Luck on the Long March

The marching command and control room was filled with the battalion commander, the staff officers, and the officers from each company. It was essentially a gathering of all the 1st Battalion's leadership. Unlike his ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠confident entrance, Seo Joo-hwan stood rigidly at attention, tense as could be.

"Sergeant Seo Joo-hwan."

"Sergeant! Seo Joo-hwan!"

"You damaged a chem light, didn't you?"

"I'm sorry, sir!"

Damaged supplies. That was why Seo Joo-hwan was bowing his head like a criminal. During training, he'd filed down a chem light with a cutter knife to create a glowing obstacle. At the time, he hadn't looked back while catching the enemy, but in hindsight, it was clearly destruction of equipment. Being called out on it now, he worried he might face disciplinary action.

I'm so wronged! Seo Joo-hwan felt utterly unjust. In truth, using chem lights for glowing obstacles wasn't his idea. Before regression, after the enemy stripped them bare in this exercise and the furious battalion commander ordered it, that's when it came about. With no glowing obstacles supplied, they decided to make their own. Thanks to that, soldiers had slaved away scraping the chem lights' casings with cutter knives. And to top it off, the idea had come from his direct superior, Captain Jeong So-ra.

Damn. But that was pre-regression.

The key point was that it hadn't happened in this timeline yet. No point complaining about the injustice—it wouldn't fly.

At that moment, the battalion commander burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! Sorry, my ass! Thanks to you, we gave 3rd Battalion a real smackdown. How'd you come up with that? Using chem lights for glowing obstacles—brilliant! Isn't it?"

The commander looked around for agreement, and the officers immediately started chuckling as if on cue.

"Haha, yes, sir. He's young, so his ideas are fresh and inventive."

"What about his situational awareness? Spotting that shortcut and radioing a quick response—that was impressive."

"I thought the camouflage was even better. I checked before withdrawal, and it looked like a fortress."

"Right. You couldn't tell it apart from the surroundings unless you stared hard."

"4th Company squad leader, right? The 4th Company commander trained her soldiers well."

Praise poured in not just for Seo Joo-hwan but also for his direct superior, Jeong So-ra. The corners of Jeong So-ra's mouth, which had held a poker face, twitched upward ever so slightly.

"Personnel officer, give this guy a 4-night, 5-day reward. It's the least we can do for today's hero."

Hail Battalion Commander! Today, even the commander's bald head looked lovable.

*

Before entering the admin office, Seo Joo-hwan checked his skills one more time.

The effects of Pheromone, enhanced via a Skill Upgrade Coupon (B), had noticeably changed. This level would definitely help in seducing women.

To seduce, I need to get close first.

Since it was a scent-based skill, he figured the closer, the stronger the effect. Seo Joo-hwan took a deep breath and opened the admin office door.

There was Jeong So-ra, her face still damp from just washing off her camouflage paint. Unlike last time, her bare face was completely clean.

"Steel. I have some business."

"Oh, yeah. Joo-hwan. What is it?"

Was it the effect of today's heroics? Her voice sounded softer than usual. Seo Joo-hwan deliberately stepped closer to her as he spoke.

"Captain, could you give this reward to Corporal Lee Jeong-hoon?"

"Huh? You're giving away the reward?"

Jeong So-ra's eyes widened in surprise. Handing over a 4-night, 5-day reward out of the blue was shocking, sure. Seo Joo-hwan gave an awkward smile.

"Truth is, even if I got it, I couldn't use it. Discharge is soon..."

"Oh, right. Discharge isn't far off."

"Yes. January 28th."

Seo Joo-hwan was already scheduled for a 14-night, 15-day leave in January, returning just to discharge the next day. Might as well not waste it—better to pass it to Lee Jeong-hoon, who'd helped him throughout service.

"Wow. Time flies. You're already at that point, Joo-hwan."

"Haha, yeah."

"Must be tough training right at the end. Hehe."

"Nah. Glad I went out strong at the finish."

Did those words hit home? Jeong So-ra flashed a bright smile.

Groan. So pretty.

Even without a speck of makeup, fresh from scrubbing off camo, she was stunning. Was that a refresh cut? Some women with short hair looked boyish, but not Jeong So-ra.

Whoa, not the point.

Nearly forgetting his goal, he glanced at her cautiously.

"Captain, actually, one more favor."

"A favor?"

"Yeah... After training, any chance for an outer pass?"

"Outer pass? Didn't apply ahead?"

"Truth is, I already took one in October..."

Seo Joo-hwan scratched his eyebrow with an awkward grin. Outer passes were once per quarter. He was banking on today's merits. Whether rule-stickler Jeong So-ra would allow it was another story.

Then she let out a soft laugh.

"Fine. Go on the outer pass."

"R-Really?"

"Yeah. You know it's not standard. In exchange for the reward."

"Thank you! Steel!"

Seo Joo-hwan saluted his joy. She chuckled again, waving him out.

"But prep well for tomorrow's march."

"Yes, ma'am! No worries!"

"Good. Sleep well."

"Thanks! Sweet dreams, Captain!"

Seo Joo-hwan left the admin office and headed to the barracks. Lights out already, so he quietly slipped off his boots and curled into his sleeping bag. Closing his eyes for sleep, Jeong So-ra's smiling face lingered.

Her smile's killer.

How long since a woman smiled at him like that? Rare for stoic Jeong So-ra, so it stuck.

Outer pass is my chance.

Today was Thursday the 23rd; Saturday the 25th was her blind date.

*

Friday, December 24th. Christmas Eve for some, but for Seo Joo-hwan and the troops, just the last day of winter ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠training.

"Sing a march song on the move! The song is Comrades!"

"Comrades!"

The soldiers bellowed.

"Born as a sturdy son of winter~"

Full combat gear, 40km march. 1st Battalion snaked in a long line. Seo Joo-hwan held the company flag at the front.

"Flag bearer at this stage..."

Usually privates' job. Oddly, the captain picked him. Pre-regression, no such thing. Couldn't refuse after the outer pass favor.

"So damn heavy."

As he grumbled, a message popped up.

The message appeared, and Jeong So-ra's voice rang out.

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

"What'd you say?"

"N-Nothing."

Overheard his mutter? She glanced back. Seo Joo-hwan snapped the flag up sharply. She smirked knowingly.

Slowing, she sidled up beside him.

"Hang in there. Battalion commander's eyeing you—looks good."

"Haha..."

He laughed awkwardly. Damn, near discharge—why the attention? Ignore me as reward.

Then Jeong So-ra offered sweet incentive.

"In return, I'll drive you for tomorrow's outer pass."

"Whoa, really?"

"Yeah. Heading to town anyway."

"Thanks!"

Game-changer. Car: enclosed space. Perfect for Pheromone.

Hold up. Luck?

Recalled the message. This the "powerful luck"?

Succubus god's blessing had that effect, right?

Blessing window.

Sure enough, Succubus God's Blessing at work.

Whoa. This is insanely powerful.

Passed it off at first, but feeling it firsthand? No joke. He'd worked on her favor without huge hopes, but now... maybe it could really happen.

*

35km into the march. 5km to base. Finish line close.

But from experience, rookies crashed here.

"Captain, I'll check the troops."

"Okay. Give me the flag."

"Thanks! Back quick."

Handed it over, slowed to scan the line. Injuries hit near end, not start or mid.

Sure enough, a nodding, staggering newbie from 4th Company.

"Choi Min-seong, eyes open."

"P-Private Choi Min-seong. Sorry!"

The dozing ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠guy snapped up, rattling his rank and name. Eyes strained ahead, but Seo Joo-hwan knew it wouldn't last—from his own private days. Cold wind made winter marches sleepier.

Special fix for this. He patted the kid's shoulder as eyes drooped again.

"P-Private Choi Min-"

"Enough."

"Sorry..."

Choi Min-seong looked glum. Scolded repeatedly by senior on first march.

Seo Joo-hwan grinned playfully.

"Min-seong, think dirty thoughts."

"Pardon?"

"Think dirty thoughts."

"Dirty thoughts?"

Choi blinked in confusion.

"Long walks make you sleepy. Colder, worse. March starts easy, mid hurts feet, end's fight vs. sleep."

"...Yes. Never knew you could sleep marching."

"Fix for that."

"Ah, dirty thoughts?"

He nodded. Standard for Korean conscripts.

"Yeah. Less sleepy. But don't trip fantasizing."

"Haha, got it. Thanks!"

"Almost there. Hang tough."

"Yes!"

Patted his shoulder, scanned rest—no more sleepers. Rear, Lee Jeong-hoon encouraged juniors, soon squad leader.

Seo Joo-hwan hustled front.

"Captain, my turn."

"Troops okay?"

"Yes. All good."

"Good. You holding up?"

He grinned, thumbing his sergeant patch.

"Me? With seniority? Cake."

She snorted.

"Doubt it. Gave balm to the end-of-term sergeant who rolled down the mountain two days ago."

"Ugh."

Face flushed recalling. Forgot. Stammered excuse.

"Th-That was a mistake."

"Haha, okay. No mistakes this time."

"...Yes."

"Not sulking?"

"Nope."

"Mm. Hehe."

She hummed amused, strode ahead. He shook his head.

Smile like a fox.

New side unknown pre-regression. Strict FM side lioness; maybe fox fit better.

Man... getting sleepy.

Told her fine, but tough. Two days ago, desk-bound writer life. Even improved body struggled intense training. March mental more than physical—barely hanging.

Dirty thoughts time.

Applied his own tip. Then Jeong So-ra's back caught eye.

Nothing special vs. guys... but feels womanly.

Bundled in uniform and winter gear hid curves. Yet distinctly female. Instinct?

Baggy uniform, but watching her hips sway killed boredom.

Summer better.

Sweltering then, but thinner clothes showed curves. Eye candy.

As he followed her hips—

Stumble. On uphill, Jeong So-ra slipped.

"Kyaa?!"

Unheard shriek from her. Steep slope—fall meant bad injury.

Reflex: tossed flag, grabbed her combat pack. Jerked her to stop.

"You okay?"

"Y-Yeah. Th-Thanks."

Stammering from shock. Then noticed stares, cheeks pinked. Bit lip.

Strong pride—embarrassed screaming after outdoing men.

To distract, he bellowed:

"Almost there! Push—4th Company fighting!"

"4th Company fighting!"

Cheers echoed. Front companies joined: 3rd, 2nd, 1st, HQ.

Stares scattered. Jeong So-ra eyed him oddly.

*

Over hill, base in sight. Battalion formed up; commander's word ended march.

Lee Jeong-hoon pointed.

"Snake, makgeolli time quick."

"Yeah! Thirsty AF!"

Post-winter march: makgeolli ration. Store-bought, but special. Taste only marchers know.

"Man, want pancakes."

"Same. Meet outside later—makgeolli and pancakes?"

"Ooh, your treat?"

"Huh? Why me? Junior buys for senior, right?"

"Pfft. You're senior now—drop formal with guys. Leave soon, less month left."

"Heh, maybe."

"Real deal: pancakes and makgeolli later."

"Deal."

Pancake thoughts watered mouth. Turn came.

Cook looked troubled.

"Cups all gone."

"What?"

"Sorry. Bought extra... Get more from kitchen."

Apologetic. They waved it off—knew some hogged doubles.

Then a paper cup extended. From Jeong So-ra.

"Joo-hwan, use this?"

"Captain, okay?"

"Yeah. If mine's fine."

"Of course! Thanks, Cap!"

Eager for makgeolli, took it. Poured, sipped—