◈ Episode 060

After breaking through the defense line, it was easy.

After sweeping through once, the soldiers didn't even dare to pursue. Kim I-hyeon and his group boarded the helicopter before enemy reinforcements arrived and escaped with dignity and leisure.

I didn't forget to prepare for any possible tracking.

After landing the helicopter nearby, they headed to the safe house using a car prepared in advance. The helicopter will circle around another place for further disruption and then return.

Only then did it feel like the operation was over. The facilities were shabby compared to the hotels in Atlanta, but I felt at ease. Even West Creek let out a weary sigh.

And personal maintenance time.

"I'll never do it again."

It was something I heard as soon as I got out of the shower. Kim Yi-hyun looked at Chelsea while drying her wet hair with a towel. The dark circles under her frowning eyes were quite serious.

"If you order me to do it again, I won't be able to stand it. I'll kill you."

"Hey, why do you say that? It's so sad."

"I'm so sad. I'm even sadder! You said you'd let me suck your honey someday!"

Chelsea shouted, her hair all messed up, as if she had just been roughly dried. Unlike her fiery excitement, Kim Yi-hyun just tilted his head.

"Did I do that?"

I don't remember very well. I feel like I said a lot of things to bring Chelsea on a long-term business trip... How can a person remember everything he said?

'And you sucked the honey, honestly.'

Aside from Kim I-hyeon himself, Turkam was the one who suffered the most during this operation. Next were West Creek and Asterike. Meanwhile, Chelsea was only firing from a safe position.

… … It was something that couldn't even be said.

Chelsea also has a fear of heights and a fear of flying, but she played her role well. I can't praise her, but I shouldn't compare her.

"But it's good to gain more life experience. In this day and age, who else can ride a helicopter and shoot a gun? Now I have something to brag about with my drinks for the rest of my life."

"I didn't want to have that kind of experience."

"So you won't brag to anyone?"

"There's no way… I don't know… but…!"

Chelsea looked a bit embarrassed for a moment, then immediately opened her eyes again. She always changes the subject like this. This was the part that she had to be most careful about when talking to Kim Yi-hyun.

Kim Yi-hyeon smirked as if he had no choice but to stare at him persistently.

"I'll give you a vacation when you get back. You worked hard."

"And then where are you planning to take me again in a day or two?"

"No, you can get some rest."

"…Is it true? Can I really believe it this time?"

"That's right. Have you been living a life of deception?"

There are no plans to rely on Chelsea for a while. The same goes for Asterique. But that doesn't mean Kim Eui-hyun is idle either.

'I guess that day will come soon.'

There was a schedule set before we signed the business agreement with Lab. It was something that absolutely had to be done. It was much more important than the Ashbelt operation and this infiltration into Atlanta.

Of course, it's not something to worry about now. For now, the priority is to return and report. And there was one more problem that needed to be solved, even if it wasn't a headache.

"Team Leader, that person has opened his eyes."

During the break, Turkam delivered the news. He had been taking care of Ismail from the helicopter. It was not a role he wanted, but a natural one given to him by the hierarchy.

It was so-called quick processing.

"Oh, okay. How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. It's just that my body is a rag."

"For now, all we need is communication."

"Yes, that should be no problem."

"Then what."

Kim Yi-hyeon got up from his heavy body. In the fleeting moment, Turkam's face caught his eye. He looked as if he was not satisfied with something, and his feelings were complicated.

I had the same feeling all along. Ever since I abandoned Al Qamar. I had heard a detailed explanation, but it seemed like my reason and emotions were clashing to accept it without hesitation.

I decided to just say a few words.

"Relax, Inma."

"No, what did I do?"

"No, that's not true. Your face is full of complaints."

It wasn't my intention to be a nitpicker. I chose my words carefully.

"That's just the way it is. I did what I did. Because I was the commander."

"What are you talking about all of a sudden?"

"It's simple. If you really don't like it, you can be the commander next time."

Turkam closed his mouth. After a few seconds, he spoke with difficulty.

"How could I…."

"Maybe someday. I don't plan on remaining a reserve agent my whole life."

This operation was also a good opportunity for Turkam. He definitely grew. Unlike in the game where he could never really shake off the label of a perennial reserve agent.

"And if you need to, call me, and I will follow."

Of course, there was a follow-up story to this. You can do various things behind the scenes, but as long as you do well, that's fine.

It was an unnecessary aside.

It is also not good if the training period becomes too long.

"Why are you so stiff when I tried to give you some advice? I'm not even a senior in the military."

"Have you ever served in the military?"

"I went there and came back almost two years ago."

The words I just spoke will probably reach Kushan or someone else's ears. I couldn't help but think it was a good idea. Even if you searched through all the armies on the continent, you wouldn't find any records.

Perhaps this would make Kushan suspicious again. But it was too new to worry about now.

'I guess this level of distance might be good.'

I don't want to get too close to Rap. Kim Ee-hyun had no intention of interfering with Rap's actions. The ideal relationship would be one where they help each other while maintaining an appropriate distance.

"Anyway. I'll say it again, good job."

"...Yes. Thank you."

Finally, he tapped Turkam on the shoulder and passed by.

As I approached the room where Turkam had come out, I saw that the door was slightly open. A beeping sound was coming out through the gap.

I pushed open the door and went inside. The interior of the room was quite complicated. It wasn't messy, but the already narrow room was cramped with various medical devices.

The medical staff stationed at the safe house greeted him with their eyes. Kim Yi-Hyeon greeted them and looked at the bed.

"How are you feeling?"

Ismail twitched as he lay in bed. He must have heard voices outside, but he seemed oblivious to the presence of people.

"You still don't quite understand the situation?"

"…No. I heard a rough explanation from him, I think it was Turkam."

"Was it so?"

I was half relieved that I could get past the annoying part. The other half thought, 'What a waste of time.' I had to force myself to feel the grace by adding a lot of MSG.

But this was a needless worry.

"I should say this first."

Ismail forced himself to raise his upper body. He clasped his hands together as if in prayer and slowly lowered his head.

"I heard you saved my life. I sincerely thank you."

It was a sharp movement that was hard to imagine from the sight of him with bandages wrapped all over his body. Should I really say that? From his actions, it was obvious that he had received strict training.

"Is it okay if I ask your name?"

"This is Kim Lee-hyun. Just call me Hyun."

"I see. My name is Ismail Riol Pasha."

"I know your name. I've heard it here and there."

"Even if you know, the introduction process is probably important."

The attitude of speaking clearly was impressive. His personality is completely different from that in the game. The Ismail that users know is, to put it simply, cold-blooded.

'Is it because the times are different?'

Ismail joins the rap team after the destruction of Atlanta. It is bound to be traumatic. It is an event that would not be strange if values ​​were reversed.

In fact, in the side story where he recalls his past, he shows a completely different side. The prevailing opinion was that the past and present were like two different people.

"...I will ask you this, despite my shame."

Ismail lowered his head again. Unlike before, it was more appropriate to say he was slumped than bowed.

"Will you send me back?"

"You want me to send it to Atlanta?"

Ismail spoke hesitantly, perhaps his astonishment showing in his tone.

"I understand a hundred times that it sounds foolish. But… even so, I have to go back."

He chewed his chapped lips.

"My country is burning. As the son of Kashmir Pasha, as a follower of Shamakh…! I must fulfill my duty."

"Shahmah? I didn't see any religious people there."

"It's an old faith. It can also be said to be outdated. There aren't many devout believers anymore… but for some reason, I feel that way. When I read the scriptures, my mind becomes at ease."

It was a backstory I didn't know about. In the game, Ismail seems to have abandoned his faith when Atlanta was destroyed by the Dangerous Numbers.

'It may have been mentioned somewhere.'

It wasn't Kim Yi-hyeon's fault. After all, he's a male character. Likes and dislikes for agents tend to be divided based on gender.

"Well, I get the point."

"Really?"

Ismail suddenly raised his head.

"I'm sorry for saying such shameless things. If there's anything I can do to repay you...."

"I didn't say I would send it."

The once cheerful face hardened. Kim Yi-hyun opened his mouth coldly as he witnessed the slow-motion-like change in expression.

"I went through so much trouble to save you. I can't just let you commit suicide."

"Suicide? I never thought of that…."

"It's suicide. It's a dog's death."

It's obvious what will happen. I won't be able to infiltrate and will be caught at the border. I'll be dragged back to the execution grounds and this time I'll be a corpse with my tongue hanging out.

"If you die, will a hundred or so people survive? No, it's not. It's actually a minus. What will happen to the people who thought you survived and held onto some hope?"

Ismail could not bring himself to refute her and just grabbed the bedsheets. His forearms were throbbing like crazy as he squeezed them. Even his body, tattered from the brutal torture, was cursed.

"Even so, I must be there. I was taught that one must die the way one lived. I must be buried in the land of my homeland, like my father."

"You don't understand what I'm saying."

Kim Lee-hyun twitched his ear.

"It's telling us to try harder rather than just do nothing. I said I heard the explanation. Do you know where we belong?"

"I heard it was called Cellbrox Lab… but I don't know the details yet."

It seems Turkam wasn't sure how much he should reveal. He needed to supplement it without going overboard.

"It's called a research lab, but we do a variety of things. Strictly speaking, I'm not affiliated with the lab, but that doesn't matter. At least we'll continue to cooperate while dealing with the Legion."

Ismail's eyes became serious at the word Legion. He was finally beginning to understand what was being said.

"If you want to drive them out of Atlanta, follow us. Meet with the director of the lab and convince him. That's the most likely way to do it. I don't know if he'll listen to you."

The conversation between the two is not difficult to predict. If it were Ismail now, he would be rolling around in Kushan's palm. Kushan would also be frustrated with his tightly shut appearance.

All things considered, there is no change to the fact that it is the most ideal ending. Although he is cold and calculating, Kushan is ultimately a central figure in the rap. He is fundamentally good-natured.

"What happens to your country is up to you. You just have to do it right."

Ismail looked down as if he was deep in thought at Kim Yi-hyeon's words. The silence continued for about ten seconds. Then, a trembling breath was heard.

"...Thank you, Hyun."

"If you know, you can pay me back later."

"Let's do that."

He chuckled softly. Then he touched his face in surprise. I couldn't even tell how long it had been since he had smiled.

"I'm planning to leave tomorrow. Take a rest today."

After finishing the conversation, Kim Hyun turned his back. There was a word buried in his throat that he didn't utter. It was a hypothesis about Atlanta's future.

'Kushan won't deploy personnel right away, right?'

If it was Kushan, he would likely gather information and see when it was time. It was a necessary process, and Ismail would understand. However, there was another problem.

'I wonder how the legion will turn out.'

Mithril's Betrayal.

If you notice, there will be some action from the Legion as well. There may be a conflict before the agents head to Atlanta.

The battlefield will naturally be Atlanta. There is no telling how fierce the battle will be and how many civilians will die in the aftermath.

… … It was something that didn't need to be said.