Ch.9898. Date

The Jeju Maritime Guard was exasperated by the early morning deployment.

“Come on, let’s get some rest!”

“Coming at dawn is too much. We’ve been preparing since morning for the students’ field trip!”

They assessed the scale of the threat according to protocol.

“Six creatures! One A-class and five B-class! But there’s an unclear reading mixed in with the A-class. Could be seven in total.”

“With this composition, we don’t need to call everyone in.”

Judging the situation manageable, they decided to intercept with just the personnel on duty.

“Eight personnel confirmed!”

“They’re coming toward land. If they were underwater, we’d need to deploy submarines.”

They began moving out with mini-submarines and speedboats.

Unfortunately, the creatures were appearing near the beach. Leaving them alone would cause significant damage.

They quickly approached the monsters with mini-submarines.

But the creatures showed unexpected behavior. Instead of focusing on the lead Jaeger as usual, they seemed to be targeting the submarines from within the water.

“Hey, they’re converging on the submarine.”

“Their movements are coordinated. There must be a commanding entity.”

“Is it that eel-like monster at the front?”

They tried to analyze the situation through their drowsy state.

Suddenly, the monster in front enveloped itself with magical energy, transformed into something like a blade, and pierced through a submarine in one swift motion.

“Whoa!”

“That bastard!”

The Jaegers who belatedly returned sliced through the monster’s body, but the submarine was already beyond saving.

“Get the standby personnel out of the submarine!”

Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the submarine was sinking.

“Abandon the submarine and deal with the remaining monsters!”

They successfully eliminated the monsters after abandoning the submarine.

However, no one noticed the faint movement of something inside the sunken submarine.

*

By the way, the reason guard duty is annoying is because you have to wake up in the middle of sleep, stand for over an hour, and it ruins your sleep balance.

“I couldn’t sleep properly.”

I never thought I’d experience this on a school trip.

Thanks to that, we had to wait for about two hours before getting the order to go back to sleep.

But with reduced sleep time, fatigue naturally persisted.

As a result, we were busy catching up on sleep on the bus to the Jeju Coastal Guard.

“Wake up! From now on, we’ll show you how this place operates according to the Coastal Guard’s guidance.”

When Oh Juhwan called us, I was half-asleep. Not just me—most people on the bus were in a similar state.

There are four Jeju Maritime Guard buildings on the island.

The largest headquarters building is newly constructed near the Jeju Ferry Terminal.

It makes sense for it to be close to the ferry terminal for immediate deployment.

We went to the terminal near the headquarters building, not the ferry terminal. It looked like a military base, with sentries standing guard.

We had our IDs checked before entering one by one.

“Oh, it’s like seeing the Pentagon.”

More futuristic than ordinary buildings? The square-shaped structures were connected like tunnels.

Here, we walked around and listened to explanations about how they deploy and respond to threats.

“Is there an underground base?”

What interested us most was the underground facility.

It was a place where we could see aquatic creatures through special glass walls.

It felt like an aquarium. Everyone watched the fish while listening to explanations about how they deploy from this underground base and conduct rescue operations.

“Many Jaegers carry diving suits because it’s difficult to move freely underwater. Alternatively, abilities that supply oxygen to an area are also good.”

The coast guard personnel were demonstrating in front of us.

How non-ability users move underwater, how they coordinate.

“They use sign language. Just like in textbooks.”

“They’re sending words in air bubbles!”

Various methods were being displayed before our eyes. Drawing letters underwater with abilities.

They’ve created their own signal system like traffic lights. They demonstrated this underwater.

“This facility keeps new Jaeger diving suits ready for use at any time… and can operate various vessels in case of emergency.”

Though it was a brief show lasting just over an hour, it was a great learning experience for us.

Even the first-years who were helpless underwater now understood roughly how to signal and combine forces.

The best option is direct communication through the communication function on Jaeger diving suits, followed by indirect communication.

The next place we visited was the most heavily guarded area: the military base.

Given the maritime characteristics, it naturally serves as a border guard, not just against monsters.

Behind the submarines they didn’t show directly, there were many vessels equipped with machine guns.

While monsters are resistant to weapons, weaker species can be overwhelmed with firepower.

It’s just not done often because it’s inefficient. In dire situations, the military can be deployed. What’s certain is that attacks must be made with artillery, not rifles.

That’s why armored forces, which are sufficiently heavy and strong, are often deployed rather than regular infantry. But as we know, they’re rarely used due to operational costs and disadvantages in urban combat.

Plus, there are enough Jaegers. Anyway, among the impressive vessels, something caught my eye.

A black and gray-colored ship was visible.

But it wasn’t an ordinary ship. A vessel larger than a Son Won-il class submarine was docked, submerged more than halfway compared to other ships.

I know what that is.

“So that’s an amphibious submarine?”

It’s a new weapon capable of Jaeger deployment and missile support.

The dome-shaped back section, which can fire missiles and naval guns, can be covered with square metal plates for protection. When submerged, it’s sealed, but when surfaced, it can be opened to fire naval guns.

And the front section has various detection systems to assist Jaegers.

It’s human technology for underwater terrain. I wonder if it could catch most low-level monsters? Given the monsters’ attack power, it would probably be shot down quickly without protection.

After the tour, it was lunchtime.

We left the military area and entered a restaurant on Jeju Island.

We ate at a restaurant-like place and were given a break.

During this time, I was texting Ariel on my smartwatch.

Do Jonghyun: Seems like the tour ends in the morning. I think we can rest after 2 PM at the earliest.

Ariel: Shall we meet then?

Do Jonghyun: Sure, it’s your first time in Jeju, right?

Ariel: No? It’s not my first time.

Do Jonghyun: So it is your first time. I’ll guide you well.

Ariel: Don’t ignore what I’m saying!

After making plans, I searched the map on my smartwatch.

Unlike last time, since I’m taking the lead, I need to know things properly.

But what would an outsider like me know?

At times like this, I need to ask locals.

I contacted one of the third-year seniors I had met before.

“Senior Yeseul, it’s been a while! You’re from Jeju, right? Do you know any good places to go with a girl that would be touching?”

“Who is it, you ask? She’s just a female friend, not a date… What? You won’t answer unless I tell you who it is?”

In the end, I confessed it was Ariel.

“What do you mean you knew it all along? No, it’s not like that. Anyway, please help me since I’m in Jeju. But there’s one problem—Ariel is rich, so I don’t think she’ll be impressed by ordinary things. Not expensive things either…”

My concern is that no matter how luxurious a course I plan, Ariel might not be impressed.

She’s already rich. She probably won’t react to moderately expensive things, so I don’t know how to satisfy her.

[That’s an unnecessary worry, first-year. If she likes you, she’ll appreciate even small gestures with meaning.]

In Yeseul’s opinion, Ariel probably wouldn’t care much.

But Ariel and I aren’t even dating!

By the end of lunch, all I had was a date course.

I don’t have an obligation to give Ariel a gift, but I didn’t even wear what she bought me, and I should maintain a good relationship for the future.

After lunch, we gathered to hear explanations about free time, and finally, our free time began.

“Don’t go too far! Everyone must return by 6 PM!”

“Yes!”

Time until 6 PM. I naturally signaled Ariel to meet.

Ariel – Meet at 3 PM.

But Ariel said to meet at 3 PM. I guess it makes sense not to meet right away.

Thanks to that, I went back to my accommodation to get ready.

Neatness is the basics.

A plain long-sleeved shirt with black cotton pants. I briefly considered whether to wear a cardigan, but given the weather, a cardigan seemed better.

After getting ready and going out at 3 PM, Ariel arrived around 3:10 PM.

At this time, Ariel was wearing a black off-shoulder t-shirt and white hot pants, looking quite cold.

“Do Jonghyun. Let’s see how well you can escort me.”

“You’re 10 minutes late.”

“Indeed.”

Look at that shamelessness. Ariel is truly Ariel.

I created a date course using the map I got from Senior Yeseul.

Focusing on walking paths and places with scenic views of Jeju.

[Mini-games or small things are fine too. Include activities you can enjoy together here and there.]

So the recommendation list included things I would never do in my life, like sticker photos, claw machines, and arcades.

Of course, I wasn’t supposed to do everything, just select from them.

[Also, many girls eat moderately even when having a meal. Even if you’ve had a meal, it’s sensible to plan for a light snack.]

I need to choose appropriately. No matter what we do, we need to start by leaving the downtown area.

We begin by walking through Jeju and talking.

“Ariel. This place…”

“It’s very common. Don’t you have somewhere else?”

With this one sentence, I predicted today’s date might be a bit challenging.

*

It’s difficult. Ariel is definitely difficult. I shouldn’t compare her with Seol Yuhwa, but comparatively speaking.

We were supposed to walk through Jeju’s beautiful forest path. At least that was my planned scenario, but Ariel was different.

“Not impressed.”

Ariel didn’t seem very moved by the scenery.

“I’ve seen many beautiful landscapes. This one is just okay.”

While walking, Ariel didn’t talk much.

I had to guess from her expressions.

And her impressions were “just okay,” “ordinary.” This throws off my date plan.

I had no choice but to change to another date spot, but Ariel said she wanted to rest.

“Do Jonghyun. I’m disappointed in you.”

“What?”

I felt a bit annoyed. Who am I going through all this trouble for?

“It’s because you’re doing things your own way. Other girls would have appreciated it.”

“I’m not like other girls.”

“You’re so sensitive and picky that you’d make all men run away.”

“I don’t need men who can’t handle me. Do Jonghyun? Do you want to be one of them?”

At this moment, stubbornness arose in my mind. Honestly, after putting up with this for over two hours, I’m determined to see it through out of spite.

“I’m different from ordinary men too. I’ll go all the way. Just follow me.”

“I like that. Do Jonghyun.”

At this moment, Ariel smiled at me with her eyes. That Ariel?

“Wait, did you just call me Do Jonghyun…”

“You must have misheard. Du Jonghyun.”

“No, you said Do Jonghyun…”

“Du… Achoo!”

After a moment of silence, I caught my breath and tried to lead to the next date spot.

I handed over my cardigan.

“My goodness? Are you looking after me?”

“I thought you might need it for today’s date.”

“This, I liked. Do…Du Jonghyun.”

“Do Jonghyun.”

“Du Jonghyun.”

Alright. Let’s give up on this.

But from this point on, Ariel’s mood noticeably improved.

Do I need to take this woman to something traditionally Korean to satisfy her?

In the end, Ariel doesn’t seem impressed by beautiful scenery or fancy, atmospheric places.

Then I should take her somewhere she hasn’t experienced. There’s a duty-free shop near the terminal, and they sell many Jeju-related items.

My prediction was correct.

Ariel showed interest in Jeju products she hadn’t experienced before.

“An ugly statue… but it looks interesting.”

“Really?”

When Ariel’s attention was drawn to the items, I approached the store owner.

“Sir, what would be good as a gift for a girl?”

“Your girlfriend? Wow, she’s a foreigner. Then this is perfect. I’ll wrap something nice for you. Really?”

“And when you’re paying, if you surprise her by saying it’s for her, the impact will be doubled.”

Well, she’s not my girlfriend, but I should end things well. Making her happy is the goal.

Finally, when Ariel was ordering a strange mask-like item she had bought:

“The gentleman here has chosen one more item.”

“Du Jonghyun? So you do have some sense?”

While Ariel was looking at me, I gave her a cute SD-style Dol Hareubang couple doll.

“…Oh my. Du Jonghyun. A gift for me?”

At this moment, Ariel’s expression was exactly what I had hoped for.

A face with pure joy genuinely showing.

Ariel’s gaze toward me had never been this warm.

But the clerk beside us said something unnecessary.

“This is a gift between lovers. Your boyfriend chose very well.”

In this situation, I expected Ariel to say, “We’re not lovers!”

But surprisingly, that didn’t happen.

Unlike her usual attitude, Ariel was lowering her head.

“Ariel?”

As she lowered her head, I felt an intense heat.

“How dare you, Du Jonghyun!”

And there came the expected reaction. But Ariel’s face as she shouted at me was completely flushed red—something I had never seen before.

She’s embarrassed? That Ariel?

“How impudent! Today’s date ends here. I’m leaving! Thank you!”

And she rushed away.

After the storm-like situation passed, I found myself grinning more and more at Ariel’s embarrassed expression.

Cute. In a different way from Seol Yuhwa.

This is satisfying enough. The clerk asked if something was wrong, but I assured him it wasn’t.

“As you can see, she’s very shy.”

“That’s cute.”

“Yes. She is cute.”

I could return after seeing something amusing.

If it had ended like this, it would have been a very enjoyable day. But that evening, Ariel didn’t show up at the assembly time.