Chapter 64
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 64
Chapter Title: Jackson Logan
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Jackson Logan.
Si-woo gazed out the window from inside the helicopter slicing across a barren wasteland under a cloudless blue sky.
The endless coastline stretched out below, giving way to the massive military complex of Camp Pendleton.
"...".
Si-woo turned his gaze to Michelle, who sat across from him, tapping away at her tablet.
She hadn't rested a moment during the flight—reviewing files relentlessly, communicating with the on-site commander.
"Michelle."
"Yes, sir! Is something wrong?"
Michelle snapped her head up in response.
"It's nothing serious. Just curious about something."
"What is it, sir?"
"I heard something from Director Miller yesterday. You were a military dog handler?"
"Yes, that's right."
"If it's not too rude, mind if I ask why? Sorry if that's inappropriate."
"...".
Michelle hesitated a moment, then flashed a shy, faint smile.
"Embarrassingly enough, it was because my skills fell short."
"Ah...".
"Truth be told, I applied for field duty, but I didn't meet the qualifications."
She gazed out the window, her expression distant, lost in old memories.
"On top of that, my father was adamant. He said he'd die before letting me work in some hellhole... So we compromised on my current gig in intel analysis and support."
"I see. Sorry for prying."
"No regrets, though. Patriotism isn't just grabbing a gun and charging the front lines. Assisting someone important like you, sir—helping birth an S-rank hunter for America...".
Michelle locked eyes with Si-woo, her gaze steady and unyielding.
"That's the biggest contribution I can make from where I stand. Better than a thousand screw-ups like me grinding away... America needs that one hero your sharp eye uncovers right now."
"...I'm not doing anything that epic."
"I know, sir. But if it helps the country, that's enough for me."
"...".
"So, what about Colonel Michael? What kind of soldier is he?"
"Ah... The colonel?"
Si-woo had only brought up Michael to lighten the mood.
But Michelle suddenly faltered, her reaction oddly hesitant.
Her fluent answers from moments ago vanished; she paused, words caught in her throat.
"He's... um...".
Her eyes dropped, fingers twitching on the tablet.
"Whew, he's an outstanding man. Steadfast, dives into any mission for the nation without a second thought—a true soldier through and through. S-rank, but not a hint of arrogance...".
Her words picked up speed, bit by bit, for some reason.
And with flushed cheeks, she glanced at Si-woo.
"I-I really think he's worthy of respect."
As Si-woo stared, she ducked her head again.
The tips of her ears flushed pink beneath her bowed head—like a schoolgirl's.
"...".
Si-woo's eyes narrowed just a fraction as he watched her.
'Colonel Michael, huh.'
A gruff, no-nonsense guy—manly, cool in that rugged way.
Did she have feelings for him? The romantic kind?
Si-woo stifled a smirk and decided to play it cool.
Pushing it would just embarrass her more.
"I agree. He's one impressive guy."
Si-woo's casual agreement drew a relieved sigh from Michelle at last.
She scrambled to pivot the topic.
"Ah, right! Fingers crossed for results this time! The Marines are packed with top talent. Bound to be someone you like, sir!"
She fumbled the tablet screen alive and launched into her briefing.
Her flustered rush of words... pure crush-caught-red-handed vibes.
"Yeah, I'd like that."
Whump whump whump-
The helicopter touched down on Camp Pendleton's parade ground, kicking up a whirlwind of sand.
Colonel Michael, waiting ahead, strode up and swung the door open.
"Rough trip in, sir."
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Colonel Michael snapped a crisp salute to Si-woo.
Behind him stood ranks of Marines and officers, eyes alight with curiosity and anticipation.
"Straight to the training grounds? Got a major mock combat drill underway."
"Yeah, let's move."
Si-woo hopped into the waiting Humvee and rolled out toward the field.
Moments later, they reached the control tower overlooking the urban combat range.
Si-woo peered down at the sprawling training ground.
It was a dead ringer for a bombed-out city.
Colonel Michael gestured to the massive monitor.
"This drill's elite squads of A- and B-rank awakeners clashing head-on. Mix of live rounds and mana training ammo—closest thing to the real deal."
On-screen, the two teams traded brutal fire.
Boom! Kwang!
Magic blasts rocked the air; buildings crumbled in thunderous crashes that echoed to the tower.
The teams skirmished in tight packs, real-battle style—booms rolling one after another.
"That Blue Team leader? Lieutenant Logan. Marines' star assault trooper. A-rank on paper, but real combat? Way beyond."
The guy Michael spotlighted—Logan—towered even on the feed.
Gripping a massive greatsword two-handed, he anchored the vanguard, barking orders across the chaos.
"3rd Squad! Fire on 2 o'clock right flank! 1st, with me!"
Kwang!
Logan cleaved a fireball mid-swing and barreled forward.
He ate enemy barrages head-on, punching a hole, feeding spot-on commands to his squad.
They snapped into position like clockwork under his lead.
"Red Team's skipper, Lieutenant William? Logan's academy buddy. Killer physique, tactical wizard—the gold standard."
Colonel Michael's rundown barely wrapped before Red Team pushed back.
Lieutenant William carved gaps with razor swordplay and cat-quick dodges.
Then—
Rumble-!
A Red mage's heavy spell veered wide, slamming the support pillar of a five-story building by the central tower.
"What...?"
"Incoming! Collapse!"
The tower crew bolted upright, yelling.
Training structure or not—solid concrete and rebar.
Awakener or no, a direct hit meant serious hurt.
"Cease fire! Clear out now!"
The commander bellowed, but one wall already gave way in a roar.
Debris rained amid the fight below—Lieutenant William visible, hauling a downed teammate mid-movement.
Dozens of tons of concrete plummeting right on him.
"Damn it!"
William spat a curse, squeezing his eyes shut.
He twisted, shielding his buddy with his back—bracing to eat the hit.
Better minimize casualties, even if too late.
That split second—
Shuuung-!
Someone blasted through the dust into the debris cascade.
Planted firm in William's path, greatsword leveled at the falling mass.
Channeling every drop of mana, he swung—the blade's arc birthing a blue mana crescent that rocketed out.
Kwaaang!
Mana met concrete in a deafening blast.
It shattered into dozens of chunks, unleashing a hail of rocks.
"Damn!"
Logan wouldn't yield—greatsword whipping again, mana lancing out nonstop.
Kwaaang!
One swing short? Make it two.
Kwaaang!
Two ain't cutting it? Three.
Swing after swing, mana bolt after bolt—he pulverized the debris.
Mana tapped dry, he ditched the blade, thrusting both palms skyward.
"Uwaaaah-!!"
His roar unleashed a final thunderclap as the building's remnants crashed down on him.
Shockwave erupted, dust billowing everywhere.
Moments later, the cloud thinned—revealing the scene. Collective sighs of relief.
"...Colonel Michael!"
Michael had somehow charged out, standing shield in front of Logan.
An earthen wall guarded them.
"You good?"
"Haha... Bailed out by you again."
"...Hmph."
"Medics!! Get this guy outta here!"
William jabbed at the downed soldier; medics swarmed in like they'd been coiled springs.
He shot Logan a look.
"Hey, still pulling bonehead stunts."
"...Pot, kettle."
"...Haha."
Si-woo watched William and Logan trade jabs, slumped in exhaustion.
A beat passed. His irises flickered blue.
'Clairvoyance.'
'Jackpot.'
Si-woo's lips curved in a soft smile.
He launched himself toward them without a second's pause.
"Colonel Michael."
"...?! Y-yes, sir."
Michael jumped at the sudden voice.
"Introduce us?"
"Sir? Oh, right. Lieutenant Jackson Logan. This is Han Si-woo, CEO of Miracle Management."
Logan shot to his feet, snapping a salute Si-woo's way.
"Pleasure, Lieutenant Logan."
"Your reputation precedes you, sir. Absolute honor!"
"Take a seat. You look beat."
"I'm good, sir!"
Logan bellowed, full of fire.
"Lieutenant Logan."
"Sir!"
"Come with me?"
"...Come again?"
Logan gawked at Si-woo's outstretched hand.
Current events? Total brain-melt.
A moment later, the offer's weight hit—he lifted his gaze to Si-woo's eyes.
"S-sir! You don't mean—!"
Michael burst out, voice electric.
He knew Si-woo's moves better than anyone.
Hopped countless units, sized up endless troops—never once popped the question.
Like they all fell short.
But at last.
Si-woo's first pick.
"Yeah. This guy's it."
"...!"
The whole area erupted in murmurs.
"Lieutenant Jackson Logan. Fail, and you could die—or lose your mind. No promises."
"...".
"But if you want S-rank...".
"Count me in!!!"
Logan roared like he'd been waiting forever.
"2nd Special Combat Battalion Leader, Jackson Logan!"
Face alight with emotion, he saluted Si-woo afresh.
"I pledge body and soul—faith and loyalty to the nation!"
"...One more time: you might die."
"I can!! Handle it!!"
His eyes brimmed red.
How bad he'd craved it.
How fiercely he'd dreamed.
To rise like Colonel Michael, a legend.
And now—his shot.
This man standing before him had chosen him.
Felt like his whole life, his convictions—validated in a heartbeat.
Voice quaking, he bellowed once more.
"Thank you for picking me!!"
"Likewise."
Waaaaah!!
"Go get 'em, Logan!! Wreck shop!!"
"You got this!!"
"Knew you had it in ya, man!!"
Si-woo soaked in the roaring heat from the crowd, turning to Colonel Michael.
"Let's roll."
"Yes, sir!"