Chapter 9

9. Itaewon 2-dong, Gate Sealing Operation - 1

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Lee Hyun-wook found his target right away, but he still pretended to look around and ponder for about five minutes. After all, it would look strange if he made a choice right after entering.

"Second Lieutenant, B again 554, I request this sword."

Lee Hyun-wook recited the serial number from the rack.

"Okay."

Oh Jung-tae manipulated the management device, and the mechanical apparatus retrieved the item. Then, Oh Jung-tae confirmed the information...

"......Hmm, Hyun-wook, this doesn't seem right?"

He tilted his head and asked.

"Are you worried about choosing a good item because you're F-class? This is a transfer of ownership, so it will still be yours even after you leave. Did you know that?"

He thought the item's value was low, but with its potential still hidden, the information a player could see was quite meager.

"Yes, I know. It's fine, so please give me this one."

"Really? I'm asking you again. If you regret it, I won't be responsible."

"Yes, I'll decide on this one."

Captain Oh Jung-tae nodded with a bitter expression.

"Alright, I understand. There's nothing I can do. What a pity."

No one knew what value this item held yet.

"Here, take it."

As Lee Hyun-wook took the item, a brief information panel appeared before his eyes.

- Name: Cloud Sword

- Effect: Absorbs water to emit 'Water Mist'

'It's quite light.'

At first glance, it looked like a bronze sword, but it was longer. The blade was about 70cm, a perfect size for one-handed use.

There were unique wave-like patterns on the edge, which gave it a Damascus steel feel at first glance.

'The center of gravity is just right, and it's indeed a weapon that Choi Young-joon would use.'

Later, when Choi Young-joon's main weapon was damaged, he hastily grabbed this 'Cloud Sword' from the battalion armory. By chance, he liberated its potential.

'Choi Young-joon's second sword, I'm sorry, but I have to take it first.'

After the potential was liberated, the item's true name was revealed as 'Yunsaamso (雲師暗手).'

In the Dangun mythology, the three weather gods who descended to Earth with Hwanung: Pungbaek (風伯), Usa (雨師), and Yunsu (雲師).

Among them, Yunsu (雲師), the god of clouds, and his dark hand, Amso (暗手).

'Yunsaamso, interpreted, means a sword-like presence hidden in the clouds.'

What could a sword hidden in the clouds be?

It was none other than Reungong (雷公), meaning lightning.

In other words, once the potential is unlocked, the user can harness the power of lightning.

'The combination of steel and lightning was the best.'

Most metals are conductors, allowing electricity to flow easily.

So, if Lee Hyun-wook could direct lightning to flow through the metal he controlled, it would become an incredibly powerful weapon.

'Especially, it would free him from the limitations of physical attacks using metal.'

Thus, steel contained lightning.

***

The battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Kim Gang-seok, placed a freshly brewed drip coffee in front of Lieutenant Chun Myung-ho.

"Thank you. Wow, it smells great."

"Indeed, you have a good sense. It's a special bean from Guatemala."

Lieutenant Chun Myung-ho was a significant figure within AMT and often received such invitations from battalion commanders when visiting other units for tea time.

"It's been a while since I last saw you, probably since the 'Gwangmyeong Ogre Battle,' right?"

"Yes, that's right. It's been two years already."

"Time flies. It was around the time I just became B-class."

The two had been early members of AMT and fought in many battles together.

"How is the Black Tiger Unit doing these days?"

"We're always struggling with a shortage of personnel."

After exchanging pleasantries about their current situations, they got to the main topic.

"Hmm, you must be here for Corporal Choi Young-joon, right?"

Choi Young-joon, as expected, that name.

"Ah, yes. He's quite famous."

"Yes, he's amazing. But, unfortunately, he's on leave right now... If you had let us know in advance, you wouldn't have wasted your precious time..."

"Thank you for your consideration. However, coming here suddenly and making a proposal might make the person feel pressured, but it also increases the likelihood of signing the NCO application form on a whim. It's a kind of psychology. Ha ha, these days, all the young ones want to join guilds, so we have to come up with our own persuasion strategies."

Chun Myung-ho laughed awkwardly.

"Tsk, these days, even C-class players are sought after by guilds, so it's inevitable. But I think Choi Young-joon will take it positively. He understands the honor of being a soldier."

With that, Kim Gang-seok began to talk about Choi Young-joon. His tone was gentle, but the content was more like praise and promotion, essentially a recommendation for the talent he had nurtured.

However, Chun Myung-ho's interest seemed to be elsewhere.

"Commander, actually, I haven't seen him in action yet, so I can't evaluate him."

This implied that he was no longer interested in hearing about Choi Young-joon.

"Ah, I forgot that you always judge based on what you see firsthand, Lieutenant Chun."

"It's a bad habit of mine. But, speaking of which..."

Chun Myung-ho's eyes sparkled.

"Yesterday, I happened to discover a very special talent in this unit."

This was the main point of Chun Myung-ho's visit.

"Oh, really? What kind of soldier?"

"Have you heard of Private First Class Lee Hyun-wook?"

"Ah, that guy..."

Kim Gang-seok's eyes also lit up. His gaze became intense, giving off a predatory aura.

"......F-class, but a rare true soldier."

"......F-class, but a born warrior."

They answered simultaneously.

A born warrior and a true soldier, similar yet different evaluations.

"Ha ha ha! I'm proud that I have a bit of your discernment, Lieutenant Chun."

"Since you think so too, I must have seen something real."

"Hmm, but why do you think so highly of him?"

In response to Kim Gang-seok's question, Chun Myung-ho described what he had witnessed, the duel training between Lee Hyun-wook and Lee Won-seok. Kim Gang-seok's eyes grew even more interested.

"......Lieutenant Chun, are you thinking of recruiting him to the Black Tiger Unit?"

"Not yet, but I did give him my card almost forcibly."

"Hmm, even so, I wonder if an F-class soldier can handle the critical missions of special operations raids. Maybe regular AMT NCO duties would be more suitable."

At this, Chun Myung-ho's hand, which was about to lift the coffee cup, paused in mid-air.

"If it's a regular NCO, it seems you're also keeping an eye on him, Commander?"

Kim Gang-seok smiled faintly.

"Of course. He stands out as a soldier, not just a player. I plan to observe him a bit more. Right now, it's just a feeling, but to gain confidence, I need to assign him a proper mission."

"Then, can I observe when he performs that mission?"

"Ha ha ha! This sounds like you're bidding against me for an F-class player?"

"I'm ready to make a big bet."

A recruitment competition for the F-class player had quietly begun.

***

"......Phew!"

Park Jun-mo was hanging from the bar, his arms trembling like a willow branch. He took a deep breath and pulled himself up.

"One, two, three...!"

And he dropped.

"Hey! Four is all you can do?"

"Huh! Huh! Wait, isn't it five?"

"Come on, you barely made it halfway. Honestly, that's four."

An Min-tae, who had just done six, mocked him.

"Ugh......I feel like my arms are going to fall off after three sets."

As Park Jun-mo groaned, An Min-tae clicked his tongue.

"Tsk tsk, that's not bad for your arms. Didn't you almost suffocate yesterday if it weren't for Private First Class Lee Hyun-wook?"

"Black! Yes, thank you again, Private First Class Lee Hyun-wook."

After completing 20 reps for five sets, Lee Hyun-wook nodded. His body had grown significantly over the past few days. Even with his clothes on, his muscular build was evident, thanks to the recovery potions he had taken while exercising.

"Wow, 20 reps for five sets, tightly packed......"

"That's better than most athletes, isn't it?"

The squad members were in awe. This might be the first time they were impressed by him.

"But, guys, don't overdo it on the first day."

Looking at the squad members struggling on the bars, Lee Hyun-wook said. However, they shook their heads, even as they panted.

"I'm still okay."

"I can do three more sets."

"I'll try one more set!"

They all seemed determined.

Yesterday, Lee Hyun-wook's actions and words must have had some impact, as the squad members who usually didn't exercise were now gathered to pull up on the bars. It seemed they had a positive impression.

However, this didn't look good to other squad members.

"Hey, look, the support squad is huddled together. What are they up to?"

As they passed by the 5th squad gathered in front of the bars,

"......Hey, shh! Private First Class Lee Hyun-wook is looking."

They avoided his gaze when he looked over.

Yesterday's image, easily overpowering the barbarian, seemed to have left a strong impression.

"Huh! Don't make eye contact. He might come over and kick you in the leg."

"Or he might climb on your back and choke you......"

But Lee Hyun-wook didn't care what others thought. The real important thing wasn't just some gazes.

'Time to make it happen.'

He checked his watch.

An operation deployment order was about to be issued, as he had experienced once in the past.

"An Min-tae. Let's take the guys back."

"Huh? Why so soon? Evening formation is still a while away."

An Min-tae asked, puzzled.

'They won't have time for that evening formation.'

A gate would soon open in the Weisu area, and monsters would pour out. There would be no time for dinner.

"I just saw the operations officer, who had just left, return to the main office. He was armed with his main weapon, the 'Long Bow.' It seems we'll be deployed soon. This week, our company is the 'vanguard.'"

The vanguard was the company that would arrive at the operation site first after the 5th squad when a gate opened in the Weisu area.

"Huh?"

"Is that true?"

If the operations officer, who had left, returned armed with his main weapon, it could only mean one thing: an operation. They all knew this from experience.

"I hope I'm wrong......"

But......

'This lie was convincing.'

Lee Hyun-wook's claim about seeing the armed operations officer was a complete lie. He didn't even know if the operations officer had left, as it wasn't a position that would leave early.

'It's better to prepare and be ready.'

It was much easier to be mentally prepared and already in place than to rush up after hearing the deployment announcement and hurriedly pack their gear.

Thus, while other squads were unaware and going about their usual routines, all 9 members of the 5th squad were in position in the barracks.

However......

"Hmm......"

They believed Lee Hyun-wook and slowly packed their gear, looking at the speakers with a sense of anticipation......

"Hmm......"

Nothing happened for over five minutes.

"Private First Class Lee Hyun-wook, isn't it too peaceful if the operations officer came in armed?"

Amidst the skeptical voices, An Min-tae glanced at Lee Hyun-wook and asked.

But Lee Hyun-wook, with some unknown confidence, had already packed his gear.

"An Min-tae. Does a gate just open without warning? Hurry up and get ready."

"But......"

- Click!

At that moment, the announcement came on, and someone's breathing was heard.

"Ah!"

- Ah! Ah! The operations officer is broadcasting!

"It's really the operations officer!"

"Shh, listen."

Was Lee Hyun-wook right?

An Min-tae swallowed hard and waited for the next part of the announcement.

- ...1st Company, all personnel! A gate has opened in the Weisu area, and we are on emergency deployment! I repeat! 1st Company, all personnel! A gate has opened in the Weisu area, and we are on emergency deployment!

"......Damn!"

"Quick, pack your gear!"

It was all true.

At the same time, someone started shouting in the hallway, and the 1st Company troops scattered throughout the barracks rushed to the barracks, running down the hall.

"Ah, damn!"

"Run faster!"

Emergency deployments were common in AMT, but the tension was always the same.

"Move faster! The longer you delay, the more civilians will die!"

The 1st Platoon leader's shout echoed through the hallway.

"2nd Squad! Why are you so slow? Where have you been?"

"Sorry! We were at the PX......"

It was a true emergency deployment. The response time varied greatly depending on where the personnel were when the call came.

Thus, the 5th Squad, already assembled and ready in the barracks, could respond more smoothly and thoroughly.

"Private First Class Lee Hyun-wook, everyone is ready!"

"Good, let's move to the assembly point."

Meanwhile, other squads were still scrambling to pack their gear.

"Huh? Why are they already leaving? Isn't that the 5th Squad? How are they so fast?"

"Wow......They must have known in advance, right?"

To them, it was an unbelievable speed.

And as the 5th Squad descended the stairs, the 1st Platoon leader's shout echoed behind them.

"Hey! What are you doing? Do you have time to chat? The 5th Squad is already ready and leaving!"

The evaluation system in the military was always relative.

If there was someone who did well, the rest were just not as good.

"1st Squad, 2nd Squad, you guys! Are you still our company's vanguard? Huh?"

This was the moment when the 5th Squad, led by Lee Hyun-wook, the support squad that was once considered the weakest, took the lead for the first time, even if only slightly.

And Lee Hyun-wook could guarantee that this lead would only grow.