Chapter 58
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 4
Chapter Title: Prologue End!
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Maybe I'd been under a huge misunderstanding all this time.
I must have forgotten the most important fact because of all the incidents at the training camp.
Things don't always start off at their worst from the get-go.
The fact that the supply sergeant isn't stripping off my clothes and groping me right now is proof of that.
Everyone's awkward at first.
Since they don't know each other, they're cautious.
It's a perfectly natural fact, but after enduring the harsh life at the training camp, I've become deficient in that kind of normalcy.
In the end, this is still a place where people live.
It's not all that different from Earth.
Whether men or women, not everyone's head is filled solely with lust. Sometimes they might get drawn to each other and cause trouble, but usually, they're too busy with their own daily lives.
And this is the military, no less. Military life is far from ordinary.
That's why the supply sergeant looks at me with such a sullen expression. In the military, physical labor is common, and here in this otherworld, men are seen as weak, endurance-lacking burdens.
"Don't take it to heart. The supply sergeant doesn't like men much to begin with. I was really bothered by it when I first got here, too, but eventually, she came around after some time."
Lance Corporal Liv pats my shoulder to comfort me, but honestly, I wasn't offended at all. No reason to get upset, and no time for it either.
I walk alongside Mino and Lance Corporal Liv, all the while endlessly pondering inside my head. I'm mentally rehearsing how I should act from now on at my assigned unit.
I can't repeat the things that happened at the training camp.
Here, I need to steadily build my position while also striving to be recognized not just as a man, but as a soldier.
At the training camp, I was so focused on surviving that I pulled every bit of aggro on myself. And as squad leader trainee, it was even worse.
But this place is different.
Now I have to spend two years here.
The training camp was just a month before we said bye-bye, which is why crazy stuff like the feud with Hayes could happen, but here, there's a complete hierarchical system based on rank.
This might actually be better than the training camp. If I just do my job properly and act like a proper junior, the seniors have no reason to dislike me.
Plus, I've adapted quite a bit to this otherworld now. I don't make mistakes anymore, and I don't pick stupid options.
I've even gotten used to using my ability, and being treated specially just for being a man doesn't faze me anymore...
"..."
So yeah, let's do well here.
This military life is no big deal.
It's my second time around, so it shouldn't be hard.
...But am I supposed to like this?
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"Ooh, what? New recruits?"
As we walk around with Lance Corporal Liv, we draw a ton of attention. Well, in the military, nothing's more exciting than fresh recruits arriving.
Faces I've never seen before.
But they're all smiling. Only Mino and I stand there stiffly, frozen, gauging their reactions.
"And one of them's a guy...!?"
Among the soldiers, I become an even bigger topic than Mino. Officers might prefer sturdy soldiers like Mino, but for casual encounters, looks and personality matter way more.
"Newbie, got a girlfriend?"
"No, ma'am!"
"Ooh...?"
Spotting their giggling mouths and flushed faces is a piece of cake. Having been through it at the training camp, I can tell if they're just teasing or actually trying to mess with me.
It's not pervy. More like the bubbly interest high school girls show.
"If it's tough, tell me, got it?"
"Nah, tell your big sis instead! See my name? Yeah? Memorize it starting today. Next time we meet, greet me first thing. Got it?"
The vibe isn't bad at all. Unlike the creepy stares at the training camp, it feels like I'm facing laid-back big sisters who think I'm super cute.
"Everyone, go easy on the newbies."
"Aww-"
And I've got Lance Corporal Liv by my side. That puts my mind at ease more than I'd admit.
Even though he's the same gender as me, he doesn't get ignored or ostracized by the other women.
"Look at him taking his fellow man's side. Makes me jealous."
"Of course. We guys have to stick together. Right, Jeong-woo?"
"...Private Han Jeong-woo! Yes, sir!"
I can't help but envy him. How has he lived to laugh and chat so casually like that?
No, more respect than envy.
Maybe life at my unit will be way easier than I thought. With Lance Corporal Liv paving the way, I just need to toe the line until he discharges. That could work.
If that's the case, I'd gladly call this great guy my savior until the day I get out. Even call him bro...!
"See you around."
Seniors from other barracks wave goodbye cheerily. I snap a sharp salute and shout my thanks.
"At ease! Looking forward to working with you!"
They whisper and giggle again. But it doesn't feel like they're mocking me.
Huh. The atmosphere's way better than I imagined.
Unlike the training camp where I had to worry about women pouncing on me, maybe this place really is...
A good spot.
But...
"At attention!"
Too early to judge.
"Private Han Jeong-woo and Private Mino! The two of us have been assigned here as of September 4, 20XX. Reporting in. At attention!"
Under Lance Corporal Liv's lead, Mino and I enter the company commander's office to report our arrival. Even in this brief moment, an ominous vibe hangs in the air.
I suddenly miss those seniors from the other barracks we just brushed past. If they were total strangers, I could brace myself to build new relationships...
"..."
Captain Yujin is impossible to read. She has Mino and me standing side by side...
And just stares.
No short words of welcome or pep talk.
But that charisma in her eyes is undeniable.
Every time our gazes meet, a chill runs down my spine, forcing me to look away, but she doesn't care and keeps staring endlessly.
And then, the one thing she finally says...
"Private Mino, you can go first."
In the end, I'm left alone in that cold, chilling silence for another 4-5 minutes. No Mino, no Lance Corporal Liv by my side...
"..."
Captain Yujin keeps staring at me. Damn, I'm tired of repeating that.
Just say something already. What's she doing, leaving me standing here like this?
No matter how I look at it, she's pissed at me. Yeah, from her perspective, it's natural to be angry, but honestly, I'm not ready to make up yet.
If a man draws a sword, he has to swing it.
Whether dragged into this otherworld military or not, I didn't do anything wrong, so I can't bend my pride first.
If I submit under her now, who knows what bullshit she'll pull later. This is the time, while things aren't too serious yet, to say no when it's no.
"..."
But looking closer, her lips are twitching. Like she wants to say something.
Then just say it. Don't waste time making it awkward.
"Jeong-woo."
Captain Yujin calls my name.
"I can still forgive you. There was a misunderstanding because it's been so long since we met, but we still have plenty of chances."
She rests both arms on the desk and looks up at me.
"I'll forgive you, so can you forgive me too? Let's get along again. Like before."
Forgive.
The word "forgive" coming from Captain Yujin's mouth.
Yeah, maybe she was angry too. She must have been really upset seeing me with Instructor Kate.
But didn't all this start because she dragged me to this otherworld?
"Huh? Jeong-woo."
"Company Commander, I'm not sure what you mean."
So I decide to drag this sticky bad blood out a few more days.
She calls me by my name, but I call her Company Commander.
"...Anyway, looking forward to working with you!"
Captain Yujin's face flushes red. A shadow falls over her once pure, bright face.
"Is that so?"
Her clear blue eyes waver.
"I'll be watching. Let's see how long that pride of yours lasts."
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Prologue (Chapters 1~4): Training Camp
end.
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