I Became a National ‘Disaster’ Level Monster

Chapter 133 Side Story 3 – A National Disaster-Level Monster Enlists (3)

“The training schedule has been slightly adjusted.”

“Training schedule, sir?”

“That’s right. Originally, the *gakkeokjeon* (individual combat training) was supposed to take place on the last day of training, but the schedule has shifted. We’ll be conducting it in two days.”

“G-gakkeokjeon?!”

“I’ve heard the Hunter Branch’s individual combat training is particularly dangerous!”

It was after we’d finished all our afternoon tasks when we were informed about this change.

*Gakkeokjeon* was a key training exercise that usually took place right before the final march. However, it seemed the Hunter Branch’s *gakkeokjeon* was a bit different.

The reaction of my fellow trainees, who had been calm about the 20-kilometer march, was now filled with fear at the mere mention of this training.

I could only wonder why, as I looked at them with a question mark hanging above my head.

“Ahem! Yes, it’s true that it’s dangerous. That’s why, starting tomorrow, we’ll be dedicating all of our training time to practicing for the individual combat. Make sure to master it, understood? Dismissed!”

Curious, I couldn’t help but ask my fellow trainees during the quiet moments before bedtime.

“Why is everyone so nervous?”

“Aren’t you scared, Shin-woo?”

“Scared of what?”

“Gakkeokjeon in the Hunter Branch is on a whole different level from regular training.”

“I’ve heard it’s real combat training, where they bring in actual monsters!”

“R-real monsters?!”

So that’s why everyone was terrified.

It all made sense now.

The thought of entering an individual combat zone with real monsters was bound to terrify anyone.

‘Is this really okay?’

Of course, I couldn’t transform into my monster form within the military base. If my identity were revealed, I’d end up fighting the South Korean military on the spot.

In my human form, my stats were only as strong as an ordinary person, yet I was expected to engage in combat with monsters.

‘Now that I think about it, I’m getting nervous too.’

Still, it wasn’t as if the military would assign an impossible mission. After all, the military only gave orders that could realistically be completed.

With that thought in mind, I managed to fall asleep with my fellow trainees, albeit with some difficulty, waiting for tomorrow’s practice.

***

The next morning.

We woke up at 6:30 a.m., did our morning run, ate breakfast, and headed to the *gakkeokjeon* training field, which was located on a high hill.

“Now, let me and the instructors explain the details of the individual combat training.”

This time, it wasn’t just Private Gon Hak-seon. Several more experienced instructors wearing red caps had joined us, likely due to the importance of the upcoming training. There were exactly four of them, matching our group of four trainees.

“Although we explained briefly yesterday, here’s some additional information: In two days, we’ll be showcasing this *gakkeokjeon* in front of the regimental commander.”

“R-regimental commander?!”

“The regimental commander? The one with *three national flowers*?!”

“Quiet! Yes, it’s a bit nerve-wracking to meet the regimental commander after only a week of training. However, you are soldiers!”

A regimental commander already? This wasn’t even a regular unit, and we were meeting a regimental commander? It was ridiculous.

Still, this was the military. If they ordered it, we had to comply.

“As a result, this training will be particularly special. We’ll teach you everything, from start to finish, with the guidance of your instructors.”

“””Yes, sir!”””

“Especially you, Trainee Number 1.”

“Yes, Trainee Number 1, Han Shin-woo!”

“Your leadership will be crucial during *gakkeokjeon*, so make sure to demonstrate good command.”

“Yes, sir!”

Thus, we began learning real combat techniques. Unlike the simple routines in regular training, where you just shouted and ran around, this was structured and systematic.

“Trainee Number 1, do you see that small hole in the middle of the hill?”

“Yes, I see it.”

“When the real combat begins tomorrow, a mole-like monster known as *Mogleria*, classified as an E-rank threat, will emerge from that hole.”

“You mean the one that comes to the surface in search of prey?”

“Exactly. *Mogleria* is the first real monster you’ll face in Hunter Branch’s *gakkeokjeon*.”

Private Gon Hak-seon explained that in Hunter Branch’s individual combat training, real bullets would be used, and several dangerous situations involving real monsters would arise as we fought to capture the hill.

It was a training so perilous that every ten years, there was at least one fatality. Discussions had taken place about abolishing the exercise, but the military leadership—especially the Army Chief of Staff—strongly opposed it.

“If you’re not prepared to face this, we’ll send you home before it even starts!”

This wasn’t regular conscription but a volunteer-based service. Plus, during the training period, anyone could withdraw at any time.

‘Uncle… It’s even more annoying because you’re right…!’

I couldn’t back out now, so I swallowed my frustration and steeled myself for the challenge.

“Of course, despite the danger, your instructors and I will be standing by to ensure your safety at all times. So don’t worry too much.”

“Yes, sir. Understood.”

By the way, Private Gon Hak-seon, though he was only a private, acted like someone who had already shed his civilian habits. He felt more like an older brother guiding us, which was oddly comforting.

“By the way, don’t we get any weapons to use against the monsters?”

“Of course you do. During the training, you can use your Hunter abilities if you have them. You’ll also be issued 60 rounds of monster-grade ammunition and two grenades.”

“…!”

Sixty rounds, which meant two magazines’ worth of ammo, and two grenades—something we only got to throw once during regular training.

‘Now I’m really starting to feel the pressure.’

Even though we’d be armed to the teeth, we were still regular people facing monsters.

With that in mind, I listened carefully to Private Gon Hak-seon as he explained the layout and tactics of the *gakkeokjeon* training field, taking detailed notes as the squad leader.

Afterward, we gathered to discuss our strategy.

“All right, so the only one here stronger than an average human is Mr. Lee Bak, right?”

“Since I’m an E-rank Hunter, I can probably handle up to two monsters of equal rank.”

“Well, I’ve taken the Hunter exam twice before. I failed both times, but I’ve been training consistently while working as a monster cleaner, so I can probably manage to take down one E-rank monster by myself.”

“So you’re saying your combat abilities are similar to E-rank?”

“Well, it’s hard to say for sure, but I think I could take one down with my bare hands.”

It turned out that not only Lee Bak, but even Kim Pal-nyeon, the monster cleaner, had some decent combat ability.

This meant we had two soldiers capable of acting as shields in the frontlines.

“I’m fairly good at shooting, so if the two of you handle the frontlines, I can support from the rear.”

“That’s great news!”

“That’s very reassuring, Squad Leader Shin-woo.”

“Then, the only one left is Soo-ah…”

While Soo-ah’s research background would be invaluable in non-combat situations, what we needed now was survival and strength.

“This time, I’m afraid I’ll just be a burden…”

“Oh no, that’s not why I brought it up!”

“Don’t worry, Soo-ah! We’ll figure it out!”

“That’s right! Just being able to shoot and support us from the back is more than enough.”

“But I’m not even good at shooting…”

Was there a way to maximize the former researcher’s strengths in this battle? As I pondered, a thought came to mind.

“…Strategy.”

“Huh?”

“What did you say?”

“Soo-ah, strategy. As a researcher, you must know a lot about monsters, right?”

“Oh, yes! I do!”

The only monsters I knew about were the major bosses mentioned in the game’s codex. I only had a rough idea about weaker monsters like E-rank creatures. However, since Soo-ah had been studying them in-depth, she likely knew things I didn’t.

“Soo-ah, share everything you know about *Mogleria*. And if you have any information on potential emergency situations that might arise during combat, let us know.”

“…! Yes, I will! I’ll make sure to do that.”

I designated Soo-ah as the brain of our squad. I’d lead the team in combat while she would support me with her knowledge.

With our strategy meeting concluded, we prepared to face the *gakkeokjeon* training, where the instructors—dressed as mock monsters—were waiting in the training field.

“Alright, let’s go, everyone!”

“””Let’s go!”””

Meanwhile…

‘Isn’t *gakkeokjeon* usually held on the last day of training?’

Army Chief of Staff Lee Seok-gyu, disguised as a senior officer, watched from afar as the training unfolded.

Puzzled by the altered schedule, he nevertheless observed his son, who had become the squad leader of the Hunter Branch trainees.

“Hey, you two, move forward!”

*That kid… He

hated the idea of being a soldier before he came here,* he thought, smiling warmly as he watched his son confidently give orders.

“I think I’ll have to come see the *gakkeokjeon* in person tomorrow.”