Chapter 87

Okay, One Thousand Dollars

The negotiations between the Supreme Mages and the military were led primarily by Pastor Park Yo-han and Major General Jeon Min-ho.

Of course, the generals had probably already made most of their decisions beforehand, but it seemed they had concluded that Major General Jeon, being Korean, was the most suitable person to handle the discussions.

The negotiations themselves weren't particularly complicated.

They could be summarized in three major points.

1. The Military Finds It Difficult to Accept the Existence of the Gaze Monster

"The information you've provided regarding the various unidentified species is incredibly valuable. The problem lies with the creature you've nicknamed the Gaze Monster—the one also called the Lighthouse. You've never actually seen it yourselves, correct? You only know it's supposedly located at Lotte Tower?"

"General, that's a monster nobody should ever encounter directly."

Pastor Park nodded gravely while speaking respectfully.

The answer he received was equally firm.

"That's precisely the problem."

Major General Jeon subtly glanced toward the American generals.

None of them spoke.

Their expressions alone revealed exactly what they were thinking.

General McKenzie, the blond, stern-looking white officer, gave a bitter smile and twitched an eyebrow.

Lieutenant General Royce, the bald side-born officer with the scar near his mouth, absently rubbed the scar while maintaining his gentle expression.

Even Brigadier General Thatcher, whose drooping eyelids perpetually made him look sleepy, displayed a similar reaction.

Speaking on behalf of all of them, Jeon turned back toward us.

"Just moments ago, Mr. Shin Na-in claimed that he used magic to read the thoughts of individuals recorded in video footage. He provided details regarding Unit 55's tactics and intentions."

He tapped his forehead with his index finger.

"Now imagine the following scenario. What if the mutagenic beam supposedly emitted by this Gaze Monster can affect people through recorded media in the same way? Then the military has no means of verifying its existence without direct personnel deployment. Furthermore, analysis at headquarters would itself become dangerous."

He continued calmly.

"The current policy of the Combined U.S.-Korean Command is clear. Because this is an unprecedented crisis involving unknown threats, certainty is paramount."

"We will suspend exploration efforts around Jamsil and halt any attempts to clear the fog near the creature's presumed location. However, without documented evidence, the military must officially deny the creature's existence, regardless of eyewitness testimony. We ask for your understanding."

In short:

The Combined Command and the Reality Survival Command had decided to officially deny the existence of the Gaze Monster.

Officially.

2. Support for Mages Will Increase Dramatically

General McKenzie grinned and said something to Major General Jeon.

Naturally, I couldn't understand a word.

I immediately turned toward the Supreme Mages' translation device.

Shin Na-in.

"What'd he say this time?"

"It's... rather direct."

"If he's speaking English in front of Koreans, he's already being indirect. Translate it directly."

A Korean speaking Korean to Koreans.

That was what direct communication looked like.

My flawless logic overcame even Shin Na-in's look of contempt.

Eventually, he translated.

"He's saying Korean lives are about to become miserable."

"Why?"

Wasn't having Seoul disappear off the map on New Year's Day of 2028 miserable enough?

At that moment, Lieutenant General Royce muttered something sympathetically while Thatcher responded in an extremely professional tone.

According to Shin Na-in's translation:

McKenzie:
I thought nuclear strike discussions were being blocked purely because of money. Looks like Congress had other reasons too. If Stage 3 looks like this, we need to be much more careful during the interrogation of that rescued Stage 4 survivor.

Royce:
I'm still concerned. Maintaining this blockade and martial law while institutionalizing the system will severely infringe on the freedoms and rights of Korean citizens. Furthermore, while the Korean government may have made the correct military decision, abandoning ten million citizens is politically devastating. Publicly distancing the United States from that decision will make civil operations much easier.

Thatcher:
What appears increasingly certain is that China has already established contact around Incheon and northern Gyeonggi Province to build infrastructure for training mages. They're aggressively presenting the elected Korean government as operating under their influence. China seems to be using diplomatic pressure against our command, accusing us of violating Korean sovereignty while attempting to seize strategic control of the peninsula and monopolize magical development infrastructure.

Only then did I fully remember the state of the country.

Right.

Shit.

Back on April 2nd, Chinese forces had entered Ganghwa Island under the pretense of relief operations and disaster response.

We'd already heard that the Korean government had effectively become a puppet administration.

As Shin Na-in translated, Lee Se-jun and Hamza dragged their chairs closer to listen.

Their expressions grew serious.

"Is our country doomed?"

"Mr. Se-jun, the nation's fate was sealed when Seoul became a Sodom drenched in decadence and pleasure."

"Ah... um... I think I'll just move to another country."

"Eat samgyeopsal and drink soju and you're Korean enough. Hamza, the military's shooting anyone trying to use airports or ports anyway, so just stay alive. I'll share some Spam with you."

Meanwhile, Major General Jeon was patiently negotiating with the increasingly cooperative Pastor Park.

"From now on, one military scrip voucher will have a fixed exchange value of one thousand dollars. However, dollars cannot be exchanged back into military scrip."

"Supplies entering through military-controlled facilities like Pyeongtaek Port will only be purchasable using military scrip."

"The system will be broader, more capitalist, and more flexible than the military currency systems previously used by the Korean Army."

"Aphorism will receive top-tier treatment. You'll enjoy substantial advantages regarding exchange rates, distribution, and acquisition."

"The quantity and quality of your standard supplies will also increase significantly."

Pastor Park immediately twitched.

"Do you really have to give us more military scrip? Why not just make everything free?"

A man who loved money was still a man who loved money.

Captain Kim translated the haggling while sweating profusely.

General McKenzie laughed first.

"We'll pay you more than you can spend—but nothing's ever free. That's America for you."

Even with my TOEIC score of 400, I understood one part.

Nothing is free.

Major General Jeon sighed and produced another folder.

"Of course, there is a way to obtain all military supplies, logistical priority, fire-support priority, field command authority, operational immunity within Seoul, legal protections, evacuation guarantees, family protection services, and even American citizenship free of charge."

He slid a document forward.

"Simply sign here."

"You'll be commissioned into the Joint Alteration Operations Group under the Reality Survival Command and begin service as warrant officers."

"Ahem—cough!"

Pastor Park nearly choked.

The desperate look in Major General Jeon's eyes swept across the rest of us.

I immediately looked away.

Shin Na-in closed his eyes and pretended to pray.

Hamza blinked innocently.

Lee Se-jun frowned.

I poked him in the ribs.

"Se-jun. Lifetime military career opportunity."

"No."

"Why?"

For once, Lee Se-jun answered seriously.

"My loyalty isn't something you can buy with money."

"Of course I'm afraid. I'm human."

"I'm scared. I'm nervous. This is painful."

"But when things were at their worst, this country still reached out and helped me, even if only through administration."

"So when that country falls into crisis, I think it's only right that I risk my life for it at least once."

For a moment, I was genuinely impressed.

Lee Se-jun.

The kind of man who understood honor in a way you'd normally only find in old martial arts novels.

"The Republic of Korea has already paid enough to earn my loyalty."

"It doesn't need to offer more."

"As long as I'm still a man."

A tragic victim of testosterone overflow.

3. Introduction to Personal Sponsors

Major General Jeon then explained that, after institutional reforms concerning Civilian Operators and Specialist Personnel, Korea would gradually transform into something resembling a military-administered barracks state.

This time he even stopped Captain Kim from translating.

A Korean-only conversation.

Pressing his fingers beneath his eyes, Jeon spoke.

"You know Anderson Makenford, right?"

At first I couldn't place the name.

Then Hamza reminded me.

"The guy who talked way too much?"

Ah.

That guy.

Meanwhile, Pastor Park continued pestering Jeon.

"Nothing free~?"

Eventually Jeon sighed.

"While we can't simply hand over requisitioned buildings, we do plan to provide containers and facilities to support Aphorism's independent activities."

"You'll be able to operate your own headquarters."

"We'll provide basic living facilities, lodging, cooking equipment, electricity, and running water."

A private base.

A real headquarters.

A space reserved solely for us.

And at that point, even I couldn't help becoming interested.

"Okay."

The kind-hearted man who had readily handed me precious materials like Dragonblood Incense and called us the Best of the Best actually remembered us.

As expected, wealthy people with good character really were different.

I felt a warm sense of gratitude.

Major General Jeon Min-ho, however, seemed to have a different perspective.

"Now that people know you've returned, circles connected to him are apparently delighted. And not just them. You know how many influential people secretly get obsessed with things like shamans, feng shui, and other occult practices, right? As rumors about Heart-path magic spread and information about magic reaches the upper class, the Reality Survival Command has been flooded with requests. They're demanding access to information and asking that we allow private sponsorship arrangements."

"Oh, hallelujah! Truly worthy brothers in faith! Hahaha..."

The way Pastor Park absentmindedly adjusted the collar around his neck was particularly memorable.

Leave it to a devout Christian to never let something like that pass unnoticed.

"Aren't you a clergyman? You're awfully interested in money."

"Baek Je-min. Do you know how much frontier ministry costs? If you want people to live properly, you need money. Squeezing every bit of support out of opportunities like this is exactly what the Lord would want from a pastor."

Watching us, Major General Jeon let out a deep sigh.

"Even if you like free things, be careful not to accept too many sponsors. Ultimately, what they want is access to information about magic. Some might even ask you to escort them through the fog."

Those were the three primary points of negotiation.

The military and the Supreme Mages.

One body, yet two separate entities.

We wrapped things up in a surprisingly friendly atmosphere.

At least, that was how it seemed to me.

As Major General Jeon organized the folders and handed them off to Captain Kim Ho-un, the meeting naturally began winding down.

The Supreme Mages rose from their seats as well.

Scrape.

The sound of chairs sliding backward echoed through the bunker.

Then, unexpectedly, Major General Jeon turned toward us.

I thought he had something else to say.

Instead, he snapped into a rigid posture and saluted.

Snap!

"Civilian Operators Aphorism. During the nation's gravest crisis, you answered the mobilization order. You voluntarily chose to become Civilian Operators. And you were the only civilian operators who volunteered for the First Seoul Expedition, an operation that resulted in tremendous casualties."

He paused.

"The road ahead remains long and difficult. Nevertheless, as a soldier, I offer my deepest respect and gratitude for the courage you've shown."

Then he approached us once more and shook each person's hand in turn.

The American generals, who had been watching from behind, began applauding before stepping forward with smiles to offer handshakes as well.

When my turn came, each of them reacted differently.

Brigadier General Thatcher said nothing.

He simply gripped my hand firmly, shook it several times, and released it.

Lieutenant General Royce winked with his left eye while squeezing my hand.

"Kimchi Spam. Anytime."

The one I had worried about most was General McKenzie.

This time, however, he didn't play any jokes.

He shook my hand properly.

Instead, he rotated my hand back and forth while examining it before letting out a small chuckle.

"I heard you all volunteered. Put some muscle on and you'd really be something."

With that, the generals finally departed.

Watching the stars on their shoulders disappear up the staircase, I couldn't help noticing how exhausted Captain Kim looked as he rushed around helping them.

Once the generals were gone and only the Supreme Mages remained, Captain Kim returned, wiping beads of sweat from his forehead.

"Um... I know you're tired, but could you help clean up a bit?"

Lee Se-jun, who was also drenched in sweat, spoke first.

"One question."

"Yes?"

"If he's a Field Marshal, why does he only have four stars?"

Only then did the rest of us exchange confused looks.

"Field Marshals aren't four stars?"

"Je-min. I'm not a soldier. How would I know?"

"The only rank that matters is faith. Anyone discussing nuclear strikes against the servants of Satan surely possesses the heart of a crusader."

"I like the moon."

Me.

The pastor.

Shin Na-in.

Hamza.

None of us knew.

Captain Kim sighed in relief.

"Well, it's basically classified information anyway..."

He began straightening chairs as he explained.

"The U.S. Third Fleet is scheduled to move forward toward Japan. Congressional approval is practically guaranteed. They're just coordinating with Japan now."

"If Congress officially approves it, General McKenzie will be promoted to Field Marshal."

"He's already an unofficial Field Marshal, basically."

****

The place we were assigned to stay was a relatively quiet barracks.

Captain Kim and his driver inspected the accommodations.

Honestly, considering the circumstances, it seemed perfectly acceptable.

There were lockers.

Beds.

Clean mattresses.

And running water in a nearby shower building.

The only person who found something to worry about was Pastor Park.

He even pulled Captain Kim aside to ask another question.

"More importantly, what about Go Ryeoha? Still being interrogated?"

"His status is... complicated. Reports indicate Hand-path magic is extremely significant, so researchers want to study him for a while. And since he had contact with those mages, he won't be getting his freedom immediately."

"Ah, come on. He's part of Aphorism too! Aphorism!"

"Pastor, no matter how much you pressure me, procedures still exist..."

While Captain Kim suffered through that conversation, we began claiming beds in the large barracks room.

Eight beds.

Plenty of space.

I chose the bed closest to the entrance.

Shin Na-in immediately took the deepest corner.

Lee Se-jun claimed the center.

Hamza settled beside me.

Naturally, we dropped our backpacks, removed our outer layers, and finally put down our weapons.

Around that time, Captain Kim's driver unfolded a portable table and began piling supplies onto it.

Combat rations.

Snacks.

Cola.

Everything he'd brought.

"Enjoy!"

"Thanks."

"No problem! If there are leftovers from the mess hall, I'll bring them. If not, I'll hit the PX and buy something. The Captain said to take care of the Civilian Operators using his card."

Captain Kim's driver had narrow eyes and chubby cheeks.

There was something wholesome about the way he bowed repeatedly while bustling around.

Then I suddenly felt a strange sense of déjà vu.

"Wait."

"Sir? Yes, sir!"

"You've got a title in your name too. What's your name?"

"Ah! Corporal Son Ga-in! My parents gave it to me because I was their precious only son!"

"I see. Just tell me where the showers are before you go."

"Yes, sir! Leave the barracks and turn left once. They're shared facilities, but it's not peak hours yet, so there won't be any issues."

Corporal Son Ga-in gave the directions politely before hurrying away again.

A soldier who knew the reality of the blockade line yet wasn't required to stand on it.

Maybe that alone was enough to make him a super ace.

As I watched him leave, Lee Se-jun had already demolished an entire bag of chips and was grabbing another handful.

"Why'd you ask his name?"

A casual question asked while stuffing his face.

But Shin Na-in, who had undoubtedly been listening to everyone's thoughts, grinned and snapped a cracker in half with his front teeth.

"Heh... good question."

Hamza was already hiding a bottle of cola inside his backpack before anyone else could steal it.

He glanced suspiciously at me while doing so.

I briefly wondered what sort of person he imagined me to be.

This time, however, I let it go.

Instead, I pulled out the smartphone I'd been treating like a sacred relic.

The battery had been dead.

But somehow, there was still a tiny amount of charge remaining.

Bzzzt.

The phone vibrated.

Two percent battery.

Enough to check the time.

I shrugged.

"Just felt weird knowing someone's face but not their name."

The screen displayed:

April 25, 2028 — 7:23 PM

At long last, the Supreme Mages had reached something resembling real rest.

Listening to Pastor Park and Captain Kim continue arguing outside the barracks, I powered off my phone again and reached for food.

"Captain Kim's driver is great and all, but he didn't bring coffee."

"Mr. Je-min. Please stop nitpicking. Do I need to massage your temples again to make you come to your senses?"

"Hehehe..."

"Mr. Je-min, open a can of Spam. Let's share it."

The world had ended.

Yet my grubby hands were far too busy grabbing another potato chip to worry about it.