Chapter 23
4. After peace returned to the Poland Headquarters, it quickly began to recover its functions. It was a surprising development. Normally, after experiencing such a catastrophe, even if survivors lived, it would be impossible for them to perform their roles. Instead of fulfilling their roles, they would often fall into a state of panic, leading to even greater accidents and ruin. This wasn't just an expression; there was even a formal term for it: Space Panic. Even with technological support, it would be strange not to feel panic in a world where stepping outside without protection meant you couldn't even take a full breath. Nevertheless, the reason Poland Headquarters didn't fall into that state of Space Panic was simple.
“From now on, we must survive and return to our homeland.”
The fact is true that those who saved them were not just lucky, but heroes.
“To do that, we must pull ourselves together! We must protect our Headquarters no matter what, and only we can protect our Headquarters!”
First, Major Jan Zabłocki was a hero who personally led his unit and charged into the Tank Beetles in that dangerous moment to save the Headquarters. Of course, the biggest factor was this:
“And we have the best agents sent from Korea to support us!”
Currently, Poland Headquarters had not just one, but two of those incredible Psycher Agents! Of course, Kim Seojun hadn't yet been recognized as a Psycher, but at this point, he thought to himself. *“My Status Window abilities could probably be considered Psycher abilities too.”* Except for not being able to use the Prophet's Relic, his capabilities were no different. And that wasn't an overestimation.
[Kim Seojun]
- Strength: 33
- Stamina: 33
- Mana: 13
- Owned Skills: Clairvoyance (D), Inventory (C), Invisibility (F)
- Owned Talents: Dynamic Visual Acuity (C), Hawk Eye (E)
- Owned Points: 178pt
After the battle with the Infected Psycher, Kim Seojun's specs had once again been upgraded to an incredible level. First, the Bronze Card purchased with the accumulated 3,000 points yielded 2 Strength points and 4 Mana points. And the Gold Ticket received as a reward increased Strength by 10 points, as its value was under 30 points. Now, Kim Seojun's strength might not be on Major Lee Hyena's level, but it has surpassed human limits. He felt it immediately when he picked up a gun. The Space Marine rifle, which had felt heavy even in a Battle Suit, now felt like a pistol, or rather, an empty pistol. His Owned Skills were also extraordinary.
*“Invisibility.”*
Among them, the skill that particularly caught Kim Seojun's eye was Invisibility.This was an incredible skill.Based on Kim Seojun's own experience, this Invisibility skill truly made him invisible to the eye. He didn't even reflect in mirrors.
“This will definitely work against Mogs.”
And the Mog species relied heavily on sight more than any other sense. Naturally, in the harsh environment of Space, senses like smell were utterly useless. The same went for hearing. Aside from a few individuals like the Cyclops with exceptional hearing, most Mogs had no choice but to rely on sight, and for such creatures, the Invisibility skill was like poison.
‘It'll definitely work against humans too.’
Moreover, its scope of effectiveness included not only Mogs but also humans. Humans were also a species highly dependent on sight. Even Kim Seojun himself wouldn't just get goosebumps if an invisible Psycher were to enter the Base; he would try his best to escape from that Base.
‘The downside is that it only lasts for 10 minutes. And once used, it can't be used again for 6 hours.’
However, it had drawbacks as an F-Rank Skill, but those drawbacks could be sufficiently overcome through rank-ups.
“Still, thanks to the Invisibility skill, this battle has become manageable.”
And it was hardly a drawback that being able to use Invisibility even once during battle was an enormous advantage. Simply put, Kim Seojun's current position was close to that of a Sniper, and the most fatal thing for such a Sniper was having their position detected during an attack. After detection, it was difficult to hide even if they tried. Even if they ran, their movements would be clearly visible. But what if they were invisible? It meant they couldn't be found!
*‘If push comes to shove, I'll use it to escape.’*
Furthermore, this ability could definitely save his life at least once. In many ways, Kim Seojun now had confidence for the upcoming battle. Of course, he knew.
“Overconfidence is dangerous, though.”
Getting carried away by victory when he didn't even know how many forces were coming was a suicidal act.
‘If too many come, I'll have to run away in the end.’
As Kim Seojun was steeling himself with a different kind of resolve, Major Jan Zabłocki came and spoke to him.
“The enemy forces have been identified.” “How many are there?” “About six thousand have currently been identified.” “Crazy, seriously!”
The moment he heard the number, Private First Class Park Boseop, who was present, blurted out an expletive despite the importance of the situation. Kim Seojun had said more forces would come, but who would have thought such an astronomical number as six thousand would appear? Kim Seojun, on the other hand, was different. He knew.
“We already defeated a force that included three Tank Beetles.”
Kim Seojun's group had experience stopping a massive force heading towards Poland Headquarters.
“If Mogs fail an attack, they send three times the number.”
He knew that in such a situation, the Mogs' best judgment was to send even more. More importantly, expressing dissatisfaction here was not the point. If you told the Mog Legion, “This isn”t right. Play by Fair Play!' would they ever say, 'Sorry'? So, what was important here was this:
“How many Tank Beetles are there?”
Major Jan Zabłocki answered that question.
“There are two.”
The moment he heard that, Kim Seojun's eyes sparkled.
“Last time they sent three Tank Beetles, but if there are only two this time... it means this is their last wave.”
If we just win this! If we stop this, we can have peace for a while! The moment that thought came to him, Kim Seojun was about to speak.
“This battle will be...”
Just as he was about to say, “This battle is manageable,” that was the moment.
“Staff Sergeant Kim Seojun, I know this battle won't be easy.”
Major Jan Zabłocki cut Kim Seojun off and said.
“Poland feels infinite gratitude towards Staff Sergeant Kim Seojun and the Korean people. Therefore, we absolutely do not wish for you to be deployed to a reckless battlefield. So, you don't necessarily have to participate in the battle.”
They were free to leave. He was sincere. Having already received such immense favor, Major Jan Zabłocki would not allow himself to force Kim Seojun's group to sacrifice themselves for this place. Of course, the moment they heard those words, Kim Seojun and everyone else only strengthened their resolve. They resolved to protect this place, no matter what. Kim Seojun was no different.
“The problem is...”
That was the moment just as he was about to say, “No problem, it”s fine, it's manageable.'
“Before that, there's something I want to show you.”
Major Jan Zabłocki said that then turned his back and began to walk. At his gesture, Kim Seojun's group followed without a word, and soon they saw. A Hoverbike and an Agent Suit. Major Jan Zabłocki, standing before them, said something.
“The setup is complete. There is no Location Tracking Device now. Also, the language pack and other settings have been set to Korean. If you give us a little more time, we can finish the paint job. Just tell us any color you desire.”
At his words, Kim Seojun made a surprised expression. He had asked for it. But he never imagined such incredible items would actually become theirs. That wasn't all.
“Here.”
Major Jan Zabłocki took out a small iron box and handed it to Kim Seojun.
“These are the Prophet's Relics secured from the Psycher's body.”
He handed over something priceless.
“As for the Agent Suit, it will take a little more time to set it up to fit Staff Sergeant Kim Seojun's body.” “That's fine.”
In the face of the utmost courtesy Poland Headquarters could offer, Kim Seojun could only say one thing.
“There will be plenty of time after the battle is over.”
After finishing his words, Kim Seojun turned his head and spoke.
“Let's begin the Strategy Meeting.”
5. When Kim Seojun began the Strategy Meeting with only Private First Class Park Boseop and Major Lee Hyena, neither of them questioned it. They both knew. *“Staff Sergeant Kim Seojun is the kind of person who can achieve any impossible result!”* *‘If it's Staff Sergeant Kim Seojun's strategy, no matter how absurd it sounds, we can trust and follow it.’* To the two of them, Kim Seojun said.
“Facing the forces coming from Poland Headquarters head-on carries too much risk. So, we will go out as the Vanguard first and reduce their numbers as much as possible.”
It was the kind of statement that would make one lose one's mind upon hearing it.
Though he called it the Vanguard, such a vanguard was usually referred to as a Suicide Squad.
Beings going to their deaths!
However, in the face of such an outrageous statement, neither Private First Class Park Boseop nor Major Lee Hyena showed any signs of wavering.
, because with Kim Seojun, they could do even that with a smile.
“Private First Class Park Boseop, your role in this operation is significant.”
“Yes, just trust me!”
So, Private First Class Park Boseop responded with a brighter smile than ever, exuding confidence.
“This time too, I'll drive the truck like a pro!”
Kim Seojun said with his determination.
“Private First Class Park Boseop, I heard you could also drive a Hoverbike last time. Is that right?”
Private First Class Park Boseop nodded first at Kim Seojun's question.
“Ah, yes. I have licenses. A Hoverbike License and a Hoverbike Racer License.”
The moment he answered, Private First Class Park Boseop was certain.
“But you're going to ride a Hoverbike instead of the truck?”
Even as he spoke, Private First Class Park Boseop harbored doubts. They hadn't been using the Military Truck all this time simply because it was the only option. The Military Truck inherently offered many advantages for combat fought from atop the truck. A Hoverbike, on the other hand, had clear limitations, starting with the amount of ammunition it could carry. Of course, Kim Seojun had the Inventory ability, and considering that, Mobility might be more important.
“Shooting from a Hoverbike won't be easy, will it?”
However, aside from other considerations, most Hoverbikes were designed for a single person, and the best a Passenger could do to avoid being thrown off was to hold onto the Rider's waist. Shooting a gun was out of the question from on top.
“Of course not.”
Kim Seojun also knew that shooting a gun from a Hoverbike was a Foolish Act.
“Private First Class Park Boseop's job is to drop me off where I want, wait, and then pick me up when I signal.”
“Ah!”
At that explanation, Private First Class Park Boseop nodded and said.
“I see, in that case, a Hoverbike would indeed be much more helpful than a Military Truck...”
Then, Private First Class Park Boseop suddenly felt something strange and cried out in alarm.
“S-Staff Sergeant Kim. Are you planning to f-fight alone?”
“Staff Sergeant Kim Seojun.”
At that point, Major Lee Hyena, who had grasped the situation, spoke.
“That's a Crazy Act.” “I don't intend to charge into the Mog Legion alone. If push comes to shove, I plan to evade.” “I know.”
Even with the continued explanation, Major Lee Hyena spoke with a stern expression.
“That's also a Crazy Act. The moment your position is detected, the Mog Legion will only pursue Staff Sergeant Kim Seojun.”
They knew Kim Seojun's Shooting Ability was incredible, but until now, that ability could only be utilized because of the Military Truck. If he moved alone, then he would inevitably be chased by the Mog Legion, as Major Lee Hyena said.
“There's a way to evade them.”
Major Lee Hyena said, as if dumbfounded, at that answer.
“Can you run as fast as a truck, or do you have an Invisibility Ability?”
Kim Seojun replied to that question.
“Yes.”
And the moment they heard that answer, both of them froze. Kim Seojun said to the two of them.
“If someone is around me, they'll only be a hindrance. So, please just watch from a distance.”
That was the extent of the discussion.
“Then, let's begin the operation now.”
6.
“They left?”
Major Jan Zabłocki wasn't surprised the moment he heard that Kim Seojun's group had gone outside.
“May God's Blessing be upon them.”
Knowing their purpose, he simply wished fervently that nothing serious would happen to them.
Of course, Major Jan Zabłocki knew.
*‘They are more capable than anyone. They would never do anything reckless. Their initial purpose must have been to move as the Vanguard to reduce the Mog Legion's numbers, even if only slightly.’*
He hoped that no major problem would befall Kim Seojun's group.
“We are the ones in danger.”
What they should be worried about now was Poland Headquarters, not Kim Seojun's group. And rightly so, as Poland Headquarters currently had an extremely small number of Survivors. Naturally, their forces were also severely lacking. To achieve results with such insufficient strength, there was nothing to do but move as busily as possible and prepare. Thus, saving every minute and second, the Survivors of Poland Headquarters prepared to face the Mog Legion. That's when it happened. It was the day after Kim Seojun's group had left Poland Headquarters.
“S-Sir, Major!”
The Signalman, who had been diligently communicating with the outside, urgently approached Major Jan Zabłocki and spoke.
“S-Something terrible has happened.”
“What is it?”
“Th-They've issued a Declaration of War.”
“What?”
At those words, Major Jan Zabłocki frowned.
“China has just issued a Declaration of War against all Nations on Planet Amotia.”
However, the moment he heard the subsequent words, Major Jan Zabłocki knew.
*“China is up to something.”*
He knew that something enormous was happening on Planet Amotia.
“The justification?”
“They claim it's a righteous retaliation for hostile and inhumane attacks against the People's Republic of China.”
The moment he heard that answer, Major Jan Zabłocki naturally knew it was just China's bullshit to build a flimsy justification.
*“This is insane.”*
He also knew that China, having declared war, would now attack the Headquarters of other surrounding nations.
Because if they were just going to sit still, there would be no reason to declare war.
‘Communication with the outside is not working properly. There's no immediate way to stop whatever China does.’
And he knew there was no way to stop China's outrageous tyranny.
*‘There's something; something is going on.’*
Moreover, as China was very strongly suspected of being involved in this Mog Virus infection, Major Jan Zabłocki's mind became even more complicated.
“I need to tell the Koreans to come back.”
In this situation, the first thing Major Jan Zabłocki decided was to recall Kim Seojun's group, and he immediately ordered a Subordinate Soldier.
“What's the communication status with the Korean support forces?”
“It's not working well.”
Major Jan Zabłocki didn't hesitate at the news that communication wasn't working. In this urgent situation, sitting idly and waiting was not an option, and he wasn't the type to do so. When something happened, he had to act first, so he called Sergeant First Class Viktor Lewandowski and spoke.
“Sergeant, take a Hoverbike right now and deliver the message to Staff Sergeant Kim Seojun and his group. Tell them to return immediately.”
“Yes, Sir!”
Sergeant First Class Viktor Lewandowski, having received the order, rode a Hoverbike at full speed towards Kim Seojun's group. About six hours later.
“M-Major!”
Sergeant First Class Viktor Lewandowski, who had rushed off, now approached urgently, and the moment he saw him, Major Jan Zabłocki instinctively knew that something serious had happened to Kim Seojun's group.
“What's wrong? Where are the Koreans?”
Therefore, he asked with an even calmer expression, and Sergeant First Class Viktor Lewandowski replied to him.
“Th-That's it. It's over.”
And the moment he heard the subsequent words, Major Jan Zabłocki could no longer maintain his composure.
*“How could this be...!”*
Could Kim Seojun's formidable group really have died?
Unimaginable.
But then again, that was the world of Space.
A place where anything could be annihilated overnight!
*“Pull yourself together, pull yourself together. I am the Commander here now.”*
And it was a place where those who survived had to do anything to keep surviving. Sergeant First Class Viktor Lewandowski said to Major Jan Zabłocki, who was filled with desperate resolve.
“S-Sir, the battle is over. Th-The Mog Legion that was coming to the Headquarters has been annihilated.”