Chapter 4
Chapter 4
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 4
Chapter Title: A New Beginning (3)
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“You got kicked out for talking back? I like that. Let’s make this clear right now. It wasn’t because of some other issue, was it? If you hid something like that and it came out later, it’d be a problem for both of us.”
“Nothing like that. If you really can’t trust me, go ahead and file a query.”
“Good. If that’s the case, I don’t mind. You’re a complete rookie who doesn’t know a thing, but you’ve got basic military training under your belt, so after some breaking in, you’ll shape up fine.”
“Dad. You’re really going to use this guy as a mercenary?”
“What’s the problem? He’s an adult making his own choice. No reason to stand in his way. Hey. What’s your name?”
“Kim Suhyun.”
“I’m Jo Seung-hyun. President of Uncle Jo Company. This is my daughter, Jo Seung-ah. She handles all the administrative work, so think of it that way. The other mercenaries are bunking in the dorms in the building next door.”
Minor details. Nothing particularly interesting. Suhyun nodded. No matter how he looked at it, Uncle Jo Company was a small outfit right now. Connecting it to what he knew, it meant Jo Seung-hyun must have shown real talent later to grow the company big.
‘Hard to imagine.’
He looked like a scruffy middle-aged guy on the surface. Hard to believe this was the man who’d go on to be called a business genius.
“I don’t deceive the people I work with. That’s why I lay everything out before we start. What I’m saying is, the work we do isn’t easy. Some guys come in just hearing it pays well, throwing their bodies into it, but those types usually bail within three days.”
“Should I write up a pledge saying I won’t run?”
“No need. Run if you want to—doesn’t matter to me. As long as it’s not during an op. If you run during an op, I’ll hunt you down and strangle you myself. Anyway, what I’m getting at is! Know exactly what you’re signing up for before you join. No whining later.”
“Uncle Jo Company. A PMC licensed to operate on Cameron Planet, taking on various contracts from above or heading into uncharted zones on our own to handle dangers and scavenge valuables, right?”
Jo Seung-hyun’s expression shifted slightly.
‘This guy?’
He rattled off the info like he was trying to scare him.
“You could die. In fact, a lot of people do. Losing a limb is the lucky case.”
“Everyone dies eventually. It’s just a question of when and how.”
To Suhyun, it was yawn-worthy.
“Whether you’re fearless or just faking it, I don’t know. But you get that it’s dangerous work where death is on the table, right?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Lie or not, you’re an adult, and I respect personal choice. Since you say you know what you’re getting into, you’re hired! Oh, right. Where’d you hear about our hiring info? We haven’t even advertised.”
“Saw it on some site, but I don’t remember which one.”
“That post’s been up forever. You did well to find it. Oh, almost forgot one more thing. Our company’s small. Just platoon-sized crew. You knew that and came anyway, so you must have your reasons?”
There weren’t many places that’d treat a young rookie with no experience well. Pick the wrong spot, and you’d end up as cannon fodder.
If Suhyun were advising a green newbie wanting work, he’d suggest the military or a small outfit. The military handled rookies the safest way, and small companies, short on manpower, didn’t treat them as disposables. Not absolute, of course.
“Yes.”
“Good. Since you know it all, nothing more to say. Seung-ah’ll give you the contract. Oh, right. What about lodging? As a newbie, bunking in the dorms with the team would help you bond.”
“That’s what I had in mind if dorms are available.”
He’d planned to join the military anyway, so he’d already checked out of his old place. Renting nearby felt like a waste. No reason to turn down free room and board.
“Straight shooter, huh?”
“What are the contract terms?”
“You’ll see in the paperwork, but we’re a small outfit. You get it? Can’t guarantee everything like the big PMCs. You get a base salary, but the real money’s in incentives. Pay per job cleared. And gear costs come out of your pay. Some don’t know that, so double-check.”
Big PMCs had steady work and cash flow, so they could build quality teams with stable pay. Small ones were desperate for gigs. No jobs meant no money.
They couldn’t pay generously if nothing came in, so contracts were incentive-heavy. Low base, but a cut per successful job.
“That okay? Take time to think if you need.”
Spelling it all out like this showed Jo Seung-hyun was a decent guy at heart. Suhyun could see why he’d earn good rep later.
“Sounds fine.”
“You actually read and thought it over, right?”
Jo Seung-hyun grumbled, suspicious of Suhyun’s quick answers. But to Suhyun, it was ideal.
Pay for what you earn.
He was confident he wouldn’t lose to anyone under those terms.
“Yes.”
“Good. Let’s get along well. Nice and long-term. Shake on it!”
The two men clasped hands firmly. Jo Seung-hyun squeezed hard, but Suhyun didn’t budge, earning a grin.
“I’ll show you to the dorms.”
* * *
“Welcome aboard, rookie!”
“…….”
“Bit awkward, huh? We’re not the social type anyway. They’re all solid guys, so learn what you can on your own. Your room’s up there. Two per room. Your roommate is… Gorgan.”
“Gorgan? Unusual name.”
“Yeah. He’s an orc. That okay?”
“No issue.”
“Young blood’s great. No pointless prejudices.”
Orcs. Straight out of fantasy novels or movies back in the day, but like elves, they were real on Cameron Planet. No mystical powers—just different looks from humans. Still, prejudices lingered.
Suhyun had seen a few. Orcs boasted superior physiques and straightforward personalities, earning praise from military officers. Orc mercenaries among humans weren’t rare.
They were on the dorm’s first floor now. Sofa, table, TV, computer—simple, but clearly for the team’s comfort.
A few members lounged there, staring blankly at Suhyun and Jo Seung-hyun but saying nothing.
“Better if the team leader explains. Where’s Lee So-hee?”
“Probably working out.”
“Go get her.”
“Ah, come on…….”
“I’m the boss, not you. Move it?”
“Ugh, damn…….”
The guy sprawled lazily got up grumbling and headed out. Jo Seung-hyun commented as he left.
“That’s Kim Chang-sik. Good guy. Get along with him.”
‘Come to think of it, where’d he find these members?’
Big PMCs had capital backing from the start. Small ones often started with personal connections. Given the field, most were prior associates.
Uncle Jo Company was likely Jo Seung-hyun pulling in people he knew from his military days, merc work, or related gigs.
“What’s up?”
“New hire.”
“New hire? Here?”
“Hey, not you too!”
The newcomer was a woman with shoulder-length hair. Fresh from a workout, her face glistened with sweat. Suhyun sensed she was no pushover. From her appearance to her gait, no openings.
“You didn’t trick him, right? Hiring someone by scaring them into it causes problems later, you know.”
“Didn’t trick him! Told him everything.”
“You should’ve explained properly. This isn’t kid stuff.”
“Hey, he’s not some teen kid. How much more explanation? Told him it’s dangerous, laid out the terms. He still wants in—what can I do?”
Jo Seung-hyun thumped his chest indignantly. Lee So-hee and Kim Chang-sik eyed him suspiciously.
“Anyway, contract’s signed, so explain and make him useful. Do well till the next job.”
“When’s the next one?”
“No idea. Negotiating one now. Could be next week if it goes smooth, next month if not…… I’ll handle it. You do your jobs!”
“Yes, sir.”
Jo Seung-hyun’s rapport with the others seemed tight. Suhyun could tell they’d started as acquaintances.
No shady boss, tight-knit team. Solid place. With growth potential, easy to rise. Explained the future fame.
Once Jo Seung-hyun left, Lee So-hee looked at Suhyun with a troubled expression. He seemed like a newbie with maybe a few years of training at most.
“Any prior work experience?”
“Basic training at the camp.”
“That’s it?”
“Yes.”
He wanted to say he’d spent over ten years rolling in Cameron Planet’s wilds, gaining every experience imaginable, but no one would believe it (and he might get labeled crazy and booted), so Suhyun stayed quiet.
“Hmm… Got it. We’ll be working together, so let’s do well. I’m Lee So-hee. You’ll pick it up naturally, but I’m the team leader. Even outside ops, that’s the official title. Call me team leader. No need for platoon leader or anything. We’re not the military.”
“Understood.”