Beacon of Light in the Dark Sea

Chapter 1

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If you take a plane from Seoul to Jeju Island, there is a naval base in Jeju. If you’re planning to visit the naval base, you need to apply for a permit, undergo several checks, and wait for approval. Once you’re cleared, you’ll board a ship that will take you to your destination. However, if you’re prone to seasickness or have other reasons for not wanting to sail, there’s an option to take a helicopter.

Having never flown in a helicopter before, I was struck by how much it felt like a motorcycle in the air. As I shook violently on the flight, I couldn’t help but wonder whether I had made a grave mistake by not securing life insurance. The thought of crashing into the sea was terrifying, and every moment felt like an eternity. Fortunately, we arrived safely, and my worries vanished as soon as my feet touched the ground.

After a journey of more than three days, we finally arrived at an artificial island. Despite feeling extremely weak from the journey, I managed to get off the helicopter with help from a kind stranger.

“Welcome to the underwater base. It must have been tough for you,” she said, taking my shaking arm.

To my surprise, the woman who helped me was towering over me at around 2 meters in height. When I looked at her in surprise, she raised the corners of her mouth and introduced herself, “I’m Kang Soo-jung. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too. I’m Park Mu-hyun.”

As we shook hands, Kang Soo-jung naturally took my luggage, which I had been holding.

“You’re the new dentist, right? We’ve been waiting for you.”

“…Do you have a lot of dental problems, Ms. Soo-jung?”

Kang Soo-jung shook her head as she observed my pale complexion. If someone poked me in the ribs, I would have vomited immediately.

“I don’t think you’re particularly fond of rings. You seem to have a bad case of motion sickness. Do you need any medicine?”

“I’ll be fine now that I’m off the helicopter.”

“First of all, all medical facilities on this island are free. If you need any medical assistance, you can visit the hospital at any time.”

I asked her to turn the luggage around, but Kang Soo-jung easily lifted my luggage, which weighed more than 30 kg, as if it were a handbag. We walked from the helicopter pad to the building. It felt like I could barely walk.

“Soo-hyuk drives a little rough.”

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I realized that she was referring to the name of the helicopter pilot. Although I didn’t even know his name, I began to harbor a grudge against this Soo-hyuk. I managed to utter a few words while trying to suppress the urge to vomit.

“By spinning the helicopter 360 degrees?”

“It seemed like you enjoyed it, doctor,” she joked, to which I mustered a weak smile.

What kind of remark was that? I had never seen a helicopter spin 360 degrees and vertically drop from above like that. It was more extreme than a roller coaster at an amusement park. From the moment the helicopter pilot asked me to fasten my seatbelt and promised to show me a good view while spinning, I screamed until my throat hurt. The person in the passenger seat even thought that I was having a good time and raised both arms, joining me in screaming.

“Sometimes helicopters from the navy base fly to the underwater base. You can go to Korea with them if you time it right. There’s a bakery at the 3rd undersea base, and they would love it if you buy some bread there.”

I suspected that Kang Soo-jung was exchanging large envelopes with the helicopter pilots who greeted her. They were most likely trading items.

“What’s that?”

When I asked about the large shopping bag that seemed big enough for two people, Kang Soo-jung grinned.

“These are packages that Koreans staying at the underwater base sent to Jeju underwater base. Whenever the helicopter comes, it brings the packages with it. You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for you like a delivery truck.

“So the packages were on purpose?”

Kang Soo-jung replied with a coy smile, “Oh, what are you talking about? Both meeting you and the packages were the purpose.”

However, despite her nonchalant response, Kang Soo-jung couldn’t conceal her delighted expression as she gazed at the enormous shopping bag overflowing with several paper boxes

“May I ask what you bought?”

What could be missing at this underwater base? Most people didn’t bring a lot of luggage because they could get most things from the underwater base.

“I bought some cosmetics and a few comic books. Other people bought Korean snacks like ramen or other things. Aeyoung bought a few earrings and clothes, and Jihyeok said he also bought clothes. As for Jaehui, he said he bought a box of sterilized banana milk, but it seems like it hasn’t arrived yet.”

Kang Soo-jung, who was rummaging through the giant shopping bag with her big hands, gave up searching for her own things.

“Can you get food delivered here?”

“It’s better not to order because we don’t know when they will deliver it. The cost of the helicopter flying back and forth is quite expensive, more than you’d think. If you need something urgently, you can ask the American team to order it for you, and it will arrive quickly. They fly helicopters around for no reason.”

“Do you miss Korean food a lot when you’re here?”

“I always miss it. I secretly eat tteokbokki every night. If doctor can’t stand it, I’ll give you a cup of ramen when you come to my room.”

“Thank… you.”

As we departed from the helipad, I noticed two large buildings that resembled hospitals and another next to them. Kang Soo-jung gestured towards the far-off building with her fingertips, but my attention was fixated on her muscular arms in the sleeveless shirt despite the freezing sea breeze. “Isn’t she cold?” I thought to myself.

Kang Soo-jung then turned to face the hospital and spoke, “The building in front of you is the hospital, and there are three of them. The building next to it is the operations building. There will be a few documents that Mr. Muhyun needs to fill out since it’s his first time here. After filling out the documents, go to No. 38 Section 100. I’ll put your suitcase in that room for you. Then go into the one-story building over there and meet Priya Kumari. She’s probably waiting for you.”

Documents, Section 100 No. 38, 1st floor, Priya Kumari. Seems like she’s not going with me.

Trying not to ask twice, I memorized the flood of information and asked Kang Soo-jung, “What does Ms. Kang Soo-jung do at the underwater base?”

“I’m an engineer. Most of the people here are engineers, natural gas and oil mining personnel, and marine researchers. I’m part of the engineering team. Just go straight and you’ll see the central elevator where I’m headed. Remember to take it down when you see it. See you later!”

“Thank you! See you later!”

As soon as we finished exchanging greetings, Kang Soo-jung began walking toward the hospital building at a brisk pace. Her suitcase and large shopping bag were dragged behind her, disappearing quickly. Soon, I was alone next to the building painted green. Feeling the chill of the sea breeze, I hurried inside to the first floor and quickly found Priya Kumari’s room.

Translators Notes

I guess trading bread here means trading items. As for Soo Jung offering our MC a cup of ramen, could only mean one thing if you understand what I mean.. ( ͡• ͜ʖ ͡• )