The Northward Expedition
The news that Yusoha of Hwanryeong’s Base Camp was heading out on a North Korea expedition began to spread. The destination was North Hwanghae Province. If things went well, they would push all the way through to Pyongyang and reclaim it. Since Shin Seongmin was the only one who had pioneered any part of North Korea so far, the media immediately turned their full attention to her. Articles poured in, and online communities exploded.
Experts offered pessimistic opinions, saying that after decades since North Korea’s collapse, it was impossible to predict how powerful the demonic beasts deep inside the country—especially in Pyongyang—had become. Many argued that Hwanryeong’s North Korea pioneering attempt was an even bigger gamble because there was zero confirmed information about the region.
As the questions multiplied, Hwanryeong held an official press conference. Reporters mercilessly flashed their cameras while firing sharp questions at Yusoha, who stood at the podium.
“Is it true that you’re heading to North Korea?”
“Yes. It’s true.”
Yusoha, dressed in her usual black suit, began answering the journalists’ questions in earnest. Her sharp golden eyes swept across the room.
“North Korea is currently so dangerous that even the government has only been monitoring the border and hasn’t been able to organize an official subjugation force. Even Shin Seongmin, one of our strongest S-class Awakened, gave up on pioneering it. Could you share your detailed plan?”
A young female reporter standing right below the podium asked the question without averting her gaze from Yusoha’s golden eyes.
“The plan for pioneering North Korea has already been fully prepared.”
Yusoha gave a short answer. The vague response, without any specific details, made the reporters furrow their brows.
“Um, what exactly is the plan…”
“I’ll take the next question.”
The reason Yusoha avoided answering was simple. She wanted to block potential competitors. If she explained the plan in detail, another Awakened team might use that information to strike first—teams like Red Moon or Demon Slayer, for example.
“The North Korean region currently suffers from severe radioactive contamination due to fallout. Have you prepared countermeasures for radiation?”
“Of course we have prepared everything.”
Yusoha continued giving only short answers.
“What is the reason for planning this North Korea expedition?”
“I’m sure everyone here knows that I recently summoned a Guardian Star.”
“Yes.”
“I’ve been hearing comments from certain corners. That in the end, I’m aiming for S-class by relying on my Guardian Star’s power rather than my own…”
“So this is because of public opinion?”
“Yes. During this expedition, unless it’s an emergency, I will not use Eclipse’s help at all. I plan to pioneer North Korea using only the power of Hwanryeong Team 2.”
Her statement left the reporters momentarily speechless. Why?
“…May I ask why?”
“To prove myself. My team members have agreed as well. And as I just said, it’s not that Eclipse won’t step in at all. If any team member’s life is in danger, he will intervene. But other than that, he will not act.”
“…Even so, there are countless variables in combat, aren’t there? Someone could suffer serious injuries the moment a dangerous situation arises. Are you saying every single member of Hwanryeong Team 2 agreed to this reckless plan?”
“Yes.”
Yusoha deliberately left out any mention of Soul Armament. In a setting like this, the story of a reckless team leader and team members who willingly followed her was far more effective. Bringing up Soul Armament would only invite accusations that she was throwing her teammates into danger with money.
“Then how do you plan to prove it? Combat footage from such a dangerous region won’t be released to the public, will it? Couldn’t you secretly summon your Guardian Star to pioneer the area? Wouldn’t that make the whole thing meaningless?”
“We will be filming video footage.”
“…Excuse me?”
The reporters stared at Yusoha with expressions that said they couldn’t believe what they were hearing.
“You’re saying you’ll leisurely film video in such a dangerous place? Even though it would expose data on the demonic beasts?”
“The data on demonic beasts… is certainly important. However, I consider it even more important that no unnecessary noise arises once I eventually reach S-class. The value of the S-class Awakened title must not be tarnished.”
The reporters were at a loss for words. Data on demonic beasts was the guild’s own asset. To release it to the public just for the sake of her future reputation once she reached S-class… They simply couldn’t understand Yusoha’s statement.
“At present, Guardian Stars are also treated as part of an Awakened’s ability. So why are you deliberately choosing not to use yours?”
“Because there are people who don’t see it that way. As I said earlier, I don’t want any noise mixed into the S-class I will achieve. Does that answer your question?”
With faces that clearly showed they were not convinced at all, the reporters nodded anyway.
As soon as the official press conference ended, Yusoha and Hwanryeong Team 2 immediately moved to Cheorwon in Gangwon Province.
“By the way, you really dropped a bomb at the press conference, Team Leader.”
“I suppose I did.”
Yusoha answered while looking out the window at Cha Hyeonseong’s words.
“But are we really filming video?”
“All the filming equipment is ready. There will be individual cameras attached to everyone’s protective suits. Turn them on when we enter combat.”
“…Is it really okay to release the demonic beast data?”
“It doesn’t really matter. Just because the data appears in video doesn’t mean it can be completely analyzed.”
“Um, what about the Chairman…”
“Father said it was fine. He’s the one who told me it would be better to avoid any unnecessary talk when I eventually reach S-class.”
“…I see.”
“Anyway, as soon as we arrive at the base camp, I’ll explain the route we’ll take into North Hwanghae Province, so rest while you still can. No one knows what the environment there is like.”
“Yes!”
The moment they arrived in Cheorwon, Hwanryeong Team 2 was greeted by soldiers who had newly begun stationing in the unrestored Gangwon Province.
“Halt, halt, halt!”
“This is a restricted area. Civilians are not permitted. Please turn back.”
“We are from Hwanryeong. There should have been an official document from the Korean Awakened Association.”
“…Please wait while we verify.”
“Communication security…”
“Now that I think about it, Team Leader.”
While the soldiers at the guard post were still on the phone, Cha Hyeonseong quietly spoke to Yusoha.
“What?”
“When did you send the cooperation request to the Korean Awakened Association?”
“There was time to talk with the Association President during the last banquet. I asked him then.”
“Did the government have no objections?”
“They just said to pay our taxes properly if it goes well.”
“…I see.”
“Verification complete. Yusoha, you are cleared for entry.”
It had only been a few years since the unrestored Gangwon Province was purified and military units moved in, so the new buildings stood out.
“Where are we headed now?”
“Keep going straight. We need to reach the far end of Cheorwon, so anyone who wants to catch a little more sleep should do so now. I’ve already requested a building from the military unit to use as our base camp, so we just need to get there.”
“Understood.”
They arrived at the base camp a little while after entering Cheorwon. The members of Hwanryeong Team 2 couldn’t hide their admiration at how unexpectedly clean the base camp looked.
“This is practically a hotel. What was this building originally used for?”
“I don’t know either. It was just something they built roughly when expanding the military base. It happened to remain, so they said we could use it for now. Anyway, let’s head inside.”
Once inside the base camp, the team quickly unpacked their gear and gathered in the place Yusoha had named the command control room.
“Command control room…”
“Ugh, my head.”
Those who had served in the military shuddered at the name.
“…Everyone, focus.”
“Yes.”
“I’ll explain the plan first. We’ll start with reconnaissance. Our entry route begins with Tosangun right in front of us. After completing reconnaissance of the outer areas of North Hwanghae Province, we’ll begin the full-scale advance.”
“All that vast territory? Reconnaissance alone will be a big job.”
Yusoha nodded.
“We came here prepared for a long-term mission from the start. Of course, we’ll keep taking measures so we can resupply supplies whenever they run low.”
“Understood.”
“The reconnaissance targets start with the distribution of demonic beasts and extend to those that have absorbed gate cores. If you sense any demonic beast with unusual mana, be sure to report it.”
“Yes!”
“And make sure to wear your protective suits at all times.”
“Understood!”
“Will we be splitting into separate teams?”
Yusoha shook her head at Cha Hyeonseong’s question.
“No. Since we don’t know what kind of threats are lurking, I don’t plan to split the teams. Even if reconnaissance takes a little longer, we’ll go with this method.”
“Understood.”
“Final point of caution. Just because you have Soul Armament equipped doesn’t mean you should waste mana recklessly. Soul Armament is to be used only against powerful demonic beasts. Also, those in the vanguard, make sure to bring firearms. If there are demonic beasts that firearms work on, reconnaissance will become much easier.”
“Yes!”
“Then let’s change into our protective suits and begin the advance tomorrow. It’s already quite late today… We’ll start full-scale reconnaissance tomorrow morning.”
Everyone nodded at Yusoha’s words, and with that, all preparations were complete. Watching the scene, both Eclipse and Shin Seongmin thought it would be best if they didn’t have to step forward at all.