A Player Who Eats Metal

Chapter 55: Last Erosion Factor

< Chapter 55. Last Erosion Factor – 1 >

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1 hour ago…

"…Huh? Is that even possible? The world boss is appearing, now?"

Kang Seo-yoon had no choice but to be astonished.

The ‘universal announcement’ signaling the appearance of the world boss monster lit up the sky of the Wave Zone. Naturally, the <Seoul Erosion Response Headquarters> was the first place outside the Wave Zone to hear of it.

"Yes, that's correct! It happened just about 2 minutes ago."

"But that's never happened before! Are you sure about this information?"

"Reports have come in simultaneously from different areas within the erosion zones."

From various places within the Wave Zone, there were reports of people seeing the universal announcement in the sky.

This meant the chances of it being a hoax or a scam were next to none.

"This is unbelievable. What in the world…"

The dreadful entity known as the world boss monster typically emerged around the 4th day of the Wave.

Yet now, it wasn't even the 3rd day; it was the 2nd.

Comparatively, it was making its appearance twice as early.

But it would be foolish to assume this is all there is, based on a few precedents.

This game always delivered unexpected blows.

"Damn it! Identify the location of the world boss monster's appearance and issue an evacuation order immediately!”

"—Yes!”

"If that thing appears, shelters and the like are useless! We have to evacuate the area entirely! If we're even a bit late, tens of thousands could die every hour! Hurry!”

Kang Seo-yoon immediately mobilized all resources to send out a warning message into the Wave Zone.

‘What in the world is happening inside?’

With only the mana communication system available, there was no detailed way to confirm, leading to overwhelming frustration.

But merely 5 minutes later…

"Ma— ma'am!”

"Yes? What is it now?”

"The world boss monster, it's…"

"Ah! Did it finally show up? Damn, where is it?”

Kang Seo-yoon quickly rose from her seat to inquire.

However, the emergency communications officer shook his head.

"No, not that… It's been reported that it's been defeated."

Defeated?…

Kang Seo-yoon tilted her head, wondering if she'd misheard.

"…What? What did you just say?”

"I can't believe it myself, but there are numerous reports coming in that the universal announcement in the Wave Zone's sky was updated just 5 minutes later. Every team confirmed that the announcement stated that the world boss monster has been defeated."

Baffled, Kang Seo-yoon gave a wry smile. It was already unbelievable that the world boss monster appeared on the 2nd day, but it being defeated in just 5 minutes…

It was absolutely impossible.

It wasn't some wild boar; how could the world boss monster appear and then be defeated so swiftly?

‘Either someone is playing a huge trick, or I'm dreaming…'

Even for an S-ranked player like her, this situation was incomprehensible.

However, not long after, another unbelievable piece of news came in.

"Ma— ma'am!”

"…."

What could it possibly be this time…

She didn't even respond, just turned her head, prepared to not be shocked by any news.

But she found herself standing up once again.

"Just now… The second erosion factor has been captured!"

This is insane…

"What did you say—! Where? Who did it?”

The repeated shocks made it hard to believe, but she shouted, hoping it was true.

"It was the Steel Battalion again! They're the ones who took down the world boss monster as well!"

Upon hearing this, Kang Seo-yoon wore a smile filled with disbelief.

The continual emergence of such astonishing hope felt more surreal than heartening.

‘Who in the world is this Steel Battalion?’

Their identity was now shrouded in mystery.

An unknown group had now saved half of Seoul.

Was this even plausible?

Kang Seo-yoon ordered a more detailed investigation and sank back into her chair.

She took a sip from the coffee she'd made an hour ago, finding it cold.

Then, a commotion arose near the entrance.

"Ah, what now…”

As Kang Seo-yoon turned her head, men in black suits were attempting to enter.

"Who are you? Hey, you can't just come in here!”

"Step aside, we are government agents."

"This facility belongs to the government. Show me your access badges!”

The individuals claiming to be government agents were even armed with submachine guns.

However, the player guards weren't deterred by mere guns and blocked their way.

"Ah, let them through. I know them."

At Kang Seo-yoon's words, the guards stepped aside.

Between the suited agents, a middle-aged man with a thin frame appeared.

"I apologize. Since I wasn't granted access, I simply walked in."

Despite wearing glasses, his sharp eyes and tiger-like eyebrows gave an impression that made others instinctively shrink back.

Of course, not Kang Seo-yoon.

She looked at him with a somewhat displeased expression.

"… Director, what's going on? Didn't you entrust me with full authority over this situation?”

Director Woo Seong-moon of the <National Gate Response Strategy Office>, which reports directly to the president,

was ranked 9th among Korean players, an A-ranked player.

He was one of the top-ranking government-affiliated players and thus, one of the most powerful figures in South Korea.

"I came upon hearing the successful capture of the second erosion factor."

"Hm, we just received that information and haven't even shared it internally. How did you find out so quickly? Haha…"

That said, even if Woo Seong-moon had delegated authority to Kang Seo-yoon, his group wouldn't neglect information gathering.

Someone inside, among the experts, was likely connected to them.

"Anyway, since you abandoned Seoul, what brings you here now? We're busy."

Kang Seo-yoon was overtly sarcastic. The man sitting in front of her might be one of the most powerful figures in Korea, but as an S-ranked player, she didn't care about titles.

"Abandoned? That's a bit much. We simply decided to prepare for after the erosion."

"Ah, really? So if there were VIPs inside, would you really have ‘prepared for after' the same way?”

Within a 10 km radius of Seoul Station, the presidential Blue House was also included. But luckily, the president and key officials were away at an event and avoided the wave.

Woo Seong-moon nodded confidently.

"Of course. The shelter in the Blue House is very sturdy. Even if the VIPs were inside, they would've followed the same instructions and held out for 5 days. That's the most realistic approach. The government isn't blind."

Kang Seo-yoon sighed.

He probably would have done just that.

They weren't cold-hearted or foolish.

They just… often overlooked miracles for realism.

"But regarding the recent miraculous event… that’s why I’m here."

In other words, now that there was a possibility of stopping the wave, he wanted to get involved.

Although Kang Seo-yoon wasn't thrilled about such self-serving actions, it was still good news if they were willing to help.

"Yes, what can I do for you?”

"We have a message for the Steel Battalion. Connect us."

Kang Seo-yoon shook her head.

"I'd also love to speak with those impressive folks, but I can't."

"Why?"

"They don’t answer our communications."

Kang Seo-yoon had been in contact with Kim Kang-seok, the commander of the 1st Battalion of the 3rd Cavalry Division.

But direct communication with Sergeant Lee Hyunwook, the commander of the Steel Battalion, wasn't possible.

He had strongly requested to operate independently without external pressure.

It was audacious, but they couldn’t interfere since they were producing significant results.

"Is that so? But this time, they'll listen."

Woo Seong-moon said confidently.

Kang Seo-yoon raised an eyebrow, curious about his confidence.

Smiling, Woo Seong-moon continued,

"We're planning on providing massive support to Lee Hyunwook, the commander of the Steel Battalion."

It seemed he had very detailed information about the Steel Battalion, even knowing their names.

Then she noticed a man wearing AMT combat gear beside Woo Seong-moon.

‘Cheon Myung-ho…'

He was an officer of the Black Tiger Unit and a black agent of the AMT Secret Intelligence Service <Shadow Dragon Syndicate>.

Though not widely known, he was also a top assassin player…

* * *

As the sun was setting, a convoy of vehicles entered the playground of A Elementary School.

The citizens in the shelter gathered at the windows to observe the scene.

"…They're here!"

"There are four buses! They must've saved almost everyone!"

"Oh… Thank God…"

Lee Jung-jun and his party, who had remained at the location, came out to secure the surroundings,

And around a hundred people who got off the buses safely entered the shelter.

At that moment, as if a weight was lifted, some began to shed tears.

"We… we made it…"

"Hey, mom, don't cry… waaah—"

Soon enough, the inside of the school became an ocean of tears.

"Thank you so much!"

"I really thought my daughter and I were going to die right there…"

Their eyes filled with tears, and they continuously expressed their gratitude to the Steel Battalion.

Being kidnapped, confined, and nearly sacrificed… It had been a horrifying experience, to say the least.

"It's okay now…"

"You won't be captured again while you're here."

The citizens inside the shelter came out to console the newcomers. Having also experienced monster attacks and fear, they could somewhat empathize with the trauma and horror the kidnapped individuals had gone through.

And then…

"… Jiho!"

"Hey, Hee-mang!"

Hee-mang and Jiho, the two young friends, were reunited.

"Hee-mang, is it true you asked these soldiers to save me?"

"Yes! It's true!"

"Thanks! You're my real friend!"

Initially, this heartwarming scene played out…

"These people are real heroes! That's why I asked them especially! I did well, right?"

"Yeah! But, Hee-mang, honestly, I know them better!"

"…Huh? Why?"

Upon Jiho's declaration of ‘I know them better,' Hee-mang's face hardened.

"You didn't see the soldiers fight, did you? I saw it up close!"

"Uh, I… I…"

"Right? You didn't see it, did you? Hehe, want me to tell you how awesome it was?"

"Hey! Shin Jiho! Even so, I knew these soldiers first!"

Arguments typical of children started – who's closer, who knows better, who knew first, and so on.

‘Kids will always be kids…'

As Lee Hyunwook was lost in thought, Park Junmo approached the kids.

"Come on, we're on the same side. No fighting."

He gently placed a hand on each child's head and gave a warm smile.

"Honestly, it was thanks to Hee-mang that the soldiers came out, right?"

"Yes, that's true!"

"And Jiho, you bravely held on until the soldiers arrived, right?"

"Yes! I was really scared, but I held on!"

"Wow, both of you did great, didn't you? If even one of you wasn't there, things might have been bad."

Park Junmo seemed to have a knack for soothing the kids.

And in truth, it mattered who said such words.

If it came from someone untrustworthy, even children would typically ignore it.

Park Junmo, once a disregarded F-ranked soldier,

Now unmistakably stood as a hero.

As the people in the shelter gradually regained their sense of calm, night fell.

"Alright, tonight, we truly rest."

Lee Hyunwook ordered a somewhat early rest.

Because tomorrow, an even more hellish battle awaited them.

‘Tomorrow afternoon, the An-yang duo will attack the third erosion factor.'

And then, only one erosion factor would remain in the Wave Zone.

‘If so… there will be an <Additional Event>.'

The Additional Event was one of the terms that players dreaded the most.

Whenever they unexpectedly made progress, the system would always throw this curveball…

From Lee Hyunwook's experience, after defeating three erosion factors, the growth of the last remaining one rapidly progresses.

Thus, it becomes a ‘complete form' to confront the players.

‘The last erosion factor is the Ironclad Poisonous Insect of Cheongryong Mountain.'

Ironclad Poisonous Insect

If Hell Rats were like waves sweeping the ground, these creatures were like storms covering the sky.

A disaster that devours even concrete buildings, erasing any trace of human existence…

Similar to the ‘Armored Poisonous Spiders' they faced during the unlucky event at Seoul Station, these insects had an armored exterior.

However, their sheer numbers meant that Lee Hyunwook's metal control wouldn't be enough to sway the battle.

‘And Chu Gyoyong… he'll cleverly interfere with the operations.'

He had already prepared a strategy against him, but he couldn't help but be anxious.

Chu Gyoyong was an A-ranked player, currently ranking higher than Kim Kang-seok or Seo Eun-ha.

A moment of carelessness could turn everything into nothing.

Just then, the communications officer approached with a large mana messenger.

"Sergeant Lee Hyunwook, a message from the Battalion Commander."

"…Hmm?"

About 2 hours ago, right after eliminating the erosion factor, I had already reported once.

But an abrupt contact like this definitely meant that something had happened.

"Salute, this is Sergeant Lee Hyunwook."

―Sergeant Lee Hyunwook, I'm sorry but…

There was a hint of difficulty in Kim Kang-seok's voice.

"Yes, please speak."

―The government is strongly demanding to know your mana messenger pattern. I've been blocking their requests until now, but— this time some high-level authorities have gotten involved…

Here, the ‘mana messenger pattern' was akin to a phone number.

In other words, they were pressuring for contact details.

"Um… Alright, I'll take the contact then."

Honestly, it was a hassle.

Maintaining contact with high-ranking government officials wouldn't be of much help at present. On the contrary, they were more likely to bring unwarranted and useless advice.

‘But if Kim Kang-seok is so hesitant, it must be someone very high up.'

Even though Lee Hyunwook had made tremendous contributions,

Being outside the favor of those in power could actually turn into a liability.

One had to somewhat play along…

Soon, an unfamiliar voice flowed in through the mana messenger.

―Chiik— I am Woo Seong-moon, the head of the National Gate Response Strategy Department.

‘Indeed, he's a big shot.’

Woo Seong-moon could be considered the foremost among the government-affiliated players.

There were officials with higher rankings, but his influence was undoubtedly the greatest.

―You don't need to introduce yourself. Shall we get straight to the point?

"Yes, please proceed."

―I'll give you the address and access rights to the portal leading to the government's <No. 2 Armory>. Using that, I want you to successfully engage all erosion factors and… save Seoul.

It was a short and concise request.

‘The 2nd Government Armory, in other words, the second largest and most important armory under the state’s jurisdiction.’

Its actual location was unknown, even to Lee Hyunwook.

From what he had briefly heard, it was a space without a physical entrance to begin with, and one could only enter through a portal hidden in a secret location.

‘Even if we utilize just the regimental armory, it's a significant force. But the government armory, which isn't even a division armory…’

If used correctly, it could amplify their firepower manifold.

―Chiik— Can you do it? I hope you say you can.

"So far, luck has been on our side twice. I will continue hoping for the best."

Afterward, Woo Seong-moon revealed the location where the secret portal was hidden.

―However, there's one problem.

"Yes, please speak."

―According to the report from the portal manager, for reasons unknown, the vicinity of the portal seems to be heavily infested with undead, including zombie trolls. Based on my experience, I predict it would be difficult for your forces to break through alone… The 3rd Airborne Brigade will provide additional troops.

To be honest, he didn’t need such support.

Especially the senior officers, who could potentially complicate the operation.

But there was no need to make a fuss about it here.

―… Join them tomorrow and proceed with the operation. How does that sound?

"Yes, understood. But I'd like to clarify something."

―Go ahead.

"Of course, I expect this to be the case, but the 2nd Armory will surely have many valuable weapons. Even if they get lost during the battle… We won't be held responsible, correct?”

He asked this because he anticipated a considerable amount of losses.

When used profusely and sometimes tastefully enjoyed…

―Of course. But make sure your soldiers understand the difference between loss and embezzlement.

‘But embezzlement and absorption are different… Hmm…'

The armory would be filled with high-quality metals.

There would be plenty of material items, and who knows, there might even be adamantium or orichalcum.

Not as raw ores, but refined and of much higher purity…

Gulp—

At that moment, feeling his saliva slide down, Lee Hyunwook was quite flustered.

Feeling hungry just thinking of chunks of metal… It made him feel self-contempt.

‘Damn, I'm seriously affected too.'

* * *

The next morning.

From the 3rd Cavalry Division headquarters in Yongsan, three armored reconnaissance vehicles set out.

On board were 12 members of the brigade's assault unit.

They had been ordered to join the ‘Steel Battalion’ and actively support their operations.

However, for them, this was quite a blow to their pride.

"Damn, is it true that the commander of that arrogant Steel Battalion is just a private?"

In the lead vehicle, sitting in the rear seat, the muscular man, Private First Class Kim Dong-hoon, asked.

"Come on, our youngest is a corporal, and a private is the platoon leader? Wow— it's unbelievable… Isn't a private a private because they lack the ability? Leftovers who couldn't make any choices?"

From a purely rank perspective, supporting a unit with only privates was unappealing.

At that, the man in the co-driver's seat, a company commander, Lieutenant Go Jin-han, chuckled.

"Hey, Dong-hoon, aren't you originally a private too?"

"Sir, I've matured a lot over time, haven't I?"

"Seems like that time made you go in the wrong direction…"

Kim Dong-hoon contorted his intimidating face, looking quite aggrieved.

"Anyway, I honestly find it hard to believe! What do you all think?"

"Hey, what can we do about it? They are the heroes of the wave recognized by the government. If you want to belittle them, go ahead."

"Ah! Is there any proof? Aren't they just fooling around?"

"…."

"What if he pretends to be the operation commander and gives risky orders?"

As Kim Dong-hoon kept whining, Go Jin-han seemed slightly irritated.

"Ah, you're noisy! Then why don't you take charge of greeting? Isn't discipline your forte?"

"Oh! Can I do that? Sir, you pretend not to care, but you feel the same way, don't you?"

At that, Go Jin-han smirked.

He did feel slightly offended.

"Well, it's not that I feel the same… but the thought of a private commanding me is a bit, ugh, uncomfortable?"

It was the nature of the military organization.

No matter the situation, ‘rank’ always existed as an absolute law.

Especially a private commanding officers, it was an intolerable situation for the latter.

"Then I'll start by giving him a joint lock as soon as we make eye contact!"

"Ugh…please…"

Meanwhile, they arrived at their destination.

It was a residential area on the outskirts of Seoul.

"Alright, we'll proceed on foot from here."

The 3rd Assault Team equipped their weapons and entered the alley, being cautious of their surroundings.

Having received reports of various undead lurking nearby, they couldn't help but be on edge.

"Sergeant Lee, try contacting them to see where they are."

At that moment,

―This is the Steel Battalion, currently engaged in battle, do not approach!

It was a rather urgent warning message.

Kim Dong-hoon was annoyed even by that.

"Ha— Who the hell is warning who not to approach?"

Soon after, they began to hear the sounds of the battle.

Thud— Thud— Thud— Thud—

Footsteps that shook the ground were very close.

They raised their weapons in tension.

Right at that moment…

Boom——!

The side wall collapsed as a giant green back appeared.

"Damn! It's a zombie troll! Prepare for combat!"

It seemed as if something was pushing it, as the troll staggered back, crushing everything in its path.

"Tankers to the front, get your ice magic ready to bind its legs!"

Knowing just how dangerous a zombie troll could be, they were extremely alert.

However, at that moment, they spotted something unusual in their line of sight.

At that moment, a giant sword, larger than a man's torso, flashed toward the troll.

With a swift slash, the severed troll's head spun through the air before crashing through the roof of a house across the street.

The headless body collapsed backward, bringing down the rest of the building in its wake.

Soon, a figure emerged from the dust, a man in AMT combat gear with his left hand pointing at the giant sword. As he dropped his hand, the sword plummeted, embedding itself in the asphalt.

In the ruined residential area, two more zombie trolls lay defeated.

"That's crazy…"

Yes, in just this vicinity, three zombie trolls had been taken down.

And the one responsible seemed to be just that man.

The members of the 3rd Assault Team from the brigade headquarters were rendered speechless at the sight.

―This is Steel Battalion. Combat has ended. You can approach now.

"Sir, do you know who he is? He seems pretty formidable…"

If he had that kind of skill, he would be top-tier within AMT, meaning he should be well-known.

Yet, even for Go Jin-han, it was a new face.

"Excuse me… who are you?"

Go Jin-han cautiously asked. The man turned to them and saluted.

“Huh?"

Caught off guard, Kim Dong-hoon automatically returned the salute before awkwardly lowering his arm.

"I am Private Lee Hyunwook, commander of the Steel Battalion.”

"Oh…"

"Are you the 3rd Assault Team from the brigade headquarters here to support our operation?”

When they faced Lee Hyunwook directly, any thoughts of asserting authority evaporated from their minds.