBuffetBoy86: Simple. Enemy had two pro-level Koreans.」
「Владимир: ……!」
「Mitsiel: Enlightenment lololol This dumb convo lolololololol」
「Matsumin: Russian uncle wwwwwwwwww」
「Snowfield Fox: ;;;;」
「Владимир: Mistake. Disciplined the subordinate who scouted Koreans...」
「BigBuffetBoy86: What, dumped at Baltic Sea bottom again?」
「Владимир: No, she's Russia's daughter. No wasting her pointlessly. Just assigned a tough mission. Might not come back alive.」
「BigBuffetBoy86: Your jokes always fun. :D」
「Владимир: Not a joke.」
<> : Viewer quest assigned by SALHAE.>>
『Viewer Quest: Just once, please.』
『SALHAE's words: Honestly, don't you think Lee Yura's a decent girl? Sweet, innocent, responsible—nice to watch. No ring needed, no sex, just make some sweet atmosphere. Bro's life is hard. Need some comfort.』
『AI Help: This quest's goal is for user ID B-612 Han Gyeowol to enter a romantic relationship with Lee Yura. On achievement, 1,000 stars paid to world progression host.』
<> : Han Gyeowol (host) rejected SALHAE's viewer quest.
「SALHAE: Sigh. Knew it.」
「Jessica Full-Time: lololol SALHAE, didn't you give up on her?」
「SALHAE: Thought it'd work since no sex. But he just hates meddling. Just watch quietly, is it? Share a bit with me too...」
「No Nick Drips: Hm. So this is hyperreality.」
「SALHAE: What's that?」
「No Nick Drips: SALHAE. Read Gilles Deleuze when you got time. On simulacra. Help you see your state objectively.」
「SALHAE: Gilles Deleuze? No clue who, but no time for books. Barely time for broadcasts. Life's fucking tough lately. This broadcast's the only joy holding me day by day.」
「No Nick Drips: Your life's pretty pitiful too.」
「Snowfield Fox: …….」
[Snowfield Fox gifted 1,000 stars.]
#Night by the Lake, Fort Roberts (1)
An old typhoon receded, and a new one arrived. Fort Roberts darkened like the weather. People fretted over storm clouds: swelling rivers, abandoned construction sites, rarer airlifts, reduced rations. Everyone prayed the foul weather would end soon. But forecasts predicted more bad weather ahead. The National Typhoon Center blamed severe El Niño effects.
Amid this, a minor but attention-grabbing item appeared.
“Eh? Can we really use this?”
Lee Yura's eyes widened as she asked Winter. He nodded.
“Yeah. Military rugged smartphone. Most functions locked, but it'll work as a phone. Don't forget your login passwords, and read the manual.”
Only four got smartphones from Winter: two squad leaders, two combat team leaders. Others eyed them enviously. Winter wished he had more to give, but no luck. Supply lately meant to give just one to him.
Truth is, these military smartphones weren't standard even for U.S. troops. With the manufacturer gone, supply issues arose. Without Winter's influence, he couldn't have gotten them.
Jang Yeoncheol, examining his, startled.
“No wonder the design's familiar—it's domestic!”
“Wow, really! Didn't recognize with the thick case! Oh my god!”
Lee Yura teared up, cradling the phone. Min Wangi and Park Jinseok couldn't hide excitement. Despite locked features, they texted each other happily. Nostalgic item all around. Regular smartphones long junked.
Unable to contain herself, Lee Yura asked Winter.
“Can I call the captain?”
“Go ahead.”
The boy smiled lightly. She pressed the shortcut. Signal rang after a delay. Face-to-face call. Envious onlookers now clapped and laughed. Blushing late, her face flushed red. But steadfast. Thought she'd just confirm connection and hang, but serious expression. Why?
‘Making herself a spectacle on purpose?’
If it chases worries away even briefly. Winter pretended to answer.
“Hello?”
“Hello! This is Lee Yura! Is Captain Han Gyeowol there?”
“Yes, it's me. What’s up?”
Laughter grew louder. She raised her voice.
“Calling to say thanks!”
“Just supplies today, no need to thank me.”
“Still! Not just this, everything—thanks! Please take care of us!”
“Likewise. Greet the others too.”
Historic first call. After the comedy, Winter added.
“Park Team Leader and Lee Team Leader's devices have more functions than the squad leaders'. Mostly combat-useful. Get familiar ASAP. That's an order.”
Park Jinseok questioned.
“How's a smartphone helpful in combat?”
Winter held up the manual.
“As I said, read the manual. But simple examples: real-time updating tactical map with positions, ballistic calc for distance/wind, mark coords for fire support.”
“Wow, impressive.”
All in one app: “Android Tactical Assault Kit.” Plugins for extras.
Thus, combat team leaders' and Winter's differed. His had broader access: base CCTV, noise maker control, partial military intranet. Last one unexpected.
Reason existed. U.S. DoD civil affairs psyop officers wanted real-time data on Winter's activities. To refine into propaganda.
‘Mission if you will... But combat cam footage enough?’
Thinking that, device vibrated. Not Yura. From command and control room. Winter stepped away to answer.
“Lieutenant Han Gyeowol.”
[Oh. Quick pickup. Was gonna radio.]
Capston, Lieutenant Colonel.
“Battalion Commander? What's up?”
[Come to briefing room now. Got an op needing you.]
“Op?”
Winter glanced outside. Bad weather grounding all external ops—what mission for boy officer? No air, so foot or vehicle range. Colonel hurried.
[Details face-to-face. Leaks could spread panic.]
“Roger. On my way.”
[Hm. See you soon.]
Call ended abruptly. Voice tense. What? Winter bid folks goodbye, left tent. Poncho tight, hurried through rain.
============================ Author's Notes ============================
1. The military rugged smartphone in the main story is the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. U.S. adopted Samsung phones for Net Warrior program. Usually in multipurpose rugged case called Juggnaut, hiding the brand, so Jang Yeoncheol took time to recognize.
2. Mr. Pizza tastes bad... Last ate maybe 10 years ago? Not sure if my tastes changed or theirs.
3.
Q. Velos: How do you know U.S. military stuff/police terms? Recommend sites/books?
A. Sadly no great ones.ㅠㅠ
Got lots from English web. If ready for language barrier, great era for writers.
Q. Kaiooga: @Not pizza and cola, but cola and pizza? Can't finish regular. How many pizzas you? (I do 6 slices regular + 1.2L cola...cough)
A. Used to down a regular easy, but body's worn out now, tough.
Q. Horangi Candy: @Writing comment to fill author's innocence. Does innocence gain depend on length/content?
A. Kinda. Praise makes Great Old Ones rampage. Long praise more so. Smashing star systems no biggie.
Q. AhuraMazda: @For innocence, recommend mili songs.
A. New artist (group?). Will check when time.
Q. Master Cal Solum: @Huh? Regular's kids size? Costco pizza feels one serving. I eat 2.
A. What? Two? Costco? ㄷㄷㄷ; Transcended human. As expected of readers.
Q. Inoino: @Sometimes think... am I from another world? Eating whole pizza solo, taking punches unfazed, cold water no issue. Seeing that, wonder why my toughness so low...?
A. Innocence deficiency. Check Necronomicon. Great for recovery.
Q. Chaos Line: Regular? Thought pizza was large/super only.
A. Yeah. Blood Raven stole pizza sizes too?
Q. RGZ95: @Regular too small.
A. Would forgive premium regular, but basic menu didn't satisfy Great Old One.
Q. Raynesis: @make us whole!
A. Wanna do Dead Space. Can't even Overwatch now...
Q. Cheongryeomryeon: @Today full of innocence. Reading Life Reset Again, Life Points 1, Apostle's Way, Gwangak novels on Noblesse (Babel on hold). What you reading on Joara?
A. Little Prince of Columbarium!
Joking, Wind and Star Herd, Reincarnated Sword God. No time for more.
Oh, had Evil Woman's Justice piled, but quit Joara after leak.
Nooo...ㅠㅠ
Q. Moranon: @Why no Joara chapter splits? Helkegynia easy to navigate, this no index hard.
A. Volume doesn't split neatly, interwoven storylines. Will consider.
Q. Foxword: @Down author cute.. Ahem, melee combat skills subdivided?
A. Yes. Specialized skill concepts too.
Q. Adrenalin: @Instead of donation account, crowdfunding/Patreon? If e-book only, offer binding/setting art.
A. Not receiving method, but if author qualifies.
Q. Blue Crystal: @Paper book coming?? Want signed hardcover. Personal ok but cover/illus quality better published.
A. Wasn't thinking paper much. Romance maybe, but don't sell well.
Good news soon though.
Q. Ghozt: @Nocount's I Am an Item full of dreams/romance/innocence, but lately lacking. Share your superior innocence? @Per regular etymology, large should be regular.
A. I'm innocence-deficient lately... Don't feel it in writing?
Q. Peach Blossom Garden: @Regular size exist? Pizza must leave 1-2 slices solo. Hungry after? No pizza qual!
A. Agree. First regular in ages, too dainty.ㅠㅠ
Q. Winsinel: Order pizza, delivers to ocean/space?
A. Warping gate to Songpa-gu for delivery. :)