Chapter 98: |
00098 <-- #Embers -->
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#Embers, Port Roberts (1)
Brrt. The vibration of the smartphone woke up Gyeoul. The name on the screen was Gerald M. Rafflin. The commander. Gyeoul checked the time that had elapsed in his sleep and answered the call before the phone rang again.
"Lieutenant Han Gyeoul."
[Oh, Lieutenant. It's Commander. Sorry for interrupting your rest. It seems I have no manners, saying you can rest and then bothering you.]
After returning to the base, Gyeoul was granted a two-day rest by the commander. The return was just yesterday, January 30th. Today is the last day of January, and tomorrow marks the beginning of a new month.
"It's okay. What can I do for you?"
[I have some updates to share. There are issues where your opinion is needed. Oh, don't worry, it's not a combat mission or anything dangerous. If you're fine with it, can we meet in my office at 4 PM?]
[Good. Since there's still time, take it easy. I'll hang up now.]
The call was cut short.
The current time is 2:57 PM. Gyeoul checked his physical condition and was glad to find out that his body was responsive and reacted quickly as intended. Recovery is complete. There were no lingering effects of cold and fatigue. The only thing Gyeoul regretted a bit was his shortened rest. Sleeping in this world was an opportunity to rest for as long as necessary to analyze the situation.
'Updates... Is it about the previous mission?'
The massacre of civilians in a military operation is an extremely sensitive issue, whether it's between military forces or involving civilians. Squad leader Hernandez was concerned that authorities might try to cover up this incident. Just in case something unjust happens.
Although off-duty until today, Gyeoul wore his combat uniform and armed himself. Being ready for unforeseen circumstances is consistently advisable. In the system, events were always created randomly.
While getting dressed, he reviewed the call history. There were messages from the two deputies and combat team leaders of the Winter Alliance, as well as numerous missed calls. Several texts were sent before his return. However, during the mission, there was no cellular reception; so he actually received the messages after his return. The messages contained reports on the current situation, requests for approval for handling certain matters, and inquiries about his well-being.
While tapping on the keyboard and sending a few replies, a call came in.
"Yes, Yura-ssi."
[Oh, boss! You finally answered! I was worried since I only got a text reply. There hasn't been any news for two days since you suddenly left, so I... everyone was really concerned. Nothing happened, right?]
From the context, it seemed she didn't know that he returned yesterday, which was understandable. Despite the formal treatment of combat team members as regular military, there were still many shortcomings in practice. During Gyeoul's absence, there was almost no channel for communication with the U.S. military and civilians.
'Well, there is one, but it's mostly one-way.'
The team members' ability to inquire about Gyeoul's whereabouts was weaker than when he was a volunteer soldier. There was no way to ask about Gyeoul's whereabouts. The U.S. military also didn't pay any mind to them. It was something that needed improvement in the near future.
"I'm fine. And I'm sorry. I should have contacted everyone but I was so focused on the mission that I didn't think about it. It was a bit urgent. I'll keep that in mind next time."
[No, it's okay! If you're busy, that can happen! Ahaha, did you go outside by any chance?]
"Yes. I went to Lake Santa Margarita."
At that moment, there were faint murmurs. Where is Lake Santa Margarita? Huh? I know. Isn't it more south than Atascadero? Wow, that's quite far!
Gyeoul could distinguish the voices of Yura and the combat team members around her. He pictured the situation on the other end of the phone. A circular gathering around the phone, leaning in to listen.
[Hmm. So, you're not injured anywhere, right?]
Even though he said he was fine, she asked again. Gyeoul glanced at the back of his left hand. He received proper treatment as soon as he returned. There was a temporary reduction in strength and precision due to the minor injuries but it wasn't severe, just a small scratch. There might be a scar, but nothing major.
"I did get hurt, but it's just a minor scratch. Please reassure the people there."
[Got it! When are you coming?]
"I'm not sure about today. The commander called me, and I still don't know the reason. If time allows, I'll drop by even if it's late. Is there anything I should know?"
[No, there's nothing like that. Since you've been called, I won't take up any more of your time. Please try to come today if possible. Everyone really wants to see you, boss.]
Following her words, there were mixed voices of men and women around her. When will you come? We'll wait! Let's have dinner together! Yura and Jinseok, the team leaders, fought again! And so on. The last words made Yura flustered.
"Hanbyeol! Why would you say that?! Boss! I'll hang up! Do your best! Fighting!"
A whisper at the phone, and loud and urgent words for those at the back. The call was abruptly cut-off before Gyeoul could respond.
He thought that after the incident at the sawmill, the two combat team leaders would restrain themselves, but apparently not yet.
'Well, built-up emotions don't easily disappear. Emotions tend to find reasons.'
At least that was Gyeoul's experience. It was a story from the world where he used to live. For some reason, once you get angry, you look for reasons to get angry again. Anger was like a Baobab tree that grew on its own. Gyeoul recalled a metaphor from a book he read in the past, understanding that he had the same tree for himself.
He wanted to get angry. So he explored several worlds of human-like beings.
He left the barracks. After passing a few friendly greetings, there was an unfriendly encounter.
"Hearken unto the words of the Scriptures: Truly, truly, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life!"
"He that believeth on the Son of God hath the testimony in himself: and he that does no believeth maketh God a liar because he hath not believed the testimony which God hath testified his Son!"
"And this is the testimony, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son! He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life!"
"Have you heard! There is no life for those who do not believe in Jesus Christ! Those who do not believe are already dead! What does it mean to be alive and yet be dead? It means becoming like those who eat the offering! Do you want to live? Do you want to live?"
"The way is in the Bible! The Bible is the book of life the Lord wrote to give you life!"
"Many people read this precious book improperly! It's heresy! It's the way to hell! The correct interpretation of the word is the authority of the chosen prophet! Listen to the gospel from Pastor Park Taeseon, who received the anointing of miracles! You, too, can obtain eternal life!"
People holding pickets and Bibles, full of vigor, are members of the Church of Full Gospel. It was a typical cult rhetoric from the middle, but for those who already believed, it was the weight of truth.
Thinking on it, Gyeoul wondered what the 'miracle' was all about. Gyeoul recalled a time when the flu was spreading. There were rumors that the holy water Pastor Park Taeseon blessed could cure any disease. There were speculations that he might have obtained antibiotics from somewhere, but it wasn't certain.
'If there really is something, it might be another change that I don't know.'
As he was thinking, a person approached. The girl clearly looked frightened.
Gyeoul's reputation among the church members was not good. She must have heard a lot of malicious rumors.
Gyeoul changed his course. He tried to pass quickly, but the girl ran to block his way.
"Excuse me! W-wait a moment!"
All eyes were on them. Regardless of affiliation, everyone was watching this strange confrontation. In the midst of it, the girl's hands were trembling. Gyeoul finally stopped and gave the smile she needed.
"What's the matter?"
"T-this is for you!"
Gyeoul received the paper the girl was offering. It was small, and the handwriting was tiny. It probably wasn't a letter. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a missionary flyer.
'Did she make it herself?'
The content was, as expected, a Bible verse.
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)"
In addition to this, there was quite a lot written. Just as Gyeoul was about to say that giving him this wouldn't make him believe, the girl took the lead.
"Uh, Lieutenant Han Gyeoul! Aren't you scared?"
"What are you talking about?"
"The people who eat offerings!"
People who eat offerings. It was the way the Full Gospel Church referred to those infected with the mutated strain. Gyeoul immediately denied it.
"If I'm not afraid?"
"You shouldn't lie! The Lord hates liars! 'A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish!' Proverbs 19:9! Remember that!"
"Why do you think I would lie?"
"People who eat offerings incur the wrath of the Lord! Maybe Lieutenant Han Gyeoul is unknowingly telling lies, too! You might think you're not afraid, but your true feelings might be different!"
A question with a predetermined answer isn't really a question. Well, the girl was younger than the boy. Gyeoul continued with a suitable and gentle response.
"That could be possible. No one knows their own heart completely. Still, the person who knows my heart the best is me. I don't see any reason to listen to what others say about me."
Maybe gaining confidence from the gentle response, the fear in the girl lessened, and religious fervor filled the gap. It was fervor inappropriate for her age.
"There is a reason! It's a matter of Lieutenant Han Gyeoul's life!"
"I'm sorry, but I don't have time to waste like this. Excuse me."
"No, you can't!"
The girl grabbed Gyeoul, who was trying to pass her by. He could probably shake her off, but it wouldn't look good. During Gyeoul's brief hesitation, the girl spoke again.
"Uh! Please read what I just gave you! God said that there is no condemnation for those in Jesus! If you believe in Jesus, the people who eat offerings won't be able to harm Lieutenant Han Gyeoul! Listen to our pastor's words and escape the valley of death!"
While she was speaking, the hand gripping the sleeve turned white. That's how desperate she was. At least from the girl's perspective, it was an action driven by genuine concern for Gyeoul.
As Gyeoul gently peeled off each finger from the hand, he realized that the girl was surprisingly strong. Even the evaluation of her [Threat level] based on [Combat sense] was at a level close to that of an adult man.
'From the start, it's abnormal for the [Threat level] evaluation to show up...'
In this way, it could only be interpreted as the girl inheriting the qualities of a warrior. Yet, in front of the enhancements applied to Gyeoul, it was at an insignificant level. Gyeoul removed the girl's hand and, holding it together, he examined her with a newfound gaze.
If he let go now, she might grab him again. Gyeoul spoke kindly.
"I'll read it, so please let me go. I have a promise to meet with the commander. Being late would be inconvenient."
"Then it's a promise between us, too! Since you said you'll read it, you have to read it! Lies are..."
"God hates them, right? I understand."
Only then did the girl step back. She seemed to be around middle school age. After taking a few steps back, she bowed with a polite expression.
"Thank you for your time! Everyone at the church will be happy if Lieutenant comes to visit!"
Gyeoul responded with a silent nod, checking the time as he walked away. He had a head start. Even if he's held up, he isn't worried about being late.
From behind, the girl's parting words reached him.
"Pastor Park Taeseon miraculously saved me! I hope Lieutenant also experiences a miracle!"
Hmm. Turning around, the girl was smiling and waving eagerly. Gyeoul asked.
"What's your name?"
"Me? Oh, I'm Esther Hwangbo! If you really come to the church later, say that you came because of my introduction!"
Gyeoul decided to remember that the girl, Esther, had the experience of a "miracle."
---------------------------= Afterword =---------------------------
#Empathy
The dystopia depicted in the mortuary is ultimately a world of those who do not empathize. Everyone doesn't dislike others just because their opinions differ. Narrowing the differences is always done through conversation. It's not a fight.
#Model
When asked about the model for Gyeoul, the author mentioned LuckySeven7. Thank you very much. Be careful when you sleep. There might be something great under the bed.
#Q&A
Q. OneChance: @I also happened to have thoughts about colors when I was in middle school. When I talked to my friends about it, they said I still act like a middle schooler! It seems like that even now when it's brought up. Like this immature friend!
A. That's a good friend! Send them to the Baltic Sea from the bottom!
Q. twking5008: @Great Old Ruler(Foot)!! I offer a sacrifice (kiss, hug) for the sake of my inner child. Please be satisfied!
A. I am satisfied. Receive my blessing. [Inner Child Recovery Speed Increased by 10%]
Q. TreePerson: @Just a sudden thought, but the entrepreneur who bought Gyeoul's body probably felt a sense of betrayal to the point of feeling loyal to his wife for a lifetime. Even when engaging in illegal transactions, he maintained his standards. The sprout that started from the betrayal of the wife is blooming into incest, right? Hmm, heheㅋ Inner child, inner child!
A. Oh... this inner child is defective... by any chance, is the inner child battery not going to explode? The Little Prince of the Mortuary is a good inner child charger, but it seems to have a different specification.
Q. OurAtz: Did you get the nickname from Tongsuk + Ska?
A. What is Tongsuk, and what is Ska? My nickname is from Tungguska Massive Explosion. The cause is most likely a meteor collision.