Steel-Eating Player - Chapter 42

Episode 42. [Steel Company -3]

———————=

The night sky in Seoul clearly turned purple.

But few noticed it.

So, it was a night as usual.

Gates occurred simultaneously throughout Seoul, but since it occurred mainly at military bases, the civilian population was rather peaceful. No bureaucrat predicted the ‘wave’ with such a problem.

No, someone would definitely raise questions. However… because it was a scary thing, as if predicting a nuclear war, the decision maker’s reaction was skeptical, and above all… it

was dawn.

“Hey! What nonsense are you calling at 2:00 AM? Are you sure about that?”

Therefore, the response had to be delayed.

Soon, stories began to spread that people traveling to and from Seoul encountered a translucent wall.

Eventually, at 4 a.m….

all radio waves in Seoul were cut off, revealing to the world that the 4th wave had begun. .

Since then, Seoul has become busy.

– Dear citizens, this is the National Gate Response Headquarters. As of the current time, we are issuing a gate occurrence warning to the entire Seoul area. This broadcast is a real situation. Let me know once again… Mullae-dong, Yeongdeungpo-

gu A noisy voice echoed through the blacksmith alley.

It was not an ordinary loudspeaker, but a sound coming from a ‘mana alarm’. When

it was activated, it meant that a nearby gate had opened.

“…Oh my! “What the hell is going on?”

Blacksmith Alley had quite a large number of residents.

It was because in order to meet the orders of the guild, they had to tan continuously day and night.

Like a factory, 3 shifts where the lights never go out, that was the culture here.

Therefore, at this moment, quite a few blacksmiths were listening to the warning broadcast.

“Boss, but this isn’t just a gate, it’s something called a wave?”

“Does that make sense, you bastard? “Do you think Wave is some kind of American rock singer’s touring performance?”

“I wish it wasn’t me either… Anyway, let’s go to the shelter quickly.”

And Kang Jeong-du was also on the street.

“How can I do this…”

I had trouble sleeping in the early morning, but I came out after hearing a commotion outside.

After assessing the situation, he returned to the single room in the workshop in a huff.

“Heiseol-ah! This! Hurry up!”

“Ugh… what time is it? It’s a mess…”

“Yes, it’s a mess! “There was chaos!”

“-Ack!”

Kang Jeong-du kicked his granddaughter, who was covering herself with a blanket, and took out a travel bag from the closet.

“Ugh, what a fuss, my only remaining granddaughter… Wow! Is it a gate?”

Heeseol heard the alarm sounding outside and understood the situation.

“Yes! “Get that from the shelf over there!”

“Hmm… I’m not dreaming, right? Then, I want to awaken as a wizard, not a blacksmith.”

“Shut up and get up quickly, you!”

So the two people hastily prepared for evacuation and came out.

– …All citizens are requested to immediately evacuate to the nearest shelter.

A shelter was a shelter equipped with a magic shield in preparation for a gate situation.

The closest state-run shelter here is It was Yeongdeungpo Station.

However, there was a private shelter operated by the union in the basement of the union office.

Naturally, Kang Jeong-du and Kang Hee-seol headed there.

But at the entrance of the shelter, they heard a sound like a thunderbolt.

“Woah, I can’t go in anymore. “The shelter capacity is full.”

“…yes? What do you mean by that?”

It was nonsense.

“No, I don’t understand why there are no seats in the shelter, so let’s go into it.”

It is a large shelter with a maximum capacity of over 500 people, and if an unexpected incident occurs, the union often boasts that all members can evacuate and stay there for at least a few weeks

. “I’m not accepting it.”

“So what are we going to do with me and this guy?”

“Oh, what the fuck do I know whether I search somewhere or not?”

Kang Jeong-du noticed the reason why they were like this.

This disaster situation that is happening right now was not an ordinary gate occurrence situation. The

higher-ups of the union who noticed this decided to reduce the number of people in order to hold out as long as possible.

Some blacksmiths, including Kang Jeong-du, who were not compliant with the union. The first thing to do was to prune.

“Brother Kang, it may be a bit dangerous, but let’s go to the Yeongdeungpo Shelter. Oh, it’s dirty! “Tsk!”

When the other blacksmith, Kang Jeong-du, was stopped, the guard chuckled.

“Okay, get out of here quickly. Be careful not to get stabbed by a goblin on the way.”

Kang Jeong-doo’s eyebrows twitched at those words.

Although he was a weak old man, he was not without a temper.

“Like this, ho-.”

“F-fuck! “You bastards!”

But before that, a shout erupted from somewhere.

It was her granddaughter, Kang Hee-seol.

She screamed and rushed at the guard.

“Move away! We have the right to enter!”

“Oh, is this crazy!”

“Don’t discriminate! We’re union members who pay dues regularly!”

“I don’t know, and you should go to the Yeongdeungpo Station shelter, you bitch!”

“-evil!”

When the guard waved his arm, Kang Hee-seol fell backwards.

As a blacksmith player, she couldn’t do anything about the security guard.

Kang Jeong-doo raised his granddaughter up and glared at the guards.

But that was all he could do.

“Ugh… Why! Why! Are all those with some power so selfish?”

When Kang Hoe-seol cried and shouted, the security guard laughed,

“Oh, you’re so helpless, where are you whining?”

In response, Kang Hee-seol screamed and cursed again.

However, her cries were drowned out by a loud noise.

Doo doo doo doo—-

A gust of wind blew and a ray of light came down from the sky.

It was a helicopter.

“..eww?”

“oh! It’s AMT!”

The guards raised their heads and cheered.

“After all, paying taxes regularly is rewarding! You came to the rescue early!”

Hearing those words, Kang Hee-seol showed his teeth.

“That’s terrible!” “We also paid our dues regularly, so why are you like that?”

“What what? That kid is really…”

The guard couldn’t hold back and rolled up his sleeves.

“You have to be really scared of things like that to know how scary the world is…”

At that moment, three ropes fell from the helicopter and AMT soldiers wearing black combat uniforms landed. At the same time, he stretched out his hand and pushed the shoulder of the security guard who was threatening Kang Hee-seol.

“……What is it?”

“Please step back. “This is a warning.”

Meanwhile, the helicopter landed at the helicopter port on the roof of the union office.

Then, a union official ran out from inside the shelter to greet them.

“Ah! Welcome! I’m so touched that you came to help us so quickly.”

“Well, I’m sorry, but that’s not it. Civilian rescue operations are not yet underway.”

A female soldier with the rank of sergeant who appeared to be the leader of this helicopter team shook her head and said that.

“yes? Then……”

“For now, you will be safe if you stay in the shelter. “We came looking for someone.”

“……Who are you looking for?”

“I already found it.”

The sergeant was holding a photo and looking somewhere.

It was the blacksmiths who were shut out at the door.

The sergeant frowned as he glanced over the situation.

“But are you sure they won’t be able to enter the shelter?”

“yes? “No!”

“What’s wrong? I saw it all above.”

“No, that’s… I’m writing-”

“You know that it’s against the rules and is illegal and punishable, right?”

“Ah, well…”

Today, shelters are directly related to the people’s right to survive.

Therefore, shelters were an important factor that greatly influenced real estate prices, and in order to operate a private shelter, you must meet the conditions specified by the government and meet the requirements of the relevant ministries. It had to be under continuous management and supervision.

One of its operating conditions was the ‘unconditional acceptance’ of nearby refugees.

“If any violations of the regulations are discovered in the future, the right to operate the shelter will be revoked.” ”

…….”

The sergeant said . After finishing speaking, I approached Kang Jeong-du.

“Are you Mr. Kang Jeong-du? “There is someone you are looking for, so I came to pick you up.”

“Yes, I insist, but who is looking for me?”

“You said you would know if Lee Hyun-wook sent you. Could you please accompany us?”

Then Kang Jeong-du’s eyes widened and

the corners of Kang Hee-seol’s mouth went up.

“Huh? Was this boss… a military general?”

Kang Jeong-doo said that even though he knew it was nonsense.

If he had come to pick him up with a military helicopter…

even if he wasn’t a general, he would have definitely been in a position to influence the AMT.

And in fact, those union officials over there told me to listen. That was it.

***

Just like that, Kang Jeong-du, Kang Hee-seol, and several blacksmiths arrived at the 1st Battalion.

Lee Hyun-wook greeted them.

“Thank you for coming, Master Kang.”

Kang Jeong-du bowed his waist while looking at Lee Hyun-wook and at the same time examined the rank insignia on Lee Hyun-wook’s combat uniform.

“Oh my gosh, how should I repay this favor, General Lee…”

This clever old man is himself a former naval sergeant and has clearly just confirmed his rank insignia, but he pretends not to know and calls him General Lee. It was a well-intentioned flattery.

‘But he’s a good person.’

Flattering and taking care of his own interests like this was understandable as an old man raising a granddaughter alone, and yet he was a strong man who said that what was wrong was wrong.

“No, I am not a general, I am a soldier. Sorry for not telling you sooner.”

“What does it matter? Even this old man knows that he is a great person.”

Well, it didn’t make sense for a soldier to bring a blacksmith with a helicopter. He

must have thought that Lee Hyun-wook’s support was enormous.

Lee Hyun-wook took the blacksmiths to the parade ground.

There, 21 ‘Living Armors’ were in constant condition. They were lined up at intervals.

“This is Living Armor. Most of it is damaged. Can you please repair it?”

Kang Jeong-du turned his back and looked at them, and his expression became embarrassed.

“Well, to be honest, restoring the magic circuit… has to be done with a high-ranking wizard. Of course, you can imitate it, but I can’t guarantee that you can make it function perfectly.”

“As long as it’s operational, it doesn’t have to be completely restored.”

The ‘magic circuit’, the operating principle of Living Armor, was engraved on the surface of the armor like a tattoo.

Therefore, if the ‘outer armor’ was broken and the circuit was cut off, it would inevitably lose its function.

However, most of the important circuits were in the ‘helmet’ part . As long as it was in good condition, it could operate without any problems, and most of the circuits engraved on the ‘body’ were additional function spells related to defense.

“Thank you for your hard work in coming here. “You will pay the right price after the situation is over.”

“Oh no. I will do my best thinking of it as the price of my granddaughter’s life.”

“It won’t be paid with my money, it will be paid by the government. Think of it as the price of saving your country.”

At those words, Kang Jeong-doo’s expression became quite serious.

“I am… “You mean to save the country?”

“Yes, you are contributing to something big.” The story that Lee Hyun-wook knew was that

Kang Jeong-du, who once served as a naval sergeant,

was forced to retire due to a back injury

. So, there must still be some desire to serve the country as a soldier.

Especially in these terrible times… ..

Lee Hyun-wook stimulated that part and made Kang Jeong-doo more immersed in this work.

‘But in fact, Kang Hui-seol will be more useful than Kang Jeong-du.’

Lee Hyun-wook looked at Kang Hee-seol.

He was moving frantically like a puppy, looking at the Living Armor curiously. He

even tried kicking it, but then jumped up and down while holding on to his feet.

“Oh my…”

Kang Jeong-du covered his head. Like this , he

is just a child now, but…

‘Of course, that personality will not change until the end…

Snow White

is the first ‘Eldersmith’ chosen by seven dwarven craftsmen,

and the best recognized by the dwarves. Drinker….

‘That’s how Kang Hee-seol will grow.’

Thus, she created the first ‘master’ level item.

However, Kang Hee-seol’s real talent was ‘magical engineering’ rather than blacksmithing. It was

a field she came across late, but she quickly mastered it and became the best.

‘The magic machine corps she created’ was the best.’

Only blacksmith Lee Geon-man, a non-combat type, was active on the battlefield by commanding the magic machine troops he created.

‘If Kang Hee-seol gets involved in magic engineering early on, he will become much bigger.’

So…

I planned to have the Steel Legion, which uses divine power as its weapon, be in charge of the design and production.

***

At 3 PM, the attack on the three gates in the compound ended with the guardhouse gate.

It took 8 hours and there were only 4 casualties. It was an incredible feat.

But the real work started now.

“This is the information from the battalion commander! “After a 10-minute break, we will return to action!”

“Ah…”

I didn’t even have time to properly rest.

It’s now 4 days.

After that, half of Seoul disappeared.

Even if I collapsed from exhaustion and died, I couldn’t stop.

“Now! Time has passed! Let’s move again!”

Since it was practically a war, all ‘cosmetic supplies’ were taken out from the battalion warehouse.

Inside were recovery potions, stamina potions, mana potions, etc., which were distributed to the mentally and physically exhausted soldiers. Of course, overdosing on potions was not good for ability growth. …

“…Where can you afford to argue about something like that? Drink quickly and move!”

Soon, trucks were lined up at the transport department. A total of 7 K-511s, commonly called Dudonban, were prepared.

Then, 3 K-153 armored reconnaissance vehicles plated with magic metal were prepared.

“From now on, load the weapons into the trucks . do! “Time moves 10 minutes faster!”

As Lee Hyun-wook requested for half of the battalion’s armory, the entire armory was being moved.

Meanwhile, Lee Hyun-wook separately called Sergeant Kim Se-hee, Corporal Ahn Min-tae, and Private Choi Tae-yong.

This was because they had a separate mission to entrust to them in this operation.

“Sergeant Kim Se-hee, would you please take on the role of 1st platoon leader?”

“…….”

“I’m sorry, but it’s actually an order.”

Kim Se-hee blatantly frowned at the command part.

It was true. Lee Hyun-wook’s words were no different from the command of the battalion commander.

But she nodded without saying anything.

“…all right.”

His expression and tone were full of annoyance.

However, despite his cynical attitude, he was a person who had a reason why the female soldiers of the 2nd company respected him as an older sister. He is talented and takes good care of people.

‘In other words, it is trusted in every way.’

He had a strange charisma that didn’t match his 155cm small body.

And Ahn Min-tae and Choi Tae-yong were staring blankly at Kim Se-hee.

Yes, there was a reason why the men in the 1st Company talked about her as a goddess, but… it

was truly unsightly.

“Ahn Min-tae, are you out of your mind?”

“Oh um yeah!”

“Ahn Min-tae, you will be the 2nd platoon leader.”

“Oh no… I’m the platoon leader, yes!”

I looked at Choi Taeyong for the last time.

“You are the lead scout. Keep your eyes wide open and monitor everything.”

“yes! All right!”

“If you turn your attention to something strange, you will die to me.”

“Yep…”

When it was said that all major positions in the operation would be comprised of soldiers, Kim Kang-seok expressed his doubts.

Of course, it was also true that most of the executives failed to return, so there were no useful personnel.

However…

‘These are people who are capable, who can follow me well, and who I can use in the future.’

Kim Se-hee was the most potential player in the 2nd company. There was a need to continue the relationship.

And Ahn Min-tae and Choi Tae-yong followed Lee Hyun-wook best and understood Lee Hyun-wook’s intentions well.

Above all, he had now grown to the level of one of the best players in the company.

Ahn Min-tae’s The level was already 24.

‘I guess I caught a lot of zombies to make it worthwhile for holding the sacred weapon.’

Of course, his one-handed sword was broken, but Lee Hyun-wook lent him KG19.

“Then we will leave in 20 minutes. “Please be ready by then.”

Lee Hyun-wook also went into the dormitory for a while to prepare for deployment.

It was time to equip weapons.

He wore a utility vest and was equipped with a cloud sword and KG19 on his back.

A dagger and iron bead pouch made of paleknot mithril was attached to the waist.

And there were 10 iron stakes in the heavy military equipment that had been packed in advance.

Clap,

I even took the K2C1 rifle. Of course, rifles are not that useful anymore, but when it comes to keeping multiple enemies in check and deploying firepower, there is nothing like a firearm. It was necessary to take care of whether or not to use it.

Finally,

I rolled up the left wrist of my combat uniform and checked it.

It was Achilles’ spear, one of the spear-shaped tattoo secrets.

There were dozens of items equipped all over the body like this.

That wasn’t all.

The 7 trucks currently being prepared were all Lee Hyun-wook’s weapons.

It was not wrong to say that it was the battalion’s best force acknowledged by Kim Kang-seok.

“Excuse me-”

A voice behind her was sad.

She was only wearing lower body armor, as if she was taking a break after several battles.

“…Are you really sure I don’t have to come with you?”

Seo Eun-ha and Choi Yeong-joon, the most talented in the company, were actually assigned to the follow-up unit.

Since the operation company led by Lee Hyeon-wook was responsible for entering a dangerous area, reinforcements were needed to provide rescue in case of trouble, and the defense of the compound could not be left lax.

“If there’s a problem anyway, won’t you come running as quickly as you always do?”

“…What are you going to say about being late again?”

“It would be a blessing if I could do that. It wouldn’t be too late and I’d already be dead.”

“what? Ha… you’re really good at saying bullshit, aren’t you?”

Hyunwook Lee smiled and nodded.

“In hindsight, it’s all good-mouthed.”

Although Lee Hyeon-wook had been constantly talking back to her for some time, Seo Eun-ha was not particularly offended.

It was because she began to recognize Lee Hyun-wook beyond the ranks of officers and soldiers.

“Then I hope we never meet outside of the camp.”

“Yes, that was unfortunate, but it was the right thing to say.”

When Lee Hyun-wook finished preparing and was about to leave the dormitory, Seo Eun-ha held out her palm.

“Now-”

“Is it chocolate again?”

“…Are you honestly planning to piss me off?”

Seo Eun-ha opened her palm.

There was a bracelet inside.

Just looking at it, it was an item filled with divine power.

“You know that this wave is related to the undead. If you infuse mana into this, a sacred shield is formed in a 3m radius around you. “I can lend you something. It will be helpful.”

“If you don’t want to hold me responsible if I lose it, I’ll take it.”

“……don’t lose it.”

In other words, losing it meant that it could be eaten.

Lee Hyun-wook went out to the parade ground.

There, 7 trucks, 3 tactical vehicles, and 12 living armors were lined up.

And 39 troops were gathered in front of them.

Led by Lee Hyun-wook. It was an elite unit that would go outside the barracks and carry out Seoul defense operations.

When Lee Hyun-wook came out of the barracks, their eyes gathered in one place.

Lee Hyun-wook stood side by side with the battalion commander on the inspection table and looked down at the newly formed company-level troops. The

battalion commander gave them this name. “…The fate of Seoul depends on you, Steel Company.

”

Following the Steel Great Emperor, the Steel Company…

Lee Hyun-wook thought to himself that the nickname given to him from his past life was too childish.

And the fact that the fate of Seoul depended on it… It was a very clichéd speech.

But now , At that moment, all those words sounded quite different and had more weight,

because they were all true.

‘Yes, we protect Seoul. And furthermore, everything…’

Lee Hyun-wook saluted the battalion commander and boarded the K-153 command vehicle.

“depart.”

Steel Company’s first mission,

the Seoul defense operation, began.