Chapter 16

16.

Lee Seong-han hates military life.

– Bam bam ba bam───!

– Ah, this is an announcement from the administrative office. The current time is 06:30. All personnel are requested to wake up. Due to heavy snowfall today, roll call will be conducted indoors.

“Phew. Are they just letting it slide today?”

A sigh of relief was heard from the side.

Through the breathing hole in the blanket, he glared at the buzz-cut private second class. He lay on the bed, warming his body. Going out in this cold weather is suicidal.

Beep─

-······Huff huff, this is an announcement from the administrative office. Due to heavy snow accumulation, morning roll call is canceled. All company personnel are requested to gather at the training ground with winter gear for snow removal operations. This includes Awakened personnel.

‘Damn it.’

That guy stole my sweet sleep time. Lee Seong-han immediately felt a headache coming on.

He checked outside the window.

The outside was barely visible. That’s how heavy the snowfall was.

-Oh, today the duty commander has issued a special order. After snow removal, today’s schedule will proceed as usual, so please ensure you have all necessary equipment.

From the female soldiers’ barracks, thick curses could be heard.

“Hey. What kind of rookie with no experience dares to whistle? You wanna die?”

“It’s already sad enough that we couldn’t properly celebrate Christmas. Looks like we’re gonna be running laps. Hey! Get the snow shovels and ski parkas ready.”

Lee Seong-han also reluctantly got up. A soldier is a soldier, after all.

“Ah, maybe I should apply for a dispatch assignment.”

Beep─

The noise from the speaker right before the broadcast. What now? Lee Seong-han scratched the back of his head.

-Huff huff, this is an announcement from the administrative office. Private Second Class Lee Seong-han, please report to the administrative office immediately for the implementation of the Awakened Personnel Dispatch System.

“Yahoo!”

Lee Seong-han was happy to become an Awakened One.

“It’s been a while.”

｢Stay calm. React calmly. As if nothing happened. Now, slowly smile.｣

Until he met Mr. Mo from Namsan.

* * *

Awakened Personnel Dispatch System

This refers to the duty of military Awakened Ones to cooperate with other organizations.

“Oh, good morning.”

“……”

“Why are you opening your eyes so wide? I’m the only one who would call you, Seong-han. Want some coffee?”

The administrative office was cold.

Kang Jin-young drew a crescent moon with her mouth. She was licking a steaming can of coffee.

At first, Lee Seong-han thought someone was wearing an Eskimo parka. He saluted lightly.

“Loyalty.”

“Ugh. I thought I was gonna die writing reports. Except for the sudden worsening of my lumbar disc recently. It’s quite satisfying!”

Kang Jin-young pulled her leather gloves tightly with a mysterious expression.

“What happened to that incident a week ago?”

“The Capital Hospital?”

“Yes, that one.”

“I heard the report has been submitted… They’re still investigating. It’s such an unbelievable story. I heard rumors that I tried to do something terrible, but I don’t remember.”

There’s no way she doesn’t remember.

It’s a lie.

“The reason I called you here is for official business, but I’ll explain that outside.”

Avoiding the cold stares of the administrative soldiers, they went out into the corridor.

“Shall we walk and move? My sister will be here soon.”

“There’s a hearing, right? Because of the Capital Hospital gate.”

“It’s WWE, right?”

“WWE?”

“Ah, you don’t play games, Seong-han? It’s like a rigged game of Go-Stop. If they punish us, there’ll be a huge backlash. It’s not for nothing that they call us the Idols of the Battlefield.”

Lee Seong-han nodded.

The Capital Hospital gate was closed.

No one died.

This is really a rare case.

Kang Jin-young bridged the conversation.

“I don’t remember either, nor does my sister. But what crime can they charge us with? You’re the same, right?”

Lee Seong-han tilted his head.

She’s not usually this calm.

When she opens her mouth, 90% is lies, and 10% is nonsense blurted out by mistake. Her amateur psychology always worked. A sly voice was heard.

｢Damn it. What if they all remember? What the hell did the past Kang Jin-young do?! What the hell?!｣

The conversation didn’t last long.

Kang Mi-young was walking down the corridor.

“Ah, you’re awake.”

“Loyalty!”

“I thought you’d come right after hearing the broadcast. Did you wake up earlier?”

Her fluffy navy blue sweater and tight jeans accentuated her figure.

She had long legs like a model, with a great proportion.

“No. I just arrived too.”

Lee Seong-han answered briefly.

“You don’t need to be so humble. You’ve heard the explanation for today’s duty, right?”

“Yes, the company commander said we need to renew the license documents.”

“That’s right. For this operation, I and…”

She glanced at Kang Jin-young. Her face clearly said, “What nonsense did you spout?” The conversation continued.

“Kang Jin-young will accompany you.”

Honestly, Lee Seong-han didn’t expect such special treatment.

He saw the Kang sisters, who were sparking off each other, side by side.

The atmosphere itself was like walking on thin ice, so it was hard to speak up.

｢What, weren’t you supposed to not come because of the hearing?｣

｢How dare they try to take away the best talent of the Korean Army with tricks?｣

Now there were two voices.

Lee Seong-han prayed to God for a mute function.

[You can allocate part of ‘Automatic Combat’ to apply.]

‘How much?’

[It will take 39 years and 117 days to produce at a rate of 0.02kb per second.]

He decided to just give up.

* * *

South Korea.

Hunter Association.

“It’s really spacious, huh?”

“Yeah, it is.”

South Korea’s top Hunter organization.

The association lobby was bustling like a traditional market.

Hunters looking for parties.

Workshops crafting equipment.

Even overseas buyers coming for requests.

Lee Seong-han swallowed dryly. This atmosphere is new to him. He was dragged in for military service right after awakening.

“By the way, shouldn’t we wait for the major?”

“It’ll take a few more hours. Look, look at the crowd. My sister will probably handle each one individually. Let’s go first!”

Lee Seong-han had no choice but to start walking.

People were gathering at the entrance one by one.

Who would’ve thought they’d gather like this just to see Kang Mi-young.

-Sorry… This is also for tomorrow. Let’s proceed first.

The order came to proceed with the license issuance. Only then did Lee Seong-han’s expression brighten.

“My sister has always monopolized attention since she was young. Her face, beauty, love, everything. I didn’t like it.”

｢What… If I create a romantic mood, I can solidify my position. Sister, you’re helpful at times like this.｣

Kang Jin-young stuck close to Lee Seong-han. She quickly linked arms with him.

“Huh?”

Squeeak─

“Walk quietly.”

It was a resolute determination not to let go.

Kang Jin-young walked in step with him.

“We’ll continue the escort duty like this.”

“Isn’t this too close?”

“Pfft. This is how escorts are done these days. Like lovers, like family, naturally.”

There was a hint of laughter in her voice.

｢Being insensitive is good for this~ I’m glad you don’t remember, really. Ah, you’re like a huge teddy bear.｣

‘I’m not insensitive. I’m actually quite sharp. By the way, the stares are a bit prickly. Should I say something?’

Lee Seong-han chewed on his lower lip.

I hope no one recognizes me.

“Um, agent.”

“Yes.”

“Could you let go a little?”

Kang Jin-young frowned deeply.

“Can I?”

“Can’t you?”

“Hey, do you think this is the National Intelligence Service’s 10th Bureau?”

“Isn’t it Awakened management?”

“Right. Awakened management. Is this arm link really that bothersome? If you submit a transfer request, I’ll think about it. Let’s see, in my pocket.”

Seeing her rummaging, Lee Seong-han quickly spoke up.

“No, I won’t.”

“You’re playing hard to get. You like it too, don’t you? Being with a natural beauty like me?”

“You might do something unpredictable.”

“Seong-han, you look like a landmine too. You know, what’s it called? Menhera?”

Lee Seong-han tried hard to break free, but there was no sign of letting go.

Has her ability grown?

“See. You’re so weak.”

Lee Seong-han scratched the back of his head.

I remember it all too well.

I tried to get specially recruited by the National Intelligence Service.

What’s with the assault? It’s not like she intended to change perceptions, but it’s still awkward.

“Should I have come when it’s quieter?”

｢Where are these low-class girls eyeing my man?｣

Kang Jin-young spoke brightly.

Contrary to her words, her face was cold as she scanned the surroundings.

Like a mother protecting her baby.

“Wow, look at that guy. Isn’t he handsome?”

“The girl must have saved the country in her past life. Kehehehe.”

Kang Jin-young was speechless.

｢I’m still saving it, you know? What are you saying to the top elite agent of South Korea?｣

When she’s in that state, nothing good ever happens.

Lee Seong-han spat out sweet words.

“I think you’re pretty too, agent. Really strong.”

“Ahaha… Don’t say such nice things.”

She blushed deeply, as if embarrassed.

It’s the first time she’s been complimented by a man.

Clearly, this man likes her but is playing hard to get.

“Hey, how could someone like me beat my sister? She’s S-Rank.”

｢She’s openly seducing me, huh?｣

Kang Jin-young’s face stiffened.

Gulp. A seductive swallowing sound. She glared at Lee Seong-han with crescent-shaped eyes.

“Well, it doesn’t seem like you have bad intentions, so I’ll let it slide this time.”

“Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. It’s only natural. Let’s go. Before I change my mind.”

Safely(?) arriving at the reception desk, Lee Seong-han finally escaped the monster.

Lee Seong-han placed several document files on the reception desk.

“Hello. Are you here to obtain a license?”

The bright-faced female employee. She glanced at Lee Seong-han and smiled brightly.

“Yes, that’s right. Here’s this and that. They said additional documents were needed, so I brought them.”

“Just a moment. Please submit your identification documents first. I’ll find them for you quickly.”

“Understood.”

After waiting at the reception desk for a few minutes.

“Um… Hunter.”

The person in charge returned. She looked very nervous.

Lee Seong-han stretched his stiff body.

“Is the license ready now? I need to submit the certificate quickly to shorten my discharge period by two months.”

“I’m sorry. There was a mistake during the issuance process.”

The employee, who was fine just moments ago, now looked like she was on the verge of death.

The employee bowed her head at a 90-degree angle.

“The association chairman wants to deliver it to you personally.”

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