Chapter 10: The Opposing Force Specialist
Staff Sergeant Yoon Jungsoo, dispatched from the 3rd Battalion as part of the opposing force.
He took pride in his nickname as an opposing force specialist.
'Let's set a record today.'
Staff Sergeant Yoon was confident that he could set an all-time record today. Not only had he prepared thoroughly in advance, but even the environment was on his side.
Nighttime, which was absolutely advantageous for the opposing force.
The enemy's supply materials, already identified in advance.
All the conditions for victory were in place. It was a battle he couldn't lose. In particular, discovering that the 1st Battalion lacked light-emitting obstacles was a huge gain.
Snow had started falling since yesterday. The thick layer of snow produced faint crunching footsteps, but in return, it masked the sounds of branches and bushes.
Now, the only thing to be cautious about was sound-triggered obstacles. And unlike light-emitting obstacles, even if triggered, they carried a lower risk of revealing one's exact position.
"Alright, you guys ready?"
At his words, the platoon members waiting behind him responded.
"Ready to earn rewards, sir?"
"If it's that kind of preparation, we finished long ago, sir."
Staff Sergeant Yoon chuckled at their reliable answers.
"Don't worry. If we wipe out more than two companies this time, I'll make sure you get rewards."
"Nice. As expected of you, Staff Sergeant."
"Shh. Get ready. You know noise discipline, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"Let's go."
Leading five opposing force soldiers, Staff Sergeant Yoon began climbing the mountain. He had already swiftly subdued the 3rd Company. If he took down the 4th Company next, then moved on to the 2nd and 1st, he could clear all companies within the planned time.
'It's a bit underhanded… but what can you do? Orders are orders.'
Normally, it was an unspoken rule to clear from the 1st Company onward, but this time was different. After the division commander and operations commander were replaced, the unit needed to show training results no matter what. The 3rd Battalion commander, a peer and rival of the 1st Battalion commander, had personally instructed him.
"Hey, Staff Sergeant Yoon."
"Staff Sergeant Yoon Jungsoo!"
"Since when was there a rule about going from the 1st Company? Is it written in military law?"
"N-no, sir!"
"You understand what I mean, right?"
"Yes, sir!"
Because of this, Staff Sergeant Yoon had even conducted a prior reconnaissance, mapping out all the mountain paths. Using lesser-known side routes, he was able to reach the target location without encountering a single obstacle.
'But where is the position? It should be around here.'
Even after reaching the target area, he couldn't spot anything resembling a defensive position. Although it was dark, their eyes had already adjusted. It was strange not to see anything at all.
'Tch. Can't be helped.'
He decided to move in closer.
'You guys, circle left and right like before. Be careful not to get caught.'
Using hand signals, he gave orders. The soldiers nodded and began to spread out.
After moving silently for a while—
'Is that it…?'
Something seemed visible. But he couldn't tell whether it was just scenery or an actual position. He moved a little closer to confirm.
At that moment—
Flash!
"Gah?!"
"Ugh!"
Short cries rang out as a bright light burst on.
*
Flash!
The installed light-emitting obstacle had been triggered. The L-shaped flashlight shone brightly, revealing the positions of the opposing force.
"Get them!"
At Seo Juhwan's shout, three soldiers rushed out. Their movements were swift. As they charged toward the opposing force, they mimicked gunfire with their voices.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
The opposing force members showed expressions of dismay. It wasn't real gunfire, but in such a clear situation, they couldn't even argue they hadn't been hit.
"One of you, follow me! There's another one this way!"
Seo Juhwan shouted as he ran toward the farthest light. Lee Junghoon quickly followed him.
The one fleeing was Staff Sergeant Yoon Jungsoo. The moment the light went on, he turned and ran. Since no one had yet made gunfire sounds, there was nothing to contest.
Seo Juhwan gritted his teeth and ran along the mountain path.
'Huff… what, why is he so fast?'
The figure of Staff Sergeant Yoon grew farther away. As expected of an elite soldier, he was incredibly fast.
A quick decision—he wouldn't be caught like this.
Seo Juhwan slowed slightly and pulled out his radio.
"This is… uh…"
Damn it. He suddenly couldn't remember the position's code name.
Owl? Eagle? Magpie?
No time to think.
"Company commander, this is—!"
Static.
[…Sergeant Seo Juhwan, are you in your right mind? Who uses the radio like that?]
An irritated voice came through, barely restrained. But there was no time to explain.
"Six hostiles spotted! Five subdued! One currently fleeing!"
[…What?]
"The fleeing hostile is wearing a brown padded jacket and a black beanie! One soldier besides me is in pursuit!"
[Where are you right—!]
It was Captain Jeong Sora's urgent voice.
Then another transmission cut in.
[Captain Jeong Sora.]
[Yes, sir! Battalion commander!]
At the mention of the battalion commander, Seo Juhwan inhaled sharply.
'Why is the battalion commander here?!'
Checking the radio, he realized the channel had switched to the battalion-wide frequency. Everyone had heard his sloppy transmission.
'Ah, I'm screwed.'
No wonder her tone had been so sharp.
While he was cursing his luck, the battalion commander spoke.
[Captain Jeong Sora, take your men and begin a search immediately.]
[Yes, sir!]
At that moment, Seo Juhwan hesitated. A search might not catch him efficiently.
The hesitation was brief.
He pressed the radio.
"This is Sergeant Seo Juhwan. Apologies for interrupting. Battalion commander, you shouldn't conduct a search like that."
[…Did you say Seo Juhwan?]
"Yes, sir."
[Explain yourself.]
Swallowing, Seo Juhwan spoke calmly.
"The opposing force approached from a different route than expected. There's a hidden side path. The fleeing soldier is escaping that way."
[A side path? Captain Jeong Sora, hold position.]
[Yes, sir!]
[Continue.]
Seo Juhwan explained the path and suggested reassessing all company situations.
The battalion commander quickly formed a plan.
Seo Juhwan and Lee Junghoon would continue pursuit.
Captain Jeong Sora would intercept along the predicted escape route.
The 2nd Company would spread out for search.
A simple and effective plan.
---
Before long, Staff Sergeant Yoon was captured by Captain Jeong Sora.
From the moment he triggered the light-emitting obstacle, the outcome had been decided.
The 1st Battalion returned earlier than expected.
"Sergeant Seo Juhwan, that was amazing."
"Seriously incredible. I never thought you'd make something like that."
At the smoking area, the juniors praised him.
Embarrassed, Seo Juhwan stepped back slightly.
'This is pretty embarrassing.'
But it wasn't unpleasant.
For the first time, he was receiving positive attention.
Just then, a broadcast rang out.
[Attention. Sergeant Seo Juhwan of the 4th Company, report to the command control room immediately.]
"Oh, are you going to get that reward now?"
Lee Junghoon grinned.
Seo Juhwan gave a thumbs up and headed toward the command center.
It was time to receive the reward for all his effort.
- 50 Advanced Chapters of {The Desire System: Reincarnated with a Demon God's Gift}: patreon.com/aristo0_0