Execution Force.
Internationally known as the "Execution Force," it's a special unit dedicated to combating Ma-in.
Its predecessors can be considered the special forces of the pre-Gate era such as SWAT, DevGru, Delta Force, Special Forces, and UDT.
While the special forces of that period were ard groups created with various enemies and situations in mind.
The Execution Force that erged after the Gate era differed in that its purpose was to respond to the world situation reorganized into a human versus Ma-in structure.
Because they benchmarked the Korean case, which first established this concept and created the unit, almost all countries that still maintained civilization and systems even after the Gate era continued to follow the na "Execution Force."
Of course, their detailed compositions and doctrines developed differently according to their respective environnts.
However, the concept of an ard group that protects citizens and society against Ma-in functioned as an indispensable "national force" in any country.
"The detailed organizational chart of this Execution Force is not publicly disclosed. It's impossible to grasp the entirety of the organization unless you're among the very few core stakeholders."
Instructor Kim Cheol-han said, tapping the blackboard.
"But the fact that each unit is distinguished by numbering, such as Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, is well-known even among the general public. So units also have different unit images according to their representative roles, like one specialized in supporting, another in intelligence, and so on."
Now, Instructor Kim Cheol-han looked around at the cadets.
"Do you know why they distinguish by numbers rather than giving special nas like this?"
"Isn't it for security purposes?"
At Park Chang-jun's question, Instructor Kim Cheol-han nodded.
"Superficially, that's correct. But in fact, it's not. How many people don't know that Unit 2 is the reversal unit led by Captain Son Ji-gwang?"
"Ah."
"That's true."
"There's a different real reason. Any idea what it might be?"
"I understand it's a symbolic asure to show that all unit mbers are one under the cause of repelling Ma-in, without becoming attached to the unit's identity."
Su-hyeon said.
"Correct. That's the ideology of our seniors who had to fight together with desperate hearts under the crisis of human extinction. Therefore, we who follow them proudly inherit and continue their teachings."
Instructor Kim Cheol-han cleared his throat with a cough.
"My introduction was long. Let's move to the main topic. Jeong Su-hyeon, Seo Jun-seong, Hwang Ji-su, Lee Yu-jin, Hong In-hyeon. These five, step forward."
The cadets who were called stepped forward.
"These five have earned the right to participate in the internship practice next sester. In other words, I've gathered the first to fifth places."
Led by top student Jeong Su-hyeon and runner-up Seo Jun-seong.
Third place Hwang Ji-su, fourth place Lee Yu-jin, and fifth place Hong In-hyeon acquired the tickets for the internship practice.
'Below them are Choi Mina, Kim A-yun, Kwon Seung-yeon, Nam Tae-hoon, and Park Chang-jun. Though Choi Mina and Kim A-yun are on an upward trend, they're still a bit short of surpassing Hong In-hyeon.'
Su-hyeon thought.
"As you know, in the second year, all cadets go for internship practice to various units of the Execution Force. Based on the report card received during that year, you get to choose a unit once more in the third year."
Instructor Kim Cheol-han made eye contact with each of the remaining 25 cadets, whose faces showed a mix of jealousy, envy, and frustration.
"These five outperford you, and thus received better opportunities. It's a deserved result."
"Yes, sir."
"However, if you continue to strive without disappointnt, by the ti you graduate, you will stand in a position quite different from now."
"That's right!"
"Compare with your grades at the ti of admission. No one would have predicted that Jeong Su-hyeon would be at the very front like this. The growth of Choi Mina and Kim A-yun, though they didn't make it into the top 5, is also remarkable."
anwhile, cadets like Kim Ho-su and Park Chang-jun were among those whose rankings had relatively dropped.
"So, don't be complacent. Understood?"
Instructor Kim Cheol-han's gaze turned to the five cadets.
"Yes!"
"I told you at the beginning of the sester. Laziness here ans elimination."
"Yes, sir."
"But you weren't lazy, and you made such great progress that even we were surprised. I want to praise you."
"......"
The five cadets bowed their heads at the sincere recognition from their horoom Instructor, who was usually sparing with praise.
"Good, then let's start with Jeong Su-hyeon, the top student. The units that designated you as their first priority are Unit 1, Unit 2, and Unit 4."
"Wooooah!"
The cadets all marveled as three of the most famous maker units were nad in succession.
"...And Unit 10 and Unit 11."
"Wow."
"Five units picked him as first priority?"
"Insane."
"The units that chose you as their second priority are Unit 5, Unit 7, Unit 9, and Unit 12."
"Good heavens."
"He's hogging everything, hogging everything."
"...And Unit 13 also designated you as their third priority."
"Isn't that a unit where only Lycanthrope-type Awakened can enter?"
At Kwon Seung-yeon's question, Instructor Kim Cheol-han smiled with a strange expression.
"They said they would treat him as an honorary Lycanthrope if he'd co."
"...Wow."
'That's quite sothing.'
Su-hyeon was inwardly amazed.
[You've been designated as first priority by as many as five units!]
[Achievent points 200 awarded!]
"As you know, Unit 1 is called the strongest unit even within the Execution Force, an elite unit. They have a tradition of never designating anyone but the top student."
Instructor Kim Cheol-han wrote "Unit 1" largely on the blackboard.
'Still as cruel as ever.'
A thod to stimulate competitive spirit by focusing the spotlight on the top student.
Truly a rciless way befitting EFAC.
"anwhile, Unit 2 is the unit led by Captain Son Ji-gwang, whom you all t previously. Composed of warriors of reversal, it's certainly a unit worthy of being called one of the twin pillars of the Execution Force along with Unit 1. It's also the unit where the current student council president, Min Hae-na, went for internship practice during her first year."
'Hae-na-sunbae?'
'That sunbae?'
Different emotions appeared on the faces of Hwang Ji-su and Lee Yu-jin.
"It's not common for those two units to choose the sa person simultaneously."
Instructor Kim Cheol-han said.
"On the other hand, Unit 3 is a unit where Awakened with wide-area type abilities, who exert the greatest dominance on the battlefield, form the mainstream. It's famous for Awakened with various special abilities changing and dominating the tide of battle."
By the way, this unit designated Seo Jun-seong as their first priority, added Instructor Kim Cheol-han.
"Unit 4 is famous for having the most tenacious spirit among the maker units. Unit 10 has many mbers specialized in unard combat, and Unit 11 is mostly composed of swordsn."
"Unit 4 would suit him well too."
"Isn't it crazy that both Unit 10 and Unit 11 designated Jeong Su-hyeon as their first choice? It ans he's the best with both bare hands and swords."
"anwhile, Unit 5 specializes in frontal assaults, Unit 7 in intelligence warfare, and Unit 9 is a mobile unit specialized in tracking. It's also noteworthy that all three of these units wanted Jeong Su-hyeon as their second priority."
"...!"
After thoroughly scratching the cadets' competitive spirit and pride, Instructor Kim Cheol-han said:
"Runner-up Seo Jun-seong received first priority designation from Unit 3 and Unit 6, and second priority from both Unit 1 and Unit 2."
'Unit 6 gives off the feeling of artillery that bombards the battlefield with firepower from a distance. It's different from Unit 3, but it's one of the units that matches best with Seo Jun-seong.'
Su-hyeon understood on his own.
"And next..."
Eventually, after announcing the designation rankings for Hwang Ji-su, Lee Yu-jin, and Hong In-hyeon as well, Instructor Kim Cheol-han put down the attendance book firmly on the desk.
"That's all. You should apply for your desired unit within two days."
"Understood."
"This concludes the assembly."
"Thank you for your hard work!"
As soon as Instructor Kim Cheol-han went outside, everyone crowded around Su-hyeon.
"Hey, which one are you going to choose?"
Hwang Ji-su asked.
"Hmm. Well. There are more than I expected."
"You need to make your decision first so we can choose well too."
"Hmm."
Su-hyeon stroked his chin.
"I need to think about it for a day and decide."
"Oh, really?"
Hwang Ji-su quickly closed the distance with Su-hyeon.
"If you're not interested in Unit 1 or Unit 4, let
have it. I'll give you coffee gift cards."
"Hmm?"
Seeing Su-hyeon's ears perk up, Lee Yu-jin also swiftly approached and perford a sleeve insertion.
"Double."
"What?"
"Unconditionally double. I want to go to one of Unit 4, Unit 5, or Unit 11."
Seeing the lobbying happening in real-ti, Seo Jun-seong and Hong In-hyeon vigorously scratched their heads.
"Should we also do sothing?"
"...It seems so."
??????°??☆????°??????
That night, I received a call from Team Leader Song Young-hwan.
"Oh my, Su-hyeon!"
"Team Leader Song, it's been a while."
"Yes, it certainly has been! I heard you even defeated Hae-na? Congratulations!"
"Thank you."
"Hmm, I've been priding myself on being the first to recognize your talent, but looking back, I didn't fully see your complete capabilities either. Haha. That bold young boy has beco so..."
Having guessed the intention behind his roundabout talk of the past, I chuckled.
'He must be trying to scout .'
Since Unit 12 had designated
as their second priority, not first, objectively speaking, there was less justification for
to choose them.
"You must have been disappointed. I've been supporting you all along, but our captain pushed for Yu-jin as the first priority because he thought the competition would be too fierce."
"I see."
"But in my heart, you've always been the first priority. If you co to our unit, I'll do whatever it takes to..."
"Ahem."
While silently listening to his lengthy speech, I drew an X next to the na of Unit 12.
"I'll consider it positively."
It ant I wouldn't go.
"Hahaha. Yes, yes, don't feel too pressured. Hmm. Yes. Get so rest now."
"Yes, I hope you have a peaceful night, Team Leader."
Click.
After hanging up the phone, I exhaled deeply and fell into contemplation.
'...I should go to that unit after all.'
Having set it as my goal from the beginning.
The answer was as good as decided already.
'Then shall I go?'
"What's up, where are you going?"
Nam Tae-hoon, who had been sleeping soundly with a comic book on his face, asked.
"Virtual combat room."
"You're crazy. That's a sickness at this point."
"Since I need to rest from physical exercise for a few days, I should at least do this."
"Whew, you're relentless."
"I'm going."
??????°??☆????°??????
There are many advantages to virtual combat, but one of them is that you can train as if in normal condition even if your body is injured.
[Connection successful.]
'I feel light.'
In my current avatar state, both the internal and external injuries I suffered from Seo Jun-seong and Min Hae-na were healed as if washed away.
'It would take a few more days to return to this state in reality.'
The virtual opponent I set for myself was a Ma-in with the strength of A- rank, no less.
Unless you're among the top Instructors like Kim Cheol-han or Oh Chang-seong, subduing this level of Ma-in alone is quite difficult.
'I could have a good fight with Min Hae-na too.'
But now that I've absorbed more than 70% of the mandrake and greatly increased my mana quantity, I can handle even this level of Ma-in, which is one weight class higher.
'After completely absorbing it, I could aim for the highest B-rank level or even the beginning of B
in terms of pure mana quantity.'
This level of growth at the end of the first sester of the first year was truly unprecedented.
'Especially when thinking about my state at the ti of admission.'
At this rate, I could definitely reach A-rank in the second sester.
'But I still have a long way to go. I'll have to face even stronger opponents from now on.'
"Child, are you getting distracted in front of ?"
Claws, or in English, "claw."
The elderly man who extended long blades like claws, reminiscent of Wolverine, exuded a considerably dangerous atmosphere despite his gaunt appearance.
"Chamsalgwi."
"Oh, my na still remains to this day? How curious."
The Ma-in's eyes flashed with sticky killing intent as he laughed leisurely.
'A perverse murderer notorious for always cruelly tearing apart the limbs of his victims.'
He terrorized the Yeongnam region with his excessive brutality and gained notoriety for surviving more than three weeks despite the Execution Force's persistent pursuit.
Strong magical energy worthy of an estimated A- rank, worn and honed fighting techniques, and the craftiness unique to an old hand.
Originally, he would have been an opponent to set as a virtual adversary in the second sester, but now I could handle him without much difficulty.
"Old man."
"My, what a bold youngster."
There was no courtesy to spare for the likes of a Ma-in.
"Ten exchanges."
"What?"
"I'll defeat you within ten exchanges."
"Hahaha!"
The Ma-in's expression, which laughed as if dumbfounded, distorted like that of a vicious demon.
"Let's see you try."
I was curious to see how long his imposing presence would last.
"Gladly."
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