Steel-Eating Player Chapter 27

27. Cheongdam-dong, unexpected incident – 2

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Since you know the future, prepare for everything and take every advantage.

Items People Opportunities Everything…

That was Lee Hyun-wook’s idea.

But every time that happens, the future changes little by little and something unexpected inevitably happens.

But fortunately, so far, all those unexpected events have turned into ‘unexpected benefits.’

‘It’s a similar case this time too.’

Lee Hyun-wook was currently sitting across from Kim Kang-seok and Cheon Myeong-ho in the battalion commander’s office.

Another unexpected thing began to happen.

Kim Kang-seok opened his mouth first.

“You probably know it as Lee Hyun-wook’s Red Gate, right?”

“Yes, of course.”

The gate is usually purple in color.

But it wasn’t all like that. Depending on the properties of the gate

, such as a red gate or a blue gate,

different lights may be emitted.

Among them, if it is Red Gate…

“······Isn’t this a gate with various restrictions?”

Like the ‘Unlucky Event’ a few days ago, various restrictions are applied to the ‘dungeon’ inside the gate.

It was a difficult case in many ways, such as entry restrictions and bad rules and environment.

“that’s right. A vicious stage that preys on even veteran strategy teams… that’s the Red Gate.”

Kim Kang-seok had an expression as if he didn’t like something.

“Then, an order came from headquarters to attack the Red Gate.”

Here, the headquarters meant ‘AMT Seoul Operations Command’.

“Hmm, battalion commander, I will talk about this.”

“······Please do so.”

Next, Warrant Officer Myeong-ho Cheon began to explain the reason for calling Hyun-wook Lee.

The outline was like this.

A ‘red gate’ occurred at a building construction site in Cheongdam-dong.

Entry restrictions were limited to level 18 and below, and if the number of people below 30 entered, they could not leave until the attack was completed.

That was the rule.

“······After blocking the first eruption after the gate occurred, the Cheonghwa guild declared a solo attack.”

The Cheonghwa Guild and the 1st Battalion of the 3rd Port Horse Brigade manage the same area and jointly respond to the gate, but in the case of a ‘attack operation’ to enter a dungeon like this, only one party has the ‘right to attack’ and ‘ownership’.

The reason was simple.

Since an eruption is a battle in real space, there is a risk of civilian casualties, so ‘public safety’ must be prioritized, but dungeon raids where there is no such risk are strictly based on ‘business aspects’.

‘In other words, monopolizing makes much more money, so they compete with each other to gain the right to attack.’

Dungeon raiding was also a privatized market, and the companies that made a living from it were guilds.

however······.

“······The Cheonghwa Guild’s third attack attempt three days ago failed.”

The situation there was going in a very bad direction.

“Then, according to the treaty, shouldn’t we respond jointly from the fourth attack onwards?”

“Oh, you know it well, right? So it looks like Cheonghwa is quite angry.”

If the party with the right to attack failed to attack the gate three times, there was a ‘mutual treaty’ that required two or more organizations to ‘jointly respond’ as the organization was judged to lack attack capabilities.

If it fails again, the gate will be designated as ‘Trouble 3’ level, which is something to keep a close eye on, and a ‘coalition’ involving five or more organizations will be formed and begin a large-scale attack operation.

If the attack still fails, the final method, the deployment of the final weapon ‘S Grade’, is discussed.

According to these regulations, Red Gate in Cheongdam-dong was currently in the second ‘joint response’ stage.

“The level limit for the Red Gate in question was 18, so troops could not be dispatched carelessly… After receiving a report on the performance of the rescue team deployed in the ‘Unlucky Event’ at Seoul Station, the commander saw some potential and dispatched the troops of the rescue team. “He ordered us to participate in this operation.”

The activities of the Seoul Station Unlucky Event Rescue Team…

Yes, honestly, it was something like a miracle and an achievement worthy of high praise.

“therefore······.”

Myung-ho Cheon placed his hand on Hyun-wook Lee’s shoulder.

“······I’m really sorry, but you are the right person for this operation.”

Cheon Myeong-ho’s explanation ended there.

Kim Kang-seok shook his head and sighed.

“Ha… To be honest, it’s too dangerous. “Cheonghwa also deployed only high-level players at level 18 three times, but not a single one came back alive.”

One of the reasons why the Cheonghwa Guild was unable to support players below level 15 during the Seoul Station Unlucky event was because a significant number of promising players were dying out at the Red Gate.

“Even the fourth attack begins tonight. “It was so sudden.”

As Kim Kang-seok, he couldn’t help but feel frustrated.

Having to literally put his soldiers at risk in a battlefield where the probability of failure is overwhelmingly high, especially the soldier he cares about the most…

But Lee Hyun-wook, the beloved soldier, thought differently.

He was laughing inside.

‘I can’t believe this incredible opportunity came to me on my own…’

An unexpected event that occurs as the future changes little by little. Fortunately, this was also an opportunity.

Lee Hyun-wook also knew very well about this ‘Red Gate’ in Cheongdam-dong.

‘It is one of the gates that would later be called the cannibal gate.’

It was the worst gate, with a total of 5 failed attempts and 112 players caught.

Even though all of them were promising players from Cheonghwa, Korea’s leading guild, and would be responsible for the security and national prestige of the Republic of Korea a few years later, they were oxidized to nothing.

‘But being difficult in a game also means the rewards are huge.’

Naturally, this Red Gate spits out items of enormous value.

From his memory, he would be able to obtain the magic metal ‘Mithril’ and the expensive ‘Adamant’, and furthermore, he would be able to acquire all kinds of items that were relics of the oxidized strategy team.

‘And… there’s a pretty nice spear buried there.’

‘Achilles’ Spear’, a hero grade item,

is an item with the unique effect that wounds once stabbed will not usually heal.

That item is sleeping deep in a dungeon inside Red Gate in Cheongdam-dong.

‘If this happens… we can grow one more time just before the 4th wave.’

Lee Hyun-wook thought that and was smiling on the inside, but on the outside he had a calm expression.

At that time, Kim Kang-seok sighed again.

“H…Commander, why are you pushing this so far?”

Cheon Myeong-ho did not bother to answer.

But Lee Hyun-wook knew the reason well.

‘If Jeong Sang-sik is going to turn a blind eye, it’s probably because of the Cheonghwa guild.’

By this time, General Jeong Sang-sik, commander of the AMT Seoul Operation Command, was setting his sights on the Cheonghwa Guild.

This was because he had a terrible personal relationship with Master Yoo Jae-hyuk of the Cheonghwa Guild.

But unfortunately, Jeong Sang-sik could not beat Yoo Jae-hyuk in all aspects.

That is why I urged the AMT units under my command to achieve better results than Cheonghwa.

To win at least once, even if it’s something very small…

‘Jeong Sang-sik was a man who achieved results by using his subordinates’ lives like expendables…’

He had the style of a commander who replaces soldiers, which is common.

That is why he ordered the deployment of an offensive operation to begin tonight.

‘Did you think that person’s reckless personality would be of help to me?’

It was then.

“Ah… battalion commander?”

Cheon Myeong-ho held up his cell phone with an embarrassed look on his face.

Ugh –

a phone call was coming.

“Could it be that you are Commander?”

Chun Myeong-ho nodded with a confused face and cautiously answered the phone.

“Loyal Commander! “Yes, that’s right.”

It was polarizing for the commander to make a phone call himself.

“yes? iced coffee! “I will.”

Chun Myeong-ho looked at Kang-seok Kim and Hyun-wook Lee, then put his phone down on the table.

And switched to speakerphone.

“Commander, we are now on speaker phone.”

– So he’s listening right now?

“Loyalty! “This is Corporal Lee Hyun-wook.”

Lee Hyun-wook took notice.

– Oh, yeah, I’ve been listening to your performance all day yesterday and today, and it’s amazing! Even though I am grade F, I am really proud that I achieved this achievement and perfectly protected civilians in danger!

For a general of the rank of lieutenant general, his voice was somewhat boastful.

“yes! thank you!”

– Um, so… you heard all of that from Warrant Officer Cheon?

“Yes, it is Red Gate.”

– ······how is it? Would you like to give it a try?

I was surprised that he could say so plainly whether he was willing to risk his life.

“······If you command me, I will do it.”

– No, it’s not an order. I am asking you if you would like to volunteer for something that will be of great help to you in your future, that is, something that will be your greatest accomplishment during your AMT service.

“······.”

At that sophistry, Kim Kang-seok wrapped his head.

The fact that the three stars made the phone call was practically compulsory.

However, Lee Hyun-wook calmly continued the conversation.

“Commander, may I ask you one question?”

– Yes, yes, you can do ten or a hundred things.

“In my opinion… this operation goes beyond simply targeting a single gate, and it seems that AMT’s pride is at stake.”

– Pride? Um why?

“As a member of AMT, I can’t help but be concerned about competing with Cheonghwa Guild, which is in charge of the Seoul area. The Cheonghwa Guild side has a strong view of our AMT as inferior to them… If it is a joint attack, I think it is actually an all-out war with the Cheonghwa Guild and AMT’s pride. That’s why I’m worried if I dare to take on the pride of AMT.”

– Hmm, you… have some sense?

I emphasized that the ‘pride’ was deliberately taken.

I didn’t want to show it off, but that was probably the purpose of normal eating, so that was what prompted it.

“So, Commander, do you believe in my potential to compete with Cheonghwa?”

A moment of silence –

– Um… I mean… I’ve been here for a long time, and I can see what a soldier is just from a few stories. When I heard about your work at Seoul Station, I thought it would be perfect to entrust you with this case. . So I tried to give it up. Could this be considered a kind of belief?

It must have been not only the performance of Seoul Station that entered the commander’s ears.

Previous encounters with goblins, kobolds, orcs, etc., as well as the duel training witnessed by Warrant Officer Cheon Myeong-ho could have been reported.

In other words, rather than blindly forcing a mission, Lee Hyun-wook would have been selected as the ‘horse’ for this game based on his own information.

It was honestly welcome.

“······Then let’s do it.”

– oh? Really? Are you… can you really do it?

“Commander, if you believe in my success…”

Lee Hyun-wook had no intention of leaving empty-handed.

Get something out of this opportunity.

“I would like you to support one weapon. And if I achieve results that satisfy the commander, I hope you will give me the weapon as a reward.”

– Um, what kind of weapon are you talking about?

“I would like you to give me the ‘Fail Note’ from the Command Arsenal.”

– ······what?

“I think my ability to manipulate metal is the most suitable weapon.”

– ······.

“······”

There was a moment of silence.

Kim Kang-seok and Chun Myeong-ho also looked somewhat surprised.

Fail-Not Failnaught…

It was an arrow that never misses, used by Sir Tristan, a character in the legend of King Arthur.

It was really just one ‘arrow’, not a bow.

‘So it was a nuisance, and only dust accumulated until it came into my hands.’

Since it is an arrow, it should be used by an archer, but it was inconvenient to have to retrieve it again after firing one shot, and since it was also a clue that could identify the shooter, it was also unsuitable for assassination purposes.

It was inevitably underused in many ways. However, it did not have overwhelming destructive power. It’s just that the accuracy is amazing and the effect of ‘nullifying magic’ is endowed…

That’s why no one looked for it until Lee Hyun-wook, who handles metal freely, wrote it.

Even so, they were all surprised because it was a ‘hero’ grade item.

“Commander, if you trust me and support me, I will definitely achieve results.”

He showed confidence and nailed it once more.

OK······.

-······Yes, it’s good!

After thinking about it, it seemed like he didn’t think it was a loss-making business.

If only I could break Yoo Jae-hyuk’s arrogance by investing in an item that has no use.

Jeong Sang-sik’s competitive spirit was so enormous.

To the extent that there will be many incidents in the future that will spark that competitive spirit…

– I’ll send it to you within an hour, so make sure you get rid of the Cheonghwa guys, okay?

“yes! All right!”

***

Immediately after, Kim Kang-seok called the low-level soldiers who had been assigned to the rescue mission at Seoul Station.

Just because Lee Hyeon-wook gave the OK, he was not a lieutenant and he could not force all low-level soldiers into danger, so it was right to tell them about the dangers of this mission and receive support.

“…Now, the choice is up to you.”

When Kim Kang-seok said that after finishing the explanation, Cheon Myeong-ho became anxious.

This was because there was a strong possibility that no one would apply.

But an unexpected result emerged.

“If Corporal Lee Hyun-wook goes, I will go too.”

“I will be with you this time too. I think it will be an opportunity for growth.”

“······Well then, I too would like to participate in this operation!”

Among the low-level rescue teams deployed to Seoul Station, eight people, including An Min-tae and Park Jun-mo, volunteered.

“you······.”

As expected, the true soldier, written by Kim Kang-seok, looked somewhat moved.

“Honestly, I’m scared. But I want to see it after I close my eyes.”

Ahn Min-tae said that while looking at Lee Hyun-wook.

‘If I work with Corporal Lee Hyun-wook… I can grow even faster.’

They probably knew that no one could do it except them at that level anyway, and they were thinking that working with Lee Hyun-wook could be an ‘opportunity’ beyond any experience.

In this way, the continuation of Lee Hyun-wook’s performance has already become a solid trust.

“Corporal Lee Hyun-wook… I feel like you have become much bigger in the time I haven’t seen you.”

Chun Myeong-ho said.

Even though we only saw each other for a few days, Lee Hyun-wook was in a position that was incomparable to before.

“So I’m looking forward to the future.”

At that moment, a strange tension was felt between Kim Kang-seok and Cheon Myeong-ho.

Anyway, a ‘special attack platoon’ of 9 people, including Lee Hyun-wook, was formed.

“We’ll be meeting in 30 minutes! “Everyone is fully armed and checking skills!”

They returned to their respective living quarters and began to prepare for battle.

“You never know what will happen in the dungeon, so check it several times to make sure you haven’t missed anything when packing your gear!”

There were several types of military uniforms within the AMT.

The heaviest among them was the ‘dungeon attack type’ military uniform.

In the worst case, I would have to live in the dungeon for several days.

“Ugh, it’s heavy…”

“Park Jun-mo, that heaviness will save you.”

Lee Hyun-wook quickly finished preparing and checked the information about the new skill he had forgotten.

– congratulations! By satisfying special conditions, the ‘rigid body’ skill is greatly enhanced!

I only checked this message at the training ground and ran to the battalion commander’s office.

‘Since it absorbs the armor system, it seems to have merged with the rigid body by itself.’

When you swallow an item in this way, the corresponding skill improves.

Of course, that doesn’t mean it can rip off all metal, armor, and shields. It only applies to those that are not mixed with other ingredients and that can be swallowed in one bite.

And that was rarer than I thought.

Lee Hyun-wook confirmed the details.

[Skill Information]

– Name: Indomitable Strong Body

– Grade: C

– Effect: Temporarily ‘strengthens’ part of the body by consuming mana (20).

1 [Mana Shield]

2 [Secret Engraving]

3 [Unknown]

* If you swallow a certain amount of ‘high hardness magic metal’, your skill level will improve.

* You can ‘level up’ when you gain experience through hunting.

The existing ‘rigidization’ has been strengthened to ‘indomitable rigidification’.

Several things have been added to this.

First of all, it went up one level from D grade to C grade.

Lee Hyun-wook attempted to ‘strengthen’ his left arm. ‘

Thickness

has not increased, but it has become much harder and stronger.’

From experience, if I felt this way, my grip strength would have been about 5 times stronger.

The D grade was about three times that, so it was a significant growth.

‘Plus… I gained an additional skill.’

There were a total of 3 items, and only 1 and 2 were open.

First, he applied skill No. 1, ‘Mana Shield’, to his left hand, which was hardened.

– ‘Mana Shield’ is now open.

Woo-woo-

Something like a blurry energy began to flow around the rigid body parts.

The skin tissue hardened like metal vibrated minutely and discharged mana.

And the ‘mana shield’ functions in such a way that the flow of mana rides on the body and rotates.

This was the same principle that the scales of the ‘dragon’ cancel magic.

‘The level of beginner magic is easily offset.’

When he was called the Steel Emperor, Lee Hyun-wook’s biggest weakness was his ‘magic resistance.’

Even if I strengthened my body as much as possible, my physical defense only increased and I was helpless against magic attacks. That’s why Seo Eun-ha had to have a dedicated tanker attached to cover her in all directions.

‘I tried to somehow increase my magic resistance, but it wasn’t easy…’

There were few metals that could increase magic resistance.

To be precise, there was no metal small enough to eat.

‘This time, it’s fundamentally different.’

The most fatal flaw has been offset to some extent.

‘And the second skill secret engraving… what is this?’

– Please pick up the ‘item’ to be imprinted on your body.

Following that message, I took out an iron ball and held it.

OK······.

– Engraved.

The iron ball turned into smoke and was absorbed into my hand, and something was engraved on the skin of my left wrist.

“······Tattoo?”

It felt like tiny metal particles were engraved into my skin.

And this circle shape probably resembled an iron bead.

Let’s infuse mana there again…

Sigh –

the ‘tattoo’ came out and an iron bead was automatically held in my left hand.

“It’s pretty good?”

The ‘subspace’ function that was originally attached to the item seemed to have changed like this.

To be honest, being able to store items in the body through tattoos was incredibly portable.

The scene where Han Tae-san took out Mjolnir from his secret armor and used it came to mind.

The guy with bare hands suddenly pulled out a hammer from somewhere and swung it, so the enemies had no choice but to react.

‘I could create a fun scene.’

And that was then.

“Corporal Lee Hyun-wook! You must go to the armory immediately!”

A private in the 2nd squad told me that.

‘Palenote, it has arrived.’

Judging from the fact that it took less than an hour, it seemed to have arrived through a ‘small portal’ linked to the arsenal.

Lee Hyun-wook immediately went down to the arsenal and received the item.

It was a steel box about 50cm long and 150cm wide.

When I came back to the dormitory with it, no one was there.

The squad members seemed to have completed their combat stance and gathered in the central hallway.

When I opened the box, there was a silver arrow emitting a noble light.

[Item Information]

– Name: Sir Tristan’s Pale Note

– Effect: Tracks and hits the target once aimed, ignoring ‘magic resistance’.

‘A long time.’

This was one of the items Lee Hyun-wook used as his main weapon.

I’ve used numerous items, but there are few that are as easy to control as this one.

Unlike normal arrows, it was because everything from the collar to the tip was made of metal.

In other words, it was a perfect target for Lee Hyun-wook to demonstrate his control over metal.

‘engrave.’

When I applied the newly acquired skill, the pale note disappeared like smoke…

– Engraved.

A small arrow tattoo was tattooed above the wrist of his left arm.

“Where once…”

He infused mana into his tattoo and at the same time exercised his control over the metal and pushed it out strongly.

Then-

shhh!

As soon as the ‘Fail Note’ came out of thin air with nothing in its grasp, it was shot vertically and came to a precarious halt near the window of the living room in the blink of an eye.

I had an optical illusion as if I had been transported in an instant.

“her······.”

Even Lee Hyun-wook, who controlled it directly, couldn’t see the movement with his ‘eyes’.

This was because the secret imprint was lifted and the smoke materialized and was released at the same time.

“This…isn’t it a perfect combination to catch me off guard?”

It was a ‘Pale Note’ that was used many times in a previous life, but

a new weapon was born when combined with a ‘secret engraving’.

It seemed like it would be more useful than the ‘Hidden Sword’ that I often used.

Feeling satisfied, Hyunwook Lee took the Pale Note and ‘engraved’ it again, and it disappeared like smoke.

He hid the ‘arrow that never misses’ in ‘a place where he would never be seen’ and headed to the gathering place.