Chapter 76: Chapter 76

After the Rain, Camp Roberts (6)

Approximately 10 kilometers downstream along the Salinas River from Camp Roberts, a small town named Bradley appears. Today, Gyeo-ul's mission was to capture this town. Once captured, the engineering corps and refugee laborers would be deployed to commence construction of a forward base.

Gyeo-ul watched as the troops approached the town entrance. Most were reinforcements from the Triad, with an additional squad from Able Company, assigned for management and support, including the drivers. The highest-ranking among the latter was Sergeant Arturo 'Al' Rivera.

In essence, the responsibility for this operation rested with Gyeo-ul. Even for a minor operation, the change in attitude of the military towards entrusting the command of the operation to a young officer was quite remarkable. Though centered around reinforcements, the force amounted to the size of a company, effectively assigning him the role of a temporary company commander.

Considering that the condition for the promotion, withheld during the time he received the Silver Star Medal, was the formal completion of officer training, it could be interpreted as recognition of his command ability despite not having completed the training. Nonetheless, there was a necessity for him to undergo formal training for the future.

'There might be a recommendation process soon.'

This refers to a scenario where the control AI recommends specific procedures for the plausibility of scenario calculations. Refusal was an option, but nothing beneficial would come of refusing.

Gyeo-ul sent a radio transmission through the company channel.

"All troops, hold position temporarily."

With just a word of command, all troops split to the sides of the road and took a knee, readying themselves. This strategy was unchanged from the time when they fought human adversaries because it remained effective. It reduced exposure and increased accuracy. Of course, when the environment changed, they followed revised doctrines.

The soldiers glanced surreptitiously while Gyeo-ul made his way to the church. It was the first building at the town entrance. From the distinctive cross adorned with decorations on each branch and the Madonna statue embedded in the wall, it was apparent that this was a Catholic church, not a Protestant one.

'Come to think of it, California is a stronghold of Catholicism.'

Gyeo-ul knew this from experience. Likely due to the large Hispanic immigrant population, about one in three people in California practiced Catholicism.

The church was a small, single-story building painted white. Its size was not much more than an ordinary house, a quaint and petite structure. It seemed that about thirty people could fill the sanctuary when packed. The rounded bell tower didn't notably exceed the roof in height.

Gyeo-ul, pausing a little distance from the church entrance, gestured towards the front of the troops.

"1st Platoon, 1st Squad. Search and secure the church."

This operation was intended as the first real combat experience for the Triad combat forces indicated by Gyeo-ul. Hence, the mission was half real combat and half training. This was also the reason why the vehicle convoy did not enter the town.

Li Ai-ling, along with her squad, approached at a steady jog. Despite moving, they maintained alertness, demonstrating true tactical movement. This showed evidence that they had trained diligently.

In the midst of it, Ai-ling's appearance seemed different. She wore a combat uniform without rank insignia, had her hair tied in a single braid, and sported sunglasses from an unknown origin. The black mirrored lenses reflected the scenery, contrasting starkly against her pale skin, and weren't in violation of dress code. Regardless of personal preference for Ai-ling, Gyeo-ul found the look quite stylish.

'I should get a pair of sunglasses for Yura and Jin-seok as well.'

Among the two, it would likely benefit Yura more, who lacked an intimidating presence.

Unexpectedly, the message log wasn't overwhelming. In the world's view, Ai-ling was a rare beauty. The past times, when it ran rampant each time she appeared, had significantly changed. It was proof that spectators from other worlds were gradually becoming accustomed to the boy.

Under Gyeo-ul's watchful eye, Ai-ling's squad aligned against the exterior wall of the church. So far, they followed their training, but their nervousness was more than palpable. Regardless of gender, their hands trembled delicately. Ai-ling repeatedly glanced back at Gyeo-ul. Though the sunglasses obscured her eyes, her remaining facial expressions were easy to read. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on NoveI~Fire.net

It's a natural reaction during a first combat experience. Even the Combatant Corps of the Gyeo-ul Alliance showed similar expressions in San Miguel.

'They might have killed people before, but they probably haven't fought mutants directly.'

Gyeo-ul pressed the radio receiver.

"There will be no support. Proceed based on the squad leader's judgment. Just do as you've been trained."

Ai-ling, urged into action, bit her lip. Frustration? She seemed to have expected something.

The deputy head of a criminal organization hesitantly scouted around the building. She searched for a way to peek inside. However, there was no such method available. The doors were firmly closed, and the windows were opaque.

Another member of the squad removed his helmet and put his ear against the door. It was a risky move. What if the door suddenly swung open? At a minimum, his comrades should have been ready to provide covering fire. Yet, they merely stood by attached to the wall, watching. Ai-ling was acting separately at the building's side.

In their tense state, everything they had learned from training seemed to have vanished. The only reason Gyeo-ul watched without intervening was the low threat level sensed by the 「Survival Sense」.

Had it not been, he would have intervened immediately.

"Squad leader! Section leaders! Control your squad members! Squaddies, don't scatter without orders!"

Those who received Gyeo-ul's stern warning shuddered as if struck by lightning. Their flustered demeanor made it hard to believe they were criminals. In the face of fear, everyone was just human.

'Honestly, civilians with a consciousness of order might be better soldiers than criminals.'

Nonetheless, they would improve once they grew accustomed to it. In preparation for emergencies, Gyeo-ul held his gun towards the church, keeping the stock firmly pressed against his shoulder.

It was then he noticed something unusual. The rest of the troops, instead of maintaining the required vigilance, were watching the entire scene unfold. At Gyeo-ul's pointed gaze, the Chinese soldiers hurriedly averted their eyes. Yet, a few met his gaze squarely without flinching.

They were showing firsthand that no amount of training could equal the experience of real combat.

"Attention all company troops, except the 1st Squad. Firmly monitor the designated defense zones. Failure to complete your duty will result in disciplinary measures upon return."

Discipline from Gyeo-ul held little consequence. It was the secondary discipline within the Triad they truly feared. The lingering onlookers became sharply attentive.

Meanwhile, Ai-ling had split her squad into two. Gyeo-ul quietly listened to their internal communications. Only now was Squad Leader Ai-ling giving directions that could truly qualify as such.

[Kuontao! With Kang-chuan, guard the access on the left side of the chapel! Hmm, and... yes, Zungqiu and Guo-jin! You two watch the right exit of the chapel! Zhiyuan! Zheguang! You cling to the entrance from both sides as soon as a grenade explodes, break-in! The rest move with me!]

Though stuttering a bit, it was, nonetheless, at a satisfactory level.

'Though there's no need to use a grenade.'

Gyeo-ul refrained from interference. He thought it necessary to build her confidence.

Ai-ling herself broke the window. The stock she swung hard initially struck the frame at the wrong angle. She got the angle right on her second try. Kwachang! As soon as a hole formed, an unknown operative tossed in a grenade.

No explosion occurred.

Gyeo-ul tilted his head.

It seemed Ai-ling had a conversation with the operative who had thrown it. Overhearing was impossible since they kept their voices low, but watching their expressions and gestures sufficed. Ai-ling scolded for a long while, then placed her hands on her hips and gazed skyward. The scolded party turned beet-red and stared at the ground.

'He flung it without pulling the pin.'

Gyeo-ul sighed briefly.

Ai-ling now aimed her gun through the broken window, cautiously scanning the interior. Quiet. If a common mutant had been inside, it would have already lunged at the window in response to the noise.

Ai-ling's shoulders relaxed. It seemed as though the tension had dissipated. But it was still too soon. Based on the structure, there likely were a couple of extra rooms. Gyeo-ul watched her and her subordinates with keen attention.

It seemed they intended to proceed through the main entrance. Li Ai-ling left forces guarding both sides and gathered the rest at the main entrance. At a distance of about 5 meters behind them, Gyeo-ul stood ready for contingencies. Noticing the young officer behind them gave them visible relief.

They charged through the door. Upon entry, they dispersed left and right, forming a crossfire line. The tension dissipating seemed to help them move more smoothly. Gyeo-ul himself stepped onto the threshold.

A grenade lay awkwardly in the middle of the sanctuary floor. Ai-ling shot a glare at the one who'd errantly tossed it. The man hesitantly approached to retrieve it.

From above, something pale abruptly fell.

Gyeo-ul immediately pulled the trigger.

The time Gyeo-ul had outside to see and react was only about 0.3 seconds. It was a figure of a human with limbs outstretched. The boy's three-shot burst pierced through its head.

The Chinese soldier trapped under the ghoul's carcass screamed and flailed violently. Reacting belatedly, the remaining squad members aimed their guns, prompting Gyeo-ul to hurriedly shout.

"Don't shoot! Don't shoot! It's already dead! Lower your muzzles!"

Firing an uncoordinated volley amidst the chaos could easily turn the trapped man into swiss cheese. The Chinese motley, about to squeeze their triggers, stared at the boy officer with bleached faces.

Gyeo-ul quickly glanced at the ceiling, confirming nothing else hung from above besides the swaying chandelier and taking brisk steps toward the struggling Chinese soldier to help him out.

The man's writhing whole body overwhelmed Gyeo-ul. The boy kicked the firearm away, preventing it from accidentally discharging, which further terrified the soldier. With tightly closed eyes, he flailed limbs and weakly pushed against Gyeo-ul.

"Get away! Go away! AHH! Mom! Mom! I'm dying, I'm dying!"

"Get a hold of yourself!"

Snap! Gyeo-ul slapped him sharply across the face. With one hand, he grasped the soldier's collar and yanked him upright, yelling at a close range.

"Changlong! Changlong! Open your eyes and look at me!"

Using the tag to address his name proved effective. The man, now with eyes wide open, looked at Gyeo-ul. Screams ceased, leaving only rasping breaths. Gyeo-ul spoke.

"Calm down. You're safe now."

Gyeo-ul slowly released him. His legs wobbled, unable to hold his weight, and he slumped to the floor. At that moment, Gyeo-ul checked his wristwatch. Thirteen minutes since operations commenced.

"It's going to be a long day."

The buildings awaiting search weren't many. Even a slow inching pace posed no serious hindrance to mission completion.

The boy proceeded with the inspection alone. Though tempted to assign cover to Ai-ling's squad, they remained pale and ashen-faced. Handing them his back felt too risky.

[Lieutenant Han. Is everything alright over there?]

Staff Sergeant Rivera, the acting second-in-command, asked through the radio. Gyeo-ul responded promptly.

"Yes. Just a ghoul showed up. It was hanging in the ceiling and dropped down. I disposed of it. No casualties."

[My word... They say recent ones have grown smarter. Do you have any further orders?]

"Nothing specific. It shouldn't take much longer, so please hold on a bit more."

[Acknowledged. Over and out.]

Ending the communication, Gyeo-ul advanced toward the rear of the sanctuary. There were two doors. Kicking open one revealed a storage area, filled with a stifling air. No scent of mutants. Even ghouls who had overcome immune rejection to prevent flesh decay had odors akin to unwashed humans.

While retreating to keep an eye on the opposite door, Gyeo-ul entered the storage cautiously. Scanning the vicinity, he assembled the small relics neatly. They'd make nice gifts for the Catholics among the allied members.

He then approached and kicked open the remaining door, and at once, the stench of decay hit him. But no mutants appeared. An old corpse lay cold, along with a near-empty medicine bottle. Presumably a suicide. Though the priest's quarters, the deceased person was no priest. Whatever story lay behind, they seemed to have ended their life here after seeking the church.

Once the search was swiftly completed, Gyeo-ul summoned Ai-ling's squad nearer the ghoul's carcass.

"Come, have a look. You all need to become more accustomed to mutants."

The Chinese members hesitated to even approach the dead ghoul. Sensing their fear, Gyeo-ul grabbed its head and forcibly turned it toward them. Ai-ling covered her mouth, unwilling to step closer, but her upper body instinctively leaned back.

There must be no avoidance, especially not when she's a leader. The reason Gyeo-ul so particularly focused his gaze on her.

"Look straight at it. If you're just from seeing a dead mutant, how will you handle a real fight?"

Frankly, ghouls were grotesque creatures. At best, they resembled severe Hansen's disease patients. Their faces appeared as if the flesh had melted, then resolidified.

Gyeo-ul reached under its jaw, pulling at it while tilting the head further back for better visibility of its oral cavity. Upon closer inspection, its extending tongue differed noticeably from a human's.

"Do you see? Infection spikes are inside the mouth. In other words, you won't get infected unless it's through a direct bite or contact with those spikes. So step closer. Go on, touch it. If you don't want to end up helplessly captured and dead in battle."

As his words were obviously directed at her, Ai-ling reluctantly extended her hand toward the ghoul. Inch by inch. Gyeo-ul coldly instructed.

"Take off your gloves."

"You won't get infected. Take. Off your gloves."

"Is this really necessary?"

Gyeo-ul didn't bother to respond.

She removed her gloves hesitantly.

Her long, slender fingers touched the gray, mushy skin of the creature. Ai-ling quivered, eyes tightly shut. Truthfully, any human, mutant or not, would find it repulsive—filthy, foul-smelling, hideous—arousing an instinctive aversion.

Shortly after, she asked in a trembling voice.

Thanks to his "Instructor's Guidance" skill, needless time wastage was minimized. Gyeo-ul allowed the remaining squad members to undergo the gruesome experience before finally permitting them to head out.

The operation recommenced.

---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=

Q. Reader Sue: @ It's hard to stop reading at this point... Waiting eagerly for the next part...

A. Well, I didn't want to be up all night writing either...

Q. Reader RGZ95: @ Is it afternoon now?

A. You're so absorbed in my story you've lost your sense of time...

Other readers have commented that my story kept them awake, unable to study for exams, or made work hard to manage.

Honestly, it's sad and amusing at the same time that I'm causing homes and society to collapse with this reality...

Seems like I'll have to take a little break from writing! See you again in 40,000 years! Goodbye!

Q. ChickenisBestBothWays: @ Your story is so tantalizing—write more quickly, and I'll love you!

A. Looks like I'll remain a writer unloved eternally. ㅠㅠ

Q. Artilune: @ That must be the wise one imparting wisdom to the younger.

A. Unfortunately, meeting such wise souls is quite rare.

Q. NeoGGM: @ The gender debate on "WhiteBean" can be explained by quantum mechanics. The theory allows for three states: Up(M), down(F), and Superposition. Until observation, it remains in a superposition. I dub it Schrodinger's Gender. I feel guilty for this. Sorry, whiteBean.

A. WhiteBean, apologies once more.

Q. FlowLotus: @ Another day filled with pure joy! I love the innocence you share, author. I click "recommend" every time I binge-read, but just how does recommending help you?

A. First, it fills the author with innocence. Most crucial.

It also aids in calculating Today's Best metrics, though that hardly matters since my story never reaches the Best ranks anyway. :)

Q. PeachGarden: @ Is the evolutionary period of mutants random?

A. Many variables exist. Players' unconscious desires sometimes influence it. Beyond that, disclosing would spoil things.

Q. BombzJi: @ Unless I mention this, there's no response. In episode 74, was it intentional to call Gyeo-ul "the boy"?

A. It holds little significance.

Q. VintageEarthenOwl: Concerns with the setup led me to question: In a time where cloning is legal, why didn't the chairman provide the main character with a cloned substitute? It seems mutually beneficial for both parties.

A. Primarily, it's costlier. No reason to buy an item priced higher intentionally.

There are two other reasons, though discussing one incurs a mild spoiler, while the other involves a major spoiler. So, I can't disclose them.