Steel Eating Player - A Player Who Eats Steel

"Platoon 5, listen up."

Inside the transport truck heading to the operation site, Lee Hyunwook gathered his troops' attention.

Here, among the soldiers onboard the armored vehicle, Lee Hyunwook was the highest-ranking. This was because a higher-ranking commander than Lee Hyunwook, the platoon lieutenant, was in the passenger seat.

"You might have already heard, but today's operation target is the Kobold dungeon."

Kobolds.

Small-sized monsters that live in groups. In many ways, they are similar to goblins. But if one looks closely, they are a more troublesome breed.

"If you come across a Kobold, do not let your guard down by their appearance. They are extremely malicious."

In fact, the casualty rate in the battles against Kobolds was higher than that against orcs.

Of course, if we only talk about the death rate, the orcs would be overwhelmingly higher.

"They use various poisoned spikes, especially paralysis poison. Make sure to roll down the sleeves of your combat uniform and keep your collars high to minimize exposed skin. Park Junmo, I'm talking to you. You wouldn't want your eyes gouged out alive, would you?"

"Gasp!"

Park Junmo hurriedly pulled up his combat uniform collar.

"Also, being creatures that naturally live in burrows, Kobolds often use sewers to move stealthily. So, you never know when and where they might suddenly jump out."

"So you're saying that even our rear guard isn't safe."

"Exactly, today, more than ever, we must be extremely vigilant."

The nine squad members nodded as they looked into Lee Hyunwook's eyes.

Platoon 5 felt a different tension and determination than usual.

It was a distinctly different atmosphere. And they all sensed the difference.

To be precise, they felt it because of the figure named Lee Hyunwook.

'Since yesterday, he's been talking like a real platoon leader. Even very detailed. He seems like an expert.'

Perhaps it was a small change. The leader had transformed into someone reliable. Yet, that alone changed the atmosphere of the organization drastically.

'With the current Private Lee Hyunwook, I feel I can trust and fight with him.'

An Min-tae, once thought of him as a good older brother figure but not someone he could fully rely on, now saw Lee Hyunwook with a completely different perspective.

Soon, the transport truck stopped. They had arrived at the operation site.

Thump! Thump!

Someone knocked on the vehicle. It was a signal to disembark.

"Alright, let's get off."

Upon disembarking, they saw the residential area of Itaewon 2-dong.

Vroom-vroom-

The open space and residential parking lot were filled with military vehicles, and about a dozen drones floated in the sky.

This place was the temporary base of the 2nd Battalion.

"Move quickly!"

Shouts were heard everywhere as troops lined up and moved.

"It looks like the 1st Squad is already preparing to enter."

As An Min-tae said, the 1st Squad, which arrived first, along with the 1st and 2nd Platoons, stood by the entrance of the alley.

In essence, they were the core forces of this operation, as they always were.

On the other hand, the support platoon…

"5th Platoon! What are you doing? Start by unloading your gear quickly!"

They were always just the support.

"1st Squad will be commencing the operation in 5 minutes, so resupply the antidote potion kits as quickly as possible!"

A captain approached, shouting.

It was Lieutenant Lee Hee-min, the leader of the 2nd Team.

Following his order, the members of the 5th Platoon began to unload their gear from the truck.

At that moment…

"…Lee Hyunwook!"

Someone was looking for Lee Hyunwook.

"Lee Hyunwook, where are you?"

It was Major Kwak Yong-jun, who was hurriedly approaching for some reason.

"I'm here! What's the matter?"

"Lee Hyunwook! The battalion commander has summoned you! Head to the temporary command post right away!"

"The battalion commander wants to speak to me?"

"Yes, he said he has orders for you before the operation. Hurry!"

Kwak Yong-jun shouted, pointing towards the center of the base.

'Why is the battalion commander looking for me? And at this very moment?'

Being summoned right before the start of the operation.

Even Lee Hyunwook, who had experienced the future, had no clue.

It seemed a new direction of the future had started since their last encounter.

It was unforeseen, but there was no need to worry. After all, his goal was to change the future to his advantage.

'This must be part of the process.'

"An Min-tae."

"Yes?"

"While I'm gone, you'll lead the platoon and finish the resupply."

"Understood. Please take care."

Near where the number 1 vehicle was parked, a military tent was set up, and inside it was the battalion commander.

He was looking at a map with his staff.

However, next to him was a familiar face.

'It's Lieutenant Cheon Myung-ho from the Black Tiger unit.'

He had no idea why he would be accompanying this operation, but right now, he wasn't looking at the operation map but at Lee Hyunwook.

"Salute! Corporal Lee Hyunwook, reporting as summoned."

Kim Kang-seok looked up from the operation map to Lee Hyunwook.

"Corporal Lee Hyunwook."

"Corporal Lee Hyunwook!"

"You will be assigned a different mission today."

It was a very sudden announcement.

However, without showing any change in expression, Lee Hyunwook nodded and looked at Kim Kang-seok's lips.

"Starting now, you will take the place of the currently absent leader of the 1st Platoon, lead the platoon, seal off the gate, and block the second and third emergences."

Upon hearing Kim Kang-seok's words, the staff officers also looked surprised.

"Commander, what do you mean by…"

"Director of Wide Area Magic Control, please stay still. I have it all thought out."

"Ah, yes!"

It couldn't be anything but a groundbreaking change in duties. Being commanded to lead the 1st Platoon of the 1st Company, considered the core force… and that too by an F-rank?

Moreover, the absent leader of the 1st Platoon whom Lee Hyunwook was supposed to replace was none other than Private Choi Young-jun.

"You'll receive detailed instructions from the leader of the 1st Squad. Considering you recite the AMT tactical manual in front of the battalion commander, you must be familiar with the outline of the gate-sealing operation, right?"

Lee Hyunwook confidently nodded.

"Of course, I'm well aware. However, Commander. I'd like to ask one thing."

"Go on."

"I don't understand why I suddenly have to undertake this mission."

Kim Kang-seok rested his chin on his fisted hand and nodded.

"I want to evaluate you."

With those words, Lee Hyunwook discerned Kim Kang-seok's intentions.

'After our last encounter, he seems to rate me higher than I thought.'

Even with the limitations of an F-grade, he viewed Lee Hyunwook favorably enough to have expectations.

And it was justified.

Lee Hyunwook had accurately understood Kim Kang-seok's preferences and crafted his words to target that very aspect.

'And that man standing next to him, Lieutenant Cheon Myung-ho…'

The two had undoubtedly discussed Lee Hyunwook. They likely shared what they had witnessed about him, which probably amplified their expectations.

For an F-grade to receive such expectations from these prominent figures was unprecedented at this time.

However, this situation was not entirely favorable.

Lee Hyunwook looked directly into Kim Kang-seok's eyes and spoke.

"Commander, may I, from the standpoint of the current leader of the 5th Platoon, dare to share my thoughts?"

"Go on."

Kim Kang-seok nodded as if he was waiting for this, and a gleam of anticipation flickered in his eyes.

It was an expectation.

Having previously experienced Lee Hyunwook's rebuttals, he knew that significant judgment was contained in his words.

He was still evaluating Lee Hyunwook at this moment.

"Since my initial assignment to the current time, I have belonged to the 5th Platoon, mastering and performing 'support operations.' And right now, I am holding the most crucial role in that mission. That is the role of a platoon leader."

Lee Hyunwook lightly tapped the green epaulet on his right shoulder with his left index finger.

"Hmm, so?"

"I believe that even without me, the 5th Platoon will execute their mission flawlessly. However, leaving my role vacant in a real situation rather than training, and taking responsibility for another platoon's lives in an unverified state…"

Lee Hyunwook paused and lowered his head.

"…I don't want to see this moment as an opportunity and endanger two platoons, or even the whole operation."

'…'

There was no change in Kim Kang-seok's expression.

Nor was there an answer.

He just stared intensely at Lee Hyunwook.

Lee Hyunwook continued.

"…I believe that a soldier is not an individual. And proving one's ability as a soldier doesn't necessarily mean individual achievements."

'…'

"Commander, I thank you for seeing me in a good light. But with all due respect, I don't want to be evaluated now. Kobolds are vicious monsters with an intelligence quotient of 0.68, and they use a tricky weapon called poison. If we're not perfect, someone will get hurt."

Even the casually dropped knowledge about the monster, once again, was a statement targeting the thorough military preference of Kim Kang-seok.

'…'

Kim Kang-seok took a deep breath and leaned back in his field chair.

"So you're saying…"

"Yes, that's correct."

The role of the 1st Platoon leader, in other words, the role of the 1st Platoon commander.

Undoubtedly, being asked to fill the vacancy left by Corporal Choi Young-joon was an immense opportunity.

At this moment, being the center of attention, if he properly executed the role of the core 1st Platoon commander, his stock would have skyrocketed.

But he didn't want that.

'In fact, the main event of today is going to start from the rear, not the front.'

What he knew from experience was that today's 'big catch' would appear in the rear.

He couldn't miss that.

"…5th Platoon leader."

Kim Kang-seok called out without using Lee Hyunwook's name, but his title.

"Corporal Lee Hyunwook!"

"Alright, as you said, carry out your original mission. Since this is real combat, do what you do best perfectly. We'll postpone the evaluation."

"Yes, understood."

"Good, go on."

Lee Hyunwook saluted and turned around.

As soon as he turned his back, Kim Kang-seok smiled and then looked at Cheon Myung-ho.

"…Did you see?"

"Yes, I watched with interest. Not only is his physical prowess impressive, but his way with words is commendable as well. But I'm surprised you indulged that young man's insistence, Commander. Didn't you invest quite a bit to ensure the safety of this test?"

It wasn't that they recklessly deployed an F-ranked individual to the front lines. They had even kept the 'Strategy Squad' directly under the command of the battalion commander on standby, just in case.

"What can I do when he gives the right answer? It's hard to say he's wrong."

A satisfied smile finally spread across Kim Kang-seok's face.

"Lee Hyunwook is more a soldier than a warrior. A loyal and clever shepherd dog."

Kim Kang-seok voiced his admiration for Lee Hyunwook.

However, Cheon Myung-ho remained unswayed. He slowly lowered his head and smiled.

"But if you see him fight in person, you'll feel he's closer to a warrior. Calling him a shepherd dog… He's not a dog, he's a tiger. A seasoned hunter who relentlessly targets his prey's weaknesses."

"Hahaha… Either way, it's enticing."

Both men fixed their gaze on Lee Hyunwook's back.

* * *

―Chi-eek! This is Squad 1, we're entering Red Ground. Over.

From the walkie-talkie, Lee Hyunwook's voice resonated like the leader of Squad 1.

Along with that, members of Squad 1, including Teams 1 and 2, entered different alleys in a single file.

At the forefront and the rear, 'Tanks' were positioned and in between them were 'DPS (Damage Per Second dealers)' and 'Healers' – a typical 'Raid Position'.

And 'Red Ground' referred to the area where an evacuation order was given once the gate opened.

It was unlikely that there were monsters inside at the moment. This was because the players belonging to the civilian guild 'Cheonghwa' had blocked the first wave and were guarding the entrance to the gate.

However, one could never be too careful, there were always exceptions.

'Today might just be one of those exceptions.'

In the first wave, 32 Kobolds appeared and were reportedly all subdued by the first responders, the 'Cheonghwa Guild', but they too only responded as quickly as possible after the gate appeared.

'It probably seemed like 32 creatures after they dealt with all the visible ones.'

Meaning, that if they dispersed or hid somewhere immediately after the outbreak, they could have been easily missed.

"Uh-cha!"

An Min-tae opened the sewer cover.

"Ugh!"

A foul stench arose.

"Does the smell… Do these Kobold creatures really like staying in places like this?"

"Depending on the situation, you might have to go in there."

"Ah… I really hope that doesn't happen."

"Quickly, set up the sensors."

"Yes, sir!"

The team members began installing 'motion detection sensors' in the sewers around the temporary base. This was one of the protocols in the Kobold response manual.

Then, a line of military trucks began to enter the temporary base.

It was the backup force.

"It's the 2nd Company!"

Someone spoke, and An Min-tae, who was installing the sensor inside the sewer, turned his head in that direction.

"Oh! So did that goddess come with the 2nd Company's 2nd Team? Was it Corporal Lee Se-hee?"

The entire 2nd Company was made up of female soldiers.

As players of South Korean nationality, serving in the AMT during the 'mandatory service period' was also applicable to female players.

"They're all wearing masks, so I can't see."

Anyway, the male soldiers of the 1st Company, like high school boys who come across high school girls on a field trip, were darting their eyes around, and the female soldiers of the 2nd Company also sneaked glances in their direction.

"An Min-tae, what did I tell you before the operation?"

"Huh? Oh! Right! Hey guys, what are you doing? Only roll your eyes when you're on high alert!"

"An Min-tae, you were the first to look."

"Oh, I was just checking out of caution when I detected some movement. Haha…"

Meanwhile, the female soldiers of the 2nd Company began to disperse around the area to set up a blockade.

"2nd Team, we're moving too! Lee Hyunwook! Are the sensors installed?"

The leader of the 2nd Team was Lieutenant Lee Hee-min.

"Yes, we just need to install one more, and then we're done. Everything is working fine."

He squinted his eyes and quickly scanned the 5th squad, who were still working.

'That definitely looks like a face wanting to find fault.'

Lee Hee-min was that kind of person. He was the typical 'hawkish' style officer who wouldn't leave his subordinates in peace.

Moreover, given that he was close with higher-ranked soldiers like Oh Sang-guk and Kwak Jin-cheol, who often led injustices, he would naturally dislike Lee Hyunwook.

However, it seemed he couldn't find any particular fault, as he just clicked his tongue in frustration.

"Hmm, alright… Move to the central base immediately."

"Yes."

―Chick- 2nd Squad, we will move to the central base. Over.

After finishing the radio communication, Lee Hee-min raised his hand.

Members of the 2nd Squad, including the 5th unit, focused their attention on him.

"2nd Squad, move out!"

About 5 minutes after the 1st Squad entered the Red Ground,

The 3rd, 4th, and 5th units of the 2nd Squad moved into the residential area's alley, following the route confirmed safe by the 1st Squad.

The 5th unit, with Lee Hyunwook at the lead, entered in two columns at the very end.

"An Min-tae."

"Yes."

"Keep an eye on the surroundings and stay alert."

"Understood."

Lee Hyunwook walked forward with his eyes closed.

'…Surely it's there. And I can find it.'

With his eyes still closed, he exerted his ability, attempting to sense the metals in the vicinity.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the human world is made of metal.

Their weight, mass, and shape formed a picture in Lee Hyunwook's mind.

Therefore, even with his eyes closed, he perceived the topography of the area as if reading a map.

'It's not above the ground. It's deep below the ground.'

He shifted his senses deeper below.

Pipes, wires, various kinds of trash,

He sensed past them.

'A bit further down, towards the sewers.'

And at that very moment, he detected them. Metals entwined and moving together.

'Kobolds. Fourteen of them.'

Indeed.

Monsters left over from the first surge were moving right beneath him.

"Park Junmo."

"Yes."

"How many times can you use your electric skill at its maximum?"

Park Junmo wielded an electric skill.

However, his method was quite different from typical mages; he stored electricity inside his body and released it.

And since he was of F-rank, his capacity was very limited.

"Ah, only about 4 times…"

Park Junmo replied dejectedly. As was often the case with F-rank individuals, when asked about their abilities, their confidence typically waned.

"But if I push it, I think I can manage 5 times."

He scratched his head and looked at Lee Hyunwook.

And then he saw it.

Clank-

Just like a few days ago during guard duty,

Lee Hyunwook was switching his K2C1 rifle's safety selector from 'Safe' to 'Single Shot'.