Chapter 1102

〈 Chapter 1102 〉 1102. Dark Moon

Through this first mission, about fifty people died. Though quite a number perished, the military showed no reaction whatsoever. They didn’t even hold a simple funeral. Everyone just carried on with their duties as if nothing happened.

The kids took it in stride too. A few mourned the loss of close friends, but most accepted the situation without a word.

Our barracks had changed. We originally stayed in Barracks 11, but due to the decrease in numbers, they reassigned us to new quarters.

Number 205, the former head of Barracks 11, died during the first mission. He was a skinny guy with a good personality. For some reason, after having a few conversations with him, he kept popping into my head from time to time. Well, it might also be because my social circle was pretty small.

When I arrived at Barracks 1, I spotted a few familiar faces.

There was Number 212, who sat next to me, and Number 202, a burly guy who wasn’t exactly friendly. And then there was the well-known Number 31.

‘Including me, there are twelve of us total. It’s not random… judging by how Number 31 often hangs out with certain girls, they probably considered factors like gender and interpersonal relationships.’

Four guys, eight girls. The ratio of girls was high. It definitely felt like an accommodation for Number 31.

My seat was already decided. To my right was Number 212, to my left was Number 202. Across from me on the bed was Number 31’s spot.

“Someone said you became an idiot. Looks like you’re still intact though.”

Number 202 mocked me.

For some reason, hearing his mockery after so long felt oddly comforting. I chuckled and waved at him. Number 202 scrunched up his face and turned away immediately.

“Glad you’re safe. I heard you’ve been promoted to Level 2?”

Number 212 greeted me with a smile. Whether her emotions matched her expression, I couldn’t tell. Of course, just because someone acts differently on the outside doesn’t mean they’re bad. In fact, according to my standards, people whose outer and inner selves align seem more strange.

“It was pure luck. By the way, who’s the new barracks leader? Has it been decided?”

Everyone around me looked toward Number 31. My question seemed rather obvious. Barracks leader—similar to a class president back on Earth. It’s a minor position, but comes with a bit of power and privilege.

“Number 211.”

Number 31 called out to me. Everyone, including me, focused their attention on her. Strangely enough, she had this magnetic quality where her voice alone could draw everyone’s gaze.

“I’d appreciate it if you could take over as the barracks leader.”

Honestly, I wanted to decline. There wasn’t much benefit for me in becoming the barracks leader. The minor privileges were truly trivial. When weighed against the potential time wasted, it was a net loss. But rejecting Number 31’s request was difficult.

“Alright, I’ll do it.”

I judged that enduring a slight disadvantage was better than risking possible retaliation for refusing.

Number 31 nodded and started reading a book. Looking at the cover, it was a Grade 3 magic textbook.

Later, Instructor Venus called me over.

“Number 211. Congratulations on becoming the barracks leader.”

“…Thank you.”

I suppressed the urge to let out a bitter laugh. I already knew the army monitored everything, even the barracks, but realizing it now made me feel like a slave all over again.

“You will be the squad leader of Squad 1.”

“Squad leader?”

“It’s been decided that we’ll operate in squad units starting this time. As the barracks leader, you’ll also serve as the squad leader.”

I should’ve rejected Number 31’s request earlier. I regretted it only now.

Instructor Venus informed me that “squad leader” meant…


The body was awarded a badge.

“Let me give you one instruction. Treat No. 31 with utmost respect. They are fundamentally different from you. Understand?”

“I will keep it in mind.”

“You’re smart, so I trust you’ll do well. Oh, and have a drink on me to celebrate your promotion to squad leader.”

Venus placed a can of cola on the table.

I knew from gaming lore that this world had drinks like cola and soda. But knowing something and seeing it in reality felt different. Holding the can of cola, I felt a pang of nostalgia for Earth. It was lukewarm. Just as I was about to be disappointed, Venus said,

“Cold cola is the truth. And as a magician, you can practice that truth. At Rank 2, you should be able to control it.”

“…I’ll give it a try.”

A thought crossed my mind that it might be a trap. But the allure of the cola was too strong. I decided to compromise a little.

“Ice.”

Frost erupted from my hand. Half the cola froze solid. I made it look like I failed to control the cold intentionally.

“Not bad for a first attempt.”

“…”

Was this another test?

I took a sip of the cola. It was exhilarating. Every single cell in my body woke up. Maybe the cola here tastes better than Earth’s.

Enjoying the fleeting pleasure, I put down the can. The frozen half was regrettable, but there was nothing to be done.

‘Small reward. Might not be so bad after all.’

Instructor Venus gave me a slight nod.

“Dismissed. Don’t forget what I told you.”

As the squad leader, I finished the evening roll call and lay down on the thin mattress.

Damn, it was comfortable.

‘…Is it the caffeine from the cola that’s keeping me awake?’

And I thought of Earth.

My mood soured when memories of Earth became hazy. I couldn’t recall the faces of my friends or family clearly.

I tossed and turned a bit before falling asleep.

“…!!”

I snapped my eyes open. The fluorescent ceiling light was on. The digital clock on the wall showed it was 4:07 AM.

I had a dream.

A dream with beautiful maids. In the dream, I mingled with the maids. Though the memory of the dream faded upon waking, I knew it was lewd enough to make a priest faint. I seemed to have had special feelings for one of the maids.

‘…Shit.’

My crotch was damp.

Even without checking, I knew exactly what state I was in.

‘Never thought I’d experience nocturnal emissions here.’

I quietly headed to the bathroom, careful not to draw attention.

•••

“You made it back alive. Congratulations.”

Instructor Lexi patted my shoulder. As always, her uniform was unbuttoned, revealing part of her ample bosom. Thoughts of this morning’s incident made me notice her more than usual.

“…Thank you. I survived thanks to the artifact given by Instructor Lexi.”

I said sincerely. Without the Rank 4 barrier artifact she gave me, I would’ve likely died at Nero’s hands.

“You survived because you did well. But anyway, I want to hear your thoughts. How was it?”

“…What kind of thoughts?”

“Your thoughts as a sniper experiencing your first mission.”

“Can I speak frankly?”

“Speak frankly.”

“I realized the limitations of a sniper.”

Nero easily noticed my shot and deflected the bullet. If my reaction had been just a bit slower, I would’ve been dead.

Lexi calmly nodded at my words.

“I expected that. I went through the same thing. Now, today I’ll show you the next level.”

Lexi handed me a rifle and pulled out some bullets. They weren’t ordinary bullets. Red, blue, yellow, green—various colorful bullets. Magic formulas were inscribed on their surfaces, and they weren’t made of copper but some other metal.

“…Magic bullets.”

“That’s right. If normal bullets don’t work, use special ones.”

“I know magic bullets are expensive.”

“Cheaper than the value of your life. And this is the military. You get some support. Though I prefer cheaper stuff myself.”

She giggled.

“May I examine them closely?”


“It’s fine.”

I carefully examined the magic bullet with my thumb and index finger. The depth of the runes engraved on the surface was consistent, as if it had been done by a machine rather than a human.

‘The runes themselves are simple enough. Fire element mixed with explosion, I see. A mechanism to explode upon impact?’

I narrowed my eyes. Simulating the runes in my head, it was clear that their power alone was insufficient.

‘It’s natural that there’s a limit to what can be inscribed on such a small bullet, but this is barely usable. Are there more runes inside the casing?’

After inspecting the magic bullet several times, I realized it wasn’t just about magic runes.

‘The core of this magic bullet lies in alchemy. Magic runes merely assist.’

The idea of making these myself was immediately discarded. I lacked both the opportunity and time to learn alchemy.

‘In my case, it’d be faster to enchant the bullets with magic instead.’

Of course, that required special materials for the bullets.

“Try it once. You’ll like it when you shoot.”

At Lexi’s suggestion, I decided to give it a shot. Loading the magic bullet, I aimed at a target 500 meters away and fired. The magic bullet left a red trail through the air before striking its mark.

A small explosion occurred. Though compact, the force was enough to blow someone’s head clean off. Soon after, bright red flames clung fiercely to the target.

“Explosive bullet. They’re pricey, but you saw how effective they are. Great for breaking barriers.”

She then handed me other types of bullets: ones that freeze enemies to slow them down, electric bullets to paralyze foes or disable machines, poison bullets to intoxicate targets, and armor-piercing magic bullets. There were more varieties than I expected.

‘There’s an advantage in selecting the right one depending on the situation and target. Ease of use is also a plus.’

However, three drawbacks became apparent. First, the cost was no laughing matter. Second, magic bullets were consumables. Third, their power wasn’t as impressive as I’d hoped.

‘For me, learning offensive magic would be better.’

My interest in sniping suddenly waned. But considering my relationship with Instructor Lexi, I kept that fact to myself and continued sniper training. Since I owed her something, I planned to do my best within my limits.

Lexi probably wanted to teach me the advantages of being a sniper by letting me fire magic bullets, but reality went against her plan. Instead, my desire for magic only grew stronger.

“You’re doing well. You’ll become the greatest sniper. Later, I’ll teach you how to enchant bullets with magic.”

“…Yes. Thank you.”

—

“Second mission. Tonight, we’ll exterminate a group of goblins who foolishly set up near our camp.”

Morning roll call. Instructor Venus informed us.

We stiffened our faces.

Goblins are among the weakest monsters. Even civilians with guns could easily kill them. Our old squad 211 also defeated goblins during training. Goblins were clearly easy prey.

That wouldn’t be the case tonight.

“Tonight is the night of the Dark Moon.”

‘Dark Moon’ was the main title of the game and one of its key settings.

The Dark Moon is a black moon. Every 100 days, this black moon rises in the sky.

Whenever the Dark Moon appears, monsters grow more violent and powerful. Ghosts that usually don’t show up wander around cities, creatures with monster traits have a low chance of mutating, and the mana in the air becomes restless. Additionally, abyssal beasts might emerge through the black moon.

People in this world stay locked indoors on nights of the Dark Moon, avoiding outdoor activities as much as possible. It was common sense not to risk death.

Still, some people venture out even during the Dark Moon.

Because the higher risks come with greater rewards. In the game, the Dark Moon serves as a condition for special actions. For example, unique dungeons open, or opportunities arise to obtain rare items.

“A perfect day for training.”

Instructor Venus said cheerfully, though none of us here, including me, agreed with her.