Chapter 43: Scammer (4)

The gallery can be used regardless of age, gender, or social status.

This, together with anonymity, often acts as both its greatest strength and its greatest weakness.

Especially, it is quite common for “scammers” to commit all kinds of fraud through the gallery.

Title) Ah. Damn, I got scammed.

I bought what looked like good wild ginseng at the auction house, but it turned out to be normal ginseng, you son of a bitch haha

ㄴYou too? Me too!

ㄴNormal ginseng and wild ginseng look quite similar haha

ㄴThis son of a bitch deleted it immediately

While 1-to-1 transactions are only possible between registered accounts, the auction house can be used by all users.

That is why there are many criminals, that is, scammers who feel no shame in taking advantage of others.

Especially when it comes to large amounts of money, most people suspect it as a scam.

Because most scammers look for a quick hit.

There is no choice but to be suspicious.

ㄴWhy do those bastard scammers scam? In the end, they can’t even withdraw the money from the gallery.

ㄴThey buy other items with that money. There’s everything there.

ㄴThe advantage of ignoring distribution is huge. You can easily get things from other countries.

ㄴDon’t they get banned?

ㄴYes, they do get banned, but it depends on the moderator’s judgment. Some are told “it was just that haha” and don’t get banned

ㄴAt least the current moderator is better. He permanently bans scammers without hesitation

ㄴWhat if someone is innocent?

ㄴThen let them resolve it among themselves

Fortunately, while HeroDontThrowAway held the role of moderator, scammers were punished.

Even if it was a small scam, it was not forgiven.

A permanent ban was always applied as an exemplary punishment.

However, bans are not applied thoughtlessly.

If the involved parties reached an amicable agreement, they were forgiven.

What mattered was whether they repented or not.

That was the second most important thing after verifying the truth.

Thanks to that, scammer activity decreased considerably, but it did not disappear.

Title) This bastard with a registered account. He’s a scammer. Don’t believe him.

(Photo of a strange plant)

I planted this with a seed I bought for 1000 gold. I thought it was a rare plant, but it wasn’t, you son of a bitch

ㄴUah;; what is that? A nepenthes? Why does the flower have teeth? haha

ㄴNepenthes don’t have teeth. What the hell is that?

ㄴAllFather) It is a plant-type monster that only grows in Mephisto, called Desmeros. How did you cultivate it?

ㄴDamn, it was a monster lol

ㄴIs the author still alive?

Those who want to scam, scam, and the scale and methods became more malicious.

That registered accounts do not scam?

That’s complete bullshit.

There are people everywhere who even create registered accounts just to pull off a scam.

Moreover, the money from an auction is deposited immediately.

That is related to the gallery system, so the moderator cannot do anything about it.

That is why, in auctions, especially bids, one must be extremely careful.

Most people usually bid small amounts and avoid large ones.

Unless it is an account with a lot of reputation, it is rare to see high bids.

Title) What happens if the moderator scams?

That’s it

ㄴIt’s not common, but about 100 years ago there was a scammer moderator

ㄴIf it was 100 years ago haha it was probably a demon or an elf

ㄴIf I remember correctly, it was an elf. He scammed by selling leaves of the World Tree haha

ㄴAnd what happened then? It’s not easy to remove a moderator

ㄴSimply no one bought the items the moderator posted. It seems he ended up dying scamming in real life and at some point the moderator was changed

ㄴHaha well deserved

Thus, fraud in the gallery is a crime that cannot be eradicated even if one tries.

That is why gallery users react with extreme rejection when they see the word “scam.”

A rumor that someone scammed, and even more so if it is a registered account, provokes criticism regardless of whether it is true or not.

Even if it is a false accusation caused by manipulation or fabrication.

That is the gallery.

“Heh… idiots.”

A middle-aged man muttered.

He had the typical appearance and clothing of the central region.

A beard that looked like that of a rat.

Slanted eyes like those of a bird, giving a somewhat despicable impression.

“They are very easy to handle.”

In his field of vision was the gallery.

The list of posts filled with criticism and malice toward Grills.

A small post that he launched had caused this enormous reaction.

‘He won’t be able to endure without seeking an agreement quickly.’

The man was a merchant.

A small and ordinary merchant from the central region.

But this time, by winning the auction of an item posted by Grills, he obtained a great opportunity.

Crrrk—

The merchant looked away from the gallery and opened the desk drawer.

Inside were several documents, along with a small ring box.

Click.

When he carefully opened the box, a slight cold mist came out.

And inside, carefully stored, was a sphere emitting a bright red glow.

It was the item the man had won in the gallery auction.

An internal core.

‘I never thought it would be a real internal core.’

He checked it several times.

It was definitely an internal core.

Although it was not a legendary one, it was at least at elixir level.

In terms of money, it could be worth at least 1000 taels of silver.

‘Hehe. If I don’t say this, they have no way of knowing.’

But the merchant was very greedy.

Extremely.

He was not satisfied with that and tried to recover the money he had spent.

Even if Heavenly Demon certified it, she is considered an eccentric in the gallery.

Unless she proves that she is the “real Heavenly Demon,” her words have no value.

‘It is easy to manipulate and fabricate, but explaining is difficult.’

The merchant also knew the gallery well.

That is why he understood its dual nature.

Manipulation and fabrication are easily believed, but explanations are difficult.

Even if it is explained, with this already on fire, it will be difficult for it to receive attention.

‘If the moderator orders an agreement, he will have no choice but to accept.’

Especially for Grills, the gallery is like his lifeline.

Without the gallery, his chances of surviving in the Forest of Four Seasons would drop drastically.

Rather than explaining poorly and receiving a permanent ban, it would be better to accept an agreement.

From that point of view, it is like putting a person’s life on the scale, but the merchant did not care.

‘He is someone whose face I do not even know.’

A vile nature hidden behind anonymity.

He felt no remorse at all.

If he knew his face, it would be different, but in the gallery, kindness is a weakness.

Of course, there is the possibility of a backlash if the truth is explained.

Even so, he did not care.

‘At most, I’ll get a permanent ban.’

Was the gallery really going to be more important than real life?

For the merchant, the most important thing is money.

Although it is a shame not being able to enjoy leisure, it does not matter.

He can enjoy leisure with money.

The merchant waited in high spirits.

No matter what kind of explanation they gave, he was already prepared to respond.

[What Grills gave me is indeed an internal core.]

“Hmm?”

He was refreshing nonstop when he saw a striking title.

It was not just any user, but one of the famous gonic, Swordmaster.

Since he could not ignore it, he entered immediately.

Title) What Grills gave me is indeed an internal core.

Swordmaster

(Photo of a golden sphere on the hand)

Grills found a new internal core and gave it to me.

This is indeed an internal core.

ㄴBut what? He found another internal core in that time?

ㄴWhat kind of internal core comes out like daily food? Haha now I believe it even less lol

ㄴBecause it’s the Forest of Four Seasons maybe it’s possible?

ㄴEven if we don’t believe Heavenly Demon, that Swordmaster confirms it is another matter

ㄴThis time it’s golden. Did he catch a golden fish?

“What?”

There was another internal core?

The merchant’s eyes widened.

He had not expected this at all.

He hurried to write a comment.

ㄴDon’t you think they made an agreement? Why does another internal core suddenly appear?

ㄴAgreement on what? A kiss?

ㄴAh, how indecent

ㄴThere’s no reason to make an agreement haha and does Swordmaster have any reason to lie?

ㄴThat’s true haha she is the one who raised the average level of swordsmen on the continent haha

ㄴHeavenly Demon said she could talk privately, she probably threatened him with that

ㄴSo what if she threatens him? Doesn’t the moderator ban her?

ㄴThis guy has a very poor imagination haha

ㄴLooking at the address next to it, it’s the same one who posted that Grills was a scammer

ㄴAre you shitting yourself? Hahaha

Because he rushed, he ended up losing.

The merchant frowned.

That another internal core appeared was beyond expectations.

He hurried a bit, but soon calmed down.

Thinking about it, there was no reason to rush.

‘Anyway, I just have to insist that it was not a real internal core.’

From what it seems, the other side is also trying to win through manipulation and fabrication.

The difference is that they mixed in some truth.

Even if the internal core that Swordmaster received is real, it does not mean that the one the merchant received is also real.

If he holds firm until the end, this side has the advantage.

He just has to exploit the uncertainty until the end.

[I will give an explanation.]

‘Here it comes.’

Just as public opinion was beginning to split, a post from Grills appeared.

The merchant entered without hesitation.

Title) Explanation.

WildGrills

Explanation? What explanation my ass. If you’ve got the guts, reveal your address.

Reveal your address and let others verify whether it’s an internal core or not.

If it is an internal core, you’re dead, and if it isn’t, I’ll return all your money.

You bastard, you’re doing pointless manipulation and causing a scene.

A worm like you dares to scam, you son of a bitch.

Swordmaster also verified it, so if you don’t like it, create a registered account first, you poor bastard.

ㄴWow haha so satisfying haha

ㄴIf your confidence went up, hit like haha

ㄴMe first haha

ㄴThat anger doesn’t come out unless you’re sure hahaha

ㄴI like him hahaha

ㄴEverything he said is true. Let him reveal the address and verify haha

ㄴI’m poor and suddenly got hit…

It was not an explanation.

It was just a post full of insults.

In a normal place, that would have the opposite effect, but this is the gallery.

That kind of post, on the contrary, is perfect for gaining sympathy and trust.

‘What, what, what is this guy?’

He was supposed to have not been in the gallery for long.

But judging by how he writes, he seems like someone who has been active for years.

The merchant was confused for a moment and then commented.

He could not back down here.

ㄴI’m the one who received the internal core, why should I reveal my address? How ridiculous haha

ㄴThe owner has arrived

ㄴHow pathetic haha

ㄴSeeing this, you did scam

ㄴWildGrills) If you played with someone’s life, you should bet yours too, right? For me, the gallery is my life

ㄴWhat does that have to do with me? Besides, this is not an internal core

ㄴWildGrills) Why don’t you reveal your account first before saying that? Or reveal the address haha

ㄴYou first

ㄴWildGrills) I’m in the Forest of Four Seasons, idiot. Come if you can

ㄴhahahahahahaha

ㄴhahahahahahaha

ㄴhahahahahahahahaha

He was completely cornered.

The merchant moved his eyes in all directions and exited the post.

[The user who received the internal core should reveal the address.]

[Can’t we verify it ourselves?]

[If you like Grills, hit like haha]

[If all scammers died, hit like haha]

As soon as he exited, he could see that public opinion had completely changed.

Most were saying that if he was innocent, he should reveal his address.

‘Are they crazy? Reveal the address to die?’

That was impossible.

The moment he revealed his address, his real life would be in danger.

The merchant deleted the post where he criticized Grills and closed the gallery.

It seems he would have to wait for everything to calm down.

‘What a shame. I could have made more money.’

Although it was a pity, causing more trouble would not change public opinion.

It would be better to sell that internal core.

About 10 minutes later, the merchant cautiously entered the gallery.

Even though he said he did not care about the gallery, in the end he was nothing more than another addict.

A system like a drug that one cannot leave even if one wants to.

‘Has it calmed down a bit?’

With that thought, he entered the gallery and saw—

[Wait for me. It’s in the neighborhood next door haha]

[I’m going to eat a delicious internal core!]

[How envious, those from the central continent.]

[Turns out the scammer was a merchant.]

Posts that seemed quite unsettling.

The merchant noticed something strange and entered the highlighted post.

A merchant who is not quick to notice things ends up being eliminated.

And as soon as he entered the highlighted post, he saw a post from the moderator.

Title) Here is the address!

HeroDontThrowAway

Grills revealed his address, but one person did not.

So I will kindly tell you the address!

It is in the Henan region, in the central continent, xxx.

Grills also said that if it is not an internal core, he will return the money, so I hope you reach an amicable agreement.

“Ah…”

Upon seeing that post, only one thought crossed the merchant’s mind.

‘I’m screwed.’

I’m really screwed.

He did not expect the moderator to reveal the address.

Bang! Crash!

Loud noises were heard outside.

The merchant raised his head abruptly.

Shortly after, his assistant came running in, bursting the door open.

“W-what is this commotion?”

“I-I don’t know either! We must evacuate first…!”

“I heard there’s an internal core here!”

“We’ll just verify it and return it!”

The voices were getting closer and closer.

The merchant’s face turned pale.

Now the gallery no longer mattered at all.

‘Damn it…’

From now on, he would have to focus only on his real life.