A Player Who Eats Metal

Chapter 9: Itaewon 2-dong, Gate Blockade Operation

< Chapter 9: Itaewon 2-dong, Gate Blockade Operation – 1

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Lee Hyunwook quickly identified his target item, but still spent about 5 minutes pretending to consider other options. Making a choice immediately upon entering might appear suspicious.

“Captain, from section B, serial no. 554, I’d like the sword in black.”

Lee Hyunwook recited the serial number from the rack.

“Okay.”

Oh Jung-tae manipulated the control device, and a machine retrieved the specified item.

After examining its information, Oh Jung-tae remarked,

“Hmm, Hyunwook, are you sure about this?”

He asked, tilting his head…

“You’re not feeling self-conscious about choosing a high-quality item because you’re ranked F, right? You do know that once this item is assigned, it remains yours even after discharge? Did you choose it with that in mind?”

He believed the item’s value was low, but in reality, the potential was just hidden.

To a player, the item’s current information might seem too shabby.

“Yes, I chose knowing that. Please give me that.”

“Really? I’ll ask again. I’m not responsible if you regret this later.”

“Yes, that’s my decision.”

Captain Oh Jung-tae nodded with a rueful expression.

“Well, there’s nothing I can do. It’s such a pity.”

No one yet knew the value of this item.

“Here, take it.”

As Lee Hyunwook received the item, a brief description appeared before him.

[Item Information]

-Name: Sword of the Cloud

-Effect: Absorbs water to release a ‘mist’.

‘It’s remarkably light.’

At first glance, it resembled a bronze sword, but it was longer, approximately 70cm — an ideal size to be wielded with one hand.

The blade had a unique wave pattern, giving the impression of Damascus Steel.

‘It has a perfect balance. No wonder Choi Young-jun would favor such a weapon.’

In the future, when Choi Young-jun’s primary weapon gets damaged, he’d hastily pick up any weapon from the armory.

It would be this ‘Sword of the Cloud’ that he grabs. And by a twist of fate, he would unleash its hidden potential.

‘Choi Young-jun’s second sword, I’m sorry, but I have to take you first.’

After the potential was unleashed, the real name of this item was revealed to be ‘Cloud Master’s Dark Hand.’

In the Dangun mythology, three weather gods descended to earth with Hwanwoong: Wind Chief, Rain Master, and Cloud Master.

Among them, the god responsible for clouds is the Cloud Master,

And his dark hand is referred to as the “Dark Hand.”

“Cloud Master’s Dark Hand”, when translated, signifies something hidden in the clouds, much like a sword.

What would a sword hidden in the clouds be?

It refers to the “Lord of Thunder,”

Which means lightning.

In other words, when the potential is unlocked, one can harness the power of lightning.

‘The combination of steel and lightning is the best.’

‘Most metals are conductors, and electricity flows through them very well.’

‘This means that if lightning strikes the metal controlled by Lee Hyunwook, it becomes a weapon more powerful than one could imagine.’

‘Above all, it allows one to break free from the limitations of physical attacks using metal.’

In this way, steel held the power of lightning.

* * *

Battalion Commander Kim Kang-seok placed a hand-dripped coffee in front of Lieutenant Cheon Myung-ho.

“Thank you. Ah, it has a nice aroma.”

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“You do have a discerning sense. It’s a special bean from Guatemala.”

Lieutenant Cheon Myung-ho was a significant figure within the AMT and often received invitations from commanders for refreshments when he visited other units.

“I believe the last time I saw you, Lieutenant Cheon, was after the ‘Gwangmyeong Ogre Battle.'”

“Yes, that would be right. That was already 2 years ago.”

“It’s been that long already. I had just become a B-rank then.”

Both being initial members of the AMT, they had fought together on numerous battlefields.

“So, how is it? Any troubles in the Black Tiger unit recently?”

“On our side, we’re always struggling with manpower shortages.”

After a formal exchange of their recent situations and pleasantries, the main topic came up.

“Hmm, I assume your visit to our unit is because of Sergeant Choi Young-jun?”

Choi Young-jun, it was indeed that name.

“Ah, yes, correct. The rumors about him are rife.”

“Yes, he’s impressive. However, it’s a pity, he’s on leave right now… If you had contacted us in advance, you wouldn’t have wasted your precious time.”

“Thank you for your consideration. But visiting unexpectedly like this can catch the individual off-guard, increasing the likelihood they’ll impulsively agree to our proposition, especially when signing the NCO application. It’s a kind of psychology. Ha-ha, these days, everyone’s trying to join guilds, so we’ve come up with persuasive strategies.”

Cheon Myung-ho gave an awkward smile.

“Tsk, nowadays even if one’s only C-rank, guilds are trying to recruit them. But I believe Choi Young-jun will think positively. He’s someone who understands a soldier’s honor.”

With that, Kim Kang-seok began elaborating on Choi Young-jun. Although spoken softly, it was close to bragging and promoting, effectively a recommendation for the talent he had nurtured and commanded.

However, Cheon Myung-ho seemed to have his attention elsewhere.

“Commander, the truth is, I haven’t observed his combat, so I can’t make an assessment yet.”

This meant that he was not particularly interested in hearing more about Choi Young-jun.

“Ah, I momentarily forgot that Lieutenant Cheon always prefers to see for himself and judge.”

“It’s a bad habit of mine. But, speaking of which…”

There was a glint in Cheon Myung-ho’s eyes, indicating he had something to say.

“Yesterday, I happened to discover a very special talent in this unit.”

That was Cheon Myung-ho’s main point.

“Oh, really? Which soldier?”

“Do you by any chance know Corporal Lee Hyunwook?”

“If it’s that guy…”

There was a similar spark in Kim Kang-seok’s eyes, making them seem more intense and predatory.

“…He’s an F-rank, but he’s a rare, true soldier.”

“…F-rank, but a born warrior.”

Both responded at the same time.

A born warrior and a true soldier, similar yet distinct evaluations.

“Ha-ha-ha! It’s an honor to know that my judgment aligns with yours, Lieutenant Cheon.”

“Considering you also see him that way, it confirms that I wasn’t mistaken.”

“But what made you see him in a favorable light?”

Responding to Kim Kang-seok’s question, Cheon Myung-ho recounted the duel training he witnessed between Lee Hyunwook and Lee Won-seok.

Hearing this, the intrigue in Kim Kang-seok’s eyes deepened.

“Lieutenant Cheon, are you planning to recruit him to the Black Tiger unit?”

“Not exactly, but I did forcibly give him my business card.”

“Hmm, however, isn’t it a stretch for an F-rank to handle the pivotal roles in special operation raids? Maybe for general AMT non-commissioned officer duties.”

As he said this, Cheon Myung-ho, who was lifting his coffee cup, paused mid-air.

“If we’re talking about general non-commissioned officers, Commander, it seems you’ve also got your eye on him?”

Kim Kang-seok smiled faintly.

“Of course. He seems outstanding not as a player, but as a soldier. However, I plan to observe him a bit longer. I have a feeling right now, but to be certain, he should undertake a notable mission.”

“Then, can I observe when he carries out that mission?”

“Ha-ha-ha! It sounds like you’re suggesting a bidding war over this F-rank?”

“I’ve been ready to place a major bet for a while now.”

Unbeknownst to the F-rank player, a recruitment competition had begun.

* * *

“…Whew!”

Park Junmo was hanging on the horizontal bar, and his arms were shaking like a persimmon tree.

He took a deep breath and pulled on the bar.

“Tha-that’s enough!”

And then he fell.

“Hey! Was that only four?”

“Pant! Pant! No, wasn’t that five?”

“Come on, you couldn’t even make it halfway up the last one. Honestly, that was four.”

Mockingly, An Min-tae, who had just completed six, commented.

“Ugh… After doing three sets, it feels like my arms are going to fall off.”

When Park Junmo whined, Ahn Mintae clicked his tongue.

“Tsk tsk, just an arm is fine, isn’t it? Didn’t you say that if it weren’t for Corporal Lee Hyunwook yesterday, you almost would’ve had your breath cut off?”

“Heuk! Yes, that’s right. Corporal Lee Hyunwook, thank you once again.”

After completing 5 sets of 20 each, Lee Hyunwook nodded his head.

Meanwhile, his body had significantly bulked up in just a few days. Even when clothed, the muscular contours of his body were strikingly visible.

This was the result of squeezing out non-existent bonus points to drink recovery potions while working out.

“Wow, you’re doing twenty repetitions for five sets…”

“Isn’t this better than most athletes?”

The squad members couldn’t help but admire him. Perhaps this was their first admiration for him.

“But guys, don’t overdo it on the first day.”

Looking at the squad members grunting while hanging from the pull-up bar, Lee Hyunwook advised.

However, they all shook their heads while catching their breaths.

“I’m still okay.”

“I think I can do about three more sets.”

“Then I’ll just try one more set!”

They all seemed quite determined.

Yesterday, whatever influence Lee Hyunwook’s words and appearance had, looking at these previously inactive guys now crowded around the pull-up bar, certainly left a positive impression.

However, their efforts didn’t seem to sit well with other squad members.

“Hey, look at that, what’s the support squad doing all huddled up?”

Passing by the group of five gathered at the pull-up bar, some mocked them.

“Shh! Corporal Lee Hyunwook is looking this way.”

Whenever Lee Hyunwook looked their way, they avoided eye contact.

Yesterday’s image of him effortlessly overpowering the barbarian was clearly etched in their minds.

“Careful! Don’t make eye contact. He might rush over and kick or…”

“Or jump on our backs and choke us…”

However, Lee Hyunwook didn’t care about what others thought. The real concern wasn’t about their gazes.

‘It’s about time to start.’

He checked his watch.

Based on his past experience, a mission deployment order would be given soon.

“Ah Min-tae. Let’s head in with the guys.”

“Huh? Why are we going in already? Isn’t it still some time before dinner?”

Ah Min-tae asked with a puzzled look.

‘We won’t be eating that dinner.’

Soon, a gate would open in the restricted area and monsters would flood out. There wouldn’t be time for dinner.

“Just now, I saw the operations chief who had finished work going up to the headquarters. Considering he was carrying his main weapon, the ‘Long Bow’, it seems we’ll be deployed soon. Our company is the ‘advance team’ this week.”

The ‘advance team’ refers to the company that arrives first at the operational site within 5 minutes after a gate opens in the restricted area.

“Really?”

“Is that true?”

And if the operation chief, who had just finished his work, was returning to the unit while armed with his primary weapon… From their experience, they all knew that the only plausible reason for this would be a ‘mission.’

“Ah, I really hope it’s not the case…”

But…

‘This lie seemed plausible.’

It was a blatant lie that Lee Hyunwook had seen the operation chief, especially one armed with his main weapon.

He didn’t even know if the operations chief had left work, and it wasn’t a position that would leave this early in the first place.

‘It’s more convenient to be prepared in advance.’

Logically, it was much easier in many ways to be prepared and already at the ready, rather than hastily getting ready after hearing the mission broadcast.

So, while other squads went on with their usual routines, unaware of anything, all nine members of the 5th squad were able to be in their living quarters.

However…

“Hmm…”

They believed in Lee Hyunwook’s words, started preparing their military gear slowly, and occasionally glanced at the speaker, just in case…

“Um…”

But nothing happened even after 5 minutes.

“Corporal Lee Hyunwook, doesn’t it seem too calm considering the operations chief came in armed?”

While everyone was voicing their doubts, Ah Min-tae stole a glance at Lee Hyunwook and asked.

However, for some reason, Lee Hyunwook was so sure of something that he had already finished packing his gear.

“Ah Min-tae. Do you think the gate would give a warning and open? All of you, hurry up and get ready.”

“That may be the case, but…”

―Click!

At that moment, the broadcast turned on, and someone’s breathing could be heard.

“Whoa!”

―Ah! Ah! It’s the operations chief!

“It’s really the operations chief!”

“Quiet down.”

Could Lee Hyunwook’s words have been true?

Ah Min-tae swallowed hard, waiting for the continuation of the broadcast.

―…All of the 1st Company! Due to a gate appearing in the Weesu area, urgently deploy! I repeat! All of the 1st Company! Urgently deploy due to a gate in the Weesu area!

“Damn!”

“Pack your gear quickly!”

It was all true.

At the same time, someone started yelling in the corridor, and the sounds of the scattered 1st Company soldiers hurriedly running toward their quarters echoed.

“Ah, shit!”

“Hurry up and run!”

AMT’s emergency deployments were common, but the urgency was always the same.

“Hurry up! The longer you take, civilians lose their lives!”

The roar of the 1st platoon leader echoed in the hallway.

“2nd Platoon! Why are you so slow? Where were you before returning?”

“Sorry, sorry! We were at the PX…”

It was, as the name suggested, an emergency deployment. Depending on where the deployees were, there was a noticeable difference in response speed.

In other words, the 5th squad, which had already gathered in the living quarters and was preparing to deploy, could respond more efficiently and meticulously.

“Corporal Lee Hyunwook, everyone is ready!”

“Good, move to the assembly point.”

On the other hand, the other squads were still hastily packing their gear.

“Huh? What are they, already heading out? Isn’t that the 5th squad? How are they so fast?”

“Wow… They must’ve known in advance, right?”

To them, it seemed like an unbelievably quick pace.

And behind the 5th squad descending the stairs, the voice of the 1st platoon leader rang out.

“Hey! What are you doing? Do you have time for chit-chat? The 5th squad is already ready and heading out!”

The evaluation system of this military organization was typically relative.

If someone excels, the rest are simply deemed less competent.

“1st Platoon, 2nd Platoon, you idiots! Do you call yourselves the elite of our company, huh?”

The 5th squad, led by Lee Hyunwook, which used to be ignored as the weakest support squad, was now taking the lead, even if just slightly.

And Lee Hyunwook could guarantee that their lead would only continue to grow.