episode_0049

A short time after Vance Director-nim’s incident, Yuna, who had just returned to Terminus with Jinwoo, had to immediately return to the Icarus Far East Branch due to an urgent call she received upon arrival, without even a moment to catch her breath.

She headed straight to Commander Gideon’s office.

‘What on earth is going on? To call me so suddenly like this.’

Inside, familiar faces were already present: her squad members, Lazer, Titan, and Doctor, who had arrived first and were waiting.

“You’re late. Did you dally because you didn’t want to part with Kang Jin-woo?”

Yuna casually ignored Lazer’s words and saluted Commander Gideon with respect.

“I apologize for being late.”

Gideon rose from his seat with a gentle smile.

“It’s not an urgent situation, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

He slowly looked over the four squad members one by one.

“The reason I’ve called you here at such an early hour is that a special directive has come down from headquarters.”

‘A special directive?’

At those words, Lazer’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

His personal unit was still not fully repaired.

If a deployment order were to come down right now, he would be forced to ride a mass-produced unit, which would hurt his pride.

‘No, it’s not the unit that’s the problem. Didn’t I learn clearly from that Kang Jin-woo fellow that what’s important is the pilot’s skill?’

Lazer once again engraved the realization he had gained from that bitter memory of defeat into his heart.

Gideon continued speaking.

“As a kind of charity project to improve headquarters’ external image, you will be providing educational support to the Central Academy.”

“Excuse me? A-are you saying we’re going directly to teach the k-kids?”

Lazer asked back, as if unable to believe it.

“Yes. Aren’t you the most outstanding squad among all the branches? That’s why you’ve been specially selected, so you should all be proud.”

At those words, the dissatisfied expressions on the faces of the squad members, including Lazer, gradually subsided, and a faint interest emerged instead.

“In any case, it won’t be a simple waste of time. The Central Academy is where precious talents who will carry the future of our Icarus gather. This is also an excellent opportunity to elevate the status of our Far East Branch and make a good impression.”

Yuna cautiously raised her hand and spoke.

“Commander-nim, if it’s educational support, what exactly kind of mission are you referring to?”

“It will become clear once the specific curriculum comes down from headquarters, but I’m told it will be in the form of each of you teaching lectures in your specialized fields.”

‘L-lectures…?’

Yuna unconsciously gulped dryly.

Due to her extreme shyness and taciturn personality, she had only just managed to comfortably converse with her squad members.

But now, she was being told to stand in front of potentially hundreds of cadets and give lectures?

It was nothing short of a bolt from the blue.

Gideon, whether he knew Yuna’s inner thoughts or not, stared intently at her and continued speaking.

“And one more thing. There was also a message that a very special reward would be given by headquarters to the instructor who receives the most outstanding evaluation from the cadets.”

His eyes fixed on Yuna.

“He said they would grant a perfect free vacation, where all reporting procedures are omitted.”

‘A vacation! And a perfect free vacation with no reports!’

At that moment, Yuna’s eyes opened wider and clearer than ever before.

“Anyway, I hope you will all cooperate well with each other to successfully complete this educational support mission. I will deliver the curriculum as soon as it comes down. You are dismissed.”

As soon as the Commander finished speaking, the moment they stepped out of the office, Titan excitedly shrugged his shoulders.

“A vacation, and one that doesn’t even require a report!”

“A vacation is a vacation, but I really like that we don’t have to write reports, don’t you?”

Doctor chimed in.

“Everyone wants that vacation, don’t you? Right?”

Titan looked at everyone triumphantly.

No one answered, but their eyes were already burning fiercely.

“Hehe, silence is an affirmative answer.”

Titan lifted his sunglasses slightly and chuckled.

It seemed the word ‘cooperation’ was no longer on their minds.

*****

“…So, you’re asking me to help you prepare for that lecture?”

[Yes. I’m sorry, but… you’re the only one I can ask. Really.]

Yuna’s voice sounded dejected even over the phone.

“No, what are your squad members doing? Aren’t things like that supposed to be helped by teammates?”

[Well… recently, no one’s been talking in the group chat. Everyone’s blinded by that reward…]

“Huh, they’re heartless friends, aren’t they?”

After hearing Yuna’s full explanation, I honestly felt quite troubled.

Who am I to be able to help with a lecture at the Academy?

I’m in a position where I don’t even know the rules of engagement between corporations and need to be educated by Nix.

“I don’t think there’s anything I can really help with.”

[…No way. You’re good at everything. Weren’t you incredibly capable?]

Disappointment was clearly evident in Yuna’s voice.

It seems she thought I was some kind of all-purpose problem solver.

Indeed, the things I’d shown in the past few incidents were far from the scope of a typical mercenary, so it wasn’t entirely incomprehensible for her to think that way.

“For now… I’ll help as much as I can.”

[Really? Uh-huh! I’d be really grateful if you did. For now, the fields I’m in charge of are practical maneuver tactics and handling irregular combat situations. The Academy side told me to teach the cadets practical content that they can immediately use in real fights, not stiff theory.]

“Not theory, but real fights, huh…”

[That’s why I’m even more lost. As you know, I’m completely ignorant about these things…]

‘I don’t really know about that either.’

[Oh, and what should I wear? Should I go in my pilot suit like usual? Or maybe a neat suit… What color tie would be good?]

Her usual calm and composed demeanor was nowhere to be found; instead, an indecisive child was struggling.

“Yuna. Just calm down for a bit.”

[Oh, uh, yeah. Sorry.]

“When exactly is the lecture?”

[It’s in a week.]

“There isn’t much time.”

No matter how much I wracked my brain for knowledge, I came to the conclusion that I couldn’t provide any substantial help to her.

Nor did I particularly know anyone skilled in such lectures or education…

‘Perhaps Nix? Since she’s from the military, she might be amazingly good at lectures and training. Or Ms. Kaien? Ah, no. How could I ask such a busy person for that?’

[Hey, Jinwoo? Are you listening to me?]

“Uh, oh, sorry. I am listening. I was just thinking about how I could help.”

[No, you don’t have to feel burdened. I’m more sorry for bothering you.]

“No, I fully understand your position. You’re trying your best for Icarus’s image, aren’t you?”

Yuna was silent for a moment, then replied belatedly.

[…That’s right. You’re right.]

“Just wait a moment. I’ll ask around among people I know if there’s anyone who might be helpful and contact you again.”

[Thank you so much, Jinwoo. I’ll be waiting.]

‘Nix… there’s nothing to lose, so it’s probably best to at least talk to her.’

*****

Nix was lying stretched out on the bed in the temporary accommodation Kaien had arranged.

Although the intention was to rest her body, exhausted from training, sleep surprisingly wouldn’t come.

‘Damn it… It still feels sore.’

She unconsciously lightly touched the area near her left chest.

That very spot where Kang Jin-woo, that bastard, had unexpectedly touched her.

Although it was an accidental incident that occurred during sparring, the excruciatingly vivid sensation kept replaying in her mind.

‘To be touched like that by someone… it’s the first time in my life. And by… a man.’

Nix pulled the blanket over her head. Her face was burning hot.

“Ugh…!”

The physical pain had subsided long ago.

But the unbearable embarrassment and shame of that moment kept gnawing at her.

She aimlessly kicked her legs in the air a few times.

‘Why does that bastard have such a perfectly normal face too… it makes me even more conscious of it!’

Kang Jin-woo’s face suddenly came to mind.

In this field, teeming with harsh mercenaries, he possessed a rare, fairly handsome appearance.

‘And he even apologized first…’

Nix felt a strange sensation, both a ticklish, fluffy feeling in one corner of her chest and a stifling, constricted feeling.

Her mind was in complete disarray with these complex emotions she’d never felt before in her life.

“Haa… I don’t know! I should just prepare the materials for now.”

If I just simple-mindedly immerse myself in work, these complicated thoughts might fade a bit.

She sprang up, sat at her desk, and turned on her data pad.

She was about to organize the content to explain to Kang Jin-woo, displaying the rules of engagement she had grown tired of learning during her military days and the recently revised federal regulations.

Ring-ring-

Just then, a loud ringing sound echoed from her terminal.

The moment she checked the caller, Nix unconsciously bit her lower lip.

[Caller: Kang Jin-woo.]

She took a short deep breath, cleared her throat, and connected the call, pretending to be as nonchalant as possible.

“…What is it?”

[Ah, Nix! It’s nothing much, but I have a favor to ask. Are you free right now?]

“By all means.”

Since she practically owed Kang Jin-woo her life, it was difficult to easily refuse his request.

Of course, if he were to ask for something completely outrageous… then she intended to firmly refuse.

Nix unconsciously placed a hand on her left chest, which seemed to ache.

[By any chance, do you know anything about practical maneuver tactics or how to handle irregular combat situations… like teaching methods or lecture know-how?]

“I do, but. Why are you suddenly asking that?”

[Ah, well… A friend I know is giving a lecture on that topic at the Academy, and it’s completely new to them, so they desperately need someone to consult. I thought about it, and you’re the only one.]

‘Me, the only one…?’

Kang Jin-woo probably said it without much thought, but to Nix, those words took on a completely different meaning.

‘To this man… perhaps I’m… a little special?’

[Nix, I know you’re busy, but please help me out. Huh? I’m really begging you.]

Nix, who had regained her composure, barely managed to answer.

“…Those are usually most effective when conducted mainly through simulations. There are engagement simulation modules for each situation, and I’ll send them to you. They were specially designed for lectures, so they’ll definitely be helpful.”

[Really? Are you sure it’s okay to give those away? Aren’t they classified military data?]

“It’s been ages since the Regular Allied Forces were disbanded, what use are such things now? Just use them.”

[Wow, thank you so much. If you ever need anything from me, don’t hesitate to ask.]

Nix hesitated for a moment, then blurted out.

“Then… I have one thing I’m curious about, is it okay to ask a question?”

[Huh? What is it? Ask anything.]

“That… by any chance… Scarlet. Is that woman… your girlfriend?”

After saying it, her face felt like it would burst, it was so hot.

But honestly, it was something that had been bothering her deep down.

Scarlet, the beautiful technician who seemed to have close ties with Vice Commander Kaien.

The woman who rushed all the way to Terminus Station the moment Kang Jin-woo fell into crisis.

Furthermore, didn’t they embrace each other as if long-lost lovers the moment they met?

[No. Scarlet is just a colleague. A very capable technician.]

At Kang Jin-woo’s clear-cut answer, Nix unconsciously muttered in a very small voice.

“…That’s a relief.”

Gasp-!

Startled by the words that slipped out unconsciously, Nix hastily covered her mouth.

Her heart pounded like crazy.

It was Kang Jin-woo who broke the awkward silence that lasted for a moment.

[What did you just say? I didn’t hear you.]

“Ah, nothing! I really didn’t say anything! Th-then, I’ll send you the simulation modules right now!”

[Uh, uh-huh. Okay, thanks! Anyway, thank you so much. Then… see you tomorrow!]

“Okay.”

As soon as the call ended, Nix covered her flushed red face with both hands.

Her heart was so hot it felt like it would burst.