Chapter 23
The Chilgok Unit is composed of a total of 7 squads. Each squad consists of 1 officer and 10 regular soldiers.
Squads 1 through 5 are responsible for combat, Squad 6 handles tasks here, and Squad 7 manages administrative and logistical duties at the Cheorwon main barracks.
The squad assigned to Do-jae is Squad 3.
He entered the barracks, which are made of panels for easy setup and teardown.
– “Oh? You’re here already?”
Son Jeong-kyu, who was busy cleaning the empty barracks, looked up and asked.
The atmosphere was completely different from just a moment ago.
Do-jae was the one who felt perplexed.
“What’s this? Suddenly using honorifics?”
– “I apologize for earlier.”
Son Jeong-kyu bowed politely and apologized.
It was quite rare to see someone so out of place in a situation like this.
“Why was that?”
– “As mentioned, it’s a tradition in the unit. Anyone who joins the Chilgok Unit, whether an officer or not, is challenged to a fight.”
“That’s quite an odd tradition.”
– “Since there are many men here… And once again, I apologize for using a real sword.”
Son Jeong-kyu explained the situation thoroughly.
The unit members were already aware of Do-jae’s transfer, and Son Jeong-kyu was the only one who intentionally drew Do-jae’s attention while others ignored him.
It was Son Jeong-kyu’s turn this time, and according to tradition, he had to fight. He had used a real sword out of habit and excitement.
“I understand. I apologize as well. I almost hurt you.”
-“No! It’s just a brief pain for me, but you probably made a good impression on the others. Also, feel free to speak casually. You are the new squad leader after all. If you continue using honorifics, some might take it the wrong way. It’s better to use informal language.”
Despite his appearance, Son Jeong-kyu turned out to be quite considerate.
As they continued talking, it became clear that he was thoughtful and thorough.
Do-jae realized that the earlier show of force was just an act and decided to retract his earlier thoughts about Son Jeong-kyu being overly aggressive.
“Got it. It’s better this way.”
– “Yes, Squad Leader.”
“By the way, where are the other squad members?”
– “They’ve all gone out. Some went for individual training, and some went out to the city. Today is our squad’s day off.”
“So those spectators were from other squads.”
– “Yes, that’s right.”
The expeditionary force is not a prison.
As public servants, punctual work hours are the norm. Even though the area is remote, it is well connected, allowing travel to Seoul in two to three hours.
However, no one thought of leaving the base.
If the unit leader lives and works here, no brave soldier would consider commuting.
Therefore, while commuting is not an option, days off are a time for freedom.
Some train while others gather to go out to the city.
– “As you can see, we live and eat here. Is that all you have?”
“Yes, this is all.”
– “If you need anything, please let me know. During your probation, I’ll take care of any supplies you might need.”
“Thanks, but you don’t have to worry. I’ve brought enough.”
Son Jeong-kyu nodded with wide eyes, thinking that Do-jae had an inventory.
It was surprising yet understandable that someone had an inventory.
-“This is the Squad Leader’s place. I’ll head out now. It might be good to look around the base before the other members return. We are all friendly due to the influence of the unit leader.”
“Alright.”
Clink-.
Son Jeong-kyu left with a garbage bag.
After talking, Do-jae felt somewhat apologetic.
“He seems older than me; maybe I should buy him a drink sometime.”
Do-jae headed to the bed Son Jeong-kyu had pointed out.
It was the best spot, next to the innermost window.
The bed was clean and comfortable.
The interior was more pleasant than expected for a makeshift barracks.
It was a place filled only with men, but it was clean and even had a subtle pleasant aroma.
“The curtains are nice too.”
Each bed was surrounded by curtains, creating individual spaces.
Although sounds couldn’t be completely isolated, the division was quite satisfying.
Creak-.
The Subspace opened.
He took out bedding and a picture frame from it.
Clothes and shower items could be retrieved from the subspace as needed, as they would take up too much space.
“Shall I take a look around the base now?”
After setting up the picture frame with a photo of his younger brother.
Do-jae exited the barracks.
*******************
“It’s more spacious than I thought.”
The base was larger than Do-jae had imagined.
This was due to the large size of the expedition area.
The expedition had been ongoing for about two months, with a total duration set for one year.
Even with the one-year expedition, it’s a large-scale operation that could take over twice as long when considering normalization.
-“Hello.”
As Do-jae walked around the base, members of other squads greeted him.
Everyone seemed quite diligent and cheerful.
It was clear that the base was well-managed.
“The atmosphere is still tense…”
But there was a distinct heavy atmosphere.
This was a battlefield.
It was a place where awakened individuals gathered in an area where monsters might appear at any time.
It was a place where even though faces were bright, no one showed a lighthearted demeanor.
Clunk- clunk-.
A truck entered from the opposite side of the base, toward the direction of the expedition area.
The truck was filled with spoils from monsters, broken swords, and half-broken spears.
Soon after, a group of expeditionary troops followed and entered the base.
It looks like they just got back from the hunt.
Their tired faces and slow strides revealed the hardship of their mission.
As each person passed by Do-jae, they bowed slightly, and a musty, stale smell poked at his nose.
Then came the last one.
A man stopped and greeted with a friendly voice.
-“Hey, hello!”
The man, who also had a patch on his left arm like Do-jae, was Sim Yeong-jin, a supervisor and squad leader, marked by the 十 symbol representing his position.
-“Oh? You’re a squad leader too? Your name is….”
“I’m Do-jae.”
-“Right! Mr. Do-jae. It’s really nice to see someone I know here!”
Sim Yeong-jin extended his hand for a handshake.
His hand was covered in dirt and some sticky substances.
Clack.
“Great to see you here. Nice to meet you too.”
Do-jae shook Sim Yeong-jin’s hand.
The texture was unpleasant, but the feeling was surprisingly good.
He had been troubled by not greeting Sim Yeong-jin during the previous exam, and this encounter somewhat eased that regret.
-“I thought you couldn’t be an F-rank. Why were you hiding it back then? I even checked your license.”
“There were circumstances at that time.”
-“Really? But what did you talk about with my uncle? He looked really pleased.”
“Nothing particularly important. Just him asking if I had any thoughts of joining the guild….”
-“Wow, that’s amazing. Did he really say that?”
“Yes… well….”
Sim Yeong-jin’s face contorted.
He felt disappointed that while his friends had been dissatisfied, his uncle had been willing to scout a newcomer.
-“Hmm… Mr. Do-jae, what are you doing later?”
“I don’t have any plans until night. The members are all out today since it’s a rest day.”
-“Then let’s have a coffee. It’s my first day too, and I went straight to the hunt… Oh, I’ll report to the chief and come right back.”
“Take your time. You should freshen up as well.”
-“Oh, yes! Guys, let’s go together!”
Sim Yeong-jin ran after his departing squad members.
Watching him, Do-jae smiled slightly.
*********************
-“Ah, refreshing. The shower here is nice!”
“Yes, the facilities are better than expected.”
A small smoking area was set up in a corner of the base.
Sim Yeong-jin called Do-jae there.
-“Would you like a cigarette?”
“No, it’s fine.”
Sim Yeong-jin took a puff and exhaled deeply.
-“Ah… I’m not really supposed to be here.”
What is he trying to say?
Do-jae was curiously waiting.
-“During the exam… oh, that crazy guy. I mean the examiner. Anyway, that guy tormented me for three days straight. And whenever I took a break, monsters would show up again.”
“Really?”
Do-jae frowned slightly, though he tried not to show it.
This was the reason he had struggled with monster hunting.
But he soon relaxed his expression.
It was a thing of the past.
And given Sim Yeong-jin’s personality, he could tell it wasn’t intentional.
-“Thanks to that, I collected quite a few points. About 20,000? I was probably the top scorer.”
“With that score, it’s almost certain.”
20,000 points was more than enough to secure the top spot.
Moreover, other candidates had hardly scored any points due to losing monsters, making it even more certain.
-“So, I could have gone to the main force, right? I applied it as my first choice. But why! Why on earth did I end up in the 3rd Hunting Corps….”
“Yeah. I don’t really know either.”
-“No. I do.”
Sim Yeong-jin’s gaze shifted to somewhere.
The commander’s barracks, where the unit flag was waving.
Sim Yeong-jin stared at it intensely.
-“It must have been the commander who brought me here. Mr. Do-jae, you saw it too, right? The commander was the exam chief.”
“Even if that’s the case, isn’t unit assignment done by rank?”
-“Yes, but there’s one special privilege given to the exam chief. They can choose one candidate they want. So, instead of going to the main unit, I came straight here!”
“I didn’t know that.”
Since it was not public information, Do-jae was unaware, but each exam chief has the authority to select one candidate they want.
Sim Yeong-jin was aware of this.
His suspicion had turned into certainty.
-“Ah, life.”
“Then wouldn’t it be better to quit? I mean if you don’t like it here….”
-“Mr. Do-jae, you saw my uncle, right? He was really happy that I was going to the 3rd Hunting Corps. I can’t just give up. I’ll endure.”
“Alright then.”
-“Still, it’s a relief to have someone I know here. Did you see our squad members? Crazy, they all have bodies like mountain gorillas.”
Sim Yeong-jin continued to chatter non-stop.
Do-jae felt like Sim Yeong-jin was like a younger brother, talking endlessly without caring if others were listening.
-“These people are dragging my arms and legs into the 3rd Hunting Area….”
Thus began Sim Yeong-jin’s first hunting story.
He smoothly narrated the situation and the battle conditions.
And as the climax approached.
-“Captain, all the squad members have gathered in the barracks.”
Son Jeong-kyu came to the smoking area and reported.
“Already? I didn’t call them.”
-“I called them. Since it’s your first day, we should have a welcome party, right?”
Do-jae, awkwardly scratching his head at the sudden welcome party news, saw it as a good opportunity, especially as Sim Yeong-jin’s story was getting boring, and stood up immediately.
“Alright, let’s go.”
Son Jeong-kyu and Do-jae headed toward the 3rd squad barracks.
As they left, Sim Yeong-jin spoke with a slightly whiny tone.
-“Ah, I’m so jealous… Our squad doesn’t do things like welcome parties.”
***********
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