The Military Chef of a Ruined World

Chapter 13

“Ahh… Eating proper food makes me feel alive.”

“Wow, even this simple meal tastes so good.”

“Seriously, it’s delicious, isn’t it? Is this really the military food that I used to know?”

During the Breakfast time, I stood in a corner of the mess hall, watching the survivors eat their meals and chat.

There are many issues to deal with, but still, seeing people enjoy the food that I have prepared makes me feel good.

“Excuse me, Chef? That was delicious. Thank you so much. It was unexpectedly tasty for military food.”

“No, thank you for enjoying it.”

Sometimes I hear remarks like, “Cooks or chefs cook every day.

So, even if they hear ‘delicious, well done’ it feels pretty indifferent to them.”

Every time I hear it, it feels refreshing and exhilarating.

“This taste makes cooking worth it.”

As I happily watched over the mess hall, Gwang-il came up to me.

“Sergeant Shin Young-jun. What do you think?”

“Huh? About what?”

“You know. The… supplies.”

With a lowered voice and a serious expression, Gwang-il asked about the rations.

“Hmm.”

“Our unit, based on over a hundred members, should have had enough rations for about two months. It’s been almost two weeks already, and with those people added…”

“Well, if I say it has little impact, it would be a lie.”

Emergency rations and combat rations were stocked for over 200 personnel.

When there were only about 90 survivors left due to casualties, it was not abundant but still not insufficient.

With the addition of 25 more people to a unit that had barely over 100 members, “It’s an increase of about 25% in terms of ratio alone.”

The consumption of rations would also increase accordingly.

Regular food ingredients were almost depleted, and from now on, we had to cook emergency and combat rations.

“We were already adjusting the diet to make it last longer, but now we have to be even more frugal.”

“Will that be enough?”

“Well, I think we’ll barely make it past a month, but that might be the limit.”

Gwang-il’s expression darkened. “…I hope they’re worth it.”

What?

“Hey, don’t say things like that.”

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to…”

Although I scolded him.

It’s not that I don’t understand Gwang-il’s feelings.

Gwang-il may go berserk during a battle.

But in peacetime, he’s gentler than anyone else in the unit.

For even Gwang-il to unknowingly say something like that.

It means that the addition of survivors is a concern for us.

“The bond between the members of the unit has become solid.”

As I talked with the soldiers earlier.

There’s a camaraderie among our unit members.

The result of repeatedly fighting against a common enemy and watching each other’s backs.

As a result.

The cohesion among the unit members has significantly strengthened since the monster attack.

But on the flip side.

It’s become harder for those who are not part of our unit to be accepted.

And…

“Young-joon, I’m going to kill that bastard Kim, and go to prison.”

“I know how you feel, but calm down, hyung.”

Lieutenant Kim lived with us in the same unit.

But he was far from being our “comrade in arms”.

Even the civilians who joined us today are in same position.

“Sergeant Min-jae? Did you talk to Lieutenant Kim?”

“Yeah. I was so angry I almost hit him with a million volts on the spot.”

“Ugh… I was so angry that I wanted to zap with a million volts, but I just managed to hold back.”

Ah.

A million volts refers to Min-jae’s lightning magic.

Of course, that’s not its official name.

But it was simpler to refer to it as a million volts rather than Novice Electric Emission.

“What did you guys talk about?”

“I’ll tell you later. I’ll explain it separately when all the other soldiers gather. For now, I need to cool off a bit.”

Saying that, Min-jae took out his tray and went to eat his meal.

Whatever they talked about.

It definitely wasn’t good news.

“Ah, that was a good meal.”

As I let out a sigh, thinking about it all.

Another survivor came up and greeted me.

“It’s good to hear you enjoyed it.”

“Oh, it was more than just good.”

“Haha…”

Even though hearing that they enjoyed the meal lightens my mood a bit.

The survivor spoke up.

“By the way, what’s your occupation?”

“Occupation?”

When I heard the word ‘occupation’, what came to mind was the phrase floating in my status window.

[Occupation: Novice Chef]

I was about to answer him Novice Chef as per the system’s status.

But then.

“I was a college student. Now, as you can see, I’m a chef here.”

“I see. Anyway, thanks for the meal.”

With that, the survivor greeted me and left the mess hall.

Watching their back.

Thoughts swirled in my head.

“Why would they suddenly ask a soldier about their previous occupation?”

Soldiers are soldiers if their occupation is a soldier.

Is there a reason to ask about their occupation?

It could just be asking about their job before enlisting as a conversation starter.

But recently, in our unit.

That’s not what ‘occupation’ means.

[Occupation: Novice Chef Lv. 9]

The job that appears in the status window, visible only to Awakened individuals.

“When soldiers ask about occupations, it’s natural for words like warrior or mage to come up.”

In my case, I’m a chef.

But if others heard that question, they might accidentally blurt out “warrior” in response.

Suddenly, I recalled the thing that Taejun had told me while looking up towards the sky.

“Guests will come, tomorrow.”

“And… it’s best to hide the claws.”

A chill ran down my spine.

“Hide the claws?”

Taejun said himself he only read the signs in the sky, not understanding the detailed meanings…

But one thing seemed certain.

There might be something among these survivors.

***

That night.

“Sergeant Min-jae? Looks like everyone’s here.”

Most of the unit’s soldiers had gathered on the rooftop of a small building next to the barracks.

“Why do we have to hide and have a meeting here?”

They were here at the request of Sergeant Lee Min-jae.

To have a meeting among themselves without being seen by the survivors or Lieutenant Kim.

Except for a few soldiers left behind in the barracks to manage Lieutenant Kim and other survivors, all unit members were present there.

“Before we start, let me tell you about the conversation that I had with Lieutenant Kim today.”

Min-jae, who had kept silent until now, began his narration.

The conversation with Lieutenant Kim roughly went like this:

“Lieutenant Kim, what are you doing?”

“Sergeant Min-jae, what’s with the sudden attitude?”

“You intervened with the survivors without consulting us.”

Lieutenant Kim’s sudden intrusion.

It was a highly unexpected event for us, but…

“What’s wrong with that? Thanks to me, things have been sorted out, right? Or is it a problem that I accepted the survivors? You decided to reject them, didn’t you? Is that it?”

“That’s not what I’m saying. But still, if you’re going to step into such a position, at least consult us, the ones in charge of the unit’s affairs…”

“What? Hey, Lee Min-jae. Are you out of your mind?”

It wasn’t entirely incorrect.

If it weren’t for Lieutenant Kim saying it…

“Do you think just because you’re a sergeant, you can say anything…”

After hearing that much, I almost couldn’t hold back from unleashing a million volts and barely managed to hold back and left.

The expressions of the soldiers listening to the conversation were not pleasant either.

“And based on that conversation, my first proposal is as follows.”

Taking a deep breath, Sergeant Min-jae opened his mouth.

“We need to get rid of Lieutenant Kim. That’s what I think.”

“What!?”

It was an extreme statement.

There was some commotion among the soldiers.

In such an atmosphere.

As someone who could speak comfortably to Sergeant Min-jae, I stepped forward to continue the conversation.

“Min-jae hyung calm down.”

“I’m being rational.”

“Rational? What are you talking about? Lieutenant Kim isn’t anything special, and why do you need to get rid of him?”

At my words.

After glancing briefly at the third floor of the barracks where the survivors were resting, Min-jae spoke cautiously.

“This morning, because Lieutenant Kim stepped forward to organize the survivors, they think Lieutenant Kim represents us.”

“…Well, that’s true.”

I’m angry too.

“But that’s not really true, is it? Even if Lieutenant Kim gives us strange orders, we can discuss and decide among ourselves.”

“Well, who knows if this will end with just one incident?”

“What?”

Sergeant Min-jae folded his arms and began to point out the obvious.

“Think about it. With more and more survivors joining us, our group could become much larger than it is now.”

Survivors already appeared once.

There’s no guarantee that more survivors won’t arrive.

“With each new arrival, if Lieutenant Kim continues to be the representative every time?”

“…”

“Someday. The number of ‘those who think Lieutenant Kim represents us’ may exceed our own.”

“!”

Certainly.

When that moment comes.

‘Our will won’t matter.’

“Everyone understand this the day Lieutenant Kim becomes our leader is the day our unit falls apart.”

If the one who said such words really becomes our leader.

How will they treat us?

Does everyone agree with that statement?

Muttering sounds can be heard even among the soldiers.

‘That’s right.’

‘Lieutenant Kim is commanding us. It’s scary to even imagine.’.

‘I shared the same office as Lieutenant Kim, and it was a real hell… ….’

“Yeah.”

“Everyone knows that he only looks good on the outside, but his abilities are terrible.”

“That’s true.”

“Before something terrible happens, we have to deal with Lieutenant Kim somehow.”

I understand what Sergeant Min-jae wants to say, but…

“Still… Aren’t we in the military?”

Gwang-il, who was listening, spoke hesitantly.

“There might still be a military system operating outside. I don’t know much about it, but isn’t the military hierarchy essential even in modern warfare?”

But.

After hearing that, Sergeant Min-jae responded as if he had expected the objection.

Nodding his head, he replied.

“Yeah. That’s why we need to get rid of him.”

“If Lieutenant Kim, the only officer in our unit, is gone, the highest-ranking individuals will be Park Taejun and Shin Young-joon, both nearing the end of their military service as sergeants.”

The attention of the unit members turned towards me and Taejun.

Especially when looking at me, Sergeant Min-jae continued forcefully, “Then, if by any chance we encounter outside military forces,”

“And among them,”

Particularly when looking at me.

“Young-joon. There would be no problem with you commanding us.”

“What?”

“Getting rid of Lieutenant Kim is one thing. As long as we don’t get caught.”

Suddenly gazes were directed at me.

In that moment of slight confusion from the gazes.

“I have gathered everyone to discuss this matter.”

Sergeant Min-jae addressed the other soldiers in time.

“Since it’s something we need to discuss when everyone is together, it’s my second proposal and essentially the main topic of today’s discussion.”

Extending his hand towards me.

“The one commanding us should be Sergeant Shin Young-joon.”

Min-jae said that.

I should command?

No.

“Wh- what makes you think that a chef has any leadership qualities?!”

Such an unexpected proposal.

Feeling bewildered, I said that and looked around.

“Others… Would they even agree with the idea of a chef being the in charge?”

It was an attempt to seek approval, assuming they would share my thoughts, but…

“Uh.”

“…”

“Hey, guys?”

The other soldiers just stared at me.

There was no dissenting opinion.

Seeing that, I realized.

‘With the other soldiers, there’s already some discussion going on!’

Well.

Min-jae isn’t the type to make such sudden remarks, but…

“There seems to be no opposition.”

“Well, hold on a moment.”

There was one opposing opinion.

To be precise, it was a matter of the individual’s will.

And that individual would be me.

“Then let’s consider this matter passed.”

It was lightly dismissed.

“From now on, our leader is Sergeant Shin Young-joon.”

At that moment.

A message filled my vision.

Ding!

[The Conditions have been fulfilled]

[Having 30 or more members (30/31)]

[A leader recognized by the majority (1/1)]

[Clan Established!]

‘A clan, huh?’

[ You have Successfully formed the minimum attack unit, [Clan (30 members)].]

[A clan is the first step in forming a full-fledged group beyond a temporary party]

[A clan composed of a leader who is recognized by the majority. A large number of people who follow his command will show a different level of cohesion than a typical ordinary party.]

[Main Region- ROK’s second clan.]

[Sub Region- ROK. 17’s first clan.]

[Achievement Unlocked – Comrades! Comrades!]

[Congratulations on forming a clan faster than others!]

[Second Place Reward – Group Skill (Token)]

[You are now the leader of the 423rd Clan]

[Awakened: Shin Young-joon]

[Occupation: Novice Cook Lv. 9]

[Affiliation: 423rd Clan]

[Position: Clan Leader]

The status window in front of me stated clearly that I was the leader of this group.

‘Looks like discussions with the other soldiers have concluded.’

Damn.

Now that it’s come to this.

There’s no choice but to accept it.

“If it’s come to this, I can only accept.”

“Ooh!”

“Haha, you have to work hard, Sergeant!”

The soldiers were openly excited.

Why on earth did they want to make me their commander?

I still don’t understand.

But since I’ve been tasked with it.

I have to do it properly.

“So, my first proposal as the leader.”

“Yes! Tell us!”

“Getting rid of Lieutenant Kim is a no-go.”

“…Yes?”

These guys.

After making me their leader, they’re already unhappy with the first proposal?

“First, let’s make a promise.”

I said to the soldiers around me.

“We won’t kill anyone unless they attack us first.”

“Uh, yes?”

“Well. I’ll follow orders, but,”

The soldiers looked puzzled.

“Is there really a need for that?”

“It’s for the sake of the unit.”

To Corporal Seo Su-hyuk’s question.

I replied firmly.

If we go around killing people for our own gain.

We’ll only be physically alive.

‘Our spirits will die.’

The reason I presented this rule first is simple.

To ensure that our unit doesn’t lose its humanity.

“Oh. What about Lieutenant Kim then?”

“Even if we make Sergeant Shin our leader, it won’t matter if Lieutenant Kim is still around…”

“Oh, there is separate way other than killing people.”

“Yes?”

“Well, originally there was opposition to getting rid of Lieutenant Kim.”

Getting rid of someone like Lieutenant Kim.

“Isn’t it a waste?”

“…?”

Lieutenant Kim.

At the moment, he’s not only useless one but also causing harm.

‘But getting rid of him would be a bit wasteful.’

If someone is considered useless.

The solution is simple.

“Just make them useful.”

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Translator: One Force

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