Blood Demon of the Past Life – Chapter 79

Chapter 79: The Tenth Trial （10）

Kim Chun-sik looked bewildered.

It was a completely unexpected development, but the people sitting there didn’t seem fazed at all, as if they already knew.

Lieutenant General Lee Cheol-woo spoke.

“As this incident has proven, the military as a group is like a frog in a well. We actively resolve incidents and accidents that occur in Korea, but we leave matters involving monsters beyond our control or incidents in the world beyond dimensions entirely to the Hunter Management Bureau. I believe the negative perception of the military stems from this difference. Our capabilities are limited, and there are inherent boundaries. So, naturally, there’s a widespread perception that the Hunter Management Bureau is at the top, and the military follows below.”

It was bitter.

Within this unbalanced system, some in the military, like Lee Cheol-woo, dreamed of change.

“Actually, this wasn’t my original plan. But watching Sergeant Kim Chun-sik bravely carry out his duty, I thought maybe I could proceed with the project that I had only been thinking about. The Hunter Management Bureau operates special units like the Rangers, who demonstrate comprehensive capabilities, don’t they? The root of people’s perception actually lies in the role of the Rangers, which plays a significant part. In that sense, I intend to establish a special unit within the Capital Defense Command to perform tasks similar to theirs. Of course, there are special units within the military composed of ‘Hunters,’ but they are such a rare human resource that they are strictly managed and deployed only when necessary. Rather than that, I believe we need a special unit that can engage in more comprehensive activities, like the Ranger unit.”

A special unit.

It was Lieutenant General Lee Cheol-woo’s ambition.

If a special unit composed of ordinary soldiers like Kim Chun-sik could become active, the military could exert its influence in more areas than it currently does. This doesn’t mean he intends to gain power through it. As a soldier brimming with pride, Lieutenant General Lee Cheol-woo wanted to at least slightly adjust the imbalance with the Hunter Management Bureau.

“The size of the special unit will be a platoon. Your current rank doesn’t suit a platoon leader, so considering the special circumstances, we’ll transition you to an officer position and promote you to Second Lieutenant. And if you show sufficient performance as part of the special unit, I promise you’ll receive not only promotions but also rewards accordingly. What do you say? I, Lee Cheol-woo, am not someone who will overlook your efforts as you dedicate yourself to this country. I will definitely support Sergeant Kim Chun-sik from above.”

It was an exceptional offer.

As the world changed, ‘officer ranks’ could only be secured through a strict system, but Lieutenant General Lee Cheol-woo was making an unconventional personnel decision using his authority. It was an attractive proposition. In the current world, the rank of Second Lieutenant comes with a considerable salary, as well as benefits and pensions, enough to support a family.

The problem was…

It was dangerous.

The missions that Lee Cheol-woo was talking about were ones that required unwavering dedication and sacrifice.

That’s why the rewards were so substantial, and for Kim Chun-sik, who wanted to live a long life with his grandmother, it was a difficult offer to accept.

‘But…’

He fell into contemplation.

A life where he had to rush into danger every day.

Wouldn’t there be something he could gain in return?

And above all, through this operation, he realized that strength was absolutely necessary to survive in this world. Whether it was for Kang San or his grandmother. He needed enough strength to overcome the crises that threatened those around him. If he hadn’t been a soldier, he wouldn’t have been able to make any effort to save Kang San, would he?

Perhaps…

Maybe from the moment he chose to enlist in the military, he had wished for a life like this.

After much deliberation, Kim Chun-sik spoke.

“…I’ll accept the offer. But I have a request.”

✦✦✦✦✦✦

Kim Chun-sik’s request.

It was related to Kang San.

After Kim Chun-sik left, Lieutenant General Lee Cheol-woo heard a detailed explanation from Major Choi Seong-jae.

“…Actually, the presence of that man named Kang San was very significant in this mission. I heard that he risked his life to save Sergeant Kim Chun-sik. It seems Sergeant Kim Chun-sik couldn’t bear to leave his lifesaver to die.”

“Ha ha ha, is that so?”

Lee Cheol-woo laughed as if pleased.

The final request.

He liked it even more.

The true soldiers in Lee Cheol-woo’s mind weren’t those who blindly devoted themselves to the organization.

“You see, I don’t believe that the true meaning of national power is determined by the number of S-rank Hunters or our military strength. It’s the ordinary citizens who support the nation. Depending on their thoughts and how they perceive this country, a nation that appears to be built high can crumble even in a light breeze or withstand even a typhoon. If a country is controlled by a specific minority, hasn’t history repeatedly proven that it will eventually be manipulated and destroyed by that minority? If the Hunter Management Bureau were to have any ill intentions, our military wouldn’t be able to do anything.”

“That’s correct.”

“In that sense, I like people with individual will. I don’t mean they must sacrifice themselves for the country. It’s the strong will to protect one’s family, one’s people. Those wills come together to form a nation. Beside the people I want to protect are the citizens of this country, and in the process of protecting my people, I end up saving them too. That accumulates and becomes a nation, national power. Do as Sergeant Kim Chun-sik wishes. And during the process of forming the platoon, if it’s something he wants, provide him with whatever he needs within reason.”

Creak.

He leaned back.

His lips curled.

Watching Kim Chun-sik reminded him of his own passionate youth.

“If Sergeant Kim Chun-sik… no, if Second Lieutenant Kim Chun-sik demonstrates sufficient ability… I’ll support him from above with all my might, as promised.”

✦✦✦✦✦✦

Military Hospital.

A group of people hurried their steps there.

“Where is he?”

“I hear he’s in a private room now.”

At the forefront.

Was Major Lee Ho-jun.

He was a military doctor and an Awakened with abilities in mental healing. Though only in his late 20s, his skills were recognized, leading to a rapid promotion to Major. The reason he, someone who rarely made a move, appeared at the Military Hospital was because he received an order from Lieutenant General Lee Cheol-woo.

To treat Kang San.

It was Kim Chun-sik’s request.

Kim Chun-sik, in exchange for accepting the special unit mission, asked for maximum support to help Kang San wake up.

Major Lee Ho-jun reviewed the chart as he walked.

“All his vitals are normal, but he’s not regaining consciousness. Then it could mean something mental is preventing the patient from waking up. By the way, who is this guy that orders are coming from so high up? He’s just a D-rank Hunter in the end.”

“…I don’t know the exact details, but I heard he’s a Ranger who made a contribution in the recent Isolation incident.”

“A Ranger?”

His interest was piqued.

The recent Isolation incident.

Rumors had spread even within the military about how dangerous it was, with the appearance of an A-rank Werewolf Lord.

He had heard that the Capital Defense Force’s 3rd Battalion received commendations for this incident. The fact that a mere D-rank Hunter had accomplished something in that process made him see Kang San in a new light. In any case, Lee Ho-jun’s role was to do his best to provide treatment. Following the directions, he arrived at the room where Kang San was supposedly hospitalized.

But then.

“You?”

“It’s been a while, Major Lee Ho-jun.”

There was a familiar face.

Park Jae-man.

An A-rank Hunter, a healer belonging to the Hunter Management Bureau.

Like Lee Ho-jun, he was someone who didn’t show up for trivial matters. Yet, he had suddenly appeared at the Military Hospital.

Lee Ho-jun reacted sensitively.

“What are you doing here?”

“What am I doing here? The Hunter Management Bureau requested special treatment for a patient, so I rushed over. But if you’re getting involved, it seems the military also considers this patient special, huh?”

“None of your business. Move.”

Swoosh.

He walked past.

He opened the door, but there was no one inside.

An empty room.

As Lee Ho-jun frowned and turned to his adjutant, he heard Park Jae-man’s voice, unexpectedly.

“I heard he was urgently transferred to another location 10 minutes ago. That’s why I’m here, unable to provide treatment either.”

“Urgent transfer? With you and me here, where could they have possibly taken him?”

It didn’t make sense.

Park Jae-man, Lee Ho-jun.

They were individuals considered capable healers, yet they were bypassed, and Kang San was transferred somewhere else? In fact, Park Jae-man had shown the same reaction as Lee Ho-jun. But once the exact destination was revealed, his anger inevitably subsided.

Park Jae-man smiled.

“Hunter Emergency Center. I heard the Director there took him, saying he’d save him even if it meant risking his own life. What can we do? If someone of that level is determined to save him, there’s no better option in Korea.”

“What?”

Director Yeon Gyu-seong?

Lee Ho-jun’s face was painted with astonishment.

✦✦✦✦✦✦

A while ago.

Yeon Gyu-seong checked Kang San’s condition.

Upon learning that he hadn’t woken up even after a day, he jumped up and shouted.

“What have the military doctors been doing all this time? Request him immediately and bring him to us. We’ll save him no matter what.”

Kang San.

Was an important existence.

He was the only person his only son trusted, and Yeon Gyu-seong wouldn’t entrust his son to anyone other than Kang San. His trust had solidified even further after hearing about this incident. Kang San, of all things, had collapsed while overexerting himself to protect his comrades during a Ranger mission.

He was truly an amazing person.

Rangers were usually impossible without a spirit of sacrifice.

Just like during the previous test, Kang San threw his life away like a straw sandal to protect others. If he had been just a little selfish and looked after himself, he wouldn’t have been injured like this today, and he wouldn’t have allowed his son to participate in raids. That’s why he couldn’t stand by idly. Having reached his current position, Yeon Gyu-seong had met countless people, so he knew how special individuals like Kang San were.

He had to save him.

For his son, and for the life Kang San had lived.

And so, Kang San arrived.

The medical staff swarmed around him.

As Korea’s best medical facility, they mobilized all the talent they had to check not only his physical but also his mental condition. Yeon Gyu-seong was certain. Kang San would soon shake off his slumber and wake up. This certainty, stemming from the pride of being the best in Korea, had rarely betrayed his expectations.

However.

“…We can’t find the cause.”

“Explain it clearly.”

“Even when we check with mental magic, the patient’s condition isn’t clearly identified. There’s no physical or mental problem, but he’s unable to wake up, as if he’s fallen into a coma. It seems… this is an issue beyond our understanding. Considering the sudden appearance of the A-rank Werewolf Lord, it wasn’t a normal situation.”

“Oh dear.”

Yeon Gyu-seong’s face contorted.

What on earth was going on?

According to the testimonies of those present at the scene, Kang San had pushed himself too hard, but he had collapsed from exhaustion after the situation was resolved. It meant there were no specific circumstances indicating a problem. But if they were to give up just because the cause couldn’t be identified, they wouldn’t have brought Kang San here.

“Find the cause no matter what. If Mr. Kang San doesn’t wake up like this, how am I supposed to face Woo-bin?”

“Understood.”

The medical staff moved busily.

They spent a hectic day, focused on saving a single person.

Kang San.

However, contrary to their diagnosis of a coma, Kang San’s mind was still fully alive.

To be precise…

The moment he heard the voice announcing the mission’s completion, Kang San’s world was distorted.

『You have passed the tenth trial and tribulation.』

『The promised reward has been given.』

『A fragment of memory will be replayed.』

Scattered fragments of memory.

One of them consumed Kang San’s mind.