Chapter 300

Chapter 300. Spotlight (2)

I was puzzled as to how civilians managed to reach the gate’s entrance. However, the footage captured by cameras seized by the Player Association helped me grasp the overall situation.

The video began with two groups having a confrontation. It was a confrontation between National Intelligence Service agents dispatched by the association for this evacuation operation and some unscrupulous members of the press, who were determined to scoop an exclusive story.

One side attempted to approach the gate’s entrance, while the other tried to block them, resulting in a standoff.

Fortunately, players affiliated with the Korean branch were present on Earth, making civilian access control not seem too difficult. At least, that’s what I thought until I saw footage of the gate entrance being filmed after the camera, which had briefly switched off, was turned back on.

“Sigh.”

I wasn’t sure which route they took, but some journalists had ventured past the restricted line and snuck inside. This happened precisely when the players were too preoccupied with leading hundreds of refugees.

Luckily, they only recorded videos in hiding, meaning they hadn’t directly interfered with the evacuation efforts.

Yet, their actions weren’t seen in a favorable light.

Thanks to the journalists not crossing the final line, the evacuation proceeded smoothly. It was only afterward that the hiding journalists were discovered.

“What are they doing here?!”

The players, who had been unable to distinguish the journalists’ mana mixed with the refugees’, finally noticed the journalists. As they were about to chase after the journalists, more reporters descended rapidly from a mountain trail behind them.

Most likely, it was a shortcut that hadn’t been closed off yet. The original journalists probably also used that trail to get in.

Agents, alerted by the commotion, rushed over, but it was too many people for them to handle, and voices started to rise.

One journalist even shoved a player, worsening the situation.

“How dare you, a player, lay a hand on a civilian?”

“If I get hurt, your life is done for, understand?! You want me to have the association annihilate you?”

“If you understand, get out of our way! We’re here to report for the public’s right to know!”

The player who had been shoved tried hard to suppress his anger.

‘No matter where you go, there are always garbage people you shouldn’t deal with.’

Just watching the scene made the corners of my mouth curl in disgust.

Thinking that those kinds of scum are protected safely because of the division between the areas for players and civilians made my blood pressure rise.

At that moment, I saw Yang Hyewon on the outskirts of the video. She confirmed the commotion, whispered something to a player next to her, and then turned around. She headed toward the gate’s entrance.

However, before Yang Hyewon could enter, others came out from inside.

Among them were Jordan and the holy knights from the Palibao Order and the Taimoria Order, who conducted the final search for stragglers at Chedaltman.

Seeing the heavily armored individuals, the journalists began to stir.

“They’re coming out! They’re out!”

“Record it! This must be an exclusive!”

It seemed that once they were discovered, they felt no need to restrain themselves. Boldly shouting and fussing was quite the spectacle.

‘They probably thought making profits by getting an exclusive, even after being discovered, was worth the risk.’

Honestly, I wasn’t curious about what they were thinking. What mattered to me was what happened afterward.

Just after Jordan and his group, who had been told a few words by Yang Hyewon, moved away from the entrance, additional National Intelligence Service agents were deployed to arrest the journalists.

And just before Yang Hyewon crossed the gate entrance, I, along with Rashar and Ahel, exited.

It was like a marketplace, with those being arrested struggling, others still flashing cameras, and throwing questions amidst the chaos.

“Click.”

Seeing such a scene immediately upon returning to Earth.

I could finally understand Rashar’s feelings about being intimidated whenever we dealt with extremists.

It felt like showing a pile of untouched accumulated garbage because the house wasn’t cleaned up.

I pushed Rashar, who was disoriented by the flash photography, as we moved.

Not far from the entrance was a temporary shelter.

All refugees from Biharin were to receive identification verification there and be assigned to a refugee camp.

They would receive basic education to become members of society there.

After I started moving, Ahel looked back warily but eventually followed Rashar and me.

A short while later, I was able to hand the two over to the association officials.

“Seriously, they recorded everything.”

While the players, including Yang Hyewon, blocked the journalists, the footage captured me handing something to Rashar and whispering in her ear.

It seemed like they made a strenuous effort to lift the camera up high and film.

I clicked my tongue at the sight and handed the camera to the side.

“No need for apologies.”

Yang Hyewon said as she received the camera.

“It’s fine. Let’s not apologize for every little thing amongst those who know what’s what about those scumbags.”

Of course, we should handle the aftermath properly.

“Let’s use what they’ve recorded to our advantage.”

“Does that mean…”

“We need to show those who came here today just how much their lives have been twisted.”

We must show the consequences of ignoring recommendations from groups that replace the military in wartime situations.

If we don’t set the rules straight from the start, the issues will only expand further.

‘To propose a bill, I need the cooperation of lawmakers.’

It seemed I’d have my hands full going forward.

I sighed as I collected my personal belongings.

“Well, I’ll excuse myself for now.”

The task of securing the refugees’ personal information and creating a database was already contracted to a private company.

All processes related to that are under the association’s jurisdiction.

My role was merely to open doors and detach the system.

I had nothing else to do here at this point.

“You’ve worked hard. I’ll be in touch soon.”

After exchanging simple greetings, Yang Hyewon and I parted ways cleanly.

Afterward, I immediately soared into the sky. With today’s itinerary complete, it was time to return home.

While racing across the sky as dusk began to fall, an unexpected chuckle escaped my lips.

‘Totally used to it now.’

I had spent over twenty years traveling by vehicle, yet within just over two years, running on my own feet felt more comfortable.

I hadn’t even considered the possibility of riding a vehicle until a moment ago.

‘Honestly, it’s faster this way.’

Not only is the speed greater, but there’s no need to stop unnecessarily.

Riding a vehicle requires adhering to countless signals, whereas the skyway is wide open.

Even though Park Hayoung nagged about it, I wasn’t keen on forgoing this rapid means of transportation unless it was specifically restricted by law.

I decided to run a bit faster through the deserted sky.

Then suddenly, I felt a vibration from my inner pocket.

It was the personal smartphone I had collected.

Checking the screen revealed the caller was Squad Leader Yang Jochul.

I slowed down and answered the call.

“Hello.”

Squad Leader Yang Jochul’s purpose for calling was straightforward.

He had heard about the recent incident at the scene and called to apologize for the National Intelligence Service’s mistake.

“I sincerely apologize.”

He added that they’ll now seek manpower support from the police to prevent such incidents from occurring again in the future.

“Have they finally decided on the police then?”

“Ha ha ha… Yes.”

My question prompted an awkward chuckle from Squad Leader Yang Jochul.

It was laughter filled with numerous meanings and emotions.

‘That’s to be expected.’

When planning the evacuation operation, the association sought assistance from the police for maintaining public order and guiding refugees.

The manpower from the National Intelligence Service agents alone was insufficient.

‘But they didn’t actually receive any manpower support.’

This was due to opposition from another force, the military. They adamantly claimed it had always been their responsibility to manage refugees and prisoners during wartime.

Both groups’ usefulness had faded significantly with the emergence of players.

Therefore, to not miss out on this rare opportunity, they started disparaging each other vigorously.

They used media tactics and even raised issues of illegality and intrusion by citing national security.

This essentially turned into a power struggle among themselves, set aside from the irreplaceable player group.

Particularly, the military’s response was severe.

‘It was only natural.’

The military, prepared for wartime situations, found itself unable to take any action now that wartime had finally arrived.

Since it is an organization maintained by taxpayers, it’s naturally facing threats to its existence.

In fact, there are protests already, demanding disbandment of the now-idle military.

“Sigh.”

It felt impossible to hold back a sigh that naturally escaped.

“Given the need for continued education of the refugees, it has been judged more efficient to use police personnel for their long-term control and management.”

The police had always offered various safety education programs to citizens.

Utilizing that, they could provide basic education such as traffic laws or civil and criminal laws.

‘The association originally reaching out to the police instead of the military was part of such a plan.’

The closed nature of the military as an organization inherently influenced that decision.

They were not seen as suitable for a role requiring interaction with the masses.

‘Though there was some noise…’

Fortunately, since we managed to gain the police support originally desired, we could breathe a little easier.

‘However, the military also needs some work.’

There’s a purpose to the military’s existence, so its complete dissolution is unlikely.

However, if the current situation continues, a reduction in size seems inevitable.

If they fail to find a proper role before all wars conclude, it will be difficult to expand the military afterwards.

To avoid unnecessary difficulties, we must lay the groundwork correctly from the start.

As I weaved my thoughts, Squad Leader Yang Jochul on the other side of the smartphone patiently awaited my words.

Thanks to that, I managed to reach a great idea without much interference.

“Since we’re on the topic, could you arrange a meeting with the senior officials of the police and military, along with lawmakers from those backgrounds?”

Drafting the legislation I had just contemplated should be addressed at this opportunity as well.

I mentioned my thoughts for maximum efficiency, and as always, Squad Leader Yang Jochul supported me wholeheartedly.

“I’ll expedite the process.”

He turned out to be quite a reliable partner in unexpected moments.

Honestly, without his help, everything might not have gone as smoothly.

“Thank you. I always owe you.”

As I conveyed my gratitude to Squad Leader Yang Jochul, a memory popped into my mind, leading me to ask something.

“By the way, is Yul still there?”

I was sure he had mentioned filming something today.

“Yes, I heard he’s visiting the Beastfolk’s accommodation for a video shoot.”

Naturally, a positive response returned.

The Beastfolk and the dwarf folks allocated to Korea were living in a dormitory near the National Intelligence Service once used by players.

Because there weren’t many of them, they were receiving basic education in a securely monitored place to adapt to living on Earth.

I’ve received a simple briefing about Kim Yul’s visit there. Yet, given my focus on the looming clash with the system, I hadn’t paid proper attention.

‘Now that I’m out, I might as well stop by where Kim Yul is and take him back.’

I considered taking the opportunity to directly see what he was up to.

I told Squad Leader Yang Jochul that I’d visit and then altered my course.

I also remembered to send a message to Kim Yul after disconnecting the call.

But curiously, unlike his usual prompt replies, he remained silent.

‘Well, I’ll find out when I get there.’

It took several minutes of travel from the refugee camp in Gangwon Province to Seoul. When I reached my destination, the scene that greeted me was truly unexpected.

It started with a ‘crash’ sound and a small shadow leaping up.

“Hi-yap! Feel the kick of Tairis!”

Catching Berta, the owner of the shadow, wasn’t difficult.

What was difficult were the things behind Berta.

‘What on earth happened here?’

Why were the meeting room’s tables and chairs demolished, marble floors damaged, and various items smashed to pieces at the dormitory?