Chapter 38
Chapter 38
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 38
Chapter Title: It's Not a Self-Deprecating Broadcast
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“By the way, where the hell is this? Have you ever seen this area before?”
“No? They updated yesterday, so maybe it's a newly added map?”
Having shaken off my embarrassment, I pulled out my PDA while listening to the squad members' chatter.
The map displayed on the screen had the city name 'Rotterdam' marked on it.
Five capture points were lined up horizontally, centered around a massive bridge that ran through the operational area.
It looked like this battle was set in a port city in Western Europe.
But the reactions from the people around me felt somehow off.
Not only our squad members but even the other friendlies were all busy checking their maps.
They were just whispering among themselves without making a move, which meant even the veterans were new to this battlefield.
It seemed better for me, who had already grasped the situation, to take charge and give orders.
“Um, Ttalgwi. Is it okay if I give the orders?”
“Of course. That's a given. We gathered here to play with you, Sukka, in the first place. If you've thought up a good plan, please share. This map is new to us too, so we have no idea what to do.”
“It's just a basic plan, so don't get your hopes up.”
“Hehe, got it. Then please speak freely over the squad radio. If it's an order from Sukka, everyone will lay down their lives for it.”
“L-Lives are a bit much...”
Soon after, Ttalgwi chatted with the squad members and told me the number '77'.
It seemed they had decided on our own radio channel since the squad had been split up.
I immediately operated the radio on my shoulder and switched to channel 77.
Then, looking at the squad members who were focusing on me, I clearly conveyed the operation details.
“The current operational area has the points laid out horizontally. Since it's a newly added region, there won't be any standard tactics. That means it'll devolve into a raw contest of strength, and the front lines are likely to stalemate. It'd be best if we assess the situation and join late.”
“You mean we become a detached force?”
“Yes, exactly. Our squad is planning to stick together without any individual actions. No other squad will be this united in their movements. If a stalemated point forms, we can easily break it open.”
“That makes sense. A 16-man party isn't common. You're not just good at fighting, Sukka—you're great at commanding too?”
“Ah, yeah. I've done it a little.”
Despite appearances, I was pretty good at reading the battlefield.
No, after fighting on the Eastern Front for four years, you inevitably develop an eye for it.
And honestly, there was no need to agonize over tactics for this Rotterdam battle.
I didn't have to doubt the given map or estimate enemy numbers. The game's nature made planning even easier.
As I gave orders like this, it felt like my old instincts were slowly waking up.
Reviving my memories as a field commander, I continued.
“And if you check the map, you'll see a side path next to Point A. It's tucked in a corner so it might not be obvious, but any sharp-eyed enemy will target it.”
“Wow, you're right? How did you spot that?”
“We'll go there and block the path. Even if we're joining late, we can't just sit idle. I can't let your military merit scores drop because of me.”
“O... I've never had such a sweet squad leader before...”
“T-Thank you. And our real goal is to learn about the Papasha, right? I'll teach you about it during small skirmishes there.”
“Sounds good!”
As soon as I finished speaking, the squad members nodded in unison.
Fortunately, the plan I proposed matched their wishes.
And so, we saw off the other friendlies while holding the point until the end.
Finally, around the time tank and fighter users arrived, we hopped on a truck provided by the point and headed to our target location.
【Hahaha donated 1,000 coins!】
〔Sukka probably can't drive a military truck?〕
“Huh? Why wouldn't I be able to drive? Do you need a license in the game too?”
【Hahaha donated 1,000 coins!】
〔Your feet won't reach the accelerator〕
“......”
After riding like that for a while, we arrived at the target point.
Point A echoed with the sounds of artillery fire. Just as expected, a bypass route existed beside it.
Out of the artillery's range, the roads and buildings were intact.
The European stone roads and brick houses lining both sides gave off a eerie vibe.
If an enemy had scoured the map thoroughly, they'd be hard-pressed to ignore such an appealing chokepoint.
Convinced the enemy would come, I jumped off the truck and gave orders to everyone.
“The enemy might infiltrate by vehicle like us. We need to block the road with the truck we came in.”
= “Ah... So that's why we waited for vehicle support?”
“Yes, exactly. After that, split left and right and hide in buildings with windows. Each squad's Number 8, please go a bit further ahead for recon.”
= “Whoa... Feels like I'm playing with a ranker...”
The squad members moved swiftly and orderly, following my instructions.
We looked like we were late from waiting for vehicle support, but since the enemies were on foot, we still had time.
Soon, the entire squad slipped perfectly into the buildings for cover.
The medics couldn't all bunch up, so unfortunately, Ttalgwi and I had to split.
= “But where's Rotterdam?”
“Netherlands, you idiot. Netherlands.”
“Don't say it like it's common knowledge... How do you even know that?”
“Just now, when I went to donate on Sukka's stream, someone in chat mentioned it.”
So that's the guy.
The one who teased me about being short.
I'll never forgive him.
If that guy's hurt, I'll treat him last.
= “Ttalgwi Squad Number 8 here. Enemies approaching now.”
= “Sukka Squad Number 8. I can see three right now.”
As we waited in cover, the scouts reported in.
The squad members, who had been whispering, naturally fell silent.
I'd expected at least a full squad, but this was plenty to test the Papasha's potential.
I decided to handle the three enemies alone and radioed everyone.
“I'll take these enemies by myself. I'll just shoot their legs with the Papasha, so watch.”
= “You sure you're okay?”
“Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks to you all, I'm not scared at all. If I need backup, I'll say so.”
= “Got it. Good luck.”
Bolstered by Ttalgwi's encouragement, I slowly stood up.
Peeking cautiously out the window, the enemies had already entered effective range.
They were advancing cautiously enough, but being new to the battlefield, they didn't know where to watch.
I waited calmly until they got as close as possible, then pulled the trigger the moment they spotted the truck and halted.
- Rat-tat-tat-tat—!!
The bullets aimed at their thighs drew a horizontal line.
First priority: kill their mobility so they couldn't flee.
The enemies advancing in a line startled and tried to take cover.
But thanks to the leg shots, they were just limping or crawling.
- Rat-tat-tat-tat—!!
Next, I targeted between the legs of the lead enemy.
I'd planned to start from the rear, but he moved noticeably faster, so I switched targets.
I fired about 20 rounds, landing around five hits.
Confirming him down, I immediately fired on the next ones.
- Rat-tat-tat-tat—!!
“Aaaagh!!”
- Rat-tat-tat—!!
“Keuugh!!”
The three enemies were neutralized in an instant.
It was only natural, given the surprise attack at such close range.
Man, the tactical Papasha's recoil is just adorable.
With the grip and stock fitted to my body, it felt like there was virtually no recoil.
After emptying the 71 rounds, I swiftly swapped the magazine.
Click, clack, snap. The magazine lock was so smooth it gave me chills all over.
“Just secure the area, please. No need for confirmation kills.”
Snapping out of my momentary awe, I headed outside with utmost caution.
My heart pounded like mad, but it was just excitement from the Papasha, not panic.
But facing the three downed enemies made my heart sink.
Gripping my shaking nerves desperately, I checked their status.
“Two KIA, one combat ineffective.”
Hwarang was right—despite only shooting legs, some were dead.
I'd adapted to the recoil after the first shot, so the next two didn't breathe.
Fortunately, the lead one was just combat ineffective but still alive.
Out of habit, I did confirmation shots as I approached the survivor and asked.
- Bang! Bang!
“Sorry about this... Could you cooperate for a sec? I'm not teasing, so no misunderstanding please...”
To verify the Papasha's potential, I needed the enemy's perspective.
It might look like bad manners to others, so I asked as politely and carefully as possible.
The prone enemy groaned and nodded.
Without dropping my guard, I flipped him over since he couldn't move.
“Huh?”
“Hmm?”
But his face was incredibly familiar.
No, more like his mask was extremely recognizable.
That stylish skull mask was definitely what I knew.
Rifling through my memory, I called out his nickname.
“Ghost?”
“Sukka?”
Incredibly, it was an acquaintance.
He was Ghost, the old ally I'd indebted myself to in Fallujah.
“Long time no see, Sukka...”
“Ah, yeah... We're enemies this time...”
“But even as enemies, this is too much...”
“Huh, yeah?”
“Shooting the important parts like that... I nearly logged out from the shock...”
“Ah...”
I sighed, looking at Ghost's lower body.
Blood was pooling between his legs like he'd wet himself.
Come to think of it, the crotch is a vital spot for men and women alike.
Both literally and embarrassingly.
“S-Sorry... I'll heal you now...”
= “Waaah!! Sukka! What are you doing right now?!”
“Ttalgwi? I-I feel so bad, so I was going to heal him...”
= “Just let him die! That's not something you touch!”
“Ah!”
Looks like I committed a manners violation.
I could neither advance nor retreat, just stamping my feet helplessly.