Catastrophic Irregular.
Just seven syllables, but the information was undeniably grave. Si Hyun sprang to his feet, while Ha Hyuk finished a call and rubbed the back of his neck.
"This complicates things."
Ha Hyuk, suggesting this was as far as our discussion could go, was about to make another call when Si Hyun grasped the hem of his clothes.
"Are you planning to handle this alone?"
"A few A-class members will join, but I'm the only S-class available right now, so I have to go."
"Please, take me with you."
"…?"
"I want to help. Please, take me with you."
One needed to build achievements to become S-class. There might not be another chance to face a catastrophic irregular, especially with a formidable ally like Ha Hyuk.
Beyond just the opportunity for achievements, Rus's words echoed in my mind.
His praise of my skills, urging me not to underestimate myself, prompted me to plead with Ha Hyuk, who after a moment of scrutinizing Si Hyun, shifted his attention back to his phone.
"This is Ha Hyuk. I've heard the news. Please prepare a teleporter at the guild's location. Yes, yes, the support will be…"
He handled the urgent situation with a calm demeanor, his voice trailing off as he glanced at Si Hyun. Our eyes met. Si Hyun clenched Ha Hyuk's arm more firmly.
"…We'll assemble a team from the guild for support. Yes, thank you."
"Are you really taking me?"
"Have you ever faced a catastrophic irregular before?"
Ha Hyuk cut straight to the point, indicating there was no time for elaboration as he turned towards the door. Si Hyun followed, responding.
"I've encountered one."
"People usually don't consider getting overpowered without fighting back as having faced one."
Referring to the titan incident, Si Hyun remained silent. As we left the office, Redem's building echoed with warning alarms. An announcement followed, instructing A-class awakeners not yet deployed to head to the parking lot for standby.
"To safely neutralize a catastrophic irregular, at least two S-class awakeners are needed. If they are experienced, two should suffice; if not, three to ensure victory. Otherwise, it's considered risking your life. And you, Si Hyun, are."
"…"
"An inexperienced A+ class. If you're confident you won't die, follow me."
His icy gaze conveyed he wouldn't spare time to look after me. It was a refreshingly blunt stance. Until now, I'd only met those intent on protecting me, not someone indifferent to whether I lived or died.
A person of clear principles.
While I might have been precious, he was the type to let go without regret if I died.
"You must take responsibility for your words. Ji Eon will lead, with four supports. Are you joining as a combatant or a healer?"
"Both would be reckless."
"You know the answer then."
"Then, I'll go as a healer."
I had no intention of being overly ambitious in my first battle. A misstep could mean death for both of us. Though I wanted to say his life was no concern of mine, I wasn't in a position to make such claims.
Korea has a scarcity of S-class awakeners. Ha Hyuk's death would be akin to the loss of tens of thousands of lives.
Am I starting to think like Rus?
Unintentionally considering tens of thousands of lives hinging on Ha Hyuk's survival, Si Hyun brushed his lips, finding the thought foreign. As we hurried, Ha Hyuk's pace quickened, forcing me to almost jog to keep up.
We descended in the elevator, heading to the parking lot. Those who heard the announcement had lined up there.
"Those who have faced a catastrophic irregular before, step forward."
Ha Hyuk, pulling out black gloves from his coat pocket, commanded in a dominating tone. Four individuals stepped forward, faces I'd seen a couple of times on deployments.
Beep, beep, beep—
Despite the alert for a catastrophic irregular, bracelets chimed in unison. The sound filling the parking lot reminded everyone of South Korea's current predicament.
We are in an apocalyptic world.
The awakeners here were at the forefront of the battle against the apocalypse.
Ha Hyuk silenced the alarm on his bracelet, finished putting on his gloves, and straightened his clothes before surveying the remaining awakeners.
"We'll take an additional support dealer, making the total combat team seven. Only those confident step forward."
His call for volunteers didn't seek sacrificial lambs but merely additional support. The guild members hesitated until one unexpectedly raised his hand.
"I thought Gyu Tae wasn't a dealer, but a support-type awakener?"
"Ah, I was just curious… You said seven, including the support dealer,
but isn't that only six?"
"Si Hyun here will join as the main supporter."
"What?"
Ha Min reacted sensitively to Ha Hyuk's indifferent remarks, his retort echoing loudly in the parking lot, drawing everyone's gaze towards him.
"Why are you going?"
Ha Min's eyes seemed to question. It appeared he was asking if Ha Hyuk was forcing Si Hyun to come along, prompting Si Hyun to shake his head in denial.
"Are you out of your mind?"
Realizing Si Hyun had volunteered on his own accord, Ha Min couldn't hide his disbelief and chastised him. Si Hyun narrowed his eyes, looking back at Ha Min.
"I need to go."
Si Hyun mouthed the words clearly, and Ha Min looked back, utterly puzzled.
"It's a catastrophic level."
"I know."
"And you're still going?"
"That's why I'm going."
Their brief exchange ensued. Ha Min, ruffling his hair, whispered something into Haru's ear. Whatever he conveyed remained unknown, but Haru, widening his eyes in surprise, turned to look at Si Hyun.
"Weren't you being forced?"
"Not at all."
Si Hyun was getting better at lip-reading. Haru's face crumpled, showing a hint of displeasure. Si Hyun inhaled deeply, catching the slight irritation in Haru's expression.
While Si Hyun was engaged in this silent dialogue with the kids, Ha Hyuk explained to another man questioning why a new guild member was being included in the team.
"We're taking him because, though he lacks battle experience with catastrophic levels, his skills are confirmed. He volunteered himself, and his track record guarantees his abilities. We're bringing four more with experience in dealing with catastrophic levels just to be safe. Any objections?"
"No objections, but…"
"If there are, Gyu Tae can volunteer. So, anyone willing to be the support dealer?"
If not, we'll make a separate request to the association.
Ignoring the stunned Ha Min, Ha Hyuk checked his watch, indicating they were short on time. His non-coercive approach ironically made everyone acutely aware of the life-threatening nature of the mission.
When five people raised their hands, Si Hyun recognized all of them.
"We don't need to take all five."
After observing the volunteers, Ha Hyuk muttered, amusement tinged in his voice. Si Hyun looked at the A-class kids with wide eyes, finding it absurd that everyone, except for the non-combatants Gun Woo and Hae Un, was eager to join the battle against the catastrophic level.
Moreover, all five of them were glaring at Si Hyun with an almost fierce intensity.
"I don't think we need to take all five... perhaps it would be better to choose someone else—"
Si Hyun's cautious words were cut off by another alert tone. Another emergency message arrived, stating the catastrophic level irregular had fully descended upon the city. Ha Hyuk frowned for the first time.
"Has the teleported sent by the association arrived?"
"Yes, right here."
"We're out of time. Let's make a decision and head out. We'll take one more along with the five who raised their hands. Ha Min and Haru, follow me."
The decision, based on merits as Ha Hyuk put it, left Seo Woo, Ji Hye, and Daun speechless. Though they seemed to have something to say, the urgency of the moment made them hold back.
After organizing the team, Ha Hyuk turned and headed towards the teleported dispatched by the association. Si Hyun and the seven Redem guild members followed.
"We'll talk after this is over."
Ha Min whispered as he approached. Si Hyun had to consciously ignore the chilling tone and the piercing gaze of Haru.
"Let us know when you're ready. We'll proceed to Incheon Airport immediately."
As they prepared to depart, Ha Hyuk's assistant rushed over to distribute weapons to the team members. Even the staff Si Hyun had left behind was in the assistant's hands. Receiving the staff, Si Hyun observed Ha Hyuk, ready for combat.
This would be Si Hyun's first time seeing Ha Hyuk fight.
The battle promised to be educational in many ways.
It offered a chance to observe Ha Hyuk in action, gain experience fighting a catastrophic level, and assess how effective Si Hyun's abilities were against such threats.
Despite the risk to life, Si Hyun wasn't particularly afraid. After encountering Gula, Si Hyun had chosen to step out from the safety of his confines—it was necessary.
Forced by circumstances, there was no time for fear. Si Hyun needed to quickly enhance his skills and gain power. Reminded of his goals, Si Hyun stepped forward, distancing himself from Ha Min and Haru.
Upon ascending the teleportation circle drawn by the teleported, Ha Hyuk joined last, checking the team before signaling the teleported.
"We'll proceed with the transportation."
A familiar light enveloped Si Hyun and Ha Hyuk's party.
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