Steel-Eating Player - Chapter 55

Episode 55 [Last Erosion Factor – 1]

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1 hour before….

“……yes? Does that make sense? “The world boss is appearing now?”

Kang Seo-yoon could not help but be surprised.

A ‘full notice’ announcing the appearance of a world boss monster was displayed in the sky of the wave zone. Naturally, the first person outside the wave zone to hear the news was [Seoul Erosion Response Headquarters].

“Yes, that’s right! It happened just about two minutes ago.”

“No, there has never been anything like that before! Is this information clear?”

“Identical reports came in from different areas within the erosion area at the same time.”

Reports came in that people had seen the entire notice floating in the sky from all over the wave zone.

If so, there was little chance that it was fabricated or fraudulent.

“This doesn’t make sense. What on earth is this….”

The terrible being called the World Boss Monster always appeared around the fourth day of a wave.

But now it was not even the third day, but the second day.

In short, it appeared twice as early as compared to others.

But he was foolish to think that a few precedents were all that mattered.

Because this game always hits players in the back…

“Damn it! Immediately identify the location of the world boss monster and issue an evacuation order!”

“-yes!”

“If something like that appears, it’s useless as a shelter! It’s all over, so just get out of the area! If we are a little late, tens of thousands of people could die per hour! “Hurry!”

Kang Seo-yoon immediately deployed all personnel to deliver a warning message into the wave zone.

‘What on earth is going on in there!’

It was frustrating because there was no way to check in detail other than mana communication.

But just 5 minutes later…

“I—Director!”

“yes? “What happened again?”

“That world boss monster just now….”

“Ah! You finally showed up? Where is the damn location?”

Kang Seo-yoon got up from her seat and asked.

But the emergency communications officer shook his head.

“No, that’s not it… They say he was just killed.”

Treatment…

Gangseo Yoon tilted his head, wondering if he had heard wrong.

“…yes? “What did you just say?”

“I can’t believe it either… News is coming in that the entire notice in the wave zone sky has been modified in just 5 minutes. Yes, it means that the world boss monster has been killed.”

Kang Seo-yoon was so dumbfounded that she laughed. It’s hard to believe that a world boss monster appeared on the second day, and that it was defeated in just 5 minutes…

That was impossible.

Would the world boss monster suddenly appear and be defeated in an instant, other than some kind of wild boar?

‘Either someone is planning to scam me, or I’m just dreaming…’

It was a situation that even an S-rank player who had experienced all kinds of hardships could not understand.

But not long after, another ridiculous news arrived.

“Director Bo!”

“…….”

What does it mean this time?…

She didn’t even reply anymore, just turned her head.

I was prepared not to be surprised by any news.

But she had no choice but to stand up once again.

“It is said that the second erosion factor has just been attacked!”

crazy….

“What—! Where? Who?”

It was hard to believe it because of the repeated shock, but she shouted that in the hope that it was true.

“It’s the Steel Company this time too! They say they’re the ones who took care of the world boss monster!”

The moment Kang Seo-yoon heard those words, she smiled with a sense of disappointment.

As amazing hopes arose one after another, it felt unrealistic rather than overwhelming.

‘No, the Steel Company… what on earth are they?’

Now it was almost questionable.

This organization, which I had never heard of before, saved half of Seoul.

Is this… possible?

Kang Seo-yoon ordered to check more accurately and sank into the chair.

And he sipped the coffee he had brewed an hour ago. It was so cold that it couldn’t cool down.

At that time, a commotion was heard from the entrance.

“Oh, what else…”

When Kang Seo-yoon turned his head, men in black suits were attempting to enter.

“Who are you? You can’t come in here without permission!”

“Get out of the way, we’re government agents.”

“This is a government facility. What is this? Show me your entry permit!”

Those so-called government agents were even armed with submachine guns.

However, the player guards did not give in to those guns and blocked the road.

“Oh, you can move out of the way. They are people I know.”

At Kang Seo-yoon’s words, the guards retreated to the left and right.

A middle-aged man with a slim build appeared among the suit agents.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t allowed to come in, so I just came in.”

Sharp eyes and tiger eyebrows that stand out even when wearing glasses

It was an impression that made those who saw it instinctively cringe.

Of course, it wasn’t Kang Seo-yoon.

She looked at the man with a disapproving expression.

“…Chief, what’s going on? “Didn’t you give me full authority in this situation?”

Woo Seong-moon, head of the Presidential agency [National Gate Response Strategy Office]

It was a grade A play by the 9th ranked Korean player.

As the highest-ranking government player, he was one of the most powerful people in Korea.

“I bring you the news that we have succeeded in targeting the second erosion factor.”

“Well, that information just came in and wasn’t even shared internally, so how did you already know? Haha…”

In fact, no matter how much authority was delegated to Kang Seo-yoon, there was no way these gentlemen were not collecting information.

Even among the professional staff here, someone was probably connected to them.

“Anyway, when did you leave Seoul? What did you come here for? We’re busy.”

Her blatant sarcasm: Although the man sitting in front of her was one of the most powerful men in Korea, Kang Seo-yoon was an S-rank player who could care less about such a title.

“You are saying too much to throw it away. “We just decided to prepare for after the erosion.”

“Oh yeah? Even if the VIP was in there, would you have prepared for the ‘after’ like that?”

The Blue House was also included within a 10km radius of Seoul Station. However, since the president and other key figures were away for an external event, they were able to avoid the wave.

However, Woo Seong-moon nodded his head as if it was natural.

“Of course. The Blue House’s shelter is very strong. Even if the VIP was inside, he would have given the same orders and stayed for 5 days. That is the most realistic way. The government is not blind.”

Gangseo Yoon sighed and nodded his head.

Maybe it really was.

These people were not stupid or cold-blooded.

It’s just that… I thought too realistically and sometimes avoided miracles.

“But something unrealistic just happened… Yes, a variable happened and it came to me like this.”

To put it simply, I was lucky enough to see a possibility of stopping the wave, so I decided to get involved.

Kang Seo-yoon felt bad about that, but it was good news because it meant that she would help anyway.

“Say yes.”

“Steel Company… I have a message for those guys. “Please connect me.”

Gangseo Yoon shook his head.

“Ha… I also want to hear the voices of those great friends, but I’m sorry, but I can’t.”

“Well, what’s the reason?”

“It’s not that I refuse, it’s that they don’t accept communication.”

Kang Seo-yoon was in contact with Kim Kang-seok, commander of the 1st Battalion of the 3rd Port Horse Brigade.

He was unable to establish a direct connection with Sergeant Lee Hyeon-wook, the commander of the Steel Company.

This was because he strongly demanded that he move independently without external pressure.

It was truly a feat of courage, but it was untouchable as it actually produced tremendous results.

“Really? But you will get it this time.”

Woo Seong-moon spoke with confidence.

Gangseo-yoon frowned, wondering what the basis was.

Woo Seong-moon smiled and continued his words.

“I plan to provide tremendous support to Lee Hyun-wook, the commander of the Steel Company.”

Knowing the name made it seem like I had obtained very detailed information about the Steel Company.

Now that I think about it, there was a man wearing an AMT combat uniform standing next to Woo Seong-moon.

‘Cheon Myeong-ho….’

He was an officer in the Black Tiger unit and a black agent in the AMT secret intelligence department [Bihyeongrang].

Because of this, it was not widely known, but he was the best assassin player.

“So, what does this tremendous support mean? There’s no way we can provide something from outside….”

“I plan to tell you about the portal leading to the government [Arsenal No. 2] in the Wave Zone.”

Kang Seo-yoon I was a little surprised when I heard those words.

Yes, the fastest way to strengthen a player’s power was, of course, ‘items’.

“Damn, how great it would be if it came out like this a long time ago. Isn’t it just that I’m going to waste it if I save it?”

At those words, Woo Seong-moon stretched out his arms and made a gesture of being unfair.

“Haha… what do you do if you have a weapon? “There has to be a warrior to wield it.”

The government decided that a warrior who could save Seoul had appeared.

***

As the sun was setting, a line of vehicles entered the playground of O Elementary School.

Citizens of the shelter gathered at the window and watched the scene.

“…come!”

“There are four buses! “I think I got almost everything!”

“Ha… I’m so glad…”

Lee Jeong-jun and his companions who remained here came out and guarded the surroundings.

About a hundred people got off the bus and entered the shelter safely.

At that moment, the tension seemed to have eased and several people began to burst into tears.

“Hmm… I lived….”

“Oh mom, don’t cry… ugh—”

Before I knew it, I was in tears at school.

“Thank you so very much!”

“I really thought I was going to die together with my daughter…”

They shed tears and repeatedly thanked the Steel Company.

Kidnapping, confinement, sacrifice… It was an indescribably horrible experience, so it was natural.

“Everything is okay now….”

“If you stay here, you will never be caught again.”

Citizens inside the shelter came out and comforted them. Since they were also trembled with fear after being attacked by monsters, they could empathize to some extent with how afraid the kidnapped people must have been.

and…….

“…Jiho!”

“Huh? Hope!”

Hope and Jiho, two little friends, reunited.

“Is it true that you asked these soldiers to save me?”

“huh! that’s right!”

“Thank you! You are my real friend!”

At first, it was such a heartwarming scene…

“These people are real heroes! That’s why I asked for a special request! Good job, right?”

“Yes! But Hope, honestly, I know better!”

“…huh? why?”

Hope’s face hardened at Jiho’s declaration that ‘I know better’.

“Hope, you haven’t seen soldiers fighting, right? “I saw it right in front of me!”

“Uh, I…”

“Right? You didn’t see it? Hehe, should I tell you how cool it was?”

“Hey! Shin Ji-ho! Anyway, I found out about these soldiers first!”

Who is closer, who knows better, who knew first, etc….

Like kids, they started complaining about trivial things.

‘After all, kids…’

While Lee Hyun-wook was thinking like that, Park Jun-mo approached them.

“Now, two sides shouldn’t fight against each other.”

He placed his hands on the heads of the two children and smiled kindly.

“Honestly, it’s because of Hope that the guys came out, right?”

“yes that’s right!”

“And Jiho held on bravely until the men came, right?”

“yes! “I was really scared, but I endured it well!”

“Hey—so they’re both amazing? If one of them wasn’t there, we’d be in big trouble!”

That guy seemed to be quite good at making things up with kids.

And in fact, those words differed depending on who said it.

If something is done by an unreliable person, even children tend to ignore it.

Park Jun-mo, an F-class soldier who was once endlessly ignored.

The guy now looked like an undeniable hero.

As the people in the shelter slowly began to find stability, night fell.

“Now, I’m really going to rest today.”

Lee Hyun-wook ordered a break rather early.

Because tomorrow there was going to be an even more hellish battle.

‘Tomorrow afternoon, the Anyang duo will attack the third erosion factor.’

Thus, only one source of erosion remains in the wave zone.

‘If that happens… [additional events] will occur this time too.’

Additional Events It was one of the words players hated the most.

The system’s back tackle that always comes whenever unexpected success is achieved…

From Lee Hyun-wook’s experience, when the three erosion factors are targeted, the growth of the last remaining erosion factor progresses rapidly. In this way, it becomes a ‘complete body’ and welcomes the players.

‘The last remaining erosion factor is the ironclad beetle of Mt. Cheongryong.’

Ironclad poisonous insect

If Helet was like a wave sweeping the earth, they were like a storm covering the sky.

A disaster that eats away even concrete buildings and completely erases all traces of human existence…

Like the ‘armored poisonous spider’ we encountered earlier at the Seoul Station Unlucky event, its outer shell is made of iron armor.

There were so many of them that Lee Hyun-wook’s metal control would not have been able to dominate the battlefield.

‘And Chu Kyo-yong… he will subtly interfere with the operation.’

I had already prepared a way to deal with that guy, but I couldn’t help but be nervous.

Chu Kyo-yong is a grade A player. As of now, her ranking is higher than Kim Kang-seok or Seo Eun-ha.

If I let my guard down, everything would be in vain in an instant.

At that time, the communications squad leader came and presented a large capacity mana messenger.

“This is a message from Sergeant Lee Hyun-wook and the battalion commander.”

“……huh?”

It had already been reported once about two hours ago, right after the erosion factors were removed.

However, if I suddenly received a call like this, it definitely meant that something had happened.

“This is loyal sergeant Lee Hyun-wook.”

– I’m sorry, Sergeant Lee Hyun-wook…

Kim Kang-seok’s voice was full of embarrassment.

“Say yes.”

– The government is strongly demanding that we know your Mana Messenger pattern. I’ve been blocking him over and over again, but this time, a significant higher-up appeared…

Here, the ‘Mana Messenger Pattern’ was a kind of phone number.

In other words, they were pressuring me to give them my contact information.

“Um… yes, then I will contact you.”

Honestly, it was annoying.

Even if you maintain contact with high-ranking government officials, you will receive little support at this time and there is a high possibility that you will only give useless advice.

‘But if Kim Kang-seok is so desperate, he is quite high up among his superiors.’

Although Lee Hyun-wook is making a huge contribution right now,

A ball that falls outside the eyes of those in power could actually become poisonous.

There is no choice but to combine it to some extent….

Soon, an unfamiliar voice came through the Mana Messenger.

– Chic— I am Woo Seong-moon, head of the National Gate Response Strategy Office.

‘A big guy is a big guy.’

Woo Seong-moon could be considered the number one player among government players.

There were public officials ranked higher than him, but he was by far the best in terms of influence.

– There is no need to introduce yourself, so can we get straight to the point?

“Say yes.”

– I will give you the address and access rights to the portal entrance to the government’s [Arsenal No. 2]. I hope that we can use that to successfully attack all erosion factors… and save Seoul.

It was a short and concise request.

‘It is the government’s second arsenal, that is, the second largest and most important arsenal among the state-affiliated arsenals.’

The actual location was unknown, and even Lee Hyun-wook did not know.

At first glance, it is said that it is a space without a physical entrance in the first place and can only be entered through a portal hidden in a secret location.

‘It would have been a considerable force just by using the battalion weapons depot, but it was a government arsenal rather than a brigade arsenal…’

If used well, the scope of firepower could be increased several times.

– Chick— Is that possible? I wish I could tell you it’s possible.

“I’ve been lucky twice so far. I hope to continue to be lucky and I’ll work hard.”

After that, Woo Seong-moon told them where the secret portal was hidden.

– There is just one problem.

“Say yes.”

– According to the portal manager’s report, I don’t know why, but there seem to be an unusually large number of undead, including zombie trolls, lurking nearby. Based on my experience, I predict that it will be difficult to break through with your troops alone… Troop support will come from the 3rd Port Horse Brigade.

Honestly, I didn’t need any support.

In particular, if you were an executive, you could experience some discomfort during the operation.

But there was no need to complain here.

– …Join them tomorrow and proceed with the operation. How are you going to be okay?

“Yes, I understand. But I want to check one thing just in case.”

– Yes, say it.

“Of course I think so, but there are a lot of expensive weapons in Armory No. 2. Even if they are lost during the battle… it’s not our responsibility, right?”

The reason I ask this is because I felt like I was going to lose quite a bit in many ways.

It pours like rain and sometimes you get a taste of it…

– Of course. However, I hope soldiers will realize that loss and embezzlement are different.

‘But embezzlement and absorption are two different things… um…’

There must have been a lot of very high quality metal in the armory.

There must have been quite a few material items, but I didn’t even know there might be adamant or orihalcon.

Even though it is not a raw stone, it is processed and refined, so it is of much higher purity….

gulp-

At that moment, Lee Hyun-wook felt his mouth watering and was quite embarrassed.

No matter what, I swallowed my saliva while thinking about the piece of metal… I felt ashamed.

‘Damn, I’m also seriously ill.’

***

The next morning.

Three armored reconnaissance vehicles escaped from the 3rd Port Horse Brigade headquarters in Yongsan.

There were 12 members of the brigade headquarters attack company on board.

They were ordered to join the ‘Steel Company’ and actively support their operations.

However, it was very hurtful to their pride.

“Damn, is it true that the commander of that proud steel company is a soldier?”

Sergeant Kim Dong-hoon, a muscular man in the backseat of the lead vehicle, asked.

“No, our youngest is a sergeant with the 5th rank of sergeant, but he is a company commander who is really a soldier? Wow, this is outrageous… No, is he a soldier for nothing? Aren’t he a surplus of personnel left behind after not being able to be selected due to lack of ability?”

If you look at it simply based on rank, it would be undesirable to support a unit that only had soldiers.

At those words, the man in the passenger seat, Captain Ko Jin-han, the platoon leader, chuckled.

“Hey Kim Dong-hoon, but weren’t you a soldier too?”

“Platoon leader, haven’t I become fully mature after so much time has passed?”

“It seems like time flowed in the wrong direction…”

Kim Dong-hoon scrunched up his scary face and made an expression of great injustice.

“Anyway, I honestly find it hard to believe! Do you all think it makes sense?”

“Hey, what are you going to do? They’re the heroes of Wave recognized by the government, so if you criticize them, you’re criticizing them.”

“Ah! Is there any evidence of that? Are those guys playing a prank…?”

“…….”

“Perhaps you are the commander of the operation and you treat me poorly and make me do something dangerous, so what should I do?”

As Kim Dong-hoon continued to whine, Ko Jin-han seemed a little annoyed.

“Oh, that’s loud! Hey, then, why don’t you show some discipline when you say hello? Being disciplined is your specialty, right?”

“Oh! Is that okay? You pretend not to be a platoon leader, but aren’t you feeling the same way as me?”

Go Jinhan smiled bitterly at those words.

He had hit the nail on the head a bit.

“No, it’s not similar to you… It’s a bit bitter to think of a soldier giving orders to me, isn’t it?”

The atmosphere in an organization called the military was usually like that.

No matter how the situation is, the ‘class’ exists as an absolute law.

In particular, it was difficult to tolerate a soldier commanding an officer.

“Then, as soon as we make eye contact, I’ll start cracking open a joint!”

“B—please….”

Meanwhile, we arrived at our destination.

It was a residential area on the outskirts of Seoul.

“Now, let’s get off and move from here.”

The 3rd platoon was equipped with weapons and entered the alley, keeping watch in all directions.

I couldn’t help but be nervous because I had received reports that all kinds of undead were lurking around here.

“Sergeant, please radio to see where they are.”

It was then.

– Chic— This is the Steel Company. Do not approach during the current battle!

It was a fairly urgent warning message.

Kim Dong-hoon was even offended by those words.

“Huh—no shit, who’s warning who now and telling them not to approach?”

And soon the noise of the battle began to be heard.

Thump—thump—thump—thud—

The sound of earth-shaking footsteps was very close.

They tensed and raised their weapons.

Right at that moment….

Kwa——ang——!

The wall on the side collapsed and a green giant popped out.

“shit! It’s a zombie troll! Ready for battle!”

As if he had been pushed back by something he didn’t say, he stepped back and trampled everything.

“Prepare a freezing spell to tie the legs in front of the tank!”

They were very nervous because they knew very well how dangerous the zombie troll was.

But then something strange caught their eyes.

A huge sword much larger than a human body flew towards the troll.

Per——Seok——!

With that blow, the zombie troll’s head was cut off and thrown onto the roof of the house across the street.

The headless body fell backwards helplessly and crushed a building.

Coo coo coo…….

The house collapsed, thick smoke billowed out, and blood poured out like a fountain from the troll’s severed neck.

And in the background, a huge black sword stood tall in the air.

yes–

“…What is that?”

Kim Dong-hoon muttered that with a blank expression.

It was a scene I had never seen before during my short career as a player.

At that time, someone walked out of the hazy smoke on the side of the collapsed wall.

He was a man wearing an AMT combat uniform. His left hand was pointing toward the large sword.

And the moment his left hand falls

Sigh——!

The giant sword fell and became embedded in the asphalt.

Soon the hazy smoke cleared and the scenery between the collapsed buildings behind the man came into view.

In the ruined residential area, two zombie trolls were spread out like cattle in a slaughterhouse.

“crazy…….”

Yes. A total of three zombie trolls were hunted in this area alone.

And no matter how I looked at it, the person who did it seemed to be just that man.

In front of that scene, the members of the 3rd Strategy Platoon at the brigade headquarters were unable to say anything for some reason.

– Chick— This is the end of the Steel Company battle. You can now approach. more-

“Platoon leader… do you know where he belongs? “I don’t think it’s a joke…”

Kim Dong-hoon whispered like that.

If he had that level of skill, he was at a high level even within AMT.

In other words, he was bound to be quite famous.

However, this was the first time Go Jinhan had seen him.

“Um… who is there?”

Go Jin-han asked cautiously, and the man turned around and gave a raised hand salute.

“ah?”

Kim Dong-hoon, who was standing next to Ko Jin-han, saluted without realizing it, then hesitated and lowered his arm.

“My name is Sergeant Lee Hyun-wook, the steel company commander.”

“ah….”

“Are you the 2nd strategy platoon from the brigade headquarters that supported our operation?”

When he faced him squarely in the face, he didn’t dare think of anything like discipline.