Chapter 87
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 87
Chapter Title: Alchemy Factory, Blood Magic, Plague - 2
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Players belonging to the A.M.T were considered a cut below those in private guilds.
That was the general perception when ranking Players.
However, that was only when looking at the enlisted ranks. Officers were treated better than members of most mid-sized guilds, and special divisions had so many Rankers that they were in a league of their own.
The <999th Special Mission Battalion> was one such place.
They were an elite Player unit specializing in counter-terrorism operations, receiving pay and benefits that rivaled those of major guilds. As such, they held immense pride and were quite popular with the public.
Today, they were deployed to the fire at the alchemy research complex in Gangdong District.
This could only be taken as a bad sign.
It implied that the incident was not a simple accident, but an act of terror.
- This is a breaking news report! We have just received word that at 2:55 PM, five minutes ago, operational vehicles from the <999th Special Mission Battalion>, widely known as the nation's top Player counter-terrorism unit, have entered the scene of the fire at the alchemy research lab in Gangdong-dong. According to a police official, a number of unidentified assailants are inside the fire scene…
Every media outlet was reporting on the severity of the incident based on the battalion's movements.
Soon, the police delivered the grim news through an official announcement.
An unidentified group of terrorists had taken over the site.
And currently, hundreds of employees were being held hostage.
With that, the Republic of Korea was once again thrown into turmoil.
But beneath it all, a certain presence squirmed in the depths below…
A true threat that no one had yet noticed.
***
"…Look over there! It's Cobra Squad!"
"It's really them! They're here!"
At the site of the terrorist attack on the Gangdong District alchemy research complex, such shouts were directed at the armed Players disembarking from an armored truck.
Cobra Squad was a team within the <999th Special Mission Battalion> specializing in sniping. Led by an A-Rank marksman Player, they had resolved numerous major incidents both at home and abroad.
*Click! Click! Click! Click!*
At the appearance of Cobra Squad, reporters immediately raised their cameras.
—An article featuring their photos guaranteed an exceptional click-through rate, making it a scene they couldn't afford to miss.
"Cobra Squad! We believe in you!"
"We're counting on you for another great result!"
Some reporters even offered cheers filled with personal admiration.
They, too, were Players who had joined the ranks of Korea's 'heroes.'
But behind their face masks, their expressions were grim.
"Hah… what kind of a fucking situation is this on such a nice day?"
"Tell me about it. Who the hell pulls a hostage stunt in this day and age…"
The reason was that the main objective of this operation was a 'hostage rescue.'
Even for the <999th Special Mission Battalion>, a hostage situation was a headache.
"Damn it, and they're armed with firearms, I hear."
Conventional firearms posed little threat to Players, but they were incredibly dangerous to civilians.
And no matter how good a skill was, it couldn't turn away a gun pointed at a hostage's head.
In other words, they had to hope for 'negotiations,' which meant the operation could drag on for a very long time.
"Hah… I can already see this getting messy."
They soon gathered inside the command post, and the operations team leader, Lieutenant Colonel Oh Seong-hun, entered.
He was an A-Rank mage-type Player, a veteran of counter-terrorism operations.
"Alright, everyone's here. Let's begin the briefing."
Oh Seong-hun had resolved dozens of counter-terrorism incidents, but his expression was dark now.
And the first words he uttered were more pessimistic than ever.
"…The situation is worse than expected."
He operated a remote, and a projector turned on, displaying an image on the screen behind him.
It was a photo of the research institute, likely taken by a drone camera.
Inside a window, masked terrorists could be seen armed with AK-47 rifles.
"The current number of identified terrorists is 18, armed with automatic rifles and explosives. And… some of the hostages have been fitted with bomb vests equipped with mana circuits."
At those words, the faces of all the squad members hardened.
"Ha, crazy… Mana circuit bombs—!"
Mana circuit bombs were designed so that the detonation switch would be triggered the moment the magic caster's life was extinguished.
The existence of such devices made 'sniping,' the primary tactic in counter-terrorism, impossible.
Essentially, there was currently no 'forceful' way to rescue the hostages.
"Damn… These guys seem like a pretty big, vicious group. What's their identity?"
"That too… we still have no information, and it's unclear how they even infiltrated the building."
"Hah… Then what the hell do they want? At this point, shouldn't we just give it to them?"
When faced with such a difficult problem, 'negotiation' was always the best course of action.
"They haven't made any specific demands yet. They're just repeating that if we try any funny business, they'll kill everyone."
A hostage situation by an unidentified terrorist group for unknown reasons…
Even the possibility of 'negotiation,' the first stage of a hostage rescue operation, was being shut down.
"Does that mean their goal isn't 'money,' at least?"
"Right. They're probably buying time to extract some kind of technology from within the institute."
The situation was ambiguous in many ways… Sighs escaped from all around.
"So for now, we'll focus on continuing dialogue with them to figure out their intentions. In the meantime, the spiritmancer duo from Team 2 will send their spirits into the building to assess the internal situation."
In the end, all they could do for now was 'monitor.'
Two long hours passed with them unable to do anything. It was only natural that the media began to question the police's inability to take any action.
- …It is now known that 298 hostages are being held inside Building B of the research institute, and police authorities have stated that they are attempting to negotiate with the terrorists. However, after more than two hours, there has been no significant progress in the negotiations, and the safety of the hostages has yet to be confirmed.
Furthermore, <Cobra Squad>, which gained fame for successfully carrying out two previous counter-terrorism operations, has been mobilized, but they too have shown no particular movement, and a breakthrough in resolving the issue seems unlikely…
"Damn, those civilians are about to be turned into mincemeat, and they're bitching about how we should go in?"
"Hey, Sergeant Gu, the main tanker always has to stay calm. You can't get worked up."
"Fuck me, if I stay calm, is that going to put a mana shield on the hostages inside?"
Listening to the news bulletin from the vehicle's radio, the members of Cobra Squad gritted their teeth.
"Hah… Of all the times for this shit to happen, it had to be when our market value is skyrocketing."
As the reporters' reactions had shown, 'Cobra Squad' was currently enjoying immense popularity.
They had reached the status of heroes by brilliantly resolving their last three operations.
If they handled this one properly, their stock would soar through the roof.
Conversely, if they failed, their stock could plummet overnight.
"Ah, the timing on this is fucking terrible, seriously."
They weren't celebrities, but they couldn't ignore the reputation that spread among the public.
Because that reputation determined their 'market value.'
Though they were government employees, high-performing Players could negotiate their salaries with the state.
In short, performance was money.
"Ah, I was planning to stick around for another six months, pump up my value, and then move to a guild as an attack team leader…"
"Come on, you think the commander's gonna let you go? You'll be here for at least two more years."
Just then, a loud noise began to approach from somewhere.
*Thud-thud-thud-thud—*
"…Huh, what's that sound? A helicopter?"
Inside the command post, operations team leader Oh Seong-hun, who had been looking at the situation map, asked.
An administrative NCO slightly lifted the flap of the command post's entrance.
A helicopter was landing in an open area about 50 meters away.
"Hmm… I wasn't told anyone was coming."
To arrive by helicopter meant it had to be a high-ranking individual.
As the person in charge of this operation, Oh Seong-hun couldn't help but feel a primal sense of unease.
Just then, Oh Seong-hun's adjutant belatedly delivered the news.
"Sir, an urgent order just came down from the top!"
"It says to cooperate with the support troops who will be arriving shortly to carry out the operation."
Oh Seong-hun frowned at those words.
"…What? We're not short on manpower, so what's with the sudden support troops? Whose order is this?"
"Uh… the battalion commander called directly, but he said it's an order from the Blue House."
"The B-Blue House…"
Here, the Blue House didn't refer to the president, but to the presidential agency, the <National Gate Response Strategy Office>.
For them to intervene directly… this was highly unusual.
'So there really is something in the basement of that research facility.'
That was the suspicion that formed in Oh Seong-hun's mind.
"So, did they tell you who these amazing support troops they're sending are?"
At the same time, he was curious to know who this incredible person dispatched by the Blue House was.
"Well, they said he's an A.M.T soldier… a Private First Class, Lee Hyun-wook."
***
Inside the helicopter on the way to the scene, Lee Hyun-wook was briefed on the current situation by Team Leader Lee Gyo-jun.
"…The terrorists have even deployed 'mana circuit bombs,' making the hostage rescue difficult. And after reviewing the CCTV footage, there are no signs of external infiltration, so we suspect they used a portal."
But everything he was told was information he already knew.
And he also knew the hidden truth that even they were unaware of.
'The terrorists who took over the research facility weren't external invaders, but an internal rebellion.'
The alchemy research complex, operated by a research foundation established by the <Gugwang> Group, the second-largest conglomerate in the country.
There, they were developing technology to maximize the efficiency of an energy source called 'Mana Stones.'
'But that was just a cover. In reality, it was a secret blood magic research facility.'
Blood magic, as the name suggested, was a type of black magic that used blood as a medium.
'A business that started after they obtained <Nectar>, the drink of the gods from Greek mythology…'
Their goal was the typical desire and grand task of mortals: 'immortality' or 'evolution.' In an age where magic that realized the mystical was real, it was plausible to believe such things were possible.
'And so, those with plenty of money but little time left to live invested generously.'
With massive backing from such individuals, they used all sorts of methods, conducting experiments that broke taboos.
Among those experiments was research into an 'Object' that contained the power of a 'demon.'
'…As time went on, the researchers, one by one, succumbed to the demon's temptation.'
And so, a group of demon worshippers was formed, and they were the ones who caused today's incident.
Just then, the helicopter landed in the open field.
"Private First Class Lee Hyun-wook, we've arrived. This will probably be your last mission as an A.M.T soldier, won't it?"
Lee Hyun-wook still had time left on his 'mandatory service period.' Thanks to Woo Seong-mun's protection, he acted like a civilian, but he was officially an A.M.T soldier. That's why he was currently in A.M.T combat attire.
Lee Hyun-wook, his face covered by a mask, stepped out of the helicopter.
The fact that he was here must not be leaked to the reporters.
At that moment, someone walked out of the command post. He wore a black A.M.T uniform with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
"Private First Class Lee Hyun-wook, I'm the operations team leader, Oh Seong-hun. You may be a private, but you're not really a soldier anymore, and you're going to be a huge deal, so I should probably treat you with some difficulty, right?"
He spoke with a hint of sarcasm as he extended his hand.
"…It doesn't matter to me. Do as you please."
Lee Hyun-wook said, shaking the lieutenant colonel's hand despite his rank as a private.
He no longer needed to bow to military officers.
Lee Hyun-wook followed Oh Seong-hun into the command post.
"The savior of Seoul is certainly different, isn't he? Joining an operation by pulling strings at the Blue House?"
In truth, Lee Hyun-wook had planned to tell Woo Seong-mun he would step in after some time had passed.
But surprisingly, Woo Seong-mun had contacted him first, asking him to resolve this hostage crisis.
The reason given was that Lee Hyun-wook's 'metal control' could neutralize the hostage-takers' 'firearms'…
'The fact that Woo Seong-mun personally requested this… means he's noticed something as well.'
It seemed Woo Seong-mun had anticipated the disaster brewing here to some extent.
But even so, he hadn't been able to stop it from erupting.
"My ability is specialized for hostage rescue, so I was dispatched on orders. I look forward to working with you."
"…Specialized, you say? How exactly can you help with a hostage rescue?"
There was an edge to Oh Seong-hun's repeated question.
It was understandable.
He and his team of counter-terrorism experts had been wasting hours, and now some kid shows up—alone, no less—claiming he can solve it.
'Yes, from their perspective, they have every right to be annoyed with the situation and with me…'
Sure enough, all the special forces members inside the command post were glaring at Lee Hyun-wook.
"What I can do is simple. I can control the hostage-takers' firearms."
"Ah, so you mean you can physically prevent them from pulling the trigger?"
"Yes. I can also bend the barrels or disable the internal bolt carriers."
Just then, a snort was heard from one corner of the command post.
"Give me a break. If it was just about guns, we would've handled it already. We're not idiots…"
The man who muttered that held the rank of captain.
His name was Lee Gil-hyeon.
Seeing the arrow in his hand, he was likely an archer, probably a member of Cobra Squad.
He crossed his arms and glared at Lee Hyun-wook.
"Hey, Mr. Hero, have you ever heard of a mana circuit bomb?"
"Yes, I've heard about those too. And in the end, it's still a bomb. It requires a metal detonation device."
Lee Hyun-wook answered without hesitation.
"And looking at the bomb vests in the drone camera photos, they appear to be the same model used in the hostage crisis at the Kherson market in Ukraine eight months ago. Hungarian-made. They're connected to the caster's body and 'mana,' so if the caster dies, the 'mana circuit' activates and presses the 'detonation switch.'"
"…"
"In other words, I can control that metal detonation switch."
It sounded easy, but in reality, it was a task that required extreme concentration.
However, Lee Hyun-wook was confident he could do it. He had done it before.
"And even if it's a different type… a magic circuit that doesn't require a metal detonation device, I can still neutralize the caster without killing them."
"…How?"
"Because everyone has plenty of metal objects on their bodies."
Almost every object and weapon in this world was made of 'metal.'
Therefore, unless someone specifically prepared to counter Lee Hyun-wook, he could subdue them with a mere gesture.
Hearing that, Oh Seong-hun nodded.
"Well, fine. It's not like we can oppose your orders anyway."
He too was clearly displeased with Lee Hyun-wook's appearance, but the success of the mission was more important than his personal feelings. And on some level, he wanted to see the true abilities of this much-rumored 'hero' with his own eyes.
"Alright then, Private First Class Lee Hyun-wook, you need to coordinate signals with our snipers, so now…"
But Lee Hyun-wook shook his head before he could finish.
"No, I don't need sniper support. I'll handle this from start to finish."
"—What?"
One of the sniper agents, Captain Lee Gil-hyeon, flared up again.
"You're saying you don't need us? What kind of operation doesn't need sniper support?"
Cobra Squad. They had pride as the best sniper unit.
That was likely why they were offended by the suggestion that snipers were unnecessary.
"On the contrary, having an extraneous link interfere with my control could be dangerous. A sniper's bullet or arrow could strike the metal I'm controlling, ricochet, and hit a hostage."
Right now, this young man was insisting on handling the operation all by himself.
"Look, I get that you're good, but don't you think you're taking it too far?"
Lee Gil-hyeon said as he shot up from his seat.
"Hah, you just show up and treat us like sidekicks… I know you're a big shot, but this is completely different from what you've experienced. Even Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the greatest hero in our country's history, couldn't have handled counter-terrorism. How long have you been called a hero that you think you can just step into someone else's domain—"
"Captain Lee, that's enough—stop right there."
"Hah— Major, no, Commander, this isn't right. For such an important mission, to trust a brat like him…"
At this, Lee Hyun-wook didn't hold back and threw a word in.
"Captain Lee, I'm sorry, but I'm here precisely because it's an important incident."
"What?"
"You haven't been able to do anything so far, so they're subbing in a new player."
His words were brimming with confidence.
"…This is crazy. Let's see just how good you are."
Lee Gil-hyeon said, then stormed out of his seat.
***
Alchemy Research Complex, Building B.
Eighteen terrorists, clutching AK-47s, stood guard in all directions.
Suddenly, a man from among the hostages shot to his feet.
"Damn it— Hey! Director Lee! Please, just talk to me!"
*Clack—*
Four gun barrels swiveled to aim at him.
"How could you do this to us! Just say something!"
"…Dr. Oh, shut your mouth. You want to be thrown into the basement?"
"Hey, you son of a bitch! Do you have any idea what you've done?"
As the conversation revealed, the terrorists and hostages were once colleagues.
"How… how could you do this to people you broke bread with… How could you… to those monsters…"
He muttered, looking into the eyes of the man called Director Lee.
There was something strange about his eyes. They were hazy, and the irises glowed with a dark red light.
"Just as I thought! Those eyes… none of you are right in the head!"
Come to think of it, strange rumors had been circulating within the company for some time.
That black magic research was being conducted in the basement, and that every day at 4 AM, the members of that department performed a demon-worshipping ritual. It was just a rumor, and there was no way to confirm its truth. But this situation, and the hellish things happening in the research facility's basement… it was all real.
"You… you guys from the ancient artifact research line, you messed with something strange and finally lost your minds!"
"Hah… This won't do. Dr. Oh, it looks like you'll have to go down to the basement."
As Director Lee spoke, two terrorists approached and grabbed him by the arms.
"…N-no! No! Let me go!"
"Seriously, why are you suddenly freaking out? You should've just stayed quiet."
They dragged the man called Dr. Oh toward the elevator.
And when they opened the elevator doors, there was no car, only a deep, dark abyss.
They threw Dr. Oh into it.
"Aaaahhhh—"
His scream faded as he fell into the darkness below.
The moment his voice died out, a completely different, bizarre sound could be heard.
*Kyaaaahhh—*
A gurgling roar, the sound of something being torn apart, and then chewing and swallowing…
"…"
Hearing those sounds, the other hostages couldn't help but tremble.
Just then, a terrorist approached Director Lee.
He shook a mana messenger, his face scrunched up in annoyance.
"Hah… Director, they're saying they want to come in to negotiate again."
"Tsk, do they still not understand that's not what we want?"
What they wanted was time, to hold out until a certain task was completed down below.
"Tell them if they try to approach without permission, we'll start shooting the hostages."
"But, couldn't those bastards use skills like stealth to get close?"
"No, they won't do anything that could get the hostages killed."
He was certain of it.
"Besides, there's no way they know what's happening in the basement. They're only focused on the lives of the hostages…"
But as he said that, he turned his head.
In that instant, he spotted an unfamiliar face standing near the building's entrance.
He… was wearing a black combat uniform.
*Step— Step—*
Such a person shouldn't be here, yet he was walking in so confidently. Perhaps because of that… Director Lee's judgment momentarily clouded, and he stared blankly at the figure for a few seconds.
"—Who, who are you!"
He shouted, a little too late.
But the reply he received was utterly absurd.
"…I'm here to negotiate for the hostages."