Chapter 158
They said that seeing is better than hearing a hundred times.
The entire Special Operations Team 2 immediately headed to Nexus Academy located in Paju.
Although they were on duty, it wasn't difficult to get permission.
After all, the team leader, Jung Chulmin, was included among the members traveling.
Suho requested from Director Kim Suae to borrow an empty S-Class training center for the purpose of a tour.
The team members could not contain their admiration upon seeing the training center.
“Wow…”
“So this is the Nexus…”
“Wow… amazing.”
It was no wonder.
Among those present, the most training they'd experienced were a few basic drills before the Hunter Exam.
In terms of quality, it was like the difference between a local soccer club’s practice and a professional Premier League team’s training.
Suho laid all the team members into the Infinity system and activated the same program used by the Banshees.
The training ground was set to Kunlun.
There were no exceptions for Jung Chulmin either.
Since the team leader who granted permission had to observe personally, he also entered Kunlun with Suho.
After a brief moment of awe at the incredible realism of Infinity, Suho stepped forward and spoke.
"From now on, I would like to discuss the training I mentioned earlier."
"Is the Captain going to guide us personally?"
"Something like that."
With a snap of Suho’s fingers, a sword appeared in each of their hands, including his own.
Suho spoke.
"I think it would be better to show you once directly than explain it a hundred times."
“That’s true, isn’t it?”
“Then, go ahead and take a shot at me.”
“Pardon?”
“I said, come at me.”
“What…?”
“If you don’t come, I’ll go to you.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Suho dashed forward and, in a flash, swung his sword.
Slash!
All but Jung Chulmin were struck down in a single blow to the neck.
“Huh, huh!”
The team members’ heads flew up into the air.
An astonished Jung Chulmin gasped, his mouth agape.
Thud!
Headless bodies collapsed one by one, scattering across the ground.
Blood even spurted.
However,
Flash!
After a brief burst of light, the decapitated team members were re-summoned in mid-air and dropped to the floor.
“Ouch!”
“Ugh!”
“Ack!”
Falling from a bit of height, they landed with thuds, some rolling over completely.
Watching this, Jung Chulmin spoke.
“Suho, what did you just do?”
“Training.”
“Training?”
“Our team currently lacks personnel and it’s difficult to bring enough healing supplies through additional support when entering gates. And if we try to only enter gates that seem feasible to attack or explore, the options are limited. So, what can we do? We must maximize the use of our human resources.”
“…This is your solution?”
“Yes, as I see it, the only available option for our team is to enhance our capabilities through training. The training through Infinity that I used at Nexus proved very effective. Besides, as they say, ‘Train as if it’s the real thing,’ and there’s no better training than this, short of having two lives.”
It was true.
In reality, even if Suho gave a grand speech, there was no guarantee that support would suddenly appear.
So, he aimed to make the best use of the resources they had.
And Suho’s chosen method was none other than strengthening through training.
Suho continued.
“Our team’s performance won’t fall too far behind, as we also conduct regulatory operations. However, it’s still impractical to avoid exploration activities altogether, so I’ll just handle the exploration and attack missions alone.”
“What? No matter how capable you are, isn’t that pushing yourself too much?”
Too much?
Suho smiled at those words.
“Not at all. Team Leader, you’ve accompanied me in a gate before, so you know that, at their current levels, the team members can’t contribute significantly even if they enter with me. Rather than that, I believe it’s better to increase our overall strength through team training. There’s no need for everyone to enter every gate together. And…”
Suho glanced at the team members who were rubbing their bruised backsides.
“Anyway, we’re going to be working for the Korean Hunter Association as long as we’re alive, so we can’t continue on like this forever, can we?”
“That’s true.”
“There won’t be no change at all. However, since we’re a government organization, there will be procedures and processes, and that will take time. So, for now, I’d like to run things as efficiently as possible.”
Hearing Suho’s words, Jung Chulmin folded his arms and thought for a moment.
However, his hesitation didn’t last long.
There was no particular reason to oppose or reject Suho’s plan.
The only concern he had was,
“But how are we supposed to obtain these virtual reality training devices? You know our budget isn’t enough for something like…”
“Oh, don’t worry about that. These devices will be provided by Nexus.”
“By Nexus?”
“Yes, they were very moved by my words recently and agreed to provide support.”
“…?”
Had such a conversation happened?
Already?
Jung Chulmin considered asking further, but he just let it go.
Sometimes, ignorance was bliss.
“…They’re very generous.”
“Of course. The representative of Nexus is a remarkable person.”
"Alright. I'll draft up the documents for approval on this... but I’m curious, do I also need to train?"
"It’d be good if you did. But I won’t force you."
"......"
It would be good to do it.
But he wouldn’t force him.
In other words, he was basically telling him to do it.
Reluctantly, Jung Chulmin sighed and replied.
"Fine... I’ll do it too..."
"Haha, good choice. After all, it’s better for a leader in your position to maintain a decent level rather than staying too low. But I’ll provide you with a different training method. This training space here is set up for swordsmanship."
"A different training method?"
"I’ll explain that part gradually... Now, everyone, attention!"
Suho gathered the attention of the team members.
With a snap of his fingers, an avatar identical to Suho appeared next to him.
"T-There are two of the Captain…?"
"This is my avatar. It’s programmed to replicate my swordsmanship and movements, so you can train as if you’re in real combat with it. Also, I’ve programmed a basic training curriculum, so just follow the avatar's instructions. You can address the avatar as 'Instructor.' Right, Instructor?"
Nod-
The instructor avatar nodded.
Suho spoke.
"Alright then, do your best and finish on time. I’ll coordinate the detailed schedules and training locations with the Team Leader and inform you."
"A-Are you leaving now?"
"I still have more to discuss with the Team Leader. Alright then, good luck, everyone."
With a nod, Suho logged out first with Jung Chulmin.
Shortly after, the instructor avatar stepped forward and drew a sword.
"What are you staring at, you trash? Aren’t you going to attack?"
***
The two who logged out first headed to the café on the first floor of the training center, ordered coffee, and took a seat.
Suho spoke.
"To continue our conversation about work... it’s just as I mentioned earlier. The current team members will focus on training, while I’ll manage performance goals to cover the rest of the team’s share."
"…Just how hard are you planning to push yourself to cover the team’s share as well?"
"I intend to cover everything."
"Everything?"
"Yes, I plan to handle every Sealed Gate under the Association’s management, along with any gates that may appear in the future."
"Wait, are you serious?"
"As far as I’m able, I’ll give it a shot. Awakened individuals grow stronger through gates, so challenging gates is the key to growth, isn’t it?"
"What if you end up getting yourself killed? Why push yourself this far?"
"Risking one’s life comes with the job. Police officers, soldiers, and firefighters all put their lives on the line, so I should approach my duty with the same sense of vocation. This is why I joined the Korean Hunter Association."
"You talk like… So, what do you need me to help with?"
"First, why don’t we initiate a few projects under your name?"
"Projects?"
"I’ll direct all evaluations your way, so work on moving up the ladder."
"Me? Not you?"
"Come on, no matter how special my appointment is, I haven’t been here long enough to move up. I’ll climb at my own pace; in the meantime, I’d like you to make steady progress. Isn’t it because there’s no one decent in the upper ranks that the national hunters are suffering?"
"......"
Suho’s point was valid.
It was true, yet Jung Chulmin found himself unable to respond.
Watching him, Suho spoke.
"Don’t just keep calculating in your head, thinking about reality and all that. Just go ahead and try it. I’ll make sure anything that seems impossible gets done."
"Damn... Fine. So what do I start with?"
"Let’s begin with something straightforward and impactful, like attacking the Sealed Gates."
"You maniac. So that’s why you said earlier you’d tackle every gate?"
"These gates need to be dealt with anyway. If the achievements gained in the process can help someone, I believe those accomplishments should be used to advance you, Team Leader."
"...Thank you."
"If you’re grateful, work hard once you’re promoted. After this recent incident, no one will dare challenge our stance."
"Of course. Since we’re actually doing the work, they should support us accordingly. But…"
"Yes?"
"No, it’s nothing."
"What is it?"
"It’s nothing, really."
Jung Chulmin considered saying more but decided against it.
He figured there was no point in bringing it up.
However, Suho had an inkling of what he was going to say.
With a slight smile, he spoke.
"Don’t worry. The issue you’re concerned about will be resolved as well."
"...How do you know what I was going to say?"
He was probably worried about Suho’s future career.
That he might soon be transferred back to the Special Unit.
But Suho didn’t mention this.
"If you’re not telling me, then I won’t tell you either."
"Is that how it is?"
"Yes, that’s how it is."
"You rascal. So, what about the team’s commute?"
"If you just get the approval, they can commute to Paju for training, right?"
"Getting approval won’t be difficult, but are you sure the Nexus representative agreed to this?"
"Strike while the iron’s hot. If an article appears saying that Nexus is supporting the Korean Hunter Association, do you think they’ll let an opportunity like that slip over a few pennies?"
"Your words... Alright, I’ll go ahead and initiate this plan."
"Then I’ll head out first since I have another meeting. I’ll make sure to arrange for updates to reach you, Team Leader."
"Got it. I’ll look after the team."
Suho left the center first.
As soon as he stepped outside, he called Nexus Administrator Kim Lee-gang.
It was to confirm support for the S-Class Training Center.
Naturally, approval came through without a hitch.
Considering it was a request from Suho, and given his previous words on the matter, it was an easy way for Nexus to improve its image. How could they refuse?
"Then, let’s proceed as discussed, and please contact Team Leader Jung Chulmin for the details. Oh, and as I mentioned earlier, this support initiative came directly from Nexus, not from me, right?"
- Haha, of course. I’m quite perceptive, Hunter.
"Understood. I’ll be counting on you."
After finishing the call, Suho immediately dialed Jo Jin-hwi.
- Yes, Mr. Ahn.
"I should have reached out earlier, but I was busy, so I’m only contacting you now."
- Oh, not at all. More importantly, have you wrapped everything up on your end?
"Yes, thanks to you, I was able to accomplish what I intended. Now, the rest is up to others. Speaking of which, would you be available to meet briefly?"
- Now?
"Yes, you must have finished your special article, so it’s time to prepare the next one, right?"
The next article.
Jo Jin-hwi’s eyes gleamed at that suggestion.
- Absolutely. I should prepare. Where should we meet? I’ll get moving right away.