novelraw Chapter 46 : The Eve (3)
Chapter 46 : The Eve (3)
Song Young-hwan.
He was one of the most promising candidates for Team Leader of the Execution Force's 12th Unit.
He was also a friend of Kim Cheol-han, the homeroom instructor at the academy who was considered one of the strongest of their generation.
"Heh. I never thought that picky Cheol-han would take such a liking to Su-hyeon."
His recent pleasure came from hearing news about Jeong Su-hyeon, a boy for whom he had written a letter of recommendation.
'Being designated as a guidance cadet is certainly surprising.'
He was well aware of Kim Cheol-han's discerning eye and high standards.
'Without displaying superhuman excellence in ability, character, and personality, one cannot receive that friend's acknowledgment.'
But what was even more surprising was that Su-hyeon had rejected Kim Cheol-han's offer and chosen to learn swordsmanship from Instructor Lee Ho-seung.
'Interesting. Despite being skilled enough with bare hands to impress even Instructor Oh Chang-seong, he's learning swordsmanship from Instructor Lee Ho-seung?'
In eight or nine cases out of ten, one would shake their head at such a reckless and ignorant choice.
But he didn't think that cold and rational boy would have made such a decision out of mere recklessness.
Moreover.
'His swordsmanship is the real deal.'
During his active duty, he himself had worked with him on several operations and had been amazed by that sword.
'Hmm. Though the instructor doesn't suit my temperament, I'd be interested in guiding Su-hyeon if he were my cadet.'
While lost in casual thoughts on a lazy weekend afternoon, he was awakened by the sound of a phone ringing.
"Hmm?"
Coincidentally, it was Su-hyeon calling.
"Oh, Su-hyeon. What's the matter?"
"I'm sorry for contacting you on the weekend."
"Haha. No need to apologize. If it's you calling, I'm okay with it even at dawn."
"Thank you."
"So, do you have some business with me?"
"Actually, there's something troubling me, and I'd like to borrow your favor, Team Leader."
"Oh. Has something finally come up that requires my favor?"
He had previously promised Su-hyeon one favor regarding the Ma-in suppression incident.
Having been curious about what he would ask for, his face was filled with curiosity.
"Where should I begin..."
Su-hyeon decided to first explain the situation.
"As you know, after surviving the Samcheok Incident, I've lived with the desire to take revenge on the Ma-in."
"...I understand completely. Both your motivation and your efforts."
Song Young-hwan, who had painful memories of the Samcheok Incident, clearly resonated with Su-hyeon's words.
"In my opinion, the power of the Ma-in is growing stronger day by day. There are probably even stronger Ma-in than those from the incident, hiding everywhere."
"That's an undeniable fact."
"I've been carefully observing their activities in my own way. And I've concluded that they want to project their suppressed power outward."
"That's also a sound theory."
"In reality, although not widely known to the public, terrorist incidents by them have been increasing in both severity and frequency recently."
"That's right."
Song Young-hwan, who had been listening gravely, asked:
"So what is your concern?"
"When thinking from their perspective, I believe the merit of attacking the academy is truly significant."
"Hmm."
As this had been one of the anticipated scenarios for which countermeasure meetings had been held multiple times,
Song Young-hwan had to acknowledge that Su-hyeon's concern was striking a sharper point than expected.
"It's a possibility with sufficient grounds. The problem is that even we have no way of knowing when it might happen."
"That's right. But I think it's worth reasoning about when an attack would be most devastating."
"...That's correct."
By this point, he realized once again that Su-hyeon's thinking had already surpassed the level of an ordinary cadet.
"When do you think it would be, Su-hyeon?"
"I'm concerned about next Tuesday. It's the day when the most people will be leaving the academy recently."
"Next Tuesday?!"
Song Young-hwan was shocked.
"That's too soon. Just three days away."
"It's merely a hunch, and of course, it's difficult to provide definitive evidence. Moreover, as a mere freshman, no one would seriously listen to my thoughts and take action."
He understood Su-hyeon's intention.
"I see. So you want to borrow my voice?"
"I apologize, but yes."
"No, what is there to apologize for?"
Song Young-hwan laughed heartily.
That attitude—using a favor he could have easily used for himself to potentially save people from a possible crisis.
Of course, even to his ears, there seemed to be many leaps in logic, but the idea itself satisfied Song Young-hwan.
'Moving with revenge as his motivation, yet still able to look out for those around him.'
Many people might have exceptional abilities, but not many could act like that.
Therefore, he had no reason to refuse Su-hyeon's request.
"I won't mention your conversation, but I'll relay the message to Cheol-han. As strongly as possible."
"Thank you for your favor."
"If Su-hyeon's thoughts are correct, I should be the one thanking you."
Song Young-hwan said solemnly.
"Because thanks to you, we might prevent a great catastrophe."
[Song Young-hwan's favor deepens.]
[Achievement points 20 awarded.]
Su-hyeon laughed through the receiver.
"I'll be counting on you."
"Sure. I'll also report to the higher-ups in case of an emergency."
"Will you?"
"Don't worry. If all else fails, I'll take leave and come by myself if necessary."
If Song Young-hwan joined in an emergency, it would be like having a thousand troops.
"I'll trust only you, Team Leader."
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After ending the call, I was sweating through weight training with Kwon Seung-yeon.
'Let's assume that with Song Young-hwan's help, the deployment plan and alert level will increase somewhat.'
I didn't think that alone would have a tremendous impact on the overall situation.
Even if Kim Cheol-han were convinced, the evidence was too weak for him alone to change things.
'The next measure to take is securing a method of contact to ensure reinforcements arrive as quickly as possible.'
This might have been even more important.
'Those bastards didn't put this surprise attack together like child's play.'
They might all be insane, but they weren't stupid.
Fortunately, that problem was easily solved.
'With a flare made by Lim Eun-seo, the performance is guaranteed.'
The ultra-powerful flare I brought along when receiving the hwando.
It was something Lim Eun-seo, who enjoyed making various things, had developed and buried because there was no use for it.
Visible from up to 30km away even during the day. It had a parachute attached, so it would slowly descend while sending a signal.
It even had a rocket-like propulsion device inside, allowing it to fly without a launcher.
It was difficult to obtain at this point, but not hard to get thanks to the friendship built over the cockatrice incident.
[Seriously. Why would a first-year cadet need something like that?]
[You never know what might happen.]
Lim Eun-seo grumbled but handed me the flare without much attachment.
[Take it if you want. It's something I don't even use anyway. Thanks for clearing up some space for me.]
'With this, the urgent preparations are complete.'
In a few days, this place would become a scene of hell filled with blood and screams.
The feeling of waiting for a predestined tragedy was as unpleasant as walking through mud.
But I steeled my heart with neither hesitation nor self-reproach.
All that remained was maintaining my routine as usual.
"Ow!"
At that moment, Kwon Seung-yeon winced, perhaps having twisted her ankle slightly.
"Ow, I think I sprained it."
"You should be careful."
I frowned and grabbed Kwon Seung-yeon's ankle, massaging it.
'It would be terrible if Kwon Seung-yeon couldn't fight properly due to an injury.'
"Heheheh."
While I was thinking this, Kwon Seung-yeon smiled broadly.
"What?"
"Nothing. I just haven't heard such words very often."
"...I see."
She comfortably entrusted her leg to me and then extended the other one.
"This side too, please."
"That side shouldn't be sprained."
"It just feels good, that's all."
"...Fine."
I must have sighed a bit too loudly.
"Hey, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing."
And then Tuesday arrived.
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The Class 1 cadets were gathered in the center of the large field where they had conducted mock battles during the entrance exam.
"As you know, this arena consists of five different terrains: mountainous terrain, urban district, coastal area, suburban region, and underground waterway."
Kim Cheol-han gathered the cadets and explained the outline of the practical lesson.
"And instructors playing the role of Ma-in are standing by in each zone. Today's lesson is a kind of hide-and-seek. The team that finds and successfully subdues an instructor in the shortest time wins first place. Direct attacks are not allowed; you only need to remove the marker attached to the instructor's back without causing injury."
"Understood."
"Any questions?"
A moment of silence.
"Good. Then move in the teams assigned beforehand. You'll be in groups of three, covering five courses. First, the five teams that will depart first, step forward."
Seo Jun-seong, Lee Yu-jin, Jeong Su-hyeon, Kim Ho-su, Go Do-il, Kim A-yun, and others stepped forward.
"Everyone put on your masks."
Click!
As they put on masks fitted to their face shapes, the cadets looked quite impressive.
"You've checked your breathing status, right?"
"No problems."
"Good. Let's begin."
'How fortunate.'
Su-hyeon, able to go first, looked at his two teammates and said:
"Let's split up and search separately. It's inefficient for all three of us to search such a wide area together."
"Okay."
"Agreed."
Su-hyeon quickly ran toward the steep mountainous terrain.
"He's really motivated today."
Kim Ho-su muttered, watching Su-hyeon's behavior.
'There's not much time left.'
Su-hyeon's expression hardened as he checked the time on his wrist.
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"Is this the place?"
"Without a doubt."
In a secluded spot where people wouldn't come, more than ten figures revealed themselves.
"Wonder where it was, and here it is hidden in a place like this."
"The terrain is hellish too."
The academy, which could only be accessed via a single road from dozens of kilometers away, was hidden among many mountain ranges and surrounded by high walls.
"I can't tell at all with my eyes. Is the barrier here that difficult?"
"It's not just the strength, but the problem is that alarms immediately sound and the walls rise higher. It essentially acts like a guard dog preventing surprise attacks. Moreover, instructors and security personnel also patrol regularly."
"Ha. Useless efforts."
A skinhead man stepped forward.
"Is it this way?"
"Yes."
A gap in the weakened barrier.
It would be destroyed by a small bomb designed to break barriers, made by the 'Doctor'.
"Confirm coordinates and install."
The man following the skinhead quickly completed the operation and placed the bomb on an invisible crack that couldn't be seen with the naked eye.
"5, 4, 3, 2, 1."
As the silent bomb exploded, the transparent barrier turned red and collapsed.
Eventually, a space large enough for two people to enter was created.
"Good. Let's go in."
"Easy enough."
"Hahaha! Finally, the party begins!"
The Ma-in split their mouths into wide grins.
"Stop! Who are you!"
It was then that a commanding shout disrupted their plans.
"Ah- quick to notice, aren't they?"
A man holding a rusty sword in its sheath shrugged his shoulders.
"I asked who you are!"
"An Awakened? How on earth!"
Despite being discovered by the security guards, they weren't flustered at all.
"Hey. Who wants to do it?"
"I'll do it."
Whoosh!
In an instant, as the wind blew, the hand of the security guard who was raising his radio was severed at the wrist.
"Aaaaargh!"
"Friend. Tattling is bad, you know."
"Aaaaah! My hand!"
"My, my, be quiet, please. Someone might hear."
Wax that sprouted from the back of a neck completely covered the faces of the two security guards.
"There. Sealing complete."
"Kuk. Hueurk!"
As the two men struggled, unable to breathe, a suddenly appearing giant scythe cut off their necks.
"Execution complete."
"That love for heads of yours."
The skinhead chuckled teasingly, but the executioner remained calm.
"Hmm. They tried to commit sin with their mouths, so I punish the head to which those mouths are attached."
The executioner solemnly made the sign of the cross.
In reverse order of a clergyman.
"Haha. That guy really has a sick taste."
"Pitiful one. Watch the execution of your comrades from hell."
"You cut off the head that would watch it."
"Kyahahahahaha!"
The Ma-in, who laughed with split mouths, looked around the interior of the academy.
"Let's move to our positions. The campus is fucking huge, so hurry up."
"Haha, what's the rush? An hour is more than enough time to kill them all and then some."
Three officers and nine combat personnel.
A total of twelve Ma-in had now begun their attack.
"An execution must be accompanied by music, as is the law."
The executioner, looking down at Kim Cheol-han and the cadets from afar, stroked a human skull he took out from his cloak.
"Death Whistle. This instrument made from the former team leader's skull will scream a special cry. The Aztecs are my ideal."
"Still with the sick taste, I tell you."
A young combat operative behind him chuckled.
"What of it. Being horrific is the same as being sweet."
The executioner's eyes glistened with murderous intent.
"And this, more certainly than anything else, announces that the time of execution has come."
He blew the Death Whistle.
-Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!
-Uaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
Could the screams from human mouths thrown into hellfire truly be like this?
A ghostly wail that made listeners' knees weak echoed loudly throughout the academy.
"This sound, could it be!"
Kim Cheol-han's eyes widened as he recognized the sound.
'Damn it, could Young-hwan's warning that I feared have come true!'
He was the only one who grasped the situation to some extent here.
"Blow the amp."
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeng!
A super-powerful EMP emitted electromagnetic waves, rendering all electronic devices in the area useless.
'Damn it, they've even cut off communications!'
A streak of cold sweat ran down Kim Cheol-han's spine.
"Good. Now no one who knows your situation will come to save you."
The executioner raised his index finger as if pronouncing a sentence.
"One hour. During that time, I will execute all of you."
Right at that moment.
Peeeeeeeeung- Pop!
A flare fired from afar flashed with tremendous light.
"Hmm?"
The executioner's eyebrow twitched.
"A flare?"
Who and from where? And so quickly?
Faced with an unforeseen situation, the young Ma-in angrily burst out:
"Did that bastard betray us?!"
"No. Calm down. I don't think that's it."
The executioner who stopped him said coldly:
"Even if so, it only means our time limit has been reduced. We just need to move according to plan."
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"So far, so good."
After successfully firing the flare, Su-hyeon concealed himself back into the darkness of the forest.
"It won't go as you wish."
That was both a warning and a prophecy.
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"Kim Cheol-han!"
With a thunderous shout, three Ma-in landed in front of Kim Cheol-han and the cadets.
"All of you, step back."
Kim Cheol-han, who contained his immense shock behind his still expressionless face, stepped forward.
"The stay of execution has been long. Today, I will execute you."
Kim Cheol-han spoke softly as he watched the executioner making his solemn declaration:
"Executioner. No, Pleasure Killer Kwak Hyeok-jung."
Freeze.
The executioner's body stiffened.
"I wondered where you were hiding like a rat, but I didn't know you'd be so audacious."
At those words.
The consistently solemn expression of the Ma-in cracked.
"Hahaha! Bullshit."
Executioner Kwak Hyeok-jung laughed, dripping with murderous intent.
"I've really wanted to kill you. A Death Whistle made from your skull would produce an exceptional wail."
"That's a more relatable reason."
Cold sweat formed on Kim Cheol-han's hands as he extended them forward.
'It seems this will be a challenging afternoon.'