“Ugh, pretending like that is exhausting.”
“Haha, for someone who hates acting, you pulled it off spectacularly.”
“Seriously. Sergeant Shin, you were so intense that even watching from the back made me break out in a cold sweat.”
After leaving the temple, my soldiers and I were stationed in a small hermitage on another mountain peak, overlooking the temple.
The monks had directed us here.
From this vantage point, we could use my “Enhanced Hearing” ability to listen in on the conversations happening in the temple.
“Couldn’t you guys have handled this instead?”
Things seemed to be going well now, but I couldn’t help feeling a little annoyed.
“Why am I, at my rank, stuck doing this kind of thing?”
“Well, we’re more like oversized pigs. This kind of role doesn’t suit us.”
“In movie terms, we’re the disposable thug extras who get smacked around. You, on the other hand...”
The soldiers turned to look at me.
“Sergeant Shin, you’re... how do I put this?”
“No offense, but it’s not that you’re ugly or anything. You’re quite handsome, actually, but...”
I had a pretty good idea of what they were getting at.
They meant my sharp features and, let’s be honest, slightly menacing vibe.
“In a movie, you’d be the psycho killer mastermind grinning while torturing people.”
“Exactly. You’ve got that ‘smiling while breaking someone’s fingers’ look.”
“...”
I’d heard this before, but I still didn’t get it.
Where else are you going to find someone as mild-mannered as me?
“When someone like you starts acting crazy, Sergeant Shin, it really makes people think, ‘Oh no, something’s seriously wrong here.’ It keeps them on edge.”
Well, whatever.
The operation worked, so I suppose that’s all that matters.
The plan itself was simple.
We became what you’d call an *external threat*—a classic method to unify a fractured group.
“Wow, I can’t believe everything went so smoothly.”
“That’s because your script was flawless, Sergeant Shin.”
I appreciated the compliment, but honestly,
*“It wasn’t just the script that made this work.”*
Even if the plan was simple, pulling it off wasn’t guaranteed.
*“People’s emotions aren’t that easy to manipulate.”*
Even in this situation, some could’ve ended up resenting the monks for failing to protect them.
Others might’ve been too scared and run away despite everything.
Eliminating those variables wasn’t easy.
But in the end, there was one method I could always rely on.
Cooking.
*“They ate the meal, of course.”*
[The Military Chef’s Overwhelming Emotions Temple Meal Set]
Even if some of them might’ve thought, *“Oh, this is great,”* at the sight of the monks’ dedication,
the food’s effects hit home.
The meal was designed to evoke overwhelming emotions, even bringing people to tears.
*“The hardest part was sticking to the vegetarian concept since it was supposed to be temple food... no meat allowed.”*
After I provided the monks with the meal, I asked them to create an atmosphere that would leave an emotional impact.
It could’ve fallen apart if it came across as awkward, but I didn’t need to worry too much.
*“After all, only the abbot and Monk Seungju were in on it.”*
They were the only monks who had spoken directly to me and my unit.
The rest had either watched us from a distance or were unconscious, courtesy of Gwangil.
So, I had simply fabricated what the abbot and Monk Seungju supposedly relayed to the other monks.
When they spoke with genuine conviction about resisting, their words resonated deeply with the survivors.
Normally, people might have shrugged and thought, *“Well, good for them.”*
But the meal amplified their emotions, turning them into inspiration.
That’s how we united the temple’s residents so completely.
*“The emotions they felt were already there—I just amplified them a little.”*
Since they didn’t realize the food was responsible, the emotional impact would linger for a long time.
I wouldn’t even need to stick around to cook more meals.
*“With this, the number of Awakened at the temple will increase steadily.”*
As the number of Awakened grows, so will their strength.
Eventually, they could secure farmland and sustain themselves, breaking free from their dependence on others.
For now, they’re relying solely on their martial arts.
The organization may be rotting at its core now, but over time, they’ll heal and transform into a strong, self-sufficient group.
A group fit to be allies.
*“Perfect allies.”*
Three days later, the promised day for the return arrived.
The soldiers of the corps once again made their way to the temple.
“You’ve arrived,” said the monks and survivors who had been waiting inside.
Sergeant Shin Youngjun observed the scene with a smug expression.
“I trust you’ve made the wise decision.”
“Hmm.”
“If you’re ready to join the corps, all Awakened individuals, please step forward.”
He spoke as if it were a foregone conclusion that all the Awakened would willingly enlist.
But not a single Awakened moved.
Watching this, Shin Youngjun frowned in displeasure.
“...It seems the number of Awakened here has increased. Naturally, I assumed those who recently Awakened would wish to join us.”
“Quite the opposite, sergeant. We have decided to reject conscription.”
“And why is that? I’m sure we’ve offered the best possible conditions for the Awakened. You could’ve deduced as much from the food supplies we provided—proof that we have the resources to back our promises.”
“It’s not that we doubt your sincerity. But just as soldiers have their ways, monks have theirs. We recognize the hard work of the military in combating monsters, but we have chosen to help people in our own way.”
“...Foolish.”
Shin Youngjun scanned the crowd, his sharp eyes taking in every detail.
He murmured softly, just loud enough for the Awakened to hear:
“With their numbers growing like this... it’d be hard to suppress them by force now.”
The ordinary survivors couldn’t catch his words, but the Awakened heard them clearly.
“...!”
Though they tried to remain composed, the newly Awakened clenched their fists tightly, thinking, *It worked!*
Watching them, Shin Youngjun thought to himself,
*We’ve come this far. Now, it’s time for the next step.*
*If our unit’s reputation is too poor, forming an alliance will be impossible.*
After a brief pause, Shin Youngjun spoke.
“Joining us would’ve been your best option. You’ve chosen otherwise, so I hope you don’t come to regret it later.”
“Whether it’s the right decision or not, we will bear the consequences of our choice.”
“Hmph. Naturally. Since you’ve rejected the best option, allow me to propose an alternative.”
“An alternative?”
He crossed his arms and spoke in a condescending tone.
“You’ve turned down the optimal path, so here’s the second-best. Let’s form an alliance.”
“...!”
“Of course, given the disparity between us, it won’t be an equal partnership.”
At this point, the self-proclaimed “big-bodied oaf,” Corporal Jeon Gwangil, stepped forward.
Having played the “good cop” role three days earlier, he took over smoothly.
“Ahem. You may think poorly of us, but our corps’ primary goal is the extermination of monsters and the restoration of safety to the region.”
“The same corps that treated the survivors like insects? How noble.”
“I admit there were some harsh measures taken along the way. But we didn’t lie.”
Despite his massive build, Jeon Gwangil’s usual mild-mannered demeanor lent his words a surprising air of sincerity.
His calm tone caused the crowd to listen more intently.
“The northwest region has already been overrun by a massive monster horde, occupying the Cheorwon and Hwacheon districts. These are intelligent monsters, capable of operating weapons looted from military bases they’ve attacked.”
“Monsters using military weapons?”
“We’ve confirmed their use of tanks. Fortunately, they don’t seem to have figured out missiles yet.”
“...!”
The crowd gasped in horror.
Monsters capable of tearing apart humans with ease now wielded modern weaponry.
“From what we’ve gathered, most of the humans in those areas have been slaughtered. For now, we’ve managed to contain them, but if our defenses fail, those monsters will spread out and massacre everyone in their path.”
“Are you trying to convince us you’re the good guys?”
At this, Shin Youngjun interjected with a dismissive wave.
“Good? Evil? I don’t care about such nonsense.”
“Exactly,” Gwangil continued. “We’re soldiers following the orders of our commander, doing our duty to the best of our abilities. Containing the monsters is part of that.”
Whatever the case, they were clearly not the ruthless marauders the survivors had initially feared.
“What does this alliance entail?”
“Simple. Support our military operations.”
“So you’re still trying to conscript us!”
“In return, we’ll provide you with adequate food supplies and equipment.”
“...!”
Before the others could erupt in protest, the abbot calmly summarized,
“You’re proposing a mercenary-like arrangement, where we are compensated for our support?”
“We need manpower, and you need resources. This is a mutually beneficial arrangement. Not an equal alliance, but more of a subcontracting relationship.”
One of the monks asked hesitantly,
“Do these operations involve harming innocent people?”
“Of course not.”
Shin Youngjun chuckled darkly, his sharp smile unsettling the crowd.
“If you start doing such things, we’ll come and crush you ourselves. So don’t worry about that.”
“....”
His sinister grin froze the crowd momentarily.
*...That was just a joke.*
Clearing his throat, Shin Youngjun shrugged and explained,
“Military operations are straightforward. We’ll focus on preventing the monsters in the northwest from spreading further. You’ll help secure this area and provide support during eventual extermination campaigns.”
“And if we refuse?”
“Nothing will happen. Except that the monsters we fail to stop will overrun the peninsula, slaughtering everyone they encounter. If that’s what you want, feel free to decline.”
After a brief deliberation, the abbot nodded.
“If that’s the extent of it... it doesn’t seem like a bad arrangement for us.”
“Excellent.”
Shin Youngjun uncrossed his arms and nodded.
“We’ll provide regular food supplies and equipment. However, given your numbers, we can’t afford to feed everyone for free. Instead, we’ll connect you with a merchant affiliated with our unit.”
“A merchant?”
“You can purchase any additional supplies you need through him.”
“...Thank you.”
Relieved that the critical issue of food was resolved, the abbot bowed his head.
But Shin Youngjun stopped him.
“There’s no need for that. This is a fair exchange for your cooperation in military operations.”
The crowd looked at him with surprised expressions.
*“...He’s not just some psycho soldier?”*
*“Maybe this corps isn’t as corrupt as we thought.”*
They had assumed the military was violent and tyrannical.
But now, they saw them as disciplined soldiers, fulfilling their duty to protect the land.
*“Were we wrong about them?”*
*“Maybe... they’re actually good people after all.”*
It was a moment of profound change in the survivors’ perceptions.
“Haha! This is incredible!”
Sanghyup laughed cheerfully.
Although we had promised to provide some food aid, feeding over a thousand people was a monumental task.
*Unless there’s something in return.*
So, we had set them up with a merchant—Sanghyup.
Now, their first transaction had been completed.
“Incredible, you say. Was it that successful?”
“Yes! It wasn’t easy convincing them of the value of combat rations, especially since none of them had ever tasted them before, but...”
Sanghyup grinned mischievously.
“I gained a huge amount of experience from this deal. Honestly, the profits we made... all thanks to you soldiers!”
“Good to hear. Keep it up.”
“Yes! As a merchant, I promise to always offer the corps the best deals possible!”
“...”
*I’m not sure if I should believe that.*
Regardless, the deal was done.
Once Sanghyup finished wrapping things up, I went to find Monk Seungju.
“You’ve arrived, Sergeant,” he greeted me.
“As promised, I’ve resolved the issue.”
The middle-aged monk looked at me with an expression of reverence.
“...To think it would work out this well. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much when you proposed this idea.”
“I told you it would work.”
“Haha... Thank you. Then, I suppose it’s time.”
But something about his demeanor was off.
“It’s time for me to pay the price.”
Though he was smiling, he seemed to be sweating nervously.
When I looked more closely, I saw him writing something on a small piece of paper.
“What’s that?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Just something I need to prepare before paying the price.”
Seungju folded the paper neatly and placed it into what ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) looked like an envelope.
I leaned in slightly to see what it was.
[*Will...*]
“...”
The word on the paper caught me completely off guard.
For a moment, I wondered if I had read it wrong. I leaned closer to confirm.
“What is this?”
“Oh, it’s my will.”
*What the hell?!*
I hadn’t read it wrong after all.
“Your *will*? What are you talking about?”
“Well, you’re the one who asked me where I learned my martial arts, aren’t you?”
“Yeah, but what does that have to do with this?”
“It’s related,” he replied calmly.
I stared at him in confusion.
Monk Seungju chuckled softly, his tone oddly resigned.
“The place I’m about to guide you to... there’s a high chance I’ll lose my life once we get there.”
