Chapter 2

Operation concluded.

Lee Seong-han was confident.

『Perfect』, the report would say.

Then, his service period would be reduced.

“Discharge! Discharge is coming! I need to find my discharge papers! Everyone, open your eyes wide! Shout! To the place where that paradise is pouring out….”

“Shut up! Where do you think you’re shouting, man?”

“Dischaaaaarge!”

This country is going crazy. Lee Seong-han was sure of it.

Even if you’re an overseas citizen?

Even if you’ve been discharged?

Even if you’re in the reserves?

Even if you’re a woman?

Even if you’re a child?

Even with all sorts of other conditions attached.

As long as you’re Awakened, they’ll conscript you regardless.

‘Crazy bastards.’

South Korea was severely lacking in Awakened personnel at the national level.

1. They get taken by other countries.

2. They run away before even Awakening.

Mostly, it’s one of the two.

If you can’t choose between those two options, eventually, you end up serving.

“Having fun?”

“At this rate, I’ll be discharged soon.”

“Funny joke.”

Lee Seong-han was returning to base, sitting in the back of a two-and-a-half-ton truck.

As expected of a remote area, the surroundings were desolate.

Originally, such silence had its own charm.

Being in the military changes a person emotionally.

“By the way.”

The platoon leader sitting across from him.

Flicked a cigarette butt onto the road.

“What do you think of my proposal?”

“You mean the term-limited non-commissioned officer position?”

“Yeah.”

Term-limited non-commissioned officer.

Commonly known as the professional sergeant system.

For Awakened soldiers, it was also called permanent service.

“I can take care of you a bit. More than freelance Hunters, at least.”

“Aren’t those guys just suicidal maniacs?”

“Better than thugs with guns, I mean.”

Lee Seong-han let out a sigh.

“The professional sergeant system isn’t for me.”

“Is that so?”

Clunk-

“Ah, we’ve arrived. I’ll get off first. Need to settle the accounts, right?”

“Thank you, as always.”

Telling me to drive a stake? You’re crazy.

I’d rather hang myself.

-All personnel, disembark.

Without a moment to think, the two-and-a-half-ton truck came to a halt.

* * *

Cheorwon Field Base.

One of the military supply warehouses guarding the frontlines of South Korea.

Especially, this logistics warehouse is the largest in South Korea.

A terminal where all sorts of supplies and personnel come and go.

“Loyalty!”

“Loyalty.”

“What brings you here?”

“I need to settle accounts related to monster hunting.”

“Ah, confirmed. Please proceed inside.”

Lee Seong-han saluted the guard and entered the logistics warehouse.

All sorts of supplies neatly arranged.

Monsters being unloaded.

Even the byproducts piled up thickly!

“Wow, that frog. Its insides are still intact.”

“This is insane. Can this facility even handle it? If we mess with that, we’re screwed.”

“Being in the military is tough enough, but thinking about this crap is just… whatever, we gotta do what we gotta do.”

The gazes of the crowd were focused in one direction.

Because of the Frog hanging from the crane.

A mutant variant that Lee Seong-han had killed.

‘That guy’s pitiful too.’

Lee Seong-han heard it would be disassembled at a civilian research institute.

The Cheorwon logistics warehouse is also somewhat state-of-the-art.

Of course, compared to civilian facilities, it’s lacking.

“Ah, it’s cold.”

The administrative office of the logistics warehouse was empty. Lee Seong-han filled out some forms electronically.

Printed out the necessary documents and certificates.

The quiet was nice.

“Huh, this Awakened soldier is really something else.”

Creak.

A calm voice from behind.

Lee Seong-han’s hair stood on end.

‘My veteran sergeant senses are tingling. At least a company sergeant major level. Or equivalent, or higher. Dangerous!’

Carefully, he turned his gaze.

A young officer with a cold expression strode forward.

A woman dressed in Hunter uniform.

Very young.

Maybe just out of high school?

‘Rank?’

Major.

Most likely an Awakened.

Lee Seong-han saluted formally.

“Loyalty!”

“Loyalty.”

“At ease. Are you a Hunter too?”

“Awakened Soldier Lee Seong-han! Yes, I am.”

“Good. I’ll skip the secondary explanations. It’s a hassle to explain to Non-Awakened.”

The Major flung her bulky military jacket onto the sofa.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Are you here to fill out paperwork too?”

“Yes, that’s right! I’m printing it out now.”

“Could you do mine as well?”

“Of course!”

Lee Seong-han printed out additional blank forms.

He was lost in thought for a moment.

‘The unit emblem is strange.’

A flexible S-shaped curve pattern,

Similar to a bird’s wings.

Which unit was it again?

‘Hunter Management Bureau. Ah.’

Lee Seong-han clicked his tongue.

Hunter Management Bureau.

Famous for raising several top-ranking Hunters.

In Korea, a barren land for Awakened, this was a big deal.

If there’s potential?

They’ll even train ordinary people.

They receive tremendous support to operate at that level.

‘The problem is, they’re deployed to missions where lives are really on the line, real suicide missions.’

The Hunter Management Bureau has been suffering from a manpower shortage since its inception.

And it’s severe!

Because that’s how many people have been lost.

“The paperwork isn’t done yet.”

At this rate, it’s kidnapping.

Lee Seong-han wiped the cold sweat off his brow.

“You. Lee Seong-han, was it?”

“Yes, that’s right!”

The Major leaned on the table and smiled amiably.

She glanced at the monsters being disassembled in the distance.

“Today’s hunt count?”

“Total of 5 eliminated.”

“Five? New recruits these days can’t even catch one. What a shame, what a shame.”

The Major approached with an interested look.

“Impressive. You’ll be promoted soon. Congratulations in advance.”

“You flatter me, Major.”

Lee Seong-han wished this moment would pass quickly.

Few who enter the Hunter Management Bureau return alive.

“Hunters are all about skill. Compliments are blessings, motivation to move forward. But you.”

“Awakened Soldier Lee Seong-han!”

“That specimen. Did you handle it?”

Lee Seong-han felt like the Major’s pointing gesture was saying, “That bird is harmful,” like some Chinese guy.

“Did I hear wrong?”

“Frog. A mutant variant at that. An extremely rare probability of appearing. About 0.00062%? There’s been a lot of talk at headquarters.”

Lee Seong-han let out a sigh.

The probability is extremely low.

To the point where it’s strange not to pay attention.

“You. I think you understand why talented people are being lost.”

“Yes, of course.”

“Naturally, in such a manpower shortage, those with ‘insufficient’ combat experience are also deployed. If they survive, they’ll receive commensurate rewards.”

Lee Seong-han’s face hardened.

He nodded silently.

“That’s correct. I killed it.”

“As expected.”

“Thank you for your kind words, Major.”

She already knew and came looking.

If I lied and it blew up,

That’s a problem in itself.

The Hunter cam footage must have already been sent to headquarters.

To prevent Awakened deserters, they’re connected in real-time with headquarters.

She must have come after seeing it directly.

Lee Seong-han swallowed hard and asked again.

“Major?”

“Ah, sorry. Got lost in thought for a moment. I’m Major Kang Mi-young. I run a special operations unit in the Hunter Management Bureau.”

Kang Mi-young offered a handshake.

Lee Seong-han cautiously reciprocated.

His grim expression didn’t ease at all.

‘The Iron Blood Empress Kang Mi-young?!’

Kang Mi-young.

South Korea’s top influencer and S-Rank Hunter.

A legendary figure that even the toughest monsters can’t scratch.

“Are you the Kang Mi-young I know?”

“Is there more than one Kang Mi-young?”

“Sorry!”

“Teasing you is fun. Hehe.”

Lee Seong-han swallowed dryly.

《System: Information》

『‘Iron Blood Empress’ Kang Mi-young』

□Level: [Lv. ???]

□Traits

⤷[Your Shield (SSS)], [Steel Transformation (SSS)], [Oppression (SSS)], [Regeneration (S)], [Perfection (S)] ·····

‘Her stats are insane.’

It’s basically impossible for one Awakened to see another’s information.

Unless using specialized equipment.

Or being a top-level sage.

Lee Seong-han could do it, but.

He didn’t know the details himself.

‘First, Kang Mi-young. She’s the number one person to avoid. Dangerous. My discharge could go down the drain.’

Lee Seong-han smiled amiably.

“Thank you for your kind words. I need to submit these documents now.”

“You.”

“Yes.”

“You’re picking all the right things to do.”

Gulp.

“Ah, hahaha.”

Lee Seong-han rushed out of the office as if fleeing.

He didn’t want to roam the frontlines like Kang Mi-young.

That’s a real suicide mission.

* * *

“Something’s bothering me.”

Kang Mi-young stared at the door Lee Seong-han had just exited.

“Hmm. It’s no good.”

She pressed her smartphone keyboard firmly.

Ring ring-

Ring ring-

After a few rings, the other party answered.

“Found a good candidate.”

-…….

“Really. Name’s Lee Seong-han. Re-enlisted, Awakened. Gender, of course, male.”

-…….

Every time she watched the Hunter cam, it came to mind.

Incredible skill.

Situational judgment.

Quick thinking.

Everything about him was a talent surpassing hers, and she wanted it. She didn’t know what kind of man he was, but at least it wouldn’t be a loss.

Kang Mi-young smiled brightly.

[Affection level has increased.]

[Affection level has increased.]

[Affection level has increased.]

“No, even calling him perfect feels insufficient. We need to put him in the assault team right away.”

* * *

A few days passed like that.

Lee Seong-han was troubled by the unwanted attention.

It’s like seeing a restaurant that serves a full meal for 5,000 won + stir-fried pork + unlimited side dishes + post-meal yogurt + no unnecessary attention.

The problem is, such restaurants usually don’t exist nearby.

But one just popped up right next to him, so he’s tempted every day.

Honestly, if such a place existed, Lee Seong-han would visit it 365 days a year.

“You. You’re tempting me. Drive the stake in right now. I’ll double your salary.”

“No. I don’t want to.”

“If you join the Hunter Management Bureau right now, I’ll discharge you─”

“I want to be a free spirit.”

“Damn it, you! What are you trying to do, getting me all excited like this! It’s like burning down a thatched hut while trying to catch bedbugs!”

“That’s what you’re doing right now, Major.”

Kang Mi-young’s interested gaze, her obsession, made every day hell. That woman was just too much.

“If I respond, my military life will be ruined! Seriously.”

Every time he thought about it, it stuck in his throat.

Like a fish bone.

‘If I get dragged into the Hunter Management Bureau, it’s over. It’s like driving a stake.’

Lee Seong-han also avoided eye contact like a blind man, but he couldn’t do that every day.

If there was a clear solution, he’d execute it right away.

But all he had were unsatisfactory options…….

“Alright, Seong-han, cheer up. Ah, it’s cold.”

Lee Seong-han quietly walked along the path inside the forward base.

The outskirts + streetlights made it almost pitch black.

It’s not desertion.

If I desert, Kang Mi-young will kill me.

The Hunter Management Bureau handles that sort of thing too.

“What could happen? I applied for a license, and early discharge is practically guaranteed.”

Just as Lee Seong-han arrived at the barracks with a refreshed mind.

A broadcast echoed throughout the field base.

-Hook hook, this is the administrative office. Special Forces Soldier Lee Seong-han. You have a visitor. Please come immediately. The visitor has already arrived at the visiting room. Over.

“Ah.”

A visitor at this late hour.

‘Could it be Kang Mi-young?’

The possibility was high, but if someone came, I couldn’t just not go.

Lee Seong-han turned his steps with a heavy heart.

“Who is it?”

As soon as he opened the visiting room door, he saw a wooden round table.

A woman in a black suit stood up from the chair.

“You’re Lee Seong-han, right? Please sit down.”

Lee Seong-han tilted his head.

Has the license already arrived?

I’ve never heard of it being processed this quickly.

“Has the license already been issued? Is it because I’m a man?”

“There’s also the institutional aspect of facilitating male Awakened individuals’ entry into society······but I’m not affiliated with the association.”

The woman bent her upper body as if understanding.

Then, she began introducing herself matter-of-factly.

“My name is Kang Jin-young. Let me get straight to the point.”

Kang Jin-young pulled out an employee ID from inside her suit.

NIS (National Intelligence Service).

She was from the National Intelligence Service.

“We need you to work with us. Hahaha.”

Thud!

As Kang Jin-young flicked her hand, the door behind her locked.

Damn, I’m trapped.

“The reward is…… let’s say discharge for now?”

“Huh?”

A shortcut suddenly appeared.

If I just take the right path. Lee Seong-han reflected on his discharge date.

‘About… 4 more years.’

Can I survive 4 years without trouble?

I don’t know.

That’s 48 months.

1,460 days.

35,040 hours.

2,102,400 minutes.

Trapped in this hell for that long, and even that’s not a fixed value.

‘Damn bastards. Why did they make it so fluid?’

Swearing came naturally.

International and domestic situations, politicians’ whims, public opinion, etc.

The discharge date for Awakened soldiers changes rapidly based on external factors.

No wonder they’re treated like flipping a palm.

“Don’t want to stay in the military longer, right? I know. So, how about working with me?”

If that hell-escape express train is right in front of you, wouldn’t most people jump on?

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