-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: An Unconventional Offer, and a Vacation - 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------
An F-rank soldier, being told to become an officer...
The battalion commander had clearly said so.
That one sentence was so shocking that all the staff officers stopped eating.
Clack-
The clatter of utensils ceased, and for a moment, it fell silent.
Lee Hyun-wook deliberately put on a flustered expression.
'Not a non-commissioned officer, but a commission as an officer… To be honest, I didn't expect this.'
Honestly, he had expected an offer to become an NCO, but he hadn't even dreamed of becoming an officer.
As everyone knew, an officer was the highest of the three main military ranks.
And for an A.M.T officer, the standards were so strict that it was unthinkable to select someone without considering their 'Player rank.' Thus, it was extremely rare for an enlisted A.M.T soldier to be commissioned as an officer.
No, it had never happened before.
'Even Choi Young-jun was commissioned as an NCO. A few years later, he would defy all expectations and rise to A-rank, but by then, it was too late for officer training…'
Thus, the 'rank' one first received tended to determine a Player's destiny.
Every Player in South Korea entered the Player Training Center and underwent two months of training.
During this time, they went through various tests and were finally assigned an 'initial rank'.
Then, on the day of the completion ceremony, a 'bidding war' would begin based on those ranks.
'It's a kind of draft.'
In other words, a gateway for new Players.
Civilian guilds, the A.M.T, PMCs, and so on,
Organizations with the authority to hire Players would compete to acquire more outstanding Player resources. At this time, most Players hoped to be chosen by a 'civilian guild'.
After all, it was true that civilian guilds were the most advantageous in every aspect—honor, money, and lifestyle.
If not that, then as a second choice…
'They hoped to enter the Player Military Academy with a recommendation from the training center director.'
Because even as a soldier, an officer-class rank would earn them the best treatment in the Player world, and the path to joining a civilian guild after discharge was also possible.
However, if they weren't chosen by anyone…
'They would end up right here, spending two years as an enlisted soldier.'
In other words, coming from the enlisted ranks was the worst-case scenario, a sign that one was not a quality product.
From this perspective, one could see just how unconventional Kim Kang-seok's offer was.
"…"
But to be told to become an officer… Everyone must have been shocked, but they were doing their best not to show it.
Among them was the raid platoon leader, Seo Eun-ha.
She kept glancing at Lee Hyun-wook with a curious expression.
Kim Kang-seok, seemingly oblivious to the atmosphere, continued speaking.
"Although your Player ability is merely F-rank, the combat prowess you've shown by maximizing that small ability… in my assessment, could easily be considered C-rank. Of course, I believe your combat effectiveness might plummet if you were to face something like an orc, not just small monsters like goblins or kobolds, but we'll have to wait and see."
C-rank was the A.M.T's unofficial 'standard for officer duty performance'.
Simply put, failing to reach C-rank usually meant restricted promotions.
Like First Lieutenant Oh Jeong-tae, the battalion armory keeper, one's promotion to captain would be deferred, eventually leading to a semi-forced discharge.
"And above all, beyond combat ability, it's your judgment. That is your greatest strength."
Judgment…
Perhaps it was because Lee Hyun-wook's words, actions, and strategies to win over Kim Kang-seok had worked perfectly, but the commander's assessment seemed quite generous.
"Thank you for thinking so highly of me, Commander."
"I'm not the only one who thinks highly of you. I heard you received a business card from the Black Tiger Unit's tactical instructor."
"Yes, that's correct."
"It means the Black Tiger Unit is also watching you closely. But if you go there, you'll be an NCO, but in reality, you'll be the rookie. It'll be like starting over as a private."
He was even subtly trying to ward off the Black Tiger Unit…
"If you decide to challenge for an officer's commission, I intend to support you in every way possible."
He said, lifting his coffee cup.
Kim Kang-seok's support meant getting on one of the A.M.T's important inside tracks.
As a founding member of the A.M.T, he maintained close ties with the top brass.
Gulp-
The sound of several officers swallowing their saliva could be heard—officers who, despite assisting Kim Kang-seok from the closest proximity, had yet to even grasp the tail end of that track.
The loudest of them was First Lieutenant Lee Hee-min, the 2nd Platoon leader of the 1st Company. Lee Hyun-wook saw the corner of his eye twitching as he kept his head bowed so low his nose was almost in his plate.
"Corporal Lee Hyun-wook, what do you think? How about trying to be called Second Lieutenant Lee Hyun-wook?"
Kim Kang-seok even fanned the flames like that.
"Ah…"
However, just as before, Lee Hyun-wook had no intention of staying in the military.
And that thought would not change in the future.
'Most importantly, to be commissioned as an officer, one has to enter the Player Military Academy and complete the two-year Raid Command course.'
Lee Hyun-wook didn't have that kind of time.
'But a flat-out refusal wouldn't be wise.'
The battalion commander, Kim Kang-seok's, trust was a formidable weapon.
His connection with him might be a great help not only for the remainder of his military service but also after his discharge. No, it would definitely be a help.
In other words, even if it was a cunning thought, he needed to act as if he might or might not grab the lifeline Kim Kang-seok had offered.
"Thank you. You've given me such a great opportunity these past few days, Commander. So much so that I feel it's beyond my station."
"The last few days were a test, and as a result, I'm now giving you a real opportunity. Your worth has been proven."
Kim Kang-seok emphasized the word 'real'.
"Thank you. However, perhaps because I've been through so much recently, I'm too confused to make a decision. Above all… I am F-rank. My limits are clear. If someone like me were to take on such a heavy responsibility…"
He paused for a moment, then looked the battalion commander straight in the eye and said.
"…It's not just about fighting and defeating the enemy, but about making the soldiers trust and follow my judgment. I believe that's the most important capability a commander must possess. You praised my judgment, Commander, but without the right leadership and the right teamwork, wouldn't it be useless? As an F-rank, I'm honestly not confident I can secure that."
It was his way of saying that the officer corps would not welcome an F-rank.
And yet, the corners of Kim Kang-seok's mouth slowly turned up.
The importance of leadership and teamwork… As expected, it was an answer that would please a true soldier.
"…However, I haven't yet had the chance to contemplate such matters. I was only made a temporary squad leader a few days ago. I would appreciate it if you could give me some time."
"Lee Hyun-wook, you really know how to see the core of the issue."
Kim Kang-seok nodded.
"Alright, then think about it during your vacation. Positively."
"Yes, I will think about it seriously."
Lee Hyun-wook had personally requested and received approval from Kim Kang-seok for a four-day, three-night vacation starting tomorrow.
However, he would have no time to ponder Kim Kang-seok's offer during his vacation.
'There's too much to do for my own growth.'
His mind was filled with plans to turn this vacation into a 'hidden stage' for explosive growth.
'Most importantly, the day of my return coincides with the day that incident occurs.'
The important events that were to come…
Right after his regression, Lee Hyun-wook had organized them in a notebook.
And among them were a few underlined events. In four days, he would reach the first 'underline'.
'…The event that signals the start of the 4th Wave.'
Wave.
It refers to the phenomenon of gates appearing explosively within a specific area.
At present, most areas that had experienced the 1st through 3rd Waves had been reduced to ruins, and some regions, unable to be reclaimed, were abandoned and became monster territory.
'And now, such an event is about to happen in Seoul.'
Lee Hyun-wook was the only one who knew that a crisis like a great wave was approaching.
That was why his every move was being made with meticulous calculation.
'I will seize every advantage during that period.'
***
Just as he finished his meal with the battalion commander and was heading back to the 1st Company barracks.
"…Lee Hyun-wook!"
Someone called from behind.
It was Seo Eun-ha's voice.
When he turned his head, something came flying at him, and Lee Hyun-wook awkwardly caught it.
…It was a chocolate bar.
"…"
He looked at Seo Eun-ha with an expression that said, 'Why are you giving me this?' but her face remained impassive.
"I was sorry about yesterday."
"…Pardon?"
Without answering what she was sorry about, she tapped him once on the shoulder and walked past him.
In a way, it was the image of a very cool, stylish female officer…
Lee Hyun-wook barely suppressed a chuckle.
'Ah, is this because she snapped at me right after I subdued the kobold warlock yesterday?'
It seemed that incident had been weighing on her mind.
'Anyway, she's so full of trying to look cool…'
On the outside, she definitely has the appearance of a cold and composed knight.
When she was on duty, she would somehow fight to keep her heavy eyelids from closing, and whenever something happened, she was the first to rush in—a soldier full of a sense of duty and the best tanker.
There was no one who didn't acknowledge her for that.
'But as for me, I've seen her drunk and covered in tears and snot several times, so it's just not…'
However, Lee Hyun-wook knew.
That even though Seo Eun-ha appeared cold on the outside, she was the type to be so thoughtful and affectionate that a single sharp word from yesterday would bother her enough to offer a subtle apology with something like a chocolate bar.
And that was why she had willingly died for her comrades…
***
Lee Hyun-wook arrived at the living quarters and tossed something green onto Ahn Min-tae's bed.
It was a squad leader's insignia.
"Oh, do I finally get to wear this?"
He was handing over command of the squad to Ahn Min-tae before his vacation.
"Don't get too excited. You're the substitute's substitute."
"Ah? Come to think of it… But where are you going? Evening meal formation is soon."
"Just popping over to the PX."
PX (Post Exchange).
In our language, the Loyalty Club, the military's store.
However, the A.M.T's PX also included a 'Military Item Shop'.
"Oh! Are you going to flex with the reward points you earned?"
"Just thought I'd spend some before I go on leave."
"Ah! Are you cashing out?"
"Don't ask for details."
Items purchased with 'reward points' at the Military Item Shop were not considered supplies and belonged entirely to the individual Player.
Therefore, it was possible to sell items bought with reward points on the civilian market to make money, a practice known as 'cashing out'.
The PX was located in a building between the 1st and 2nd Company barracks.
'It's always packed.'
As expected, the PX was a sanctuary for soldiers. They were gathered in groups nearby, regardless of whether they were male or female soldiers.
The inside was quite spacious.
There was a counter on one side and about a dozen tables arranged at regular intervals on the other.
But, at a table directly visible upon entering, sat some unwelcome faces.
Sergeant Oh Sang-guk and Corporal Gwak Jin-cheol, the self-proclaimed power duo of the 2nd Company.
"Wow! Shin-ajumma, this newbie is already a corporal? Time flies, huh?"
"Ah, seriously… Sang-guk-ajeossi, hearing you talk, I can imagine how much your juniors must hate you."
They were sitting across from two female soldiers from the 2nd Company.
Originally, close contact between soldiers of the opposite sex was forbidden, but without strong enforcement, there was no way such a trivial rule would be properly followed among these vigorous young soldiers.
"Eheheh! I'm still a beloved senior. Right, Jin-cheol?"
"Hahaha! Sergeant Oh is, frankly, a necessary evil."
"Ugh, doesn't that just mean you're trash? Sergeant Oh, you never change."
Lee Hyun-wook intended to walk past them without a second thought, but…
"Oh! That corporal over there, isn't that him?"
"Ah, the guy who's F-rank but commanded the containment operation?"
The female soldiers said, pointing at Lee Hyun-wook, and for a moment, Oh Sang-guk and Gwak Jin-cheol were speechless.
"…Huh? Who?"
Oh Sang-guk turned his head and saw Lee Hyun-wook, but he pretended not to know him.
"Come on~ The guy from your company who's F-rank but performed amazingly in the Itaewon operation two days ago and got a commendation from the battalion commander."
"He's super famous in our company too. Introduce us."
"Hey, you ladies! Since when were you so interested in another company's business?"
Oh Sang-guk squawked without realizing it.
"What's with this guy… Why are you suddenly getting annoyed? Of course we're not interested in you guys. Maybe if you were more like an *oppa* like him. Anyway, he's as handsome as the rumors say~"
The 2nd Company's female soldiers giggled.
"But still, Sang-guk-ajeossi, aren't you his senior? Can't you call him over?"
"…Wh-what are you talking about! You girls, seriously!"
Their conversation reached Lee Hyun-wook's ears, but he paid them no mind and walked past them to the 'Item Corner' in the innermost part of the PX.
'I have 5,500 reward points, right?'
One standard international 'Minor Healing Potion' was about 100 reward points.
And considering that it traded on the market for about 150,000 won, 6,000 points was worth a whopping 9 million won.
'Let's see… what's a good item for cashing out…'
To cash out, he needed to buy the item with the highest demand.
"It has to be an 'Orb'."
Orb.
A sphere containing magic, it was an item used to grant a specific 'trait' to another item.
As a highly versatile item, its market price was high and stable.
Lee Hyun-wook purchased a total of three 5th-grade, low-quality Orbs.
They were 1,500 reward points each, which meant they were worth about 6.75 million won in total.
'And I don't need to buy a painkiller potion. The absorption will be finished soon.'
- A 'Breath Room' is forming in your stomach. (78%)
* Severe pain may occur!
The heartburn continued, but it was stabilizing as time passed.
'Once the Breath Room is complete, an internal furnace will be created, and my digestion speed will be much faster.'
Until now, the best method had been to exercise after swallowing metal.
However, the 'Breath Room' also functioned as a kind of 'furnace,' so the growth rate of his ability would be able to accelerate several times over.
After buying the three Orbs with his reward points, Lee Hyun-wook packed them in a special safe box.
This was because Orbs were consumable items that reacted to equipment, and if handled incorrectly, they could end up sticking to the wrong item.
By then, Oh Sang-guk and Gwak Jin-cheol were still sitting at the table, talking with the two female soldiers.
As Lee Hyun-wook, having finished his purchase, approached the exit, Oh Sang-guk's somewhat agitated voice could be heard.
"…No, listen. That bastard is nothing special, I'm telling you. He's an F-rank, for crying out loud. He was just lucky. If you locked him in a room with a few goblins, he'd just die, you know? Fuck, I just can't believe those rumors are spreading! As if he's some kind of hero, jeez!"
No matter how you heard it, the target of that grand denunciation was Lee Hyun-wook.
One of the female soldiers spotted Lee Hyun-wook and let out a 'pfft,' causing Oh Sang-guk's words to die in his throat.
"Hey, why are you snickering?"
"Sorry, Sang-guk-ajeossi, but I think he heard everything."
"…What?"
Oh Sang-guk turned his head.
And his eyes met squarely with Lee Hyun-wook's, who was passing right behind him.
"…"
A moment of silence. Oh Sang-guk blinked rapidly, then slowly turned his head away.
And then…
"…Hic!"
He suddenly started hiccuping.
"Huh? Sang-guk-ajeossi, what's wrong?"
"Hic! Hic! Ah, sh-, hic!"
"…S-Sergeant Oh?"
Gwak Jin-cheol, also flustered, offered the soda can he was drinking to Oh Sang-guk.
"Hic! Hic!"
"Whoa! That F-rank *oppa* must be really scary. Scary enough to make you hiccup just from making eye contact?"
"N-no, dam-hic! That's not i-hic!"
At the sight, the female soldiers began to cackle with laughter.
"Oh my, I guess we should call you Hiccup-ajeossi instead of Sang-guk-ajeossi!"
Lee Hyun-wook said nothing, only glancing at them once before walking past.