Here is the English translation of the provided text:
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Computers are looked at. Documents are reviewed. A sigh is let out.
Again, computers are looked at. More documents are reviewed. Another sigh is let out.
The sigh that comes before doing something never done before was heavier than expected.
Although many tasks have been undertaken in the past, there was always prior preparation and a certain level of proficiency required before starting any task.
For instance, as a pilot, I received continuous flight training before being deployed to the field.
When I was an engineer, I had to learn much more than what was directly taught to me to be ready for work.
Though I have participated in many trainings, I have never designed one myself, which made me feel overwhelmed about where to start.
“Don’t look so worried. We’re doing this together.”
Esmeralda understood my dilemma and patted my shoulder with a forced smile.
“So, where do we start?”
“Firstly…”
Creating the training schedule was the top priority. With only two weeks until the training, we needed to fill out a blank plan.
“I wish we could base it on previous trainings, but if team leaders handle it, they might just repeat the usual drills. I need some input on this.”
“I’ve never thought about it.”
“Of course you haven’t.”
Spacystro’s training methods were divided into two categories. One was strictly following the training schedule issued from above, and the other was creating schedules based on evaluation criteria given by higher-ups, then submitting the training content for assessment.
In the first case, there was no need for much deliberation. Just follow the schedule and prepare accordingly.
Last summer’s training method was like this. Therefore, back then, neither the team leaders nor the soldiers had to prepare much; they just followed the schedule.
But this time, we’ll use the latter method. They don’t alternate between these two methods every year. Last winter and summer, the former method was used, and this winter’s training will follow the latter method.
Thus, each team needs to create their own training, and with the busy schedule, the transmission base assault operation has made it difficult for team leaders to properly plan.
“Just in case, am I being assigned this because of some grudge?”
I considered this a reasonable suspicion. Since my involvement had hindered the smooth creation of the training schedule, they might be giving me a part of the responsibility.
Team leaders had worked hard during the transmission base assault operation, and I had even been reprimanded, so this was a good situation overall.
Esmeralda avoided eye contact and smiled awkwardly.
It seems my assumption was correct.
Even if my assumption was right, nothing changes. The fact remains that my actions have caused inconvenience to the team leaders, and I can’t engage in confrontations for now, so helping with this is appropriate.
“Have you checked the training location?”
“There are a few places shortlisted.”
While schedules can vary widely, training locations and accommodations are limited. Each team needs a suitable place for training when they go to different sites.
Especially when an entire branch moves, a large-scale venue is needed to accommodate all personnel.
“It would be best to find a spacious area first. It seems too difficult to separate plans for each team at this stage.”
“Yes, there’s not enough time either.”
“Did you have any plans in mind beforehand?”
She avoided my gaze again, as if she had plans in her head but didn’t want to share them with me.
I never imagined I’d use such expressions with Esmeralda.
I felt a bit sulky.
Since I couldn’t tell where I went wrong, I needed to reflect on my recent actions.
“What are the evaluation criteria for this training?”
“Not much has changed. It’s about the teams’ coordination ability, situational response, and overall combat capability.”
This was the worst possible criteria. Specifically, it was the worst for Team 3.
Since the team restructuring, coordination hasn’t been solidified, making it difficult to achieve good results in this training evaluation.
Team 3 usually loses to Team HunterKiller, yet maintains its position due to consistently high training scores.
If those scores aren’t recognized, Team 3 will be in trouble. While immediate repercussions won’t occur, Team Leader Luche may have to consider the upper management’s perspective.
“Crukker’s return should be expedited with these criteria.”
Crukker’s presence in the hospital was desperately needed. Delaying his return for a pleasant time with Silver seemed unjust, but leaving him there would affect Team 3’s evaluation.
Of course, even if the criteria were different, Crukker was necessary. Neither my presence nor Theo’s would ensure a smooth team dynamic or operational efficiency.
As I’m not close to anyone individually and Theo’s interpersonal skills are limited, the team’s operations differ from mere camaraderie.
Luche can focus on directing team members without interference since it’s not a confrontation.
Training is conducted as realistically as possible, so unexpected variables can arise at any moment.
“A can handle command, right?”
“Perhaps for immediate situations, but leading the whole team and taking charge of scenarios is beyond their capacity.”
Esmeralda, who has seen my various behaviors, seems to trust my abilities to some extent. She believes I can handle certain situations as described.
However, commanding involves assuming victory and moving the group accordingly. Responding versus managing a group are entirely different matters. In conclusion, I’m unsuitable.
“How would you like the plan structured?”
“We need to make a quick decision and act. Gathering specific schedules, locations, and accommodations will take considerable time.”
Therefore, the most pressing matter is the training plan. The location depends on the type of training.
What is the easiest training plan to implement under current conditions?
Last summer, four teams from the Seoul Branch conducted collaborative training.
Evaluation was done separately, but the training itself was shared.
Would reversing this, making it competitive, be better?
“What about having teams compete against each other based on real combat scenarios?”
“Huh?”
Esmeralda widened her eyes as if surprised.
“Even if teams switch opponents, each team still faces a set opponent.”
“That’s true.”
“Sharing information and creating data is different from experiencing it firsthand. Analyzing the strategies of the hyper-humans each team faces and conducting battles based on that analysis—how about that?”
“…Not bad?”
Esmeralda nodded, seemingly lost in thought.
This idea could benefit all four teams, but I considered the current state of Team 3.
New teammates could analyze Team HunterKiller’s tactics, and through discussions, improve teamwork.
Moreover, Teams 1, 2, and 4, which have remained unchanged, could reassess their strategies.
“You’re clever.”
“Right?”
I accepted Esmeralda’s compliment without hesitation and shrugged my shoulders.
In reality, adopting this training method would be easiest for me. Instead of designing individual team scenarios, I only need to design the overarching scenario.
For example, I could give sudden instructions and observe how each team responds. Effectively, I would evaluate their situational response while entrusting combat capabilities to the teams themselves.
“Anything else?”
“No immediate ideas come to mind. Ideally, I’d like to proceed with this plan. We need training materials, locations, and accommodations.”
“The materials will be provided after the team leaders review the plan. As for the locations and accommodations.”
Esmeralda sifted through piles of documents related to previous trainings and handed a few to me.
“Check these. We’ve been to some of these places, and others are from different branches. Look for something appealing.”
“Hmm… How about this?”
The first thing that caught my eye was a large pension on an island.
“We visited this island last summer. Any other options?”
“A mountain could be good. But it might be cold in winter.”
“As long as safety is assured, we don’t need to worry about the weather.”
“No, it feels too cold.”
I didn’t want to shiver in the cold. Esmeralda observed me silently and pulled my cheek.
“Ouch!”
“Without the cold, winter training wouldn’t be meaningful.”
“Oh, sorry.”
I apologized quickly due to the pain, and Esmeralda released her grip immediately upon hearing my apology.
“We don’t always think about training. We should also consider rest.”
“That’s true.”
Spacystro’s training evaluates only the content of the training period, not what happens outside of it. Thus, there was always more downtime during training periods.
“We talked about going sightseeing before.”
“Oh, right.”
Esmeralda’s voice trembled slightly.
Upon reflection, we hadn’t discussed sightseeing during training.
At the time, I hadn’t realized it, but looking back, our conversation felt almost romantic, planning a trip together.
Now, thinking about it, I realize I was a rather frustrating person back then.
Why did I keep thinking of us as superiors when planning a trip together?
Reflecting on this won’t change anything now.
For now, let’s focus on the training plan.
“How about here? There’s a theme park nearby, so it could be nice.”
Considering rest times, choosing a lodging location isn’t just for relaxation. It increases communication among team members and provides understanding.
Previously, I didn’t communicate excessively, but after having girlfriends, I realized the importance of such conversations.
“That sounds good…”
Esmeralda, about to agree, paused when she saw a document in her hand. Curious, I tilted my head and glanced at the document she was reading.
It was a hot spring village in Gyeonggi Province.
“Do you want to go to a hot spring?”
“Huh?! No, I don’t particularly want to, but I became interested.”
This was a familiar reaction. Esmeralda often showed this reaction when planning trips together in the past.
Wanting to go but not wanting to appear overly eager, she would express her interest carefully to maintain authority.
“Understood.”
One shouldn’t say, “Actually, you want to go.” Doing so would only provoke a stronger rejection.
Just nodding in agreement and adding it as a candidate is enough.
Clearly, I was searching for a lodging option for the training plan. Recalling the atmosphere from preparing for a trip with Esmeralda in the past.
But now, traveling alone with Esmeralda is unlikely. I have girlfriends now.
Laughing bitterly, I continued reviewing the lodging options in the documents.
