21
Chapter 21
I fiddled with my cracked phone screen to check the time.
February 5, 2028, 8:15 AM.
I woke up early. I was that nervous, and that excited.
It was because starting today, the government and military had decided to fully utilize the Mages. This coincided with the militarization of the economy and the creation of a Front Line in Gyeonggi-do.
The department of social welfare, which had reopened for the Operators, transformed once again—this time into a military surplus store stocked with all sorts of military gear and equipment.
In front of it, Captain Kim Ho-un and First Lieutenant Shin Han-gi were bossing the soldiers around to organize the supplies.
As I approached, First Lieutenant Shin Han-gi, whom I knew well, noticed me and grinned while tapping his Clipboard with a pen.
"You're here early, Operator."
"Are these the support supplies?"
"Yes. It's the result of the headquarters' policy to encourage Civilian Operators to participate in operations and increase their survival rate. It won't be free, though."
"What do you mean it won't be free?"
I furrowed my brow, wondering how support and free could mean different things. Then, very kindly, Captain Kim Ho-un twitched his cheekbones and spoke up.
"From now on, Military Notes will be issued in Gyeonggi-do instead of Won or Dollars. They'll be given to those who cooperate and work for the military, granting them priority for rations or allowing them to receive the supplies they want in certain quantities."
The wartime economization of Gyeonggi-do this time was quite simple.
The Won was likely already worthless paper, so handing it out would be useless, and foreign currency was too precious right now. In this situation, distributing rations equally to everyone would be like pouring water into a bottomless jug, so the goal was to use rations as bait to revert entirely to a barter economy.
Rations through the military would from now on only be given to those who brought Military Notes.
It was also said to be an attempt to maintain military control against extreme riots or security instability.
I spoke a bit long, but to summarize in one line, it was essentially a new regional currency for Gyeonggi-do.
Standing next to Captain Kim Ho-un, First Lieutenant Shin Han-gi smiled happily, pointing to the containers loaded with supplies like a home shopping host.
"Civilian Operators can choose military supplies here that aren't allowed for other civilians. Not just domestic products, but American equipment brought in through Pyeongtaek Port from the USA this time, along with firearm attachments, various Survival Kits, and medical supplies. It seems several American firearm companies are using this incident as an opportunity to advance into the domestic market, taking the lead in providing support as a promotion. Other companies are doing similar things. Thanks to this, your circumstances have become much more abundant, Operators."
"Wow, gun legalization isn't far off."
North Korea was selling off old AKs on the west coast, and sleek American AR-15s were coming in through Pyeongtaek. It seemed the day wasn't far off when the 50 million citizens of South Korea would point muzzles at each other and go bang bang instead of arguing.
Intrigued, I walked around the containers to examine the new supplies. Various parts, led by the AR-15, such as Rails, Sights, Grips, and Tactical Lights, were neatly stacked. The strong smell of metal tickled my nose.
"Then what about the domestic ones?"
"The domestic ones are provided by default, of course. A K2 Rifle, one Grenade, three Magazines, a Gas Mask, and a Poncho."
"A Poncho?"
I frowned at the thought of having to wear that ridiculous thing again. First Lieutenant Shin Han-gi rested his pen on his lips and said playfully.
"CBRN Protective Suits are currently having all their stockpiles and production volume sent to the Front Line Blockade Units. Would you like to go with them?"
"Um... no."
After a brief moment of thought, I shook my head.
Jumping into the fog was a joyful and exciting thing, but the Front Line Blockade Unit's role was to block the fog, not to enter it. Plus, I would be continuously exposed to Monster attacks, so it would be a stupid move for little gain.
"So how do we get these Military Notes?"
"If you work for a day at a job designated by the military, you'll basically be given two. One Military Note will be exchangeable for five packs of ramen, one Instant Rice, or two 2L water bottles. These firearms will probably start at around 60. Since Operators volunteer for high-risk missions, you'll get a bit more. Around 10 or so."
From what I understood, it felt like a sort of quest system.
Because existing currencies like the Won or Dollar had either lost their value or skyrocketed too much to form a proper price standard, it felt like they had built a system where those who cooperated with the military could enjoy more benefits and support.
Operators could choose one of the missions brokered by the military, freely dispatch themselves, and acquire Military Notes, as well as choose a wide variety of supplies not permitted for other civilians.
Obviously, transitioning to this kind of wartime economy would spark strong backlash from the citizens, but the military presented a very rational and capitalist solution.
First Lieutenant Shin Han-gi twisted his eyebrows slightly and let out a bitter chuckle.
"You can purchase one Evacuation Priority with 100 Military Notes. A Secondary Blockade Line centered around Gyeonggi-do will be established, using Suwon and Gapyeong as bases."
If they let refugees pour out indiscriminately, it could help spread Monsters like Amalgam, but if they just blocked them, a backlash was inevitable, so they figured they might as well make a business out of it.
From the perspective of Gyeonggi-do residents, it was bullshit, but it was useless in front of an iron-fisted government that had already given up on Seoul and northern Gyeonggi-do.
"Baek Jemin, you're here early?"
"You're here too, Pastor."
"Now we can finally start moving for real."
Pastor Park Yo-han took a deep sigh as he wiped his glasses with a sly look on his face.
From this point on, the Mages in Suwon began to gather one by one, but for now, it was only familiar faces, so there was no one new to introduce. Captain Kim Ho-un looked us over and had the soldiers show us a whiteboard and several Document Folders fixed with magnets.
"Currently, the military and academia are very interested in Civilian Operators. Please note that you will not simply be deployed for reconnaissance or combat, but can also be sent out in non-combat situations at the request of the headquarters or the rear. Just choose what suits you."
Perhaps to emphasize the status of being a civilian capable of independent judgment rather than a Soldier belonging to the military, the freedom to choose these missions was boundless.
To think I could freely choose where to go amidst a mobilization decree. It was a privilege I had never even imagined. Is this why people try so hard to grasp even a little more power?
Grinning, I stepped up to the whiteboard to see what missions were available.
Magic or supernatural power research support. A mission to investigate the principles and research alongside scientists and theologians in cooperation with an advisory team from the USA. There seemed to be plenty of people besides me who would take on such a boring and tedious mission. Naturally, rejected.
Was there nothing else?
I'm talking about a sweet mission where I could receive stable support and have a high chance of contacting the fog with a group, rather than bearing all the risks alone. I only throw myself into danger when there's a chance to gain magic, not just because there's fog around.
Of course, such a mission actually existed.
[Secure and Occupy Suwon Station Underground.]
While others wanted to eliminate risk entirely, I desired a manageable level of danger.
And since a suitable level of risk was right in front of my eyes, I didn't hesitate to poke it with my index finger and looked straight at Captain Kim Ho-un.
"I heard the Suwon Station Underground was powered up and swept clean?"
"...Only the first basement floor waiting room is like that. The second basement floor platform is still difficult to enter because of a derailed train. Even the waiting room has been blocked off in preparation for any unforeseen influxes."
"Then why are we trying to go back in? It's already blocked."
"It will be in the Document Folder. Take it and check for yourself."
Peeling off the magnet and flipping through the pages of the Document Folder, I saw the purpose and outline of the operation.
Suwon Station is a major transportation hub where multiple railway lines intersect. If any unswept Amalgams or Predatory Spines—suspected to have flowed in together—remain underground and spread elsewhere, it could cause significant difficulties for the blockade.
Therefore, to regain control of the Suwon Station Underground, the military had cut the power again over the past two weeks and waged biochemical warfare using heavy gas.
According to experts, since these monsters were composed of the same substances that made up humans, they believed that biochemical weapons capable of inflicting fatal damage on humans would deal a sufficient blow.
However, the composition was slightly altered because the available Special Forces in the country were busy, and most of the Mages conscripted and maintained by the military under the name of Specialist Soldiers were currently stationed at the Front Line Blockade Units.
Unfortunately for the Mages dragged to the Front Line Blockade Units, they were assigned under vague titles like Specialist Soldier or Specialist Officer rather than Civilian Operators, stuck playing infinite defense. Life is truly capricious.
Anyway, the military planned to recover control of the Suwon Station Underground this time, and then decide whether to blow up the routes heading to Seoul to completely block them off, or to utilize them as a logistics foothold to advance into downtown Seoul.
After hearing the outline of this operation, I made my decision with a beaming smile.
"I'll volunteer for this one."
"Mr. Baek Jemin, this operation is extremely dangerous. If Amalgams are scattered, they can be killed by calmly shooting them in the head, but those bastards are learning about human firearms and tactics, so they won't expose their weaknesses easily. Furthermore, there is a high probability that Predatory Spines are still lingering."
Captain Kim Ho-un seemed like a better person than I had thought.
Despite his twitching cheekbones, seeing him try to stop me from courting danger proved that. However, unlike the misguided prejudices of those around me, I was a cautious investor who weighed the reasonable level of risk before diving in.
"Is there fog spread out there?"
"With a high probability, yes."
At that moment, I could see my face reflected in Captain Kim Ho-un's eyes.
Only then did I finally realize.
That a person could wear such a beautiful smile.
"Advance into hell before hell seeps in."
I recited the motto of our group, Supreme Mage, which Pastor Park Yo-han had spoken of, and smiled with satisfaction.
"So that we do not succumb to fear."
"..."
Captain Kim Ho-un glanced away and looked at First Lieutenant Shin Han-gi.
First Lieutenant Shin Han-gi merely offered an awkward smile and shrugged his shoulders.
In the end, with a sunken gaze, Captain Kim Ho-un pulled a fluorescent IFF Band from the box behind him, handed it to me, and said:
"Operator Baek Jemin. There should be a Vehicle ready for you in the City Hall parking lot."
I was issued a fluorescent IFF Band indicating my status as a Civilian Operator, a Helmet, a Gas Mask, a Poncho, a K2 Rifle, three 20-round Magazines, one Grenade, one Combat Knife, a bag of Hardtack, and a brand-new Canteen.
The position of Civilian Operator meant that, despite lacking professional training, I was treated almost like a mercenary simply because I could use magic. It seemed the government and military wanted it that way too.
It was probably the conclusion they reached: if South Korea couldn't completely control them, then other countries shouldn't be able to either.
Just as I received my gear and slung the Sling over my shoulder, First Lieutenant Shin Han-gi approached and said:
"Mr. Baek Jemin, your parents have headed to Pyeongtaek Port. The US military is also actively relocating Operators' families to the USA, so if your parents agree, you'll be given immigration support funds and benefits. You'll be entering as refugees initially, but... depending on the results you show during this incident and the standing of the Operators, you might even get permanent residency."
"It seems you've had connections with the USA for a while now, First Lieutenant Shin Han-gi?"
"It's mutually beneficial, isn't it? I keep my promises, and the USA builds a good relationship with you Operators."
I let out a chuckle at his words and turned my back.
Alright. Now I really don't have to worry about my parents anymore.
They say that once I become an Archmage, the American Dream will naturally take care of itself. Is there any greater filial piety than this? I'm sure my parents will understand that I blocked their calls because I was harboring dreams of my own success.
Guided by the soldiers, I hopped into the back of a 2.5-ton Truck, and the thoroughly ruined streets of Suwon slowly came into view.
Various storefronts on the streets were closed, Soldiers patrolled with their guns drawn with fierce eyes, and strict road controls were in place. Because of this, only military Vehicles or a few authorized civilian Vehicles were allowed on the road.
The sidewalks, on the other hand, were relatively crowded. Most of the time, people dissatisfied with the newly announced Military Note policy and the transition to a wartime economy gathered in small groups to protest.
"Guarantee the human rights of Gyeonggi-do residents! Guarantee our right to live!"
"Guarantee it! Guarantee it!"
The rest of the crowd had accepted reality early on and were lining up, following the directions of the Military Police to get jobs that would hand out even a single extra Military Note.
There was an uncrossable gap between the protesters and the Military Police, and the Military Truck I was riding in was about to pass right through the middle of it.
I blew a soft breath onto the filter of my Gas Mask to check its condition.
Huff, huff.
The strong smell of rubber proved it was brand new.
Before long, other soldiers climbed into the Military Truck, but upon seeing the fluorescent IFF Band on my arm, they subtly distanced themselves or looked away.
"Move out!"
With the escort's command, the Military Truck rattled forward.
And with it, my true first journey as a Mage began.
***
February 5, 2028, 9:14 AM.
Checking the battery on my cracked phone, I saw it was at 88%. Believing it would last, I switched it to power-saving mode and tucked it into my inner pocket.
When I arrived at Suwon Station and jumped off the back of the 2.5-ton Truck, soldiers and officers in CBRN Protective Suits were bustling about. A few of them signaled me and the other soldiers to come over.
They handed us each a CBRN Decontamination Kit.
"Ventilation's been running for three days, but there might still be lingering gas. You know the injector goes in the thigh, right? Never take off your gas mask; we'll give you one extra filter... and we'll give you whatever leather gloves are left over."
Like a mother nagging her son to pack everything before a school trip, the CBRN officers pestered the soldiers.
Glancing around Suwon Station, scrapped buses had been pushed into a corner to serve as barriers, and three armored vehicles and one tank had been deployed and were undergoing constant maintenance.
In particular, machine gun nests using sandbags as cover were set up aiming at the underpasses and entrances; the gunners seemed tense, never leaving their posts.
This was despite the clear, cloudless sky.
Of course, my heart was pounding too. Tension, fear, and a pleasant sense of euphoria combined to make the whole world feel electric.
As I put on the Leather Gloves, checked the fit, and ensured my index finger could reach the trigger comfortably, I felt a desire to understand my magic more clearly.
When I was in the fog, my eyes showed me footprints from ten seconds into the future as the mist dispersed. But was that all?
The brief memories I shared with Priest Jeong Yong-hwan flashed through my mind. The priest believed the true efficacy of magic came from perfectly reproducing the pronunciation and tone, and he tentatively speculated that simply seeing and understanding it would limit its effect.
In reality, I didn't just see footprints; I occasionally saw glimpses of the future ten seconds ahead as the fog scattered.
"Hmm..."
Perhaps, even if the true power of Alteration-type Magic required reproduction through phonetic symbols or tones.
It might be that even a half-baked spell, if used consistently or triggered by a specific event, could enhance its existing performance.
If so, what would happen in a place without fog?
I usually never tried this intentionally because I hated the stinging sensation—like scrubbing my eyeballs with shampoo—but my thoughts changed once I realized that pain was somewhat linked to magical activation.
Deciding it was worth a try, I first looked toward the road.
It would be more certain to compare the ten-second time lag by using a place where people were moving rather than a bland, unchanging spot.
Alteration-type Magic - Eye Stage 1.
I saw the future ten seconds ahead.
Suddenly, the tiny capillaries flowing along my optic nerves pulsed in unison, bringing a sensation like being branded with fire. A sharp pain, similar to staring directly into the sun, seemed to surge through my brain.
The moment tears streamed down my face from the sensation of my eyes being seared.
I saw another Military Truck approaching on the empty road.
But that was the limit.
"Ugh, damn it..."
So many tears flowed that I could barely see.
I squeezed my eyes shut and wiped the tears away with my left hand, which wasn't wearing a glove.
Magic is usable even without fog, but the problem seems to be that the backlash is stronger than usual. I tried to shake off this unpleasant sensation by massaging my eyelids with the cooler leather glove.
Then, I heard the sound of a Military Truck stopping, followed by the orderly footsteps of people disembarking.
Soon, those footsteps turned into familiar voices.
"Mr. Baek Jemin, are you crying at the sight of us?"
"Poop-head? What are you doing here?"
"Poop-head...?"
"Why did you come here instead of taking a sweet mission?"
As Shin Na-in tilted his head in confusion, Staff Sergeant Lee Se-jun yawned with an indifferent expression from behind.
"That's a fitting name for you, Mr. Shin Na-in. You take twenty minutes every time you go to the bathroom."
By the time I wiped away the tears and barely regained my vision.
In front of me stood Staff Sergeant Lee Se-jun, who was checking his K2 Rifle, and Shin Na-in, who was grinning while removing his earphones.
"Well, obviously I came to drive out the minions of the Satanic Demon."
"Suwon Station can't be breached. If this chaos spreads from Gyeonggi-do to Chungcheong, Gangwon, Gyeongsang, and Jeolla, the country is finished."
Instead of arguing about their beliefs, I decided to respect them and nodded.
While re-checking my rifle's Sling, I looked at Staff Sergeant Lee Se-jun and spoke.
"Alright. Then before we head into the Suwon Station Underground dungeon, let's clear a few things up first."
"Clear up what?"
"Lee Se-jun, you son of a bitch. I let it slide when you casually dropped the honorifics, but are you going to keep acting clueless?"
Lee Se-jun panicked at those words, and just as his face flushed red and he was about to step up to me—
Shin Na-in blocked Lee Se-jun's chest with his palm, dragged him back for a moment, and whispered to him.
"As you probably gathered from hearing Mr. Baek Jemin's intentions..."
"What? He really shot his own hand with a gun?"
"He even gripped the barrel, fired on full-auto, and seared his hand..."
"...."
After a short, intense, and fragmented exchange, the two returned, and Lee Se-jun had become a perfectly polite junior.
"I was too overly familiar with you and committed an act of disrespect, Mr. Baek Jemin."
"Let's keep our manners. We're all adults here."
"Yes, sir."
Thus, until the operation start time of 10:15 AM, our trio finally managed to form a healthy relationship.
"Don't call me 'sir', just comfortably call me Mr. Baek Jemin. As long as we respect each other, there's no issue."
"Yes, Mr. Baek Jemin."
Shin Na-in looked at the two of us and giggled as if he found it incredibly amusing.
However, it went without saying that these silly conversations were a way to hide the surging tension and excitement. As the operation time approached, Lee Se-jun fiddled with his Canteen for no reason, his lips seemingly parched.
Shin Na-in also rubbed his earlobe and twitched his mouth, looking like he was trying to hide a smile full of excitement.
This crazy zealot bastard seemed to genuinely think he was marching into a holy war.
Still, we were fellow members of the same order, for better or worse. Being infinitely generous to the members of our Supreme Mage, I could gladly embrace their shortcomings and eccentric quirks.
Before long, about 30 fully equipped Soldiers gathered in front of the entrance to the underground bus transfer center where we had escaped.
The Commander was a First Lieutenant named Baek Han-seong, but he was already wearing a Gas Mask, so I couldn't see his face. However, judging by the slight tremor in his voice, I could tell how nervous he was.
"Chamber check."
"Chamber check!"
With the echoing response, the Soldiers wearing Gas Masks loaded Live Ammunition, and our trio followed suit. Accompanied by the Clack of bolts sliding back and forth, the muzzles aimed at the sky.
"Chamber check, all clear!"
"Load live rounds."
"Load live rounds!"
"Listen up. Keep the rules of engagement in mind. I'll tell you the most important things, so memorize them properly. If you see fog, shout 'fog' three times; if you spot a hostile, aim immediately; take action first, report later; civilian rescue is strictly forbidden, and retrieving corpses is prohibited."
""Fog three times, aim immediately, act first report later, rescue forbidden, retrieval forbidden!""
"Phew..."
Only after rallying the Soldiers like that did First Lieutenant Baek Han-seong approach us and speak.
"We are ready. We will provide covering fire as soon as you Operators enter."
Our trio finally put on our Gas Masks and pulled the hoods of our Ponchos over them. After confirming they were tightened with drawstrings, naturally, I took the lead.
In front of us, the crushed and mangled steel Emergency Shutter had been neatly sliced open as if by a welding torch, and beyond it, the scenery of the restored waiting room could be seen.
It was a place where fluorescent lights had taken the place of the red emergency lights.
Without hesitation, I unslung the rifle's Sling, gripped it in my hands, and took a step forward.
"Now, before we go, let's recite our Supreme Mage motto."
"It's an Aphorism, though..."
"Shh."
Accompanied by Shin Na-in's witty pressure against Lee Se-jun's whining, our trio stepped forward first.
"We are the madness that stands against madness."
"The absurdity that stands against absurdity."
"We advance into hell before hell seeps in."
Kya. Very befitting of the Supreme Mages.
I pleasantly savored the sound of my breathing escaping through the Gas Mask Filter.
Whoosh, whoosh-.
Let's go.
Towards magic.
End