Han-yul Military Academy has an on-duty system designed to be prepared for any sudden attacks by monsters at all times.
Within the campus, this system is referred to as the ‘Initial Response Unit,’ but students often simply call it ‘duty.’
This Initial Response Unit is composed of students from the Combat Division, and the roster rotates weekly.
The main task is straightforward: upon an incident, they’re the first to arrive at the scene and eliminate the monster according to orders from the command center.
Of course, if a highly dangerous monster appears, they avoid direct conflict and wait for backup.
Anyway, unsurprisingly, very few people enjoy being on duty.
Here, newly arrived Tech Corps instructor Kim Dong-hak also complained about getting assigned to this troublesome task.
“Tch… I thought this week would pass without incident, but of course, they catch me on the last day.”
Kim Dong-hak quickly read the report sent down from the Central Command Room.
Then he called out to the students.
“Everyone here? Let’s start the briefing then. I’m Kim Dong-hak, overseeing coordination for this operation.”
Alongside the combat personnel sent directly into the field, there are also several technical personnel who issue commands from the outside or handle supplies. All of them are part of the Initial Response Unit. And the overall supervisor responsible for this operation is Kim Dong-hak.
“As you’ve heard over the broadcast, a Break has occurred near the west gate. According to the report, the same frequency as Code 69 Decarabia has been detected.”
“Decarabia? What a bore. It’s just a D-class monster. Why not just leave it to the mobile unit?”
There was obvious disappointment from several students being called out for merely a D-class monster.
“D-class doesn’t mean you should lower your guard. As I’ve always said, always watch out for mutations…”
“Arna! Over here for a quick interview! Seoul Hero Daily!”
“How’s your physical condition, Arna?”
“How long do you plan to take care of this monster?”
A large number of reporters had gathered upon hearing of the Break, and their entire attention was on Arna’s performance.
“It’s not a game, kids…”
Indeed, a monster was about to appear, a situation where losing someone’s life was a high possibility.
Yet, no one seemed to grasp the severity of the situation. Not even the civilians.
Kim Dong-hak yelled at the reporters.
“Everybody, go home! Do you know where you are? This is a real situation! Please…”
“Instructor Kim.”
At that moment, a middle-aged man appeared and stopped Kim Dong-hak.
Kim Dong-hak was startled.
“School Principal… What brings you here at this time…?”
Dressed neatly in a suit, with a well-maintained physique free of any excess fat, and cleanly shaved face, this was Lee Min-ho, the Principal of Han-yul Military Academy.
“Principal! Lee Min-ho is here!”
“Haha.”
Flashbulbs popped everywhere pointed at Principal Lee, who responded with a practiced wave, like a celebrity or politician.
“Arna, go ahead and take the interview.”
“Uh…?”
Lee Min-ho smiled kindly and gave instructions to Arna, who hesitated for a moment before stepping forward.
“Hurry along.”
“Understood…”
Arna reluctantly stepped up to the group of reporters as Principal Lee nodded, seemingly satisfied.
“Instructor Kim, do not be upset. Arna is an S-class Awakened, a world-renowned individual whose words can inspire great hope for many. I want to give that hope.”
Snap!
Lee then clicked his fingers, a new idea coming to mind.
“Perfect! Why not bring the reporters into the battlefield? We will broadcast Arna’s actions to the entire world!”
“Reporters? But they are civilians! Not one of them has even a gun…”
Lee placed his hand on Kim Dong-hak’s shoulders and whispered.
“Their responsibility, not ours, correct? It doesn’t matter what happens, does it?”
“…”
“Thank you for your cooperation, Instructor Kim.”
With that, Principal Lee went off with a pleasant smile, not forgetting to wave goodbye to the reporters.
At that moment, Kim Dong-hak felt a chill down his spine. For this principal, the battlefield was nothing more than a stage to give a show for the audience. Arna Kristin Dotir was merely a lead actor playing her role on this stage.
This is like turning Han-yul Military Academy into an entertainment company.
It’s almost laughable.
– BUUUUUUUUUUUUU
In the distance, several transport armored vehicles arrived. The hatches opened, and soldiers in black combat uniforms with various weapons emerged.
They were the Mobile Units, scheduled to assist in this operation.
“The mobile units have arrived just in time. Make final checks on headsets and smartwatches! Hmm? Who’s you, sneaking into the formation?”
One student was sneaking into the line.
“Are you talking to me? It’s Shin Yoon-seong.”
“I can see that…”
To note, Shin Yoon-seong was also included in this week’s Initial Response Unit roster.
“What I mean is why are you late? Forget the tablet again?”
“Actually, I forgot my earpiece, so I’m late.”
“Talking about it like it’s something to be proud of… And what’s that thing you’re holding?”
He wasn’t the only one who came. In his arms, he carried a big box, about the size of a rice cooker.
“Nothing special. Just brought along some earplugs.”
Shin Yoon-seong shouted aloud for everyone to hear, proudly raising the box.
“…”
Earplugs? Does this guy think he’s going for target practice?
*
-DUMMMMBUMMMB
The Break opened as scheduled, and out came the enormous Decarabia.
Decarabia had neither arms nor legs, just a large body with an eye and a mouth.
As a D-class monster, it wasn’t much of a threat in its pure form.
However, when Decarabia opened its mouth, a swarm of lesser monsters poured out, like a beehive opening.
“FIRE!”
-DUUUUUUMUUUM
The Mobile Units stood on the front line against the swarm. They unleashed all their ammunition, keeping the lesser monsters at bay. Even non-awakened humans could handle lesser monsters.
“What?! The reporters are here on the battlefield? Why?”
From a relatively safer position behind the front lines, Arna shook me violently by the collar.
“The Central Command Room issued that order—sending the reporters onto the field.”
“Why are they here?!”
“What’s the point of asking me? I didn’t make the decision.”
“Ah.”
Only then did Arna let go of my collar. She’s unnaturally strong.
-Manager! Is this good enough?
-A bit more to the right! Okay, that’s perfect!
Meanwhile, while the Mobile Units were in action, the rear looked more like a movie set.
Lighting technicians, camera directors framing shots. It was hard to believe this was an actual combat situation.
-Arna! You’ll soon be on camera; maybe it’s better to go heavier on the makeup. Camera presence is different from real life, right?
They even had a makeup artist suggesting cosmetic enhancements.
“Makeup is unnecessary… I’m fine as I am…”
Arna forced a smile while answering the staff, though her fists were trembling.
“You don’t need to be so worked up. Conversely, it means the situation is safe.”
It’s just a D-class monster. With the forces we have, losing to Decarabia is beyond imaginable, like being struck by lightning while walking down the street.
“Still…”
“If you’re worried, why don’t you finish it off quickly? You can do it, Arna.”
It’s the most reliable method. End the fight before it gets messy, then no one will get hurt.
Beeeeep!
At that moment, her smartwatch beeped, and a message appeared in the holographic screen.
[All lesser monsters eliminated. Mobile Units are withdrawing.]
The Mobile Unit reported eliminating all lesser monsters. It was now the turn for Awakeneds. Only awakened individuals can defeat higher-level monsters.
“We should head out now.”
“Wait.”
I stopped Arna as she was about to head toward the battlefield. She widened her eyes in surprise.
“What? What is it?”
“Arna, don’t you remember there’s something we promised to each other?”
Before leaving, there was something I asked her, even getting on my knees.
Just believe in me, once.
“This isn’t the time for this! We can talk later!”
Arna tried to pull away, but I held on. I tightened my grip to stop her.
“No. We need to do this now.”
“Uh…”
Faced with my firm stance, Arna had no choice but to stop.
Then, with arms crossed, she asked impatiently.
“So what is it? Hurry up!”
“I won’t prolong this unnecessarily.”
Given the grave situation, it’s best to get straight to the point.
I conveyed the message as briefly as possible.
“Arna, take off what you’re wearing right now.”
“W-What? R-Remove…?”
“Yes. Take everything off.”
Of course, I meant the earpiece.
